

In particular, Courage Square in the novels is inspired by Trafalgar Square and the Wunderground is inspired by the London Underground. Ĭritics have also noted similarities between the world of Nevermoor and contemporary London. Film influences include Willow and Return to Oz. Rowling, and she has cited Rowling as a major influence. Her work has been compared to that of J.K. Written influences include Little Women, which she's called her favorite book, The Babysitter's Club, His Dark Materials, Wicked, Tomorrow When the War Began, No Gun For Asmir, and the Harry Potter series. Jessica Townsend has referenced several literary influences for her writing. Townsend has stated that she has written plots for nine books in the series. In 2019 the contract with Hachette was expanded for three more books. Townsend chose to sell the rights to Hachette as part of a six-figure three-book contract.

Interest in the publishing rights began at the 2016 Frankfurt Book Fair, and the rights were bid on by eight different publishing companies.

Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow was Townsend's first novel. The sale of the Nevermoor books has allowed Townsend to become a full-time writer. She worked as a copywriter for 8 years and at Steve Irwin's Australia Zoo for 5 years, including as an editor of its children's magazine Crikey! She moved to London at age 22 and has lived off and on in Queensland and London for the last 10 years. Townsend began writing what would become the first Nevermoor book the year she left high school. She wrote her first story at the age of 7, and it was published in a local library newsletter. Jessica Townsend grew up in Queensland, Australia.
