About Me

I began writing crime novels after developing an obsession to understand what makes ordinary people mad enough to kill. Each of my novels explores the shadow side of being human, what happens when humans feel crushed by life, a condition that continues to intrigue me.

I’m also a writing instructor and workshop leader, driven to discover the who, what, why, where and how of a story. Scroll down to learn why I’m called Gorilla Girl.

June Gillam writing

As a crime novelist, I never know when inspiration might strike!

My Literary Listicle:

Published twelve books (crime fiction, poetry, and nonfiction), four are award winners
Blogger at medium.com
Completed a Stanford Novel Writing Certificate

College creative writing instructor since 1990
Edited The Final Draft and other student magazines
Received a Distinguished Faculty Member award
Novel featured in the Sacramento News & Review
Led an academic inquiry exploring how women could write conflict more honestly in short stories
Served on the California Writers Club Literary Review editorial team
Co-founded Gold Country Writers and San Joaquin Valley Writers
Presented with a Jack London Award for service to the California Writers Club
Most recent short story, “Gold Country Hillside,” Transitions, Redwood Writers 2024 Anthology.

BIO: June Gillam writes the Hillary Broome crime novel series, inspired by her obsession with what makes ordinary people mad enough to kill. A native of the Central Valley, June lives cradled between California’s Coastal Range and the Sierra Nevada mountains. She loves the company of writers and readers and was honored with a Jack London Award for her service to the writing community. June's work is published through her imprint, Gorilla Girl Ink.

Download a free copy of House of Cuts, book 1 in my crime series
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How did I get the name Gorilla Girl?

It all started when my sister chose to have surgery in San Diego. The doctor ordered her to get up and walk the following day. We toured the San Diego Zoo. My sister noticed how long I stood gazing at the solemn-faced gorillas. I was wondering what they might be thinking.

At the gift shop, my sister bought me a gorilla-face hat and started calling me Gorilla Girl.

When it was time to name my publishing imprint, I liked the sound of “Gorilla Girl Ink.” It made me think of bold black and white words on the page.

My little granddaughter had just been drawing animals in school and she showed me her sketches of gorillas. I asked her to draw me a girl gorilla. Her drawing became my company icon. Thank you, Emily!