Julia DeVillers is the author of several tween/teen books like Trading Faces (with her own twin sister), Liberty Porter, First Daughter, How My Personal Private Journal Became a Bestseller, Meet Me at Wonderland, and more. She graciously took the time to answer my questions about her beginnings in the industry, turning her first novel into DCOM, Read It and Weep, writing through tough times, and more. Enjoy!

1. When did you begin writing? 

In first grade, I used to write stories in class and my teacher, Mrs. Guest, would make copies and pass them around to read. I won a local newspaper writing contest when I was seven for my short story, Tommy the Turtle and Sally the Snake, and won a pack of markers. I was proud but furious, because the article called Sally “Sammy.” I was not happy with the Sally erasure. It was then I also learned to appreciate a good editor.

2. When did you know you were ready to get an agent/published etc?

After I got a master’s in journalism, I worked in educational publishing and picked up a freelance job going through the slush pile for a literary agent who had moved to town. (By picked up, I mean I begged him to let me do anything. There weren’t many trade publishing opportunities in Ohio.) I learned, I networked.

When an editor asked me if I had any ideas of my own, I pitched her a nonfiction concept that would become my first book, Girlwise: How to Be Confident, Capable, Cool, and In Control. So it was a little backwards, becauseI got the deal first and then I reached out to an agent I admired and said “I have a deal, will you represent me?”

The takeaway, I believe, is to learn at least a little about the business part along with honing your craft and to connect. 

3. Pretty exciting that your first novel became a movie-were you part of the process? We’re there any parts that were changed that you liked better or that you missed? 

Thanks! I was at dinner with some girlfriends and my agent called and said “Are you sitting down? Disney Channel wants to make your book into a movie and by the way, they’re ready to greenlight and moving fast.” I almost fell off my chair.

The “Read it and Weep” team really was fantastic and yes, I got to be part of the process. I read the early script, and then somehow finagled an invite to the set in Salt Lake City. I was surprised with a tiny cameo in the movie, a role I call “woman in the pizza place looking like she’s going to vomit.”

A part that was changed from the book, was the main character’s older sister was turned into a brother, who was a musician, and the actor sang the big musical number at the end. An earworm that still runs through my head.

4. What was the process writing Trading Faces with your sister?

Being identical twins, we already had a shorthand, for communicating that fortunately translated into writing. The book is a dual POV, and I was “Payton” and she was “Emma.” We would talk through the plot, then take turns writing write our chapters. Then we’d overwrite each others’ dialogue. (So every word from Payton’s mouth I wrote, even in the Emma chapters, to make it authentic, and vice versa.)

5. Are you more of a Payton or an Emma?

I’m a Payton! I’m more extroverted and liked acting in plays at that age. But like Emma, I did love academics in school (except her speciality, math.) Emma is smarter than me, though, like my twin. (I’m going to make sure she reads this shout out.)

6. A lot of your books have a reoccurring theme of girls realizing that the life they wanted may not be as great or is more complicated than they thought (Confessions/Trading Faces/First Daughter), what draws you to this time and time again? 
That’s such a good way of putting it. I feel it’s a universal situation when you’re growing up to suddenly realize that it’s not smooth sailing. I know I write for this age group because I had a friend drama experience in middle school and was bullied. It really wounded me, but made me more empathetic as a person.

I want my readers to know they aren’t alone in going through hard times and feel seen. My characters also make mistakes along the way, which is okay, but they get through with the help of humor, perseverance, friendship, family, and compassion.

7. Your latest book came after your scary and courageous bout with cancer. Congratulations on your recovery. You’ve often said that this was a cathartic experience, how did it help you? 

Thank you! This actually relates to the previous question, about how to get through tough times. Just like my characters, life surprised me and I had to pull from inner strength I didn’t know I had. I was lucky to have a lot of support. I don’t think I’ve full processed it, but guess what I’m writing about now? Writing helps me process pain, and if you’re a writer you know what I mean.

8. While your novels have had a touch of romance, Meet Me at Wonderland is the first to have it as a major focus-What would you say is the scene that made the connection between Coco and Henry click? 

Yes, Meet Me at Wonderland is my first romance book, where I leaned into all the crush-worthy emotions and tropes. It was the first book I wrote after cancer, and it was a joy to focus on those thrilling feelings of your first crush – who likes you back. It was inspired by my high school job at Chuck E. Cheese, having the wear the giant rat costume.

So my favorite scene is taken from true life, where Coco meets Henry as a headless sweaty, stinky mascot. Could it be more embarrassing? Could it be sweeter that that’s when Henry falls for her? Bonus, my adult readers say it reminds them of –the excitement and deep feelings of falling for your first crush. 

9. Since you’ve been writing for tweens for nearly two decades, how do you keep your tween/teen voice fresh and authentic? Do you feel the concept of what a female tween protagonist can be has changed/expanded over the years? 

My goal is to create work that resonates with tweens, and most importantly I have an amazing focus group of tweens and teens who are my beta readers and answer questions to keep it as authentic, up to date, and not cringey as possible. Some of their feedback is harsh! (and deserved and needed.) The answer to your second question is YES.

10. Any news or upcoming releases you’d like to share? 

Remember taking your driver’s license test? My next book will be a follow-up upper middle grade romcom, Crash Into Crush, about Josie and Dash, who meet while taking their driving test and blame each other for failing. Then they end up in the same driver’s ed car for the summer. It also has NASCAR and summer romance vibes.

Crash Into Crush will be out with Aladdin/Simon and Schuster in spring 2027 with my editor Alyson Heller at the helm. It was so much fun to write, to live in the heads of characters who are experiencing the fizzy feelings of first love and it has one of my favorite book covers I’ve ever had. 

To learn more about Julia and her work, visit her website and all relevant social media: https://www.juliadevillers.com/