Picture a storyteller who spins tales of magic, mystery, and time-bending romance—meet Constance Sayers! This American novelist, with a knack for blending historical fiction and fantasy, has enchanted readers with books like A Witch in Time and The Ladies of the Secret Circus. A media executive by day, Sayers crafts stories that whisk you from Belle Époque Paris to 1920s circuses, proving she’s a master of immersive worlds.
With a sharp eye for detail and a passion for history, Sayers has carved a niche in the literary world, earning praise for her lush prose and intricate plots. Ready to dive into her spellbinding universe? Let’s explore the life, works, and magic of Constance Sayers!
The Making of Constance Sayers
Born outside Pittsburgh, Constance Sayers grew up with a love for storytelling that led her to a BA in writing from the University of Pittsburgh, where she graduated magna cum laude. She later earned an MA in English from George Mason University, honing her craft while balancing a high-powered career as a media executive. Twice named one of Folio’s 'Top 100 Media People in America,' Sayers brought corporate savvy to her creative pursuits, co-founding the literary magazine Thoughtful Dog. Her early short stories, published in outlets like The Coil, earned nominations for the Pushcart Prize and Best of the Net, hinting at the talent that would soon shine in her novels.
Sayers’s writing journey took a leap at The Bread Loaf Writers Conference, where she studied under literary giants Charles Baxter and Lauren Groff. Inspired by historical curiosities—like a painting that eerily resembled her—she began weaving tales that blend the fantastical with the deeply human, setting the stage for her breakout success.
Constance Sayers’s Unforgettable Stories
Sayers’s debut novel, A Witch in Time (2020), is a mesmerizing tale of a young woman cursed to relive a doomed love affair across centuries, from 1895 France to 1970s Los Angeles. Critics lauded its rich historical detail and emotional depth, comparing it to Outlander for its time-hopping romance. The book became an Amazon bestseller, cementing Sayers’s place in fantasy fiction.
In 2021, The Ladies of the Secret Circus transported readers to 1925 Paris and a magical circus hiding dark secrets. This haunting story, which earned starred reviews from Publishers Weekly and Library Journal, follows a woman uncovering a generational curse tied to her family’s past. Sayers’s meticulous research—often involving trips to her settings, like Paris—brings every scene to vivid life. Her 2023 novel, The Star and the Strange Moon, dives into 1960s Hollywood, where an actress vanishes into a cursed film, blending ambition, mystery, and supernatural thrills. Her latest work, The Fabled Earth (2024), explores 1950s Cumberland Island and a tragic fire, weaving magic and history with her signature flair.
Sayers’s style is a tapestry of lush prose, historical accuracy, and magical realism. She dives deep into her settings, using primary sources like Emile Zola’s novels for period authenticity, and her 'what if' narratives—sparked by real-life inspirations like a tragic actress’s photo—keep readers hooked. Her stories often center strong women navigating love, curses, and destiny, making her a standout in historical fantasy.
Why Constance Sayers Matters
Constance Sayers has redefined historical fantasy by blending meticulous research with magical storytelling, appealing to fans of Erin Morgenstern and Louisa Morgan. Her ability to craft immersive worlds has earned her a devoted readership and translations into six languages. Beyond her novels, Sayers inspires aspiring writers through her disciplined process—1,000 words a day in draft mode—and her knack for turning historical tidbits into gripping tales.
Her impact lies in her accessibility: she invites readers into complex histories with a light, engaging touch, making the past feel alive and magical. As a woman thriving in both corporate and creative spheres, Sayers is a role model for balancing ambition with artistry, proving you can conquer boardrooms and bestsellers alike.
- Key Works: A Witch in Time, The Ladies of the Secret Circus, The Star and the Strange Moon, The Fabled Earth
- Awards: Finalist for Alternating Current’s 2016 Luminaire Award for Best Prose
- Fun Fact: Sayers lives with an obstinate Welsh Terrier and dreams of owning a dog farm!
Snag A Witch in Time and dive into Constance Sayers’s enchanting blend of history and magic—your next obsession awaits!