Introducing Newly Published Author and THS Senior, Jenna Bias

Many high school seniors spend the month of December thinking about and preparing for semester finals, but for Turner High School student Jenna Bias, there is something even more important on her mind: the launch of her first published book.

This accomplishment has been years in the making. In fact, Bias developed her interest in writing while attending the Turner Sixth Grade Academy.

“Every day, my [English Language Arts] teacher assigned us to write short stories as part of the start of class. One story I wrote captured my imagination so deeply that I couldn’t bring myself to stop writing,” said Bias.

She continued to develop the story in her free time, and it eventually became her first book.

In the years since she began the story, writing has become a meaningful part of her life. And now, it has moved beyond just something she does in her free time.

This newly published book, Against the World, was inspired by an album by musician Gabriella Rose. “The music sparked an idea for a story that quickly grew into the concept for Against the World,” explained Bias. “It’s unlike anything I’ve written before, and exploring the themes and characters was an exciting challenge.”

The story, which spans 342 pages, follows a criminal couple in the rugged Montana wilderness who plan a bank heist. The heist spirals out of control, forcing them to go on the run while facing betrayal, law enforcement, and their own moral struggles.

“The story explores loyalty, desperation, and the blurred line between right and wrong in their fight to stay ahead of capture,” shared Bias.

Throughout the process of putting her book into print, Bias learned that it is a complex process that requires time and patience.

Beyond the time it takes to write the book, which Bias considers the most challenging part, the manuscript goes through an extensive editing and revision process.

After that, the author gets to design the book cover, which can be either easy or difficult depending on the author’s vision.

”For me, this part was relatively straightforward. I chose to self-publish, which made the final steps more accessible and streamlined,” said Bias.

All of that effort finally came to fruition on December 13^th, 2024 when the book was released on Amazon.

What is most incredible about this accomplishment is that Bias always intended for writing to just be a hobby. “I never originally planned to become a published author… and I never imagined I would be where I am today.”

When we asked Bias about her plans as an author, she surprised us by sharing that she intends to pursue a different career.

Bias shared, “While I thoroughly enjoy writing, my future plans lie in pursuing a career in either Computer Science or Criminal Justice. That said, I still plan to continue writing and publishing books, but I envision it as more of a side endeavor rather than my primary career.”

Considering that the beginning of her writing career began in a sixth-grade classroom, it makes sense that Bias has had many Turner USD 202 teachers who have inspired her and helped shape her writing skills.

“I’m grateful for all of my teachers who have guided me on my writing journey and contributed to my growth as a writer,” said Bias.

Most recently, her AVID teacher, Ms. Gigstead, has provided essential guidance and support. “[She] has been a great influence throughout my years at Turner High School.”

And, of course, Bias is especially grateful for the support from her family. “My mom, in particular, has been with me every step of the way, encouraging me to publish my work for the world to see. I am incredibly grateful for their love and support, and I truly wouldn’t be where I am today without it. Thank you to my family for believing in me.”

On behalf of the entire Turner School District, congratulations to Jenna Bias! This is truly an incredible accomplishment, and we look forward to displaying the book in our libraries. She has made us proud!

You can find the book on Amazon.