Picture an American storyteller weaving fairy tales with a steampunk twist from a historic knitting factory in Ireland—meet Betsy Cornwell! A New York Times bestselling author, Cornwell has enchanted readers with her imaginative retellings of classic stories, blending folklore, feminist themes, and queer narratives. Her journey from rejection to literary success is as inspiring as the magical worlds she creates.
Now settled in west Ireland, Cornwell’s unique voice in young adult fantasy has earned her critical acclaim and a devoted following. Whether it’s a reimagined Cinderella or a queer take on Jane Eyre, her stories invite readers to see the world through a lens of wonder and resilience.
The Making of Betsy Cornwell
Born in the United States, Betsy Cornwell’s love for storytelling sparked early. As a child, she devoured folklore and fairy tales, dreaming of becoming a writer by age six. Her path wasn’t easy—she faced rejections from thirteen MFA programs before earning her MFA in creative writing from the University of Notre Dame. She also holds a BA from Smith College, where a course on fairy tales and gender ignited her passion for reimagining classic stories. Before her breakthrough, Cornwell honed her craft as a columnist for Teen Ink and worked with novelists like Nicholas Sparks at Park Literary Group.
Her move to Ireland marked a turning point. Inspired by the country’s rich mythology, she began blending its magic with her own modern sensibilities, crafting stories that resonate with readers worldwide.
Betsy Cornwell’s Unforgettable Stories
Cornwell’s debut novel, Tides (2013), a lyrical retelling of the Irish selkie myth, earned critical praise and a Bisexual Book Awards nomination. It weaves historical fantasy with romance, showcasing her knack for sensual, evocative prose. Her breakout hit, Mechanica (2015), reimagines Cinderella as a steampunk inventor, Nicolette, who forges her own destiny. Kirkus Reviews called it “a smart, refreshing alternative to stale genre tropes,” and it landed on Amazon’s Best Young Adult Books list.
The sequel, Venturess (2017), follows Nicolette’s adventures in a war-torn fairy realm, blending steampunk with political intrigue. Cornwell’s queer retellings shine in The Circus Rose (2019), a vibrant reworking of “Snow White and Rose Red,” which made the American Library Association’s Rainbow Book List. Her novel Reader, I Murdered Him (2021) offers a bold, feminist sequel to Jane Eyre, blending romance and revenge. Cornwell’s style—lush, feminist, and inclusive—redefines fairy tales for a modern audience.
Her forthcoming memoir, Ring of Salt (2025), promises a personal exploration of her life as a single mother and artist, set against the backdrop of her unique home in Connemara.
Why Betsy Cornwell Matters
Betsy Cornwell’s impact extends beyond her books. Her feminist and queer retellings challenge traditional narratives, offering representation for marginalized voices in young adult fiction. By recasting classic characters as empowered women or queer heroes, she inspires readers to embrace their own identities. Her work as a mentor at the Irish Writers Centre and her creation of The Old Knitting Factory, a childcare-inclusive arts retreat for single parents, reflect her commitment to community and creativity.
In Ireland, her teaching at the University of Galway and her engagement with local mythology enrich the cultural landscape. Cornwell’s resilience—turning rejections into bestsellers—motivates aspiring writers to persevere, proving that fairy tales can come true with grit and imagination.
- Born: United States
- Key Works: Tides, Mechanica, Venturess, The Circus Rose, Reader, I Murdered Him
- Awards: Markievicz Award (2024), Bisexual Book Awards nominee
- Current Home: Connemara, Ireland
Snag Mechanica or The Circus Rose and dive into Betsy Cornwell’s spellbinding world of fairy tales and steampunk adventures!