Details
Hi there,
I am the award winning and bestselling YA author of A Girl Behind Dark Glasses and A Girl in One Room. As a chronically ill and disabled mum, I am passionate about bringing diversity into the publishing world and want to inspire young people through sharing my story about how I became an author because representation matters.
I am one of the founding speakers for The National Teen Book Club and was then asked to join Speakers for Schools where I did a talk to over 500 students. I have also spoken in parliament about the disease that I suffer with and featured in the Oscar-nominated documentary called Unrest, as the only representative from the UK.
Most of what I’ve done has been achieved in one room which I was unable to leave for twelve years. Having been struck down with an illness as a teenager that caused me to lose the ability to speak, move and eat, I had to find new ways to experience life. I did this through finding my own method of painting (through laughter), founding a charity to help other young people like me and blogging my life through The World of One Room.
I continue to write mainly from my sick bed with my young toddler running about wildly, whilst my cat sits on my chest pouncing at my laptop at any given moment.
I have done motivational talks about my life experience as a disabled young person, about story arc and planning, and I’m able to adapt to all age groups very easily.
I live in Essex and am willing to travel throughout the UK as long as travel is accessible. I am available for zoom workshops and talks as this is easier on my health.
Testimonials
“This is one of those books you will never forget. It is written with so much maturity and the narrative style is so compelling that you feel as if you are actually with Jessica in the hospital. I experienced all the emotional highs and lows and I think that’s exactly what the author hoped for.” - Yousra
“The first book blew me away and this gave me hope . So many feelings evoked and so much frustration yet joy running through behind it all!
Highlighting the struggles and strength of not just one girl or one family but expresses for many of us patients who haven’t been heard in so long .
Read this and shout it from the roof tops so everyone does!” - Sharon Johnston
“An intimate, compelling tale of grit, resilience and the transformative power of love.” - Jen Brea, Director
“Jessica’s journey is an inspiring story of courage that needs to be heard.” - Kara Tointon
”This memoir entertains and horrifies at the same time. The voice is spot on… A fascinating and moving account of what it feels like for ordinary daily existence to become a struggle.” - The London Magazine
