Fiction Writer.
Screenwriter.
Essayist.
Jessa Leigh Phillips was born a storyteller. She's been writing fiction since childhood, and over the years has continued to develop that natural ability into a finely-tuned skill. She is a published author of short fiction (Hair Trigger 30), and is currently finishing final edits of her first original novel, a genderqueer, Jane Austen-inspired romance, Duty & Deception. At Columbia College Chicago, Jessa studied screenwriting in addition to fiction writing, and has completed and produced countless short scripts ranging from slice of life and comedy, to horror and even musicals. She is currently shopping her feature screenplay, Diego, as well as her exciting new feature about female reporters in 1940s L.A., Newspaperwoman.
After experiencing a life-changing trauma, Jessa began writing and performing essays about surviving sexual assault and coping with trauma. She continues to be a voice within the #MeToo movement and works to support and believe survivors.