Jessica Day George

Jessica Day George, born in 1976, is an American author residing in Utah, known for her Young Adult fantasy novels. She has achieved New York Times bestseller status and received the Whitney Award for Best Book by a New Author in 2007 for "Dragon Slippers." George's academic background includes a degree in Humanities and Comparative Literature from Brigham Young University (BYU), where she also studied ancient languages like Old Norse to read Viking sagas in their original form. Prior to her full-time writing career, she worked in libraries and bookstores. Her writing often draws inspiration from classic fairy tales. George is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Her published works span several series, including the Dragonskin Slippers series, The Princesses of Westfalin series, the Castle Glower series, and The Rose Legacy series, alongside standalone novels like "Sun and Moon, Ice and Snow." George has also contributed to various writing platforms, including a website called "Bookshop Talk" for blogger reviews and has been a keynote speaker at writing conferences. She has also been featured in the periodical "Mormon Artist." George has participated as a guest author on the "Writing Excuses" podcast.

Jessica Day George's literary output is significantly influenced by classic fairy tales, which she often adapts into her Young Adult fantasy novels. Her academic pursuits at Brigham Young University, where she majored in Humanities and Comparative Literature and studied languages such as Old Norse, reflect a deep engagement with ancient narratives and storytelling traditions. This linguistic study was driven by a desire to access foundational texts, such as Viking sagas, in their original languages, suggesting an interest in the nuances and original intent of these historical stories. Her work has been recognized with positive reviews from publications like Kirkus Reviews and Booklist Online, indicating a strong reception for her unique approach to reimagining familiar tales.

Before dedicating herself to writing full-time, Jessica Day George gained practical experience in the literary world through roles as a librarian and a bookseller. This background likely provided her with a comprehensive understanding of the publishing industry and reader engagement. Her debut novel, "Dragon Slippers," secured her first publishing deal with Bloomsbury Publishing, a relationship that continues to the present. George has also established an online presence with her website "Bookshop Talk," which serves as a platform for book reviews by bloggers. Furthermore, she has actively participated in the writing community by serving as a keynote speaker at writer's workshops and teen writing conferences, sharing her expertise and insights.