Carrie Jones

Carrie Jones is an American author recognized for her contributions to young adult fiction, spanning both fantasy and contemporary genres. Raised in New Hampshire, she pursued higher education in Maine and later graduated from Vermont College's MFA program for writing. Before her literary career, Jones worked as an award-winning journalist and editor, earning multiple Maine Press Awards and a Maine Literary Award.

Her debut novel, 'Tips on Having a Gay (ex) Boyfriend,' explored themes of self-discovery and diverse forms of love, drawing inspiration from personal experience. The book received critical acclaim and awards, including the Maine Literary Award for children's fiction. Jones is perhaps best known for her paranormal fantasy series 'Need,' which features a protagonist named Zara battling malicious pixies and exploring themes of self-discovery, love, and Norse mythology. This series achieved significant recognition, with one installment appearing on The New York Times Best Seller list.

Jones's writing often delves into themes of identity, self-discovery, and navigating complex relationships, particularly within the young adult sphere. Her novel 'Tips on Having a Gay (ex) Boyfriend' was an early exploration of these ideas, aiming to present a nuanced perspective on love and acceptance. She has also shown a commitment to portraying characters who care about broader social issues, such as human rights, reflecting her own involvement with Amnesty International. This desire to imbue her heroines with a sense of purpose beyond typical adolescent concerns is a recurring element. Jones often draws inspiration from her surroundings, frequently setting her stories in small, close-knit communities, reminiscent of her own experiences in Maine.

The 'Need' series stands as Carrie Jones's most recognized body of work, blending paranormal fantasy with elements of mystery and adventure. The series centers on Zara, a young protagonist who becomes entangled in a conflict with malevolent pixies, forming alliances and facing personal challenges along the way. Jones has described the series as exploring themes of self-realization, romantic love, mystery-solving, and survival. Integral to the narrative are explorations of personal integrity, phobias, strong female characters, and influences from Norse mythology. The series has garnered critical praise, with its debut novel acknowledged for its appeal to both young adults and adult readers, and a subsequent book reaching The New York Times Best Seller list.

Jones often merges fantasy elements with contemporary issues, finding the young adult genre particularly resonant for exploring universal themes like the quest for identity and belonging. She views the transition into unfamiliar worlds, common in fantasy, as analogous to the experiences of entering adulthood or high school. For Jones, writing fantasy offers a sense of escape and a way to recapture a childlike sense of wonder. It also allows her to expand upon real-world concerns, such as human rights, by using archetypal fantasy structures to amplify their significance and create a more epic scope. This approach allows her to connect relatable adolescent struggles with broader, more significant narratives.

“self-discovery and understanding and all the different kinds of love out there.”

“negative feelings aren't all the feelings possible when your boyfriend comes out. You can feel proud of him. You can feel sad that he was afraid to tell the truth for so long. You can feel used sometimes. You can feel angry sometimes, but eventually, lots of the time you still love him. You still care about him. You want the best for him. In Tips I really wanted those positive feelings to eventually come out.”

“personal discovery”

“explores the broader ramifications of homophobia and closetedness without resorting to stereotypes.”

“an insightful, funny read about first love and first heartbreak.”