Background & Upbringing
Juliette was born in the heart of Montreal’s Plateau-Mont-Royal district to a bilingual family. Her father, a journalist, and her mother, a French professor, instilled in her a love for both French and English literature from a young age. Weekends often involved strolls through Old Montreal, soaking in the city’s rich history and diverse cultural scene.
Education
She attended a French immersion school before studying Comparative Literature at McGill University, where she explored Franco-Canadian writers alongside global literary traditions. Later, she took a semester abroad in Paris, refining her language skills and deepening her appreciation of European culture.
Professional Background
After college, Juliette worked as a translator for a local publishing house, bridging French and English manuscripts. Her own writing—initially short stories reflecting Montreal’s cosmopolitan environment—soon drew attention. Today, she’s known for novels that spotlight the interplay between language, identity, and the changing face of Quebec culture.
Places Lived
Apart from Montreal, her time in Paris significantly shaped her worldview. She has also taken short residencies in Quebec City, citing the province’s historical underpinnings as inspiration for her settings and themes.
Influences
Juliette finds inspiration in Québécois authors like Gabrielle Roy and Michel Tremblay, while also admiring Margaret Atwood for her distinct literary voice. She’s an avid fan of francophone singer-songwriters—Coeur de pirate and Stromae, for example—and credits them with teaching her how language can be both lyrical and provocative.
