Picture an Ohio storyteller who turned a childhood passion for words into a vibrant career of novels, articles, and TV scripts—meet Candace Ganger! With her debut young adult novel, The Inevitable Collision of Birdie & Bash, she captured hearts and sparked conversations about mental health, resilience, and the messy beauty of teen life. From selling vacuums to penning bestsellers, Ganger’s journey is a testament to perseverance and the power of storytelling.
The Making of Candace Ganger
Born and raised in the American Midwest, Candace Ganger found solace in writing from a young age. Her high school years, filled with first loves, heartbreaks, and loss, shaped her fascination with the raw emotions of adolescence. Before becoming a celebrated author, Ganger wore many hats—singer, nanotechnology website editor, and self-proclaimed “world’s worst” vacuum sales rep. These eclectic experiences fueled her determination to pursue writing, leading her to ghostwrite for companies and authors while honing her own voice.
Candace Ganger’s Unforgettable Stories
Ganger’s young adult novels stand out for their emotional depth and unflinching honesty. Her debut, The Inevitable Collision of Birdie & Bash (2017), follows two teens whose lives intertwine after a tragic accident, blending romance, grief, and the consequences of choices. Inspired by a family tragedy from 1979, the novel showcases Ganger’s ability to weave personal experiences into universal stories. Her second novel, Six Goodbyes We Never Said (2019), tackles grief, OCD, and GAD through the lives of Naima and Dew, earning praise for its sensitive portrayal of mental health.
Beyond novels, Ganger contributed to the YA mental health anthology Life Inside My Mind, sharing her own struggles to destigmatize mental illness. As a freelance journalist, she’s written for outlets like HelloGiggles, Teen Vogue, and Romper, covering everything from parenting to pop culture. Her TV writing, including work on This Is Us and The Bachelor franchise, reflects her knack for crafting compelling narratives across mediums.
Why Candace Ganger Matters
Candace Ganger’s work resonates because it doesn’t shy away from hard truths. Her novels offer teens and adults alike a mirror to their struggles, fostering empathy and understanding. As a mental health advocate, she’s spoken at schools and written candidly about her experiences, inspiring readers to embrace their vulnerabilities. Her diverse career—from ghostwriting to marathon running—embodies a relentless spirit that encourages aspiring writers to keep pushing forward.
- Key Works: The Inevitable Collision of Birdie & Bash (2017), Six Goodbyes We Never Said (2019), Life Inside My Mind (contributor)
- Hometown: Ohio, USA
- Fun Fact: Ganger is an obsessive marathoner with a love for Milky Way lattes and donuts!
Ready to dive into Candace Ganger’s heartfelt world? Snag Six Goodbyes We Never Said and lose yourself in her poignant young adult stories!