Picture a storyteller who spun a queer, lyrical take on Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night into a young adult gem—meet Julia Drake! This Philadelphia-born author burst onto the YA scene with her debut novel, The Last True Poets of the Sea, a heartfelt tale of family, grief, and self-discovery that’s as refreshing as a coastal breeze. Now based in San Francisco, Drake’s evocative prose and knack for weaving complex emotions into vibrant stories have made her a rising star in contemporary fiction.
With a background in Spanish and creative writing, Drake crafts narratives that resonate with readers of all ages, drawing from her love of theater and her own journey of identity. Whether she’s mentoring aspiring writers or penning her next novel, her work is a celebration of human connection and resilience.
The Making of Julia Drake
Born and raised just outside Philadelphia, Julia Drake grew up steeped in stories. As a teenager, she channeled Shakespeare’s heroines in her high school theater program, with roles like Viola in Twelfth Night leaving a lasting mark. These experiences sparked a lifelong passion for storytelling, which she honed at Williams College, earning a BA in Spanish, and later at Columbia University, where she graduated with an MFA in creative writing. At Columbia, she taught writing to first-year students, sharpening her ability to guide others in crafting their own narratives.
Drake’s early love for writing was a private refuge, a “secret place” to process her thoughts. Her dissatisfaction with the limited YA offerings of her youth fueled her ambition to write stories that speak to young adults navigating life’s messiness. Today, she balances her writing career with teaching creative writing at Writopia Lab and working as a book coach, inspiring the next generation of storytellers.
Julia Drake’s Unforgettable Stories
Drake’s debut, The Last True Poets of the Sea (2019), is a standout in YA literature, earning the 2020 New England Book Award and six starred reviews. This poignant coming-of-age story follows Violet Larkin, a teen grappling with her brother’s suicide attempt and her own identity, as she uncovers family secrets in a small Maine town. Infused with aquatic puns and a queer lens on Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, the novel blends humor, heartache, and hope with prose that’s both deliberate and evocative.
Her second novel, Lovesick Falls (2025), is a queer reimagining of As You Like It, set in an idyllic town where three teens navigate love triangles and friend breakups. With its madcap mix-ups and heartfelt exploration of loyalty, it showcases Drake’s knack for balancing lighthearted chaos with deep emotional truths. Drake’s short fiction, published in outlets like The Gettysburg Review and McSweeney’s Internet Tendency, reveals her versatility, while her forthcoming third YA novel promises more of her signature lyrical style.
Drake’s writing is character-driven, often exploring themes of mental health, family dysfunction, and queer identity. Her stories are rich with flawed, relatable characters who find strength in vulnerability, delivered in a voice that’s witty, tender, and unflinchingly honest. Critics praise her ability to tackle heavy topics with humanity, making her work both accessible and profound.
Why Julia Drake Matters
Julia Drake’s impact lies in her ability to craft stories that feel like a warm embrace for readers navigating their own storms. Her focus on mental health and queer representation offers a refreshing perspective in YA literature, showing that struggles can coexist with supportive families and vibrant friendships. Her debut novel’s critical acclaim and awards highlight her as a vital voice in contemporary fiction, while her teaching and mentorship amplify her influence, nurturing young writers to tell their own stories.
In a genre often dominated by tropes, Drake’s Shakespeare-inspired narratives stand out for their originality and emotional depth. Her work reminds us that healing is messy but possible, and her growing body of work ensures her place as a storyteller to watch.
- Born: Outside Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Key Works: The Last True Poets of the Sea (2019), Lovesick Falls (2025)
- Awards: 2020 New England Book Award for Young Adult Literature
- Fun Fact: Lives in San Francisco with her partner and rescue rabbit, Ned
About Julia Drake
Snag The Last True Poets of the Sea and dive into Julia Drake’s lyrical, heartfelt world of YA fiction!