Justina Chen is the author of nearly a dozen books, including six YA novels, a middle grade novel, a picture book, and a myriad of non-fiction books for leaders. Storytelling runs in her blood. After all, Justina’s middle name means illuminate, which is what story does: it throws light on a truth.
As a speechwriter and story strategist, Justina works with exceptional leaders throughout the world and regularly conducts popular storytelling workshops, drawing on her work with Xbox.
She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, children, and fur baby. When she’s not writing, you can probably find Justina friender-cizing—working out with friends, whether it’s snowshoeing, hiking, or rucking around her neighborhood.
Awards
Justina won the Asian Pacific American Literature Award for Nothing but the Truth (and a few white lies). North of Beautiful was a finalist of 9 state book awards. Her other accolades include:
- A Kirkus Best Books of the Year
- Booklist Top Ten Books
- Texas Library Association Lone Star Reading Lists
- IRA Notable Book
- New York Public Library Best Book for the Teen Age
- Chicago Public Library Best of the Best
- Junior Library Guild premiere selection
- Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People
That was my official bio. Here’s a little more about me:
I’ve always wanted to write. When I was eight, I penned my first 50-page novella: a young adult novella. Seriously. Even then.
During my freshmen year at Stanford, a professor dismissed my writing in front of my entire seminar, announcing to me—and everyone—that I’d never be published. So I buried my dream of writing and went to work for Microsoft instead.
After having the first of my two kids, I realized I couldn’t allow one (grumpy, unhappy) person’s opinion to derail me. If I did, what on earth was I teaching my children? So I joined SCBWI (Society for Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators), hauled myself to a writing course at the University of Washington, and wrote my heart out. On my final day of class, I sold my first book, THE PATCH. My first two novels—NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH (AND A FEW WHITE LIES) and GIRL OVERBOARD—were sold a couple of months later at an auction.
Since then, I’ve written a half-dozen novels for young adults, a picture book, a book for leaders, a survival guide for women…and dream of all dreams—a middle grade novel. I absolutely adore writing for kids ages 8-12.
The lesson: live your best story, no matter what anyone tells you.
That’s the flag I carry whenever I speak, whether at classrooms, conferences, or companies.
To hear what Justina’s thinking about, check out her Substack.