Chapters of Life

12/04/2025

You just never know who you'll meet on the airport shuttle. After returning from Boston, Edna and I boarded the shuttle to the long-term parking lot, and we struck up a conversation with a couple across from us. Wayne Potter operates a podcast in the Portland area called Keeping Kurrent, so he interviewed me about my Chapters of Life business. You can listen to it here:

Learn about the importance of writing a personal biography for yourself, your family, your city or business. Meet Julie Zander, Personal Historian and find out how you can record and publish your own

11/11/2025

Visit us Saturday in McMinnville, Oregon, at the CAPNW Christmas Fair. Pick up your copy of "Son of Bigfoot."

11/08/2025

https://www.amazon.com/Son-Bigfoot-James-Michael-Wallace/dp/0976827298/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3CXHBJAB46J5Q&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.mzoUFHfEQoypRLp0DvNtLizmLG8MxsRPg_2K3cj3fScKYDSDwnbFIqtEThMe8fMyFIanpV-HEBJEIvgub5DuJw._lqOkVAuSatsAE0RmwNMaKuAW8oc0mM7EpvmEaoXFPE&dib_tag=se&keywords=son+of+bigfoot+michael+wallace&qid=1762574916&sprefix=son+of+bigfoot+michael%2Caps%2C212&sr=8-1

10/29/2025

This afternoon, Michael Wallace picked up the first run of the color version of his memoir, "Son of Bigfoot." It's a fun 308-page story with photos about his life growing up in a logging camp as the son of the man who launched the Bigfoot hoax in California in the 1950s and perpetrated it throughout his lifetime. Actor Judge Reinhold described the book as “a delightful memoir of great honesty, humanity, and hilarity.”

“Michael Wallace’s Son of Bigfoot reveals the incredible true story of one of the greatest hoaxes in American history perpetrated by his father, Ray,” Reinhold said. “What greater proximity could a reader have than through the eyes of his son?”

Pick up a copy on Amazon or obtain a signed copy at the book launch on Nov. 8, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Toledo Community Library.

10/29/2025

Exciting news! The audiobook of "The Reluctant Pioneer" is available now, narrated by the uber talented Robin Montgomery. I nearly fell out of my chair when she sang a ca****la (especially impressive for someone who was kicked out of the church folk group--the leader suggested I take up an instrument 🤣). Here's the link:

https://www.audible.com/pd/The-Reluctant-Pioneer-Audiobook/B0FXY254X9?qid=1761705979&sr=1-1&ref_pageloadid=not_applicable&pf_rd_p=83218cca-c308-412f-bfcf-90198b687a2f&pf_rd_r=9PZ84NGW35XN5ABWHTR6&plink=7HSZ943yRxSqXTVU&pageLoadId=CV0PXAu2HvryLEn6&creativeId=0d6f6720-f41c-457e-a42b-8c8dceb62f2c&ref=a_search_c3_lProduct_1_1

10/22/2025

I'm honored that the Historical Novel Society opted to review my debut novel, "The Reluctant Pioneer." Here's a link to the review by Sarah Dronfield:
https://historicalnovelsociety.org/reviews/the-reluctant-pioneer-inspired-by-a-true-story/?fbclid=IwY2xjawNmN1lleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHm1m_7rGTlYBJieGx7q5KuxpCyjhE4yMlp1G7nzD8xRnbBPYHZpP2pD2Xo2e_aem_PvEUaVZOqSy-mZcUd0Z6uA&brid=cDrSZzkuGdJmq_uBirf7Vg

Missouri, 1847. Matilda Koontz is persuaded by her husband, Nicholas, that to give their four young sons a better future they should undertake an epic journey west to the Willamette Valley in Oregon Territory. This would, of course, be a perilous and arduous journey under any circumstances, but even...

10/18/2025

My nonfiction imprint, Chapters of Life, recently released a fantastic and humorous memoir bound to create ripples in the world of folklore.

"Son of Bigfoot," written by Michael Wallace, shares the story of growing up as the son of the prankster who left Bigfoot prints near a logging site in California in the 1950s and perpetuated the hoax for decades, even sharing a Bigfoot scream on an album. His long-suffering mother brought stability to the household of four boys, each adopted, although she worried at times she'd be shot wearing the Bigfoot costume. Michael, aka Butch, begins his story in utero and shares the ups and downs of his life's journey, including his decision to give his life to the Lord.

The book is on Amazon and will soon be available via Barnes and Noble, Walmart.com, and other outlets.

12/24/2024

🎄 Celebrate Christmas with a Special $4.99 Deal! 🎁

Looking for the perfect holiday read or a thoughtful gift for the history lover in your life? This Christmas Day, my nonfiction book, Washington Territory’s Grand Lady: The Story of Matilda (Glover) Koontz Jackson, will be available for just $4.99 as part of a Kindle Countdown Sale! 📚

✨ After Dec. 25, the price will increase daily, returning to the regular price of $9.99 by Dec. 31.

💡 Don’t miss this chance to discover Matilda’s inspiring story at the lowest price of the season. Treat yourself or surprise a loved one with this unforgettable read!

📖 Available exclusively on Amazon: Get your copy here: https://a.co/d/dg45fzo

⏳ Act fast—this special deal starts Dec. 25 and ends soon!

Wishing you a joyful and cozy holiday season! 🎅❤️

12/19/2024

🎉 Join Us for a Special Holiday Open House! 🎄📚

I’m thrilled to invite you to the 2024 Open House Author & Book Signing Event, happening this Saturday, December 21, from 2 PM to 5 PM in historic downtown Chehalis!

📖 I’ll be signing my books, including:
✨ The Reluctant Pioneer
✨ Life on the Home Front
✨ Washington Territory’s Grand Lady
✨ Winning a War

📚 Come meet me and other talented authors.

🍷 Hors d’oeuvres and drinks will be provided, so bring your holiday cheer and join us for an afternoon celebrating stories and community!

📍 Event Location:
518 N. Market Blvd., Chehalis, WA 98532

Let’s make this holiday season unforgettable with great books and great company! 🎁✨

12/07/2024

🌟 Humbled and honored to be featured on the Women of the Northwest podcast! 🙏✨
Listen in as I share my passion for capturing life stories and turning them into treasured books. 🖋️💖
🎧 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-confluence-of-history-and-inspiration/id1593894811?i=1000679150619

11/26/2024

🎁 My Thanksgiving Gift to You! 🎁

💵 Enjoy a $5 discount on the eBook for The Reluctant Pioneer!
📚 On sale this week on the eBook for just $4.99 through Monday, Dec. 2nd!

📖 Get your copy on your favorite platform:
📌 Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DGN25XXS
📌 Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-reluctant-pioneer-julie-mcdonald-zander/1146276116?ean=2940180168078
📌 Apple Books: https://books.apple.com/us/book/the-reluctant-pioneer/id6670776915
📌 Bookraid: https://bookraid.com/books/32414/the-reluctant-pioneer-inspired-by-a-true-story

✨ Don’t miss this inspiring tale, perfect for the holiday season. Grab your discounted copy now and enjoy!🥰😍

11/22/2024

🌟 Exciting news! Join us at the Elma Country Bazaar 🎉📚

📖 Discover the perfect Northwest gifts—books! Meet Bill Lindstrom, Sandra Crowell, and yours truly, Julie McDonald Zander, as we share stories and highlights.🌲✨

📅 Don’t miss it—see you there! 🌟