Julia Garofalo: Marist Student and Published Author

Julia Garofalo '27 is set to publish her book My Letter to No One, and to Everyone on May 5. Credit: Grace DeMarco '27

Standing in a nearby bookstore in New Paltz this past October, Julia Garofalo ‘27 was called to Elizabeth Knightley’s “Choose to Choose Me: A Collection of Organized Chaos,” not realizing that this moment would eventually lead to publishing their own book. 

“This book just caught my eye,” Garofalo said, noting the embedded barcodes for playlists that correspond to the chapters. “I started reading the book and said to myself, ‘This is coming home with me.’” 

Later that night, Garofalo finished the book in one sitting. “It was amazing, and on a whim, I decided I was going to find the author on Instagram. I just needed to tell her how awesome her book was and how much of an impact it had on my life.” 

Luckily for Garofalo, Knightly is a local author from the Poughkeepsie area, and they decided to take a leap of faith by inviting Knightly to meet for coffee. 

Garofalo, who studies social work, sociology and creative writing, has always been a writer. They began building their collection of personal writings as a sophomore in high school, framed as a compilation of their life consisting of journal entries, daily occurrences and thoughts on societal issues. 

“It sort of just compiled into a manuscript, and I just decided that I wanted to publish it. It's something that I’m proud of,” said Garofalo.  

Garofalo’s writing really began to gain momentum again after a two-week writing retreat in Ireland this past summer.  

“Ireland inspired me in more ways than I could have ever imagined. I feel like even just spending two weeks there, I found my spark to live again,” Garofalo said. “I was just so touched by the culture and the way that people live with a purpose, I really wanted to do that. And that's what really inspired me to keep writing.”  

“I feel like I had always had a little bit of a manuscript, but in my head, it was never finished,” Garofalo added. “But being able to put in that piece that I was looking for, I was like ‘This is finished now.’” 

Garofalo met Knightley at the Route 9 Barnes and Noble to talk about “Choose to Choose Me: A Collection of Organized Chaos” and writing in general proved to be a life-changing connection.  

“We talked for five hours about writing and the publishing process, and she asked to see some of my writing. I showed it to her, and she asked if she could send some of it to her publisher.” 

Garofalo navigated the publishing process with an unexpected ease, met with freedom and support from their publisher. 

"We got in contact, I submitted my manuscript, and the publisher said, ‘I want to publish your book,’ and now we’re here,” Garofalo smiled.  

The book titled “My Letter to No One, and to Everyone” is set to be published on May 5. Divided into three parts, the first is composed of Ireland writings that read like a journal addressed to “dearest.” Also included is a section of traditional poetry and a section of prose.  

In anticipation of the book’s release, Garofalo is designing book covers, writing acknowledgments, doing illustrations and hosting book events, all while managing a full course load.

When seeking to set aside time for writing, they trek to the Hudson River or drive to the overlook of their hometown just outside Hartford, Conn. Trying to keep the writing process as an individual hobby and escape has proven difficult after being noticed by a publisher and internally chasing productivity.  

“Sometimes there is pressure because one day, something I’m writing could be read by someone,” Garofalo said. “I’m trying to get back to being connected with my writing as something for me, rather than something that's going to be read by everyone.” 

Garofalo’s goals extend far beyond the feat of becoming a published author, as they aim for “My Letter to No One, and to Everyone” to be as influential for others as Knightley’s book was to them. Garofalo hopes to host a book launch party at the bookstore where they picked up Knightley’s book for the first time, a full-circle moment for both authors.  

“It seems like a small goal, but it would be big for me if it just reaches someone who needs to hear it,” Garofalo added, explaining that their book is personal but widely applicable. “That's my goal, that people can feel like their voices are heard.” 

Outside of writing, Garofalo wants to spend a career integrating writing and language into expressive art therapy, bringing the comfort of words to a wide range of audiences and needs. While providing social work to patients by day, Garofalo also hopes to maintain writing as a hobby and a passion.  

Garofalo does not plan to stop being inspired through travel and life. They have plans to return to Ireland, where creativity, passion, and originality refueled their writing less than a year ago.  

“I have a goal and plan that when I go back to Ireland, I want to start a second book,” Garofalo said.