Meet Joy L. Smith
Turning
By Joy L. Smith
In this raw, searingly honest debut young adult novel, a former aspiring ballerina must confront her past in order to move forward from a devastating fall that leaves her without the use of her legs.
Genie used to fouetté across the stage as the star pupil at her exclusive New York dance school, but overnight her bright future as a ballerina is shattered. Now, the only thing she’s turning are the wheels to her wheelchair. Genie must learn healing requires coming out of isolation and confronting life’s darkest secrets, including the most terrifying one: that the accident may not have been so accidental after all.
“A supreme, emotional tour de force that establishes Joy L. Smith as a major talent to watch. Turning is engrossing, and deeply moving.” – Dana L. Davis, author of Tiffany Sly Lives Here Now
“Girls Write Now inspired me to think of myself as more than someone who writes, but as a writer. My years as a mentee gave me the foundation to be the author I’m proud to be today.” —Joy L. Smith, Author & Girls Write Now Mentee
Girls Write Now’s unique program model, where mentees write alongside their mentors, brought the writing world to life for Joy. She believes this experience helped prepare her for her own journey to becoming a published novelist; because of her mentors, she had the confidence and know-how to edit, submit and pitch.
“It put everything into perspective,” says Joy. “Without Girls Write Now, I would not have ended up where I am today.”
Joy is just one of thousands of success stories. At Girls Write Now, young women and gender expansive young adults emerge with close mentors and networks that serve them for life—and with career paths across disciplines—from publishing and media, to tech, finance, and beyond.
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