Picture a Washington D.C.-born storyteller who reimagines classic literature aboard futuristic spaceships—meet Alexa Donne! This multifaceted author spins young adult sci-fi and fantasy tales brimming with romance, mystery, and heart. From her debut novel Brightly Burning to her thriving YouTube channel offering writing advice, Donne’s creative spark captivates readers and aspiring authors alike.
The Making of Alexa Donne
Born in Washington, D.C., Alexa Donne grew up with a love for classic literature, particularly Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre and Jane Austen’s Persuasion. A proud Ravenclaw and Boston University graduate, she juggled diverse roles—teen mentoring, fan convention organizing, and international television marketing—before diving into writing. Her eureka moment for Brightly Burning struck in the shower, where she envisioned a sci-fi retelling of Jane Eyre set in space. This blend of passion and creativity launched her literary career.
Alexa Donne’s Unforgettable Stories
Donne’s debut, Brightly Burning (2018), is a dazzling reimagining of Jane Eyre. Set in a future where humanity lives on spaceships after an Ice Age ravages Earth, it follows Stella Ainsley, a young engineer turned governess on the luxurious Rochester ship. The novel weaves gothic mystery, romance, and sci-fi flair, earning praise as “one of the most anticipated YA debuts of 2018” by Entertainment Weekly. Its companion, The Stars We Steal (2020), channels Austen’s Persuasion with a Bachelor-inspired courtship aboard a fading spaceship, centered on Princess Leonie “Leo” Kolburg’s quest to save her family.
Beyond sci-fi, Donne excels in thrillers. The Ivies (2021), a YALSA Teens’ Top Ten winner, dives into the cutthroat world of college admissions with a murderous twist. Pretty Dead Queens (2022), an Edgar Award nominee, unravels small-town secrets and homecoming queen murders. Donne’s style blends vivid world-building, sharp romantic tension, and relatable characters, making her stories irresistible to YA readers.
Why Alexa Donne Matters
Alexa Donne’s impact extends beyond her books. Her sci-fi retellings breathe new life into classics, making them accessible to modern teens. Her YouTube channel, a treasure trove of writing advice, inspires countless aspiring authors, while her mentorship with programs like WriteGirl empowers young women. By tackling themes like class, love, and survival, Donne’s work resonates with readers navigating their own challenges, cementing her as a vibrant voice in YA literature.
- Born: Washington, D.C.
- Key Works: Brightly Burning, The Stars We Steal, The Ivies, Pretty Dead Queens
- Notable Awards: YALSA Teens’ Top Ten (The Ivies), Edgar Award nominee (Pretty Dead Queens)
- Fun Fact: She lives in Los Angeles with three cats named after YA literature characters!
Snag Brightly Burning or The Ivies and dive into Alexa Donne’s thrilling blend of sci-fi, romance, and mystery!