Jackie Khalilieh

Khalilieh reframes young adult literature by weaving positive representation and intersectional themes into her narratives. Her writing is profoundly influenced by her experiences as an autistic woman, which she channels into crafting stories that spotlight marginalized and neurodivergent characters. In her debut book, "Something More," Khalilieh centers on Jessie Kassis, an autistic Palestinian-Canadian teenager, to explore identity and self-discovery, while challenging neurotypical assumptions. This approach addresses unconscious bias within the literary community, urging readers to broaden their engagement with diverse narratives.\n\nKhalilieh's writing process is notably flexible, encompassing methods like pantsing, outlining, or hybrid approaches, all while focusing on rapid drafting and extensive revising. She often starts with a vivid visualization of her main characters, pondering who they are or might be, to enhance tension and conflict in her plots. This tailored approach ensures that her work resonates with a wide audience, particularly those seeking authentic and nuanced portrayals of disability and belonging. Her commitment to such themes not only enriches the young adult genre but also amplifies voices often overlooked in mainstream narratives.