Picture a Canadian storyteller who weaves magic, mystery, and alternate worlds with a flick of her pen—meet A.M. Dellamonica! Born in Calgary in 1968, this celebrated speculative fiction author has enchanted readers with her science fiction, fantasy, and alternate history tales. From the mystical Astrid Lethewood series to her vibrant Toronto life as a proud lesbian author, Dellamonica’s stories pulse with creativity and heart.
With over 30 short stories and award-winning novels, Dellamonica has carved a unique niche in speculative fiction. Her work, lauded for its rich world-building and dynamic characters, invites readers into realms where magic reshapes reality. Let’s dive into the life, works, and legacy of this remarkable writer!
The Making of A.M. Dellamonica
Alyxandra Margaret Dellamonica, born on February 25, 1968, grew up with a passion for storytelling. Her early years in Calgary sparked a love for the fantastical, fueled by a diverse career that included theater work—scrambling up ladders to hang lights—before she embraced writing. In 1995, she honed her craft at the Clarion West Writers Workshop, a pivotal moment that sharpened her skills. With mentorship from editors and fellow authors, Dellamonica began publishing short stories in the 1980s, setting the stage for her novelistic success.
Now based in Toronto, Dellamonica balances writing with teaching creative writing online at UCLA Extension and in-person at the University of Toronto Scarborough. Her vibrant life with her wife, Kelly Robson, a fellow sci-fi author, and their two cats, Lorenzo and Chinchilla, adds warmth to her creative world.
A.M. Dellamonica’s Unforgettable Stories
Dellamonica’s bibliography sparkles with diversity, spanning science fiction, fantasy, and alternate history. Her debut novel, Indigo Springs (2009), introduces the Astrid Lethewood series, a gripping urban fantasy about a magical blue liquid called vitagua. Astrid, a reluctant hero, navigates a world teetering on apocalyptic chaos, earning the novel the 2010 Sunburst Award for Canadian Literature of the Fantastic. Its sequel, Blue Magic (2012), deepens the saga with themes of power and sacrifice.
The Hidden Sea Tales trilogy, starting with Child of a Hidden Sea (2014), showcases Dellamonica’s knack for portal fantasies. Protagonist Sophie Hansa leaps from San Francisco to the oceanic world of Stormwrack, unraveling political conspiracies. The second book, A Daughter of No Nation (2015), clinched the 2016 Prix Aurora Award for Best Novel. Dellamonica’s alternate history gem, “A Key to the Illuminated Heretic,” a Joan of Arc reimagining, earned a 2005 Sidewise Award nomination. Her style—vivid, character-driven, and ethically complex—blends magical realism with ecological and queer themes.
Beyond novels, Dellamonica’s short stories, like “The Town on Blighted Sea” and “Five Good Things about Meghan Sheedy,” have appeared in prestigious “Year’s Best” anthologies. Her work, often published under her name or the pseudonym L.X. Beckett, resonates with readers for its bold exploration of identity and power.
Why A.M. Dellamonica Matters
Dellamonica’s impact on speculative fiction is profound. Her stories, rich with queer representation and environmental consciousness, challenge genre norms and inspire inclusivity. As a bisexual, non-binary author, she brings authentic voices to her characters, earning accolades like the 2014 Lambda Award finalist nod for the Hidden Sea Tales. Her mentorship through teaching and reviews for outlets like Tor.com and Clarkesworld nurtures the next generation of writers.
In a genre often dominated by predictable tropes, Dellamonica’s innovative worlds and moral dilemmas stand out. Her ability to blend the personal with the fantastical makes her a vital voice in Canadian literature and beyond, inviting readers to question reality and embrace wonder.
- Born: February 25, 1968, Calgary, Canada
- Key Works: Indigo Springs, Child of a Hidden Sea, A Daughter of No Nation
- Awards: 2010 Sunburst Award, 2016 Prix Aurora Award
- Fun Fact: Married to Kelly Robson since 1989, officially in 2003 after Ontario legalized same-sex marriage
Snag Indigo Springs or Child of a Hidden Sea and dive into A.M. Dellamonica’s spellbinding speculative fiction today!