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CJ Bedell

Chris Bedell is the author of over a dozen novels. Chris mainly writes YA (teen) fiction, but also dabbles in Middle Grade and Adult Fiction. His novels contain complex narratives—Chris loves showcasing the diverse world we live in (such as with LGBTQ characters), yet Chris enjoys showcasing morally gray characters/moral ambiguity in his novels. Most of his books have some sort of thriller/mystery element. Chris is a proud dog owner of a Black Mouth Cur named Blondie. Furthermore, he graduated with a BA in Creative Writing from Fairleigh Dickinson University in 2016.

IN THE AUTHOR’S WORDS

Author interview

Interview submitted 14 June 2023.

What inspired you to start writing?

My love of reading in Elementary School got me interested in writing.

Who are some of your favorite authors and books?

Sara Shepard (The Pretty Little Liars Series, the Amateur Series, etc.), Mia Siegert, Julian Winters, Helene Dunbar, Adam Silvera, Caleb Roehrig.

What would you like to tell readers who have just discovered your books, but haven't read one yet?

My books deal with dark and gritty themes, but I always believe in giving a happy ending for the main character. I'm not one of those authors who writes unhappy endings for shock value or gritty realism. I write (and even read) for escapism. The world needs a little hope.

Who is the favorite character you created, and how did they come into being?

Liam in my YA Thriller Love Him/Hate Him. Liam is a closeted jock and comes from an abusive home life. I got tired of the closeted character who comes from a bad home life dies trope in pop culture. So, I wanted to write my own book about the subject and do the issue justice.

What are your future plans as a writer?

To continue writing more thriller/mystery books for teens and adults, in addition to also wanting to write more Middle Grade Fiction.