Jennifer Dugan is an American author known for her work in the young adult and adult romance genres. She is celebrated for her nuanced portrayals of messy, complicated women and girls. Dugan rose to prominence with her novel Some Girls Do (2021), which became a sensation on TikTok. Her debut novel, Hot Dog Girl (2019), was praised by critics, with Entertainment Weekly calling it a "great fizzy romance." Her latest novel, Love at First Set (2023), is an adult author's debut.
Jennifer Dugan was born and raised in upstate New York. She developed a passion for storytelling at an early age. "I've wanted to be a writer for as long as I can remember," she said in an interview. Her love of young adult fiction stemmed from the significant experiences and emotions accompanying adolescence. Dugan wanted to create stories that reflected her struggles and those of her peers.
Dugan's writing career began with her debut novel, Hot Dog Girl, published by Penguin/Putnam on 30 April 2019. The story follows a teenage girl who works at a carnival and navigates the complexities of love and friendship. Dugan's second young adult novel, Verona Comics, further cemented her place in the literary world.
However, her third novel, Some Girls Do, received widespread acclaim. The story centers on Morgan, a track star who changes schools and falls for Ruby, a closeted beauty queen. Their budding romance unfolds against the backdrop of their different identities and struggles.
Some Girls Do has been praised for its authenticity and representation. "Dugan's swooniest queer romance yet," noted Cultures, while Kirkus Reviews described it as "a complex and poignant queer romance." The novel resonated with many readers, especially those struggling with their own identities.
In addition to her fiction, Dugan has ventured into graphic novels with Coven (2022) and the forthcoming Full Shift, illustrated by Kit Seaton.
Photo credit: Amber Hooper Photography
