Picture an American storyteller who spun tales of time loops, sci-fi mysteries, and rebellious teens—meet Jessica Brody! With over 20 novels, this young adult fiction dynamo has captivated readers worldwide, blending heart, humor, and high stakes. From her Unremembered trilogy to her bestselling writing guide Save the Cat! Writes a Novel, Brody’s knack for crafting relatable characters and twisty plots has made her a beloved voice in contemporary YA literature.
Jessica Brody’s journey from a reluctant reader to a prolific author is as inspiring as her stories. Her books, translated into over 20 languages, invite readers to explore identity, resilience, and the chaos of growing up, all with a playful, cinematic flair.
The Making of Jessica Brody
Born in 1979, Jessica Brody grew up with a passion for storytelling, self-publishing her first books at age seven by binding pages with cardboard and electrical tape. A graduate of Smith College with degrees in Economics and French, she took a detour into the corporate world, working as a financial analyst at MGM Studios. But in 2005, inspired by Bridget Jones’s Diary, Brody quit her job to chase her childhood dream of becoming a full-time author. Her persistence paid off—after an unpublished first novel, she landed an agent and sold her debut, The Fidelity Files, in just 18 months.
Jessica Brody’s Unforgettable Stories
Brody’s YA novels are a vibrant mix of sci-fi, romance, and contemporary drama, often centered on teens navigating life’s big questions. The Unremembered trilogy, inspired by a news story about a plane crash survivor, follows Seraphina, a girl with no memory and extraordinary abilities, unraveling a thrilling sci-fi mystery. 52 Reasons to Hate My Father, a standalone hit, tracks a spoiled heiress forced to work 52 jobs to earn her inheritance, blending humor with heart. A Week of Mondays, a fan favorite, traps a teen in a Groundhog Day-style time loop, exploring love and self-discovery with witty charm.
Brody’s writing shines for its cinematic pacing and relatable characters. Her System Divine trilogy, co-written with Joanne Rendell, reimagines Victor Hugo’s Les Misérables as a futuristic sci-fi epic, showcasing her versatility. Beyond fiction, Brody’s Save the Cat! Writes a Novel and Save the Cat! Writes a Young Adult Novel have become go-to guides for aspiring authors, breaking down story structure with practical, engaging advice. Her work for Disney, including the Descendants: School of Secrets series, adds a playful spin to beloved franchises.
Why Jessica Brody Matters
Jessica Brody’s impact extends beyond her books. Her stories resonate with teens and tweens, offering a safe space to explore identity, failure, and growth. Fans have shared how her novels turned reluctant readers into book lovers, with one reader confessing they read a Brody book three times after never finishing a novel before. Through her Writing Mastery Academy, Brody empowers aspiring writers with online courses and webinars, demystifying the craft with her signature warmth.
Her books’ film and TV options, including Unremembered and 52 Reasons to Hate My Father, signal her growing influence in entertainment. Brody’s ability to balance fun, emotional depth, and universal themes has cemented her as a key figure in YA fiction, inspiring readers and writers alike to embrace their stories.
- Born: 1979
- Key Works: Unremembered trilogy, 52 Reasons to Hate My Father, Save the Cat! Writes a Novel
- Notable: Her books are translated into over 20 languages
- Fun Fact: She lives near Portland, Oregon, with her husband and three dogs
About Jessica Brody
Ready to dive into Jessica Brody’s world? Snag A Week of Mondays for a hilarious, heartfelt YA adventure, or explore Save the Cat! Writes a Novel to unleash your inner author!