Picture a St. Louis storyteller who spun Newsies fan fiction into bestselling young adult romance—meet Samantha Markum! With a knack for blending humor, heart, and the messy magic of teenage life, this USA Today bestselling author has captured readers with her witty narratives and relatable characters.
From her debut novel This May End Badly to her heartfelt You Wouldn’t Dare, Markum’s stories resonate with anyone who’s ever navigated love, friendship, or a good prank war. Let’s dive into her journey from fan fiction to literary fame.
The Making of Samantha Markum
Born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, Samantha Markum found her literary spark in middle school, crafting Newsies fan fiction inspired by the 1992 cult classic musical. This early obsession with storytelling—fueled by a hyperfixation on Christian Bale’s newsboy charm—set the stage for her career. After an eight-year stint in Florida, where she collected sunburns and attended high school and college, she briefly lived in Los Angeles before returning to her hometown. Her diverse experiences shaped her ability to capture the universal struggles of youth with a playful, authentic voice.
Markum’s path to publishing wasn’t instant. It wasn’t until her mid-twenties that she completed This May End Badly, the novel that launched her career. Inspired by Sarah Dessen’s emotional depth, she found her niche in young adult romance, writing stories about teens who make mistakes and grow through them.
Samantha Markum’s Unforgettable Stories
Markum’s debut, This May End Badly (2022), is a hilarious yet heartfelt tale of pranking mastermind Doe Saltpeter, who fakes a romance to win a century-long school rivalry. Packed with fake dating, enemies-to-lovers vibes, and a feminist edge, it’s been praised as a fresh take on YA, drawing comparisons to Looking for Alaska and Tweet Cute. Readers love its whip-smart dialogue and exploration of friendship and identity.
Her follow-up, You Wouldn’t Dare (2023), shifts to a summery Florida setting, following Junie as she navigates a chaotic summer of family changes and lingering feelings for her friend Graham. A love letter to Sarah Dessen, it weaves romance, found family, and personal growth with a touch of magical realism. Critics lauded its fast-paced drama and strong ensemble cast, though some noted similarities to her debut’s headstrong protagonists.
Markum’s third novel, Love, Off the Record (2024), dives into college life, pitting rival journalists Wyn and Three against each other for a coveted newspaper spot. With sharp banter and a nod to The Hating Game, it showcases Markum’s signature blend of chemistry and chaos. Her style—witty, emotional, and grounded in real teen experiences—makes her books a go-to for YA romance fans.
Why Samantha Markum Matters
Samantha Markum’s impact lies in her ability to craft stories that feel like a warm hug and a knowing wink. Her focus on flawed, relatable teens who learn from their mistakes resonates deeply with young readers, offering both escapism and validation. By tackling themes like friendship, identity, and the courage to change, she’s carving a space in YA romance alongside giants like Sarah Dessen and Stephanie Perkins.
Her journey from fan fiction to bestseller also inspires aspiring writers, proving that passion and persistence can turn niche beginnings into universal stories. As she continues to write, Markum’s voice promises to shape the genre for years to come.
- Born: St. Louis, Missouri
- Key Works: This May End Badly (2022), You Wouldn’t Dare (2023), Love, Off the Record (2024)
- Influence: Inspired by Sarah Dessen, known for witty dialogue and relatable teens
Snag This May End Badly and dive into Samantha Markum’s world of pranks, romance, and heartfelt growth!