Patrick Ness

Patrick Ness, born in the United States in 1971, is an American-British author, journalist, lecturer, and screenwriter. After moving to London, he became a dual citizen and gained recognition primarily for his young adult novels. His notable works include the 'Chaos Walking' trilogy and the critically acclaimed 'A Monster Calls'. Ness has received significant accolades, including the prestigious Carnegie Medal twice, first for 'Monsters of Men' in 2011 and then consecutively for 'A Monster Calls' in 2012. He is one of only seven writers to have achieved this double win, and the second to do so in successive years. Beyond his literary achievements, Ness has also contributed to screenwriting, adapting 'A Monster Calls' for film and creating the 'Doctor Who' spin-off series 'Class'.

Born near Alexandria, Virginia, Patrick Ness spent his early years in various locations across the United States before relocating to Los Angeles. He pursued English Literature at the University of Southern California and, in his teenage years, managed OCD. Following his graduation, Ness worked in corporate writing before publishing his first short story in 1997. He moved to London in 1999, where he began working on his first novel. His debut adult novel, 'The Crash of Hennington,' was released in 2003, followed by a collection of short stories titled 'Topics About Which I Know Nothing' in 2004.

Ness achieved significant recognition with his young adult fiction. His debut in this genre, 'The Knife of Never Letting Go,' earned the Guardian Children's Fiction Prize in 2008. This book launched the 'Chaos Walking' trilogy, which also includes 'The Ask and the Answer' and 'Monsters of Men.' Ness further expanded this universe with three accompanying short stories. His novel 'A Monster Calls,' completed from notes left by Siobhan Dowd, received widespread acclaim and the Carnegie Medal in 2012, with illustrator Jim Kay receiving the Kate Greenaway Medal. This marked the first time a single book secured both awards.

Beyond novels, Ness has engaged with various media. He penned the screenplay for the 2016 film adaptation of 'A Monster Calls' and developed the 'Doctor Who' spin-off series 'Class.' His adult novels include 'The Crane Wife' and 'The Rest of Us Just Live Here.' Ness has also been involved in teaching creative writing and has contributed reviews and articles to prominent publications. In 2023, he was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature. Future projects include a prequel script for 'Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World' and an adaptation of 'The Count of Monte Cristo.'