EMERY LEE is an author and artist whose love for chaotic and morally gray characters started at a young age. After graduating with a degree in creative writing, e’s gone on to author novels, short stories, and webcomics across a variety of genres and demographics, though YA fiction has always held a special place in eir heart. Drawing inspiration from Eastern media, pop punk music, and personal life experience, eir work seeks to explore the intersections of life and identity in fun, heartfelt, and inventive ways. In eir downtime, you’ll most likely find em marathoning anime or snuggling cute dogs.

JONNY GARZA VILLA is a product of the Great State of Texas, born and raised along the Gulf Coast and currently residing in San Antonio. They are a Sagittarius sun, Capricorn everything else, and an author of contemporary young adult stories inspired by their own Chicane, Tejane, and queer identities. Their debut novel, FIFTEEN HUNDRED MILES FROM THE SUN, is a Pura Belpré Honor Book and a Kirkus Best YA Fiction of 2021 selection. Their next novel, ANDER AND SANTI WERE HERE, is expected early 2023. To learn more about Jonny and their writing, visit jonnygarzavilla.com

Emery Lee in discussion with Jonny Garza Villa