Picture a small-town Texas dreamer spinning heartfelt tales of love and courage—meet Joya Goffney! This rising star in young adult romance burst onto the scene with her debut novel, Excuse Me While I Ugly Cry, capturing the hearts of teens and adults alike. With a knack for blending humor, romance, and raw emotion, Goffney crafts stories that resonate deeply, drawing from her own journey of overcoming fears and embracing identity.
The Making of Joya Goffney
Born and raised in New Waverly, a tiny, conservative town in East Texas, Joya Goffney grew up in a sheltered, modest environment. Her childhood was marked by limited experiences—she’s only left Texas once, for a trip to Colorado, and has never boarded a plane. Yet, her imagination thrived. In high school, she challenged herself with daring to-do lists, like hugging a random boy or eating a cricket, sparking the inspiration for her debut novel. With a passion for Black social psychology, she pursued a bachelor’s degree at the University of Texas in Austin, later settling in Houston. These roots shaped her authentic, relatable storytelling.
Joya Goffney’s Unforgettable Stories
Goffney’s novels are a vibrant mix of romance, humor, and emotional depth, often exploring themes of courage, identity, and Black joy. Her debut, Excuse Me While I Ugly Cry (2021), follows Quinn, a high school senior blackmailed into facing her fears via a missing journal. Critics praised its electric chemistry and heartfelt exploration of race and friendship. Confessions of an Alleged Good Girl (2022) tackles body positivity and self-acceptance through Monique, a preacher’s daughter navigating love and faith. My Week with Him (2023) is a best-friends-to-lovers tale, lauded for its cinematic storytelling. Her 2024 release, The Seven, continues her signature blend of romance and personal growth. Goffney’s enemies-to-lovers arcs and focus on sisterhood make her work stand out in YA romance.
Drawing from personal experiences, like her own enemies-to-lovers romance with her husband, Blake, Goffney infuses her stories with authenticity. Her characters grapple with real issues—racism, social anxiety, and family expectations—while finding love and strength. Reviewers, including Kirkus and Kristina Forest, call her work “hilarious,” “swoonworthy,” and “empowering,” cementing her place in contemporary YA.
Why Joya Goffney Matters
Joya Goffney’s impact lies in her celebration of Black joy and authentic representation. Her novels give voice to Black teens navigating love and identity, challenging the default narratives in YA literature. By weaving humor and romance with tough topics like racism and self-doubt, she creates stories that inspire readers to face their fears. Her focus on healthy family dynamics and sisterhood resonates, offering healing narratives for young readers. As a fresh voice in YA romance, Goffney is shaping a more inclusive genre, one heartfelt story at a time.
- About Joya Goffney:
- Born in New Waverly, Texas
- Key Works: Excuse Me While I Ugly Cry, Confessions of an Alleged Good Girl, My Week with Him, The Seven
- Studied psychology at the University of Texas in Austin
- Self-diagnosed with social anxiety, which informs her writing
Ready to dive into Joya Goffney’s world of romance and courage? Snag Excuse Me While I Ugly Cry and get swept away by her vibrant YA storytelling!