Meet
Judy Rodrigue Ritter
I am Judy Rodrigue Ritter, an author artist and educator whose roots run deep in the rich soil of Southern Louisiana. I began my writing journey as a young girl with short stories and poems and over the years it has grown into a lifelong passion. My work reflects a strong connection to family culture and faith drawn from both personal experience and heritage.
With a background in French and English education I spent over two decades teaching before moving into other creative and educational roles that shaped my perspective as a writer. I hold a B.A. from Nicholls State University in French Education and English and an M.A. in French Education from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
My journey has taken me through many meaningful chapters from teaching to directing religious education to owning an antiques mall and finally fully embracing my love for writing and art.
My writing blends elements of fiction nonfiction biography spiritual reflection and historical insight. I published my first two books in 2005 through Resource Publications as part of the Graced Women series. These books highlight the lives of scriptural figures saints and contemporary women of grace. Alongside this I have contributed poetry and stories to various literary magazines anthologies and newspapers.
Some of my published works include My Last Doll in The Gadsden Times The Robins and The Big Tree in Alalitcom and short stories like God Is So Good in the anthology Ordinary and Sacred as Blood. These pieces reflect my interest in human emotion spirituality and the quiet strength found in everyday moments.
My novel Hold the Queen is a personal and moving story inspired by my father’s life and narrated by a young girl navigating family secrets identity and Cajun culture. It intertwines past and present exploring themes of belonging and resilience.
Beyond writing I have always been drawn to creative expression. In addition to being a published author I am also a practicing artist.
My visual art and storytelling often go hand in hand both rooted in memory emotion and spiritual reflection. My professional life has included roles as a teacher director of religious education and business partner in art and design. Each phase has contributed to the stories I tell and the way I see the world. Whether through books art or shared stories my goal is to offer something that speaks to the heart and honors the lives and traditions that shape us.
