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
“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