Picture a storyteller weaving magical tales that dance between fairy realms and gritty history—meet Delia Sherman! Born in Tokyo and raised in New York City, this award-winning fantasy author has enchanted readers with her intricate worlds and genre-defying stories. From the whimsical Changeling series to the haunting The Porcelain Dove, Sherman’s work invites you to lose yourself in the unexpected corners of speculative fiction.
With a PhD in Renaissance studies and a passion for interstitial art—works that blur genre lines—Sherman, alongside her wife, author Ellen Kushner, has carved a unique space in fantasy. Ready to explore her journey? Let’s dive into the life and legacy of this literary trailblazer!
The Making of Delia Sherman
Born in 1951 in Tokyo, Japan, Cordelia Caroline Sherman, known as Delia, grew up in Manhattan, surrounded by the vibrant pulse of New York City. Educated at The Chapin School and later earning a BA from Vassar College and a PhD from Brown University, Sherman’s academic roots in Renaissance studies shaped her richly detailed storytelling. Her early career blended teaching at Boston University and Northeastern with freelance editing for Tor Books, but her heart belonged to writing. Inspired by fairy tales and history, she began crafting stories that defied easy categorization, setting the stage for her fantasy career.
Delia Sherman’s Unforgettable Stories
Sherman’s novels are like stepping into a dream where folklore and reality intertwine. Her debut, Through a Brazen Mirror (1989), an Ace Fantasy Special, introduced her knack for blending historical settings with magical intrigue. The Porcelain Dove (1993), a Mythopoeic Award winner, is a lush, 18th-century fairy tale narrated by a witty chambermaid, exploring superstition and devotion in a cursed family. Critics praised its vivid prose and layered storytelling, calling it a “seductive, sinister bird with razored feathers.”
For younger readers, the Changeling series—Changeling (2006) and The Magic Mirror of the Mermaid Queen (2009)—brings a magical “New York Between” to life. These urban fantasies follow Neef, a human swapped with a fairy child, navigating a whimsical yet perilous realm. The Freedom Maze (2011), a time-travel tale set in 1960s and 1860s Louisiana, tackles slavery and identity with depth, earning both the Prometheus and Andre Norton Awards. Sherman’s style, marked by clever allusions and rich world-building, makes every story a treasure hunt for readers.
Beyond novels, Sherman’s short stories, like “CATNYP” and “The Fiddler of Bayou Teche,” appear in anthologies such as Faerie Reel and Naked City, showcasing her versatility. As a co-editor of Interfictions and The Horns of Elfland, she’s championed boundary-pushing speculative fiction, amplifying voices that challenge genre norms.
Why Delia Sherman Matters
Delia Sherman’s impact lies in her fearless exploration of the spaces between genres. As a founding member and first president of the Interstitial Arts Foundation, she’s fostered a community for artists who defy traditional labels, inspiring countless creators to experiment boldly. Her work, infused with feminist perspectives and historical depth, invites readers to question societal norms while reveling in fantastical worlds. Whether teaching at Clarion or mentoring new writers, Sherman’s legacy is one of generosity and innovation, making fantasy richer for all.
- Born: 1951, Tokyo, Japan
- Key Works: The Porcelain Dove, Changeling, The Freedom Maze
- Awards: Mythopoeic Fantasy Award, Prometheus Award, Andre Norton Award
- Fun Fact: She lives in New York City with Ellen Kushner, surrounded by books and “far too many pieces of paper.”
Snag The Porcelain Dove or Changeling and dive into Delia Sherman’s spellbinding blend of history and magic—you won’t look at fantasy the same way again!