Feature Stories
Jerry Harroff, '93
Jerry Harroff, ’93 knows that if you want something done, you sometimes just have to take action on your own.
With a degree in hospitality and tourism management, Harroff started his professional career managing and organizing businesses, but eventually, he could no longer resist the urge to pursue writing and painting.
Leaving the world of management behind, Harroff took a leap of faith and immersed himself in his new endeavor— writing a children’s book.
His passion for writing was discovered during his time at Grand Valley, where he was encouraged by his professors such as Dr. Linda Chown.
“[Chown] pushed me harder than writing simple composition papers. [My professors] made me journal and create,” said Harroff.
He continued to push himself with his writing by trying his hand at writing scripts for movies and sitcoms. Harroff was drawn in by the creativity taken to create these projects, which lead him to working on children’s books.
Getting turned away by publishers did not dampen Harroff’s determination. He took the self-publishing route and his first book was printed in June 2015. The book (available on Amazon.com), The Kingdom of Life, follows Lonnie and Leo through a kingdom where they meet zodiac characters. Harroff wanted to find a creative way to make children interested in astrology, thus The Kingdom of Life was born.
Harroff has big dreams, from the world of children’s books to the restaurant industry. Publishing The Kingdom of Life is just the beginning, and Harroff is willing to be as creative as possible to make his dreams a reality.
Harroff (pen name: JP Roff) currently lives in Portland, OR with his husband, Douglas Leaptrotte.
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