Biography

Josie Peralta was born in Argentina and immigrated to United States as a teenager. Story telling has been a basis for learning in her upbringing. Weather her mothers words or books, story was her most vital source for learning. It is only natural that her gift of expression would find substance in language. Both Spanish and English offer unique centers for understanding. She began writing in Spanish, translating into English. Now she writes in English. Writing poetry started at eleven years old. It was soon followed by prose. Since that time discovering an essence of truth was the light bringing understanding to her world. This understanding is the voice we find in her work.

The Eagle And The Bride, her first book, underscores the passage of a woman from fantasy into the real world around her. This was a work of nonfiction. Additional books include The Birds Are Singing To Loud, and I'm Always There For Me.

Having a daughter with a mental illness began her career of advocacy for the mentally ill and informed her writing. Teaching Parents Effectiveness Training as well as Mental Health (Human Services) reinforced her compassionate insights on the human condition. These perceptions grew as she counseled teenage immigrants and assisted them in adjusting to the community and school system. She also developed discharged plans for aids patients and training volunteers. A sense of community and the individual echo throughout her poetry.

Both metaphor as fantasy and documentary shape her poetry. JOSHUA and MOHAMED takes us to an imaginary world where two children create a world without hate.