NO SPOILERS in this conversation with debut YA author Jennifer De Leon*** We learn about Jennifer’s decision to write Lilliana's story as a YA novel, which turns out to be a fortuitous turn of events helped along by her years as a teacher. (02:50)*** Jennifer tells us about her complicated young female protagonist and her many contradictions and inner conflict. Liliana is for the first time realizing that her story is part of a larger story and struggling with her identity and her place in the world all while navigating the trials and tribulations of high school. (04:40)*** We loved talking with Jennifer about the theme of otherness and how much of her own experiences are in this book. (06:43)*** We love to hear about an author’s road to publishing and Jennifer’s path is long and fascinating, from landing an agent for her adult literary novel that ultimately didn’t sell to switching to YA, a place she says feels like home. Jennifer listened to her gut and believed that she deserved more...amen to that! (12:47)*** After many ups and downs on the path to publication, Jennifer shares the joy of how this mother of two boys finally got her “girl” with Liliana and how you can celebrate many points on the journey. (16:45)*** Carinn geeks out when she talks about Jennifer’s participation in “the Chunky Monkeys”, one of the most prolific, most published, most celebrated group of writers to ever assemble. (20:10)*** Jennifer shares how she came up with the powerful title for this book and her feelings on this often loaded question of “where are you from?” (hint: context matters!) (25:04) *** The dedication of this book reads: “For my mother, for believing” and listening to Jennifer discuss her mother’s unwavering belief in her had us all choked up. (29:16)*** As always, we talk astrology...Jennifer is a Taurus who casually works her “saturn’s return” story into an answer, making us instant kindred spirits. (31:40)*** Sometimes circumstances can provide complications in life and in fiction and Jennifer has a perfect story of a certain failure that ended up being a blessing, teaching her to follow her gut and claim her space. (33:40)*** Jennifer has some amazing recommendations of books and TV shows she is loving right now. (38:16)Follow us on Instagram and Facebook @popfictionwomen and on Twitter @pop_women. To do a full deep dive, check out our website at www.popfictionwomen.com. Stay Complicated!We've launched a platform at patreon.com/popfictionwomen to keep making the podcast you love -- and to make it even better. For a one time contribution to support this episode, use venmo @ carinn-jade. Thank you for your support and enjoy the show!!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.