Christina Julian writes snarky rom-coms that celebrate the underdog and live to make people laugh. She adores dysfunctional leading ladies and the tangled twisty lives they lead. She adamantly believes there is nothing in life that can’t be conquered with a bodacious wine, strong cup of coffee, or a generously iced cupcake. When she is not tapping out her next novel or wrangling her 3-year-old twins, she can be found swilling and swirling in the name of research as a wine and food columnist in Napa Valley. She strives always to live her life to the extreme. ​Her debut novel, THE DATING BENDER, is a hysterical dramedy about a woman unhinged and at a crossroad. The book explores dysfunctional family relationships, women who love the wrong men, and one epic hunt for happiness. ​Prior to fleeing to the Wine Country Christina worked in technology and publishing before, during and after the dot.com bubble burst, which was glamorous during the heyday but not so much once those days ended. That’s when wine came in handy. But there were a few more pit stops before the real dream took root. There were the days in Manhattan as a food and nightlife critic, followed by film development and slinging ads in Los Angeles, the latter, which came just a little too close to actualizing the “Mad Men” fantasy, minus one smoking hot Jon Hamm. ​LA gridlock and the allure of a wineward way of life drove her up the coast to Napa Valley. After working and writing about a grape soaked season during harvest, her professional wine swilling career took root. As a columnist for NorthBay Biz magazine, the wine country her beat, Christina combs the valley in search of the never-ending scoop and the perfect glass of wine to go with it. ​Her work has appeared in the San Francisco Chronicle, Wine Enthusiast, California Home + Design, 7×7, Napa Valley Register, Napa Valley Life, Bohemian, Weekly Calistogan and beyond.