Zac & Mia

Betts started writing the novel in 2009 after working on a cancer ward in a children's hospital. Betts' main inspiration was a young woman named Tayla, who died suddenly. She later continued writing when Tayla's mother encouraged her to continue.[2] Betts' main job previously was being an English teacher.[3]

The novel follows seventeen-year-old Zac Meier as he undergoes leukaemia treatment in Perth, Australia. He meets Mia, a fellow cancer patient in the adjacent room, and the two quickly form a connection.[1]

The novel is divided into three sections, Zac, and, and Mia.[4] Several critics have noted similarities between the book and The Fault in Our Stars.[3][5]

The Australian praised the book, calling it "warm and uplifting".[4] Australian Book Review praised the use of the book's three-part format.[3] The Guardian also praised the format but criticised Mia's character.[5] Hypable, in a positive review, labelled the book "much more than your standard YA cancer novel", and called the multiple perspectives of the narrative "beautifully written".[6]

The book was adapted into a television show by AwesomenessTV,[7] which premiered on 7 November 2017 on go90. Anne Winters plays Mia, and Kian Lawley plays Zac.[2] The show has been renewed for a second season following a strong fan response.[8] The series was nominated for six Daytime Emmys in 2018, winning two including Outstanding Writing in a Digital Drama Series and Outstanding Lead Actress in a Digital Daytime Drama Series for Winters[9][10]