Picture a storyteller who spun a post-apocalyptic saga from the depths of the ocean to the stars—meet Jennifer Brody! This American author, known for her thrilling young adult science fiction, burst onto the scene with her award-winning debut, The 13th Continuum. A Harvard grad with a knack for storytelling, Brody swapped Hollywood’s glitz for crafting novels that captivate readers worldwide.
Brody’s journey from film sets to bookshelves is as epic as her tales. With a passion for dystopian worlds and plucky heroines, she’s carved a niche in YA sci-fi, mentoring writers and founding BookPod, a vibrant community for authors. Ready to dive into her universe? Let’s explore!
The Making of Jennifer Brody
Born in St. Croix, USVI, and raised in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, Jennifer Brody was a dreamer with a pen. Her love for fantasy and sci-fi bloomed early, fueled by Star Wars and The Lord of the Rings. After earning a film degree from Harvard, she dove into Hollywood, working on blockbusters like The Golden Compass and The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. Yet, her heart yearned to tell her own stories, leading her to trade scripts for novels.
Brody’s Hollywood hustle sharpened her knack for high-concept narratives. Inspired by the 2010 BP oil spill, she began imagining worlds where humanity clings to survival in underwater and space colonies. This spark ignited her writing career, proving she was destined to craft stories that resonate.
Jennifer Brody’s Unforgettable Stories
Brody’s debut, The 13th Continuum (2016), is a gripping YA sci-fi tale set 1,000 years after a cataclysm forces survivors into 13 shelters—underground, underwater, and in space. Heroine Myra Jackson’s quest for “The Surface” won the Moonbeam Children’s Book Award and snagged a three-book deal with Turner Publishing. Its sequels, Return of the Continuums and The United Continuums, deepen the saga with themes of rebellion and hope.
Writing as Vera Strange, Brody penned the Disney Chills series, blending spooky fun with beloved Disney villains. Her graphic novel Spectre Deep 6, a Bram Stoker Award finalist, earned Forbes’ praise as a “star in the graphic novel world.” Her 2024 space romantasy, A Sacrifice of Blood & Stars, showcases her versatility, weaving romance and cosmic adventure. Brody’s style—vivid world-building, action-packed plots, and relatable characters—hooks readers across genres.
Her short fiction, including a Darth Vader story in Star Wars: Stories of Jedi & Sith, flexes her ability to craft compelling tales in any universe. Brody’s stories often explore resilience and identity, wrapped in thrilling, accessible prose that invites readers to dream big.
Why Jennifer Brody Matters
Jennifer Brody’s impact extends beyond her books. Through BookPod, she’s built a 400-strong author community, fostering connection and collaboration. As a mentor with the Young Storytellers Foundation, she’s empowered young writers, with mentees’ scripts performed by stars like Jack Black. Her Writing Pad classes inspire aspiring novelists, blending her Hollywood savvy with literary passion.
In YA sci-fi, Brody’s fresh take on dystopian themes—rooted in real-world issues like environmental crises—resonates with readers craving hope amid chaos. Her shift from Hollywood to novels proves storytelling knows no bounds, inspiring creatives to chase their dreams.
- Born: St. Croix, USVI
- Key Works: The 13th Continuum, Disney Chills, Spectre Deep 6, A Sacrifice of Blood & Stars
- Awards: Moonbeam Children’s Book Award, Bram Stoker Award finalist
- Fun Fact: Founded BookPod, a social media platform for authors
About Jennifer Brody
Snag The 13th Continuum and dive into Jennifer Brody’s thrilling sci-fi worlds—your next adventure awaits!