Picture a globe-trotting storyteller who spins speculative fiction with twists even she can’t predict—meet Justine Avery! Born in the American Midwest and raised across continents, this award-winning author channels her adventurous spirit into stories that captivate readers worldwide. From bungee jumping in New Zealand to crafting tales that blend genres, Avery’s life is as vibrant as her prose.
With a knack for speculative fiction and a career sparked by a bold leap at 28 to ditch corporate life, Avery’s journey is a testament to following curiosity. Her works, like the bestselling The One Apart, invite readers into worlds where the unexpected reigns supreme.
The Making of Justine Avery
Justine Avery’s story begins in the American Midwest, but her childhood was a whirlwind of moves—over 30 before age 20—spanning the southern U.S., Germany, and Panama. This nomadic upbringing fueled her fascination with the world, shaping her as an explorer and avid reader of every genre. Inspired by literary giants like Ray Bradbury and Agatha Christie, she fell in love with storytelling’s power to surprise and provoke. At 28, Avery sold her possessions, quit her job, and embraced a freelance life of travel and writing, a decision that birthed her unique voice.
Justine Avery’s Unforgettable Stories
Avery’s bibliography is a treasure trove of speculative fiction, children’s books, and genre-blending tales. Her debut novel, The One Apart, a philosophical fantasy, follows Aaron, a boy who remembers everything from before his birth, weaving a narrative of compassion and cosmic stakes. Critics praise its “masterful” prose and thought-provoking depth. Another gem, What Wonders Do You See... When You Dream?, a bilingual children’s book, enchants with its dreamy rhythm and watercolor illustrations, earning a Mom’s Choice Awards Gold.
Short stories like Point Blank: A Short Tale of Macabre Family Faults showcase Avery’s love for unpredictable twists, while Baby Trolls Get a Bad Rap delivers a playful message of acceptance. Her writing style—spontaneous, with no outlines—mirrors her adventurous life, creating stories that feel alive and surprising. Themes of exploration, human nature, and imagination thread through her work, inviting readers to question reality.
Avery’s film contributions, including producing the viral short One-Minute Time Machine and carving the iconic jack-o’-lantern for Practice Makes Perfect, highlight her creative versatility. Her ability to blend visual and literary storytelling adds depth to her portfolio.
Why Justine Avery Matters
Justine Avery’s impact lies in her ability to craft stories that resonate across ages and cultures. Her speculative fiction challenges readers to ponder life’s big questions, while her children’s books inspire creativity and calm. Awards like the OZMA International Award for Fantasy Fiction and the Cygnus Award for Science Fiction underscore her literary prowess. By living authentically—diving with sharks, studying martial arts in Japan—Avery embodies the curiosity she writes about, inspiring readers to embrace their own adventures.
Her global perspective, honed by exploring 36 countries and all 50 U.S. states, infuses her work with universal appeal. Avery’s stories don’t just entertain; they invite readers to see the world through a lens of wonder and possibility, making her a quiet force in modern literature.
- Born: American Midwest
- Key Works: The One Apart, What Wonders Do You See... When You Dream?, Point Blank
- Awards: Mom’s Choice Awards Gold, OZMA International Award, Cygnus Award
- Fun Fact: She’s jumped out of airplanes and welded automobile frames!
Snag The One Apart or What Wonders Do You See... When You Dream? and dive into Justine Avery’s spellbinding speculative worlds!