Joelle Duran spent her childhood avidly reading and drawing. She chose a practical BA in biology and wound up working for an insurance company. Whenever time permits, she grabs a keyboard and map to pursue her true passion as biographer of the Defender of Life. This decades-spanning quest has resulted in nine novels and four novellas, along with dozens of short stories and illustrations.<br><br>A lifelong Minnesota resident and devoted Christian, Joelle Duran also enjoys hiking, gardening, snowshoeing, and winters that match their reputation. As a committed single, she still wrestles with a persistent ambition to become a hermit.<br><br>Explore her illustrations, some short stories, and other artifacts at defenderandhyarmi.com.