Picture a Canadian storyteller who swapped courtrooms for dystopian worlds, crafting tales that pulse with grit and heart—meet Jerri Chisholm! A former attorney turned young adult author, Chisholm channels her vivid imagination into the thrilling Eleven Trilogy, starting with her debut, Escaping Eleven. Her stories of rebellion and romance in a harsh underground society have captivated readers, proving she’s a rising star in YA dystopian fiction.
Born with a knack for dreaming up epic adventures, Chisholm’s journey from law to literature is as inspiring as her novels. With a pet parrot as her childhood muse, she’s now weaving narratives that echo the escape she found in books as a young girl, inviting readers to lose themselves in her worlds.
The Making of Jerri Chisholm
Growing up in Canada, Jerri Chisholm spent her childhood in solitude, her imagination sparked by a pet parrot and an eccentric father. Books by authors like J.K. Rowling and Philip Pullman offered her an escape, planting the seeds for her storytelling passion. After earning a master’s in public policy and becoming a lawyer, she realized her heart lay in writing. When motherhood shifted her focus, Chisholm traded legal briefs for manuscripts, embracing her dream of crafting YA fiction.
Her transition wasn’t easy—balancing three kids and a budding writing career took grit. Yet, her determination shone through, fueled by a lifelong love for stories that transport readers to new worlds. This blend of discipline and creativity shaped her path to becoming a published author.
Jerri Chisholm’s Unforgettable Stories
Chisholm’s Eleven Trilogy—Escaping Eleven (2020), Unraveling Eleven (2021), and Ending Eleven (2023)—is a dystopian saga set in Compound Eleven, an underground city where class divides spark violence and rebellion. The series follows Eve Hamilton, a fierce fighter from the lower floors, as she battles for freedom against a rigid hierarchy. With vibes reminiscent of The Hunger Games and Divergent, Chisholm’s work blends intense action with tender romance.
Her debut, Escaping Eleven, introduces Eve’s quest to escape the brutal compound, inspired by Chisholm’s stay in a damp lakeside basement that fueled her vision of an oppressive underground world. Unraveling Eleven deepens the stakes, exploring Eve’s relationships and the harsh surface world, while Ending Eleven delivers a thrilling finale, balancing nostalgia with fresh twists. Chisholm’s writing is sharp and emotional, with strong female leads and layered characters that resonate with teens and adults alike.
Known for her vivid world-building and no-nonsense protagonists, Chisholm crafts stories that feel both familiar and unique. Her ability to weave high-stakes drama with personal growth has earned praise for evoking the golden era of YA dystopian novels, making her trilogy a must-read for fans of the genre.
Why Jerri Chisholm Matters
Jerri Chisholm’s impact lies in her ability to reignite the spark of YA dystopian fiction, a genre that defined a generation. Her Eleven Trilogy offers readers an escape while tackling themes of inequality, resilience, and hope—issues that hit home for young audiences. By drawing on her own experiences, she creates authentic, relatable characters who inspire readers to chase their dreams, just as she did.
As a former attorney, Chisholm’s pivot to writing showcases the power of following one’s passion, making her a role model for aspiring authors. Her growing fanbase eagerly awaits her next project, cementing her place as a fresh voice in young adult literature.
- Key Works: Escaping Eleven, Unraveling Eleven, Ending Eleven
- Genre: Young Adult Dystopian Fiction
- Influences: J.K. Rowling, Philip Pullman, Roald Dahl
Ready to dive into a world of rebellion and heart-pounding adventure? Snag Escaping Eleven and discover Jerri Chisholm’s electrifying dystopian universe!