Books / bristol author
Bristol YA author J. L. Simmonds to publish debut novel
Growing up in Weston-super-Mare, J. L. Simmonds is, in her own words, a writer of “joyful LGBTQ+ YA, bad poetry and text messages with too many emojis”.
A graduate of the MA in Writing for Young People at Bath Spa University, she now lives in Bristol, and considers the West Country to represent an intrinsic part of her journey as an author.
Despite working in other fields for long periods, Simmonds has always considered writing to be a creative necessity in her life, and is passionate that class and socioeconomic circumstances should never be a barrier to entry for those interested in pursuing the written word as a career.
Her debut novel Run Away With Me – dubbed “a modern-day Thelma and Louise” – will be published by Penguin Random House on June 5.
It follows the unfolding relationship between Jessie ‘Mouse’ Swift and Brooke Summer, two very different teenage runaways who share a “life-changing road trip”.
Swift is fleeing from a desperate home life, while it transpires that Summer – long the subject of her love, from afar – has secrets of her own.
Ideally placed for YA readers of Holly Jackson, Casey McQuiston and Tess Sharpe, Run Away With Me is underscored by classic musical references, and also gives a nod to Ethan Coen’s 2024 lesbian comedy-drama road trip film, Drive-Away Dolls.
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J L Simmonds: Run Away With Me is out on June 5, published by Penguin Random House. The book is available on pre-order now. Follow @jlsimmonds_ for more information.
All photos: Penguin Random House
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