About the Author

Virginia Mattie

Virginia Lee Mattie, a proud native of Charleston, South Carolina, has built her life around her love for nature, science, and storytelling. After moving to Johnson City, East Tennessee, with her family when she was two years old, she spent many hours with her beloved paternal grandmother, “Twomomma.” Their interactions later inspired her creative work. Eight years later, Virginia’s family later relocated to Jonesborough, the state’s oldest town, where they restored a historic home. Their dedication to this new home and its historical preservation is reflected in her writing.

A veteran of the United States Navy, Virginia served her country with honor until her retirement in 1998. Her journey took her across Europe and beyond, experiencing the cultures of Scotland, England, Puerto Rico, Greece, Spain, Germany, Italy, and France. Her military service, with its varied cultural exposures and unique challenges, has greatly influenced her writing. Throughout her service and afterward, she actively pursued her education, earning an associate’s degree while on active duty and ultimately a Bachelor of Science degree from Middle Tennessee State University, where she majored in chemistry.

Currently a graduate student at East Tennessee State University, Virginia balances her studies with a successful freelance writing career. In 2026, she debuted as an author with not one but two books -- the first two volumes in a trilogy of southern historical fiction, characterized by its vivid descriptions and deeply empathetic characters, is a testament to her dedication. The Twomomma Chronicles is a series that captures the essence of her experiences with energy, empathy, and a touch of adventure. Through her storytelling, Virginia invites readers to embark on journeys filled with insight and heart.

Today, she spends most of her time writing and studying. She lives in the peaceful National Cherokee Forest in Unicoi County with her husband Edward and their two daughters, drawing inspiration from her strong family bonds and her memories.