Picture a storyteller who spun tales of pixies, romance, and Maine’s misty charm—meet Carrie Jones! This American author has enchanted young adult readers with her bestselling Need series, blending paranormal thrills with heartfelt coming-of-age stories. From her roots as an award-winning journalist to her reign as a New York Times bestselling novelist, Jones’s journey is as captivating as her books.
With a knack for crafting quirky, relatable characters and supernatural mysteries, Jones has carved a unique niche in young adult fantasy. Her love for Maine’s small-town vibes and her passion for themes like identity and human rights shine through in every page. Ready to dive into her world? Let’s explore the magic of Carrie Jones!
The Making of Carrie Jones
Born on March 1, 1971, in Manchester, New Hampshire, Carrie Jones grew up in Bedford, where she once held a séance with comedian Sarah Silverman—an early hint of her playful spirit. She moved to Maine for college, earning a BA from Bates College and later an MFA from Vermont College’s writing program. Initially drawn to law, Jones pivoted to journalism, becoming an award-winning reporter and editor, snagging Maine Press Awards and a Maine Literary Award for nonfiction. Her storytelling roots took hold here, blending sharp observation with a love for narrative.
While studying for her MFA, Jones drafted her debut novel, marking the start of her shift from newsrooms to novels. Her journalism background gave her a keen eye for detail, while her New England upbringing fueled her fascination with small-town settings and supernatural lore. This blend would soon define her literary career.
Carrie Jones’s Unforgettable Stories
Jones’s breakout hit, Need (2008), introduces Zara, a teen grappling with phobias and a creepy stalker who’s more than human. Set in chilly Maine, this urban fantasy/romance about human-sized pixies and apocalyptic stakes landed on the New York Times bestseller list and was named a VOYA Best Book of 2008. Its sequels—Captivate, Entice, and Endure—deepen the saga’s mix of suspense, romance, and Norse mythology.
Before Need, Jones tackled contemporary YA with Tips on Having a Gay (ex) Boyfriend (2007), a funny, heartfelt tale of first love and heartbreak that won the Maine Literary Award and Independent Booksellers Award. Its sequel, Love (and Other Uses for Duct Tape) (2008), continues the emotional depth, praised for its raw accessibility. Jones also co-wrote After Obsession (2011) with Steven E. Wedel, a haunting paranormal tale, and led the anthology Dear Bully, sharing personal stories from YA authors about bullying.
Her writing style is quirky yet poignant, weaving humor, romance, and social issues like human rights into fantastical plots. Maine’s close-knit communities, inspired by her life in Ellsworth and Bar Harbor, anchor her stories, creating a vivid backdrop for her characters’ quests for identity and belonging. Jones’s heroines often care about more than “boys and clothes,” reflecting her own activism with Amnesty International.
Why Carrie Jones Matters
Carrie Jones has left a lasting mark on young adult literature by blending paranormal thrills with real-world resonance. Her stories capture the messy, magical journey of adolescence, making them relatable to teens and adults alike. By tackling themes like homophobia, bullying, and personal growth, she empowers readers to embrace their quirks and stand up for what matters. Her Maine settings add a unique flavor, turning the state into a character in its own right.
As a writing coach and podcaster, Jones inspires aspiring authors, offering encouraging feedback that celebrates authentic voices. Her awards, including the Martin Dibner Fellowship, and her bestseller status cement her influence, but it’s her ability to connect with readers through heartfelt storytelling that truly defines her legacy.
- Birth Date: March 1, 1971
- Key Works: Need, Tips on Having a Gay (ex) Boyfriend, Dear Bully
- Awards: Maine Literary Award, Independent Booksellers Award, Martin Dibner Fellowship
- Fun Fact: She loves Great Pyrenees dogs and can’t drink coffee—it makes her wild!
Snag Need or Tips on Having a Gay (ex) Boyfriend and dive into Carrie Jones’s quirky, thrilling world of young adult fantasy!