Debut author Ariel Sullivan is set to captivate readers with her new dystopian novel, ‘Conform,’ the inaugural release from Jenna Bush Hager’s Thousand Voices imprint. What started as a vision born from personal struggle has blossomed into an ambitious nine-book series, promising an expansive new universe for fans of intricate world-building and compelling narratives.
In the vibrant landscape of contemporary fiction, a new voice is emerging, poised to leave an indelible mark. Ariel Sullivan, a freelance writer from Santa Monica, CA, is not just debuting a novel; she is unveiling the first chapter of a colossal nine-book saga. Her highly anticipated first book, ‘Conform,’ launching October 14, 2025, is more than a story—it is a testament to resilience, imagination, and the power of narrative.
The Genesis of a Dystopian Vision
The inspiration for ‘Conform’ struck Ariel Sullivan during a profoundly challenging period in her life. Battling postpartum depression and the isolating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, she found herself contemplating a future defined by surveillance. This off-handed comment to her husband—a vision of chips, scans, and predetermined permissions—ignited an idea that would soon consume her.
Sullivan vividly recalls waking at 2:30 a.m. to feed her son, finding the concept for ‘Conform’ had already “exploded in her subconscious.” Rather than returning to sleep, she spent the entire night outlining what would become her debut novel. This intense burst of creativity laid the groundwork for not just one book, but a trilogy, and then an astonishing three trilogies, charting the society’s origin and evolution.
‘Conform’: A Blend of Literary Depth and Fantasy Romance
‘Conform’ is described by Jenna Bush Hager, whose Thousand Voices imprint is publishing the novel, as a compelling fusion of “Margaret Atwood meets Sarah J. Maas.” This comparison positions Sullivan’s work at the intersection of thought-provoking literary dystopia and engaging, character-driven fantasy romance.
The novel introduces readers to a futuristic authoritarian state where society is rigidly divided based on genetic anomalies. The protagonist, Emeline, is offered a rare opportunity to ascend to a higher social rank by becoming a mating partner for one of the society’s elites. However, her journey takes an unexpected turn when she forms a romantic connection with a rebel, sparking a love triangle that will undoubtedly fuel much discussion among readers. Sullivan herself has declared she is “firmly Team Emeline,” a sentiment that will resonate deeply within fan communities.
From Screenplays and Fanfiction to Literary Stardom
Ariel Sullivan’s path to becoming a published author is marked by a deep-rooted passion for storytelling. Before penning ‘Conform,’ she was known for her vivid imagination and previous writing endeavors, including Dramione fanfic, a detail sure to excite fans of the Harry Potter universe and fan culture at large. Her transition from fanfiction to mainstream publishing highlights a growing trend where fan writers bring their unique storytelling talents to a broader audience.
Sullivan’s writing prowess has also been recognized in the competitive world of screenwriting. She holds two significant accolades:
- Quarterfinalist, Screencraft TV Pilot Script Competition 2023 for “Lost Souls”
- Quarterfinalist, Los Angeles International Screenplay Awards Fall 2022, also for “Lost Souls”
Her script for “Lost Souls” is described as a sci-fi TV pilot, exploring themes of predetermined love and finding connection after loss. Her other project, “A Drop of Love,” is a comedy TV script delving into heartbreak and the blurring lines between reality and dreams. These achievements underscore her versatility and commitment to crafting engaging narratives, as evidenced by ScreenCraft’s official listings of competition quarterfinalists, where Sullivan’s name appears for her script “Lost Souls” ScreenCraft.
Jenna Bush Hager and the Thousand Voices Imprint
‘Conform’ marks a significant milestone as the debut book from Jenna Bush Hager’s Thousand Voices imprint, a joint venture with Random House. Hager, a well-known literary advocate, launched Thousand Voices to discover and amplify compelling new voices in literature. Sullivan’s novel being chosen as its first release speaks volumes about its potential impact and quality. As detailed in a TODAY.com interview, Hager expressed her excitement for the imprint’s mission to bring diverse stories to readers.
The Ambitious Nine-Book Universe
Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of Ariel Sullivan’s debut is her audacious plan for a nine-book series, structured into three distinct trilogies. This expansive vision allows for profound world-building, intricate character development, and a deep exploration of the societal and philosophical questions raised in ‘Conform.’ Sullivan anticipates lively debates among fans regarding the optimal reading order, a testament to the layered narrative she intends to unfold.
Sullivan’s personal growth mirrored her creative surge. She noted that completing ‘Conform’ helped her immensely, describing herself as being “in such a better place emotionally and mentally.” This transformation infuses her work with an authenticity that resonates with readers. She now receives messages from individuals who find escape and joy in her story, fulfilling her deepest ambition as a writer.
Excerpt from ‘Conform’
Below, delve into an exclusive excerpt from ‘Conform,’ offering a first glimpse into Emeline’s extraordinary world and the vivid prose that defines Ariel Sullivan’s unique voice.
“This way, Ms. Emeline. He is waiting.”
My heart began an erratic dance. Not trusting myself to speak, I nodded. As we approached the curtains, they pulled back automatically.
A magnificent secret garden unlike anything I had ever seen sprawled before me, stealing my breath. Flowers of all kinds exploded everywhere—large white hydrangeas, amethyst wisteria, honeysuckle, buttercups, and orange lilies—spilling onto the tile, climbing the walls, and hanging from the ceiling. Small glowing orbs swayed from the ceiling among the wisteria, almost like stars. In the very center of the room stood a beautiful willow. A tree in the sky. It was art. Did the Elite see it? They destroyed ancient art, yet created their own. Why?
Hesitantly, I followed the attendant into the hidden paradise. I didn’t know where to look first, every step revealing more beauty. Alone, I might have run my hands along the flowers and stopped to smell each one.
Life below, my life, was primitive and barren in comparison. I had been living a bleak existence, waiting in perpetual solitude. We all just accepted it.
Lo didn’t. I understood her constant nagging and dedication to improving her social standing. But the sweet perfume of the flowers turned sour at the truth that Minors were given the bare minimum while the Elite surrounded themselves with luxuries. Maybe a part of me wanted to be beguiled by the beauty surrounding me. Another part—the part that didn’t fit—couldn’t stand the divide.
Bright colors and sparkling jewels adorned the Elites sitting at every table we passed. The glittering observers whispered behind heavily ringed hands or elaborate embroidered fans. My breath became too quick as more leaned in like a swarm of bees, lined eyes watching my every step.
The rules from the Grooming slithered into my mind.
Rule One: Remember your place. Although you are in the clouds, your MIND has deemed you defective. You are until your last breath a Minor Defect.
I looked straight ahead, unable to meet anyone’s eyes, even with the lens. My golden dress was a stark, unsettling difference in a rainbow sea of colorful flowers and gowns. I was the antithesis of the delicate blooms. It was as if I were the sun shining brightly, and all the flowers and people revolved around my presence. Never had I felt so seen. I wasn’t entirely sure it was a good thing.
The attendant finally stopped at a small table below the willow, its branches swaying gently. The man blocked the person waiting for me at the table. A chair scraped against the ground, and my stomach twisted viciously, heartbeats turned violent, slamming into my chest like it might bolt, and I fought the urge to follow it all the way back to the surface forever below.
“Your guest, sir.” The man in gray stepped to the side, gesturing to me before disappearing in the throng of flowers and people.
My heart stopped. The buzzing of conversation, the blooms, and even the tree fell away. Silence found me as the most beautiful man I had ever seen waited — for me.
Excerpted from Conform by Ariel Sullivan. Copyright © 2025 by Ariel Sullivan. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
