Podcast Summary: Bad On Paper – Writing Young Adult Fiction with Jessica Goodman
Release Date: May 21, 2025
In this engaging episode of Bad On Paper, hosts Becca Freeman and Olivia Muenter delve into the intricate world of Young Adult (YA) fiction with bestselling author Jessica Goodman. The conversation spans Jessica’s journey as a YA author, the evolving landscape of the YA market, the interplay between teen and adult readership, and the nuanced challenges of authentically portraying teenage experiences. Below is a detailed summary of the key discussions, insights, and conclusions from the episode.
1. Jessica Goodman’s Journey into YA Fiction
Becca Freeman opens the interview by highlighting Jessica’s background, noting her success with titles like The Meadowbrook Murders and They Wish They Were Us. Jessica shares her deep-rooted connection to reading and writing YA fiction, emphasizing how her college experience was pivotal in shaping her career.
Jessica Goodman [14:39]: “I was one of those kids who grew up reading constantly. Whenever I could, I would.”
Jessica recounts a formative moment in college where she completed a 50-page YA novel as part of a creative writing class project. This experience not only honed her writing skills but also cemented her passion for crafting stories that resonate with teenage emotions and challenges.
2. Evolution of the YA Market
Jessica discusses significant shifts in the YA market since she began publishing in 2020. She attributes many changes to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted traditional book tours and led to an increase in digital events.
Jessica Goodman [19:25]: “Publishers are trying to find ways to get people excited using sprayed edges as a way to do that for all sorts of different genres.” [22:33]
Romantasy has surged in popularity, dominating both adult and YA markets. Jessica notes that while she personally doesn’t gravitate toward Romantasy, she appreciates the market’s diversity.
Jessica Goodman [22:33]: “It started as like a fantasy element. Fantasy readers are so enthusiastic and ardently excited about collector's editions and special editions.” [22:33]
She also highlights the emergence of sprayed edges as a trend for special editions, initially rooted in fantasy but now expanding across various genres to enhance the physical appeal of books.
3. Navigating Publishing Changes Post-Pandemic
The pandemic forced publishers to pivot from in-person events to digital platforms. Jessica reflects on how her first book, They Wish They Were Us, saw a shift from planned in-person tours to successful digital events.
Jessica Goodman [19:25]: “There are just fewer places that are doing book publicity for a variety of reasons that have nothing to do with the publishing industry.” [25:09]
She explains that the decline in traditional media coverage, especially in the YA sector, has led authors to increasingly rely on influencers, bookstagrammers, and content creators to reach their audience.
4. YA vs. Adult Readership: The Crossover Appeal
A significant portion of the discussion centers on the split between adult and teen readers of YA fiction. Jessica observes that while YA novels are marketed primarily to teenagers, there is substantial adult readership, often more prominent at author events.
Jessica Goodman [26:32]: “It's usually more adults. And that's often because who's going to like if you're a teenager and you're going to an event, like you often have to get your parents to go with you.”
She emphasizes the concept of crossover appeal, where her books attract both teen and adult readers. However, she notes practical challenges, such as the high cost of hardcover YA books, which can be prohibitive for teenage buyers.
5. Authenticity and Constraints in YA Fiction
Jessica articulates the delicate balance between maintaining authentic teenage experiences and adhering to gatekeeper constraints imposed by teachers, librarians, and societal norms. She advocates for authentic representation of teenage life, including themes like partying, substance use, and personal struggles, arguing that fiction serves to reflect, not prescribe.
Jessica Goodman [33:16]: “I don't think that these books need to be, like, shining examples of what a perfect teenager looks like.” [33:16]
While addressing sensitive topics, Jessica strives to ensure her narratives resonate with genuine teenage experiences without perpetuating unrealistic ideals or shying away from important issues.
6. Incorporating Technology in YA Literature
With the rapid evolution of technology, Jessica shares her strategy for incorporating social media and modern tech elements into her YA novels without anchoring them to a specific time frame. This approach aims to make her stories timeless and relatable across different eras.
Jessica Goodman [35:47]: “My main goal when I'm writing a young adult book is to have it feel like it could exist in any time period.” [35:47]
She avoids using hyper-specific slang or naming particular social media platforms unless it serves the story, ensuring that the emotional core remains consistent regardless of technological changes.
7. The Art of Writing Thrillers in YA
Jessica discusses the unique aspects of writing YA thrillers, particularly in maintaining a fast-paced narrative while avoiding overly graphic violence or horror elements. She describes her style as "cozy," focusing on suspense and mystery without crossing into territory that could be traumatizing for younger readers.
Jessica Goodman [30:45]: “We want to be cognizant of, like, what the intended audience is consuming.” [30:45]
She also touches on feedback from publishers regarding language use, such as limiting profanity to maintain accessibility and avoid detachment of the audience.
8. Challenges and Rewards of Writing Multiple YA Novels
Reflecting on her experience, Jessica acknowledges the never-ending challenges of writing each new book, despite having multiple publications under her belt. She emphasizes that every novel presents unique hurdles, from plot development to character arcs, underscoring that the creative process remains a continuous learning journey.
Jessica Goodman [47:38]: “It's hard every time. Every book is a shit show.” [47:38]
9. Overview of Jessica Goodman’s Latest Book: The Meadowbrook Murders
Jessica provides a synopsis of her most recent work, The Meadowbrook Murders, a YA dark academia thriller set in an elite boarding school. The protagonist, Amy, grapples with the sudden murder of her best friend and becomes a suspect herself, driving her quest to uncover the truth while clearing her name.
Jessica Goodman [46:27]: “Meadowbrook Murders is set at an elite boarding school. Our main character wakes up on her first day of senior week and learns that her best friend has been murdered.” [46:27]
She assures listeners that the book maintains suspense without delving into excessively dark or gruesome content, aligning with her "cozy thriller" approach.
10. Embracing Digital Platforms and Community Engagement
Throughout the episode, Jessica and the hosts emphasize the importance of digital engagement and community building for authors in the modern publishing landscape. They discuss strategies for leveraging social media, book clubs, and online forums to connect with readers and foster a loyal fanbase.
11. Hosts’ Personal Reads and Recommendations
Concluding the episode, Becca and Olivia share their current reading obsessions, further enriching the discussion with personal insights and recommendations. Becca highlights Silver Elite by Danny Francisco, while Olivia recommends All the Other Mothers Hate Me by Sarah Harmon, providing listeners with diverse literary options to explore.
Conclusion
This episode of Bad On Paper offers a comprehensive exploration of YA fiction through the lens of Jessica Goodman’s experiences and expertise. From understanding market trends and navigating publishing challenges to maintaining authenticity in storytelling, listeners gain valuable insights into the dynamic world of YA literature. Whether you're an aspiring YA author or an avid reader, this conversation sheds light on the intricate balance between creativity, market demands, and genuine representation in young adult storytelling.
Where to Follow Jessica Goodman:
- Instagram: @jessicagoodman
- Latest Book: The Meadowbrook Murders
Stay connected with Bad On Paper for more inspiring interviews and literary discussions every Wednesday.