Picture a North Carolina storyteller who brought a non-binary teen’s heartfelt journey to life—meet Mason Deaver! This trailblazing non-binary author has carved a vibrant space in young adult literature, blending raw emotion with hope in their groundbreaking debut, I Wish You All the Best. When not penning stories that resonate with LGBTQ+ readers, Deaver’s likely baking treats or shooing toads from their garden.
Born and raised in a small North Carolina town, Deaver’s work reflects the complexities of identity, love, and resilience, drawing from their own experiences as a non-binary individual. Their authentic voice has made them a beacon for queer youth seeking representation, earning accolades and a devoted readership.
The Making of Mason Deaver
Growing up in a conservative North Carolina community, Deaver found solace in books, especially those with queer characters. These stories offered a lifeline, sparking a passion for storytelling that would shape their career. A former librarian, Deaver channeled their love for literature into writing, determined to create the non-binary narratives they longed for as a teen. Their journey wasn’t easy—early rejections warned that a non-binary protagonist wouldn’t sell—but Deaver’s persistence proved the naysayers wrong.
Mason Deaver’s Unforgettable Stories
Deaver’s debut, I Wish You All the Best (2019), follows Ben De Backer, a non-binary teen navigating parental rejection, anxiety, and a budding romance. Praised as “heartfelt, romantic, and quietly groundbreaking,” it won the Pink News Best Young Adult Book Award and was adapted into a 2024 film. The novel’s raw portrayal of non-binary identity struck a chord, landing on Cosmopolitan’s 100 Best YA Books list.
Their second novel, The Ghosts We Keep (2021), dives into grief and depression through a queer lens, inspired by Deaver’s own loss. The Feeling of Falling in Love (2022) explores a fake-dating rom-com with a trans teen protagonist, blending humor and heart. Deaver’s horror novella, Another Name For the Devil, showcases their genre versatility. Their style—honest, emotionally charged, and inclusive—centers marginalized voices, making their work a cornerstone of queer YA literature.
Why Mason Deaver Matters
Mason Deaver’s impact lies in their fearless authenticity. By centering non-binary and trans characters, they’ve filled a critical gap in YA literature, offering representation that resonates with queer youth. Their stories tackle heavy themes—rejection, mental health, grief—with hope and tenderness, reminding readers that love and chosen family can triumph over adversity. Deaver’s advocacy for diverse storytelling, especially for BIPOC and disabled queer authors, pushes the industry toward inclusivity, inspiring a new generation of writers.
- Born: North Carolina, USA
- Key Works: I Wish You All the Best, The Ghosts We Keep, The Feeling of Falling in Love
- Awards: Pink News Best Young Adult Book Award (2020)
- Fun Fact: Deaver’s a baking enthusiast and plant lover!
Snag I Wish You All the Best and dive into Mason Deaver’s heartfelt world of queer YA storytelling!