Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m the woman behind the Facebook page “The YA Gal” where readers have fun chatting about books every #TakeALookTuesday. My YA debut is called “Genesis Girl” and was published by Month9Books. I’m a member of The Sweet Sixteens, founder of Sixteen To Read, and I write a weekly newspaper column called “I Brake for Moms” for The Everett Daily Herald.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My goal for “Genesis Girl” was to create a YA book that didn’t remind readers of anything else. That meant no vampires, no werewolves, no teenagers in creepy reality television shows, and no twisted fairy tales. My inspiration was singers from the 1700s called castrati. These were young boys castrated at a young age in the hope that they would become famous opera stars who could hit the highest notes. In the Sci-Fi world of “Genesis Girl” Blanca and her Vestal friends have their digital footprints castrated in the hope that they will become celebrities. Their lack of a virtual identity makes them so valuable that they get auctioned off to the highest bidder.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m a big believer in multiple drafts. I revised and edited “Genesis Girl” twenty two times before I sent it to my agent, Liza Fleissig. The publisher then put the book through round after round of additional editing. By the time it was done I had almost every word of “Genesis Girl” memorized because I had read it so many times.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love anything and everything Young Adult, with a special adoration of speculative fiction books. My favorite authors include Jeanne Ryann, Joshua David Bellin, Suzanne Collins, and Stephanie Meyers.
What are you working on now?
The sequel to “Genesis Girl” is called “Damaged Goods” and it’s in the middle of the editorial process with the publisher. I can’t tell you too much about book two because that would reveal “Genesis Girl” spoilers, but be prepared for more twists, turns, and major reveals.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m a huge fan of Benjamin of Tomes, the famous booktuber. Other channels I love include LovingDemBooks and TayliciousReads.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
It took me eight years from the time I first jotted down a story idea, to the moment I held my published book, “Genesis Girl,” in my hands. My biggest advice to YA writers slogging it out in the query trenches is to not give up. My second bit of advice is to join SCBWI, the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. Determination and guidance are what helped me finally land a book deal in traditional publishing.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“There is no such thing as a wasted draft.” Every time you craft a book or revise a manuscript you learn something new.
What are you reading now?
I’m about to dive into “Girl in Pieces” by my friend Kathleen Glasgow.
What’s next for you as a writer?
In the future I’d really love to write a YA Contemporary Romance. But right now I’m completely engrossed in the Science Fiction world.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
The Bible, The Complete Works of Shakespeare, and Diary of a Wimpy Kid Cabin Fever.
Author Websites and Profiles
Jennifer Bardsley Website
Jennifer Bardsley Amazon Profile
Jennifer Bardsley’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
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