In today’s episode, we welcome Justina Chen, young adult novelist known for North of Beautiful and A Blind Spot for Boys. Justina reflects on discovering the power of words from a young age and wanting to venture into investigative reporting and foreign journalism, industries that felt countercultural to her at the time. We discuss her journey into young adult fiction and how her mother’s dedication to building bridges within the Asian American community profoundly shaped the stories she tells. Justina discusses the necessity of cultivating meaningful relationships with agents and editors- ones who not only offer critique, but also hold you to your potential. “It’s important for them to challenge my thinking and perspective,” she says, “but they never tell me to delete.” She emphasizes the value of representation in literature and surrounding yourself with courageous advocates for your stories- they say if it is the truth, it must be expressed. We also delve into Justina’s transition from analytical writing in academic settings to developing a keen ear for voice and emotional resonance in fiction.

0:00 Early Life and Introduction

2:24 Studying Economics in College

7:00 Process of Writing a YA Novel

9:01 Finding Inspiration from her Close Circle

12:27 Asian American Representation in Literature

14:53 The Literature, Writing, and Publishing Industries

17: 26 Crafting an Ear for Tone

22:29 Needing to Shift and Pivot

25:08 Closing Advice