Picture an American storyteller who wove magic and science into unforgettable tales—meet Diane Duane! Born in Manhattan, this fantasy and science fiction author traded a nursing career for a pen, creating the beloved Young Wizards series and captivating readers worldwide. With a knack for blending cosmic stakes with heartfelt characters, Duane’s stories have earned her spots on the New York Times Bestseller List and a lasting place in fans’ hearts.
Now living in Ireland with her husband, fellow author Peter Morwood, Duane’s journey from New York’s suburbs to global fandom is as enchanting as her books. Let’s dive into her life, works, and why she’s a literary gem!
The Making of Diane Duane
Born on May 18, 1952, in Manhattan, Diane Duane grew up in Roosevelt, Long Island, with a vivid imagination. As a child, she wrote and illustrated her first novel in crayon at age eight, hinting at her future. Initially drawn to astrophysics, she pivoted to nursing, earning her RN in 1974 and working as a psychiatric nurse in New York. But storytelling called louder. In 1976, she moved to California to assist sci-fi writer David Gerrold, selling her first novel, The Door into Fire, in 1977. By 1980, she was a full-time writer, ready to shape fantasy forever.
Diane Duane’s Unforgettable Stories
Duane’s Young Wizards series, starting with So You Want to Be a Wizard (1983), follows teen wizards Nita Callahan and Kit Rodriguez as they battle entropy with magic grounded in science. Praised for its clever world-building and strong female leads, the series spans eleven books and counting, earning a special commendation from the Anne Spencer Lindbergh Prize in 2003. Her Rihannsu Star Trek novels, like My Enemy, My Ally (1984), dive deep into Romulan culture, showcasing her ability to enrich existing universes.
Beyond young adult fantasy, Duane’s Middle Kingdoms series, beginning with The Door into Fire (1979), explores epic fantasy with themes of bisexuality and group marriage, bold for its time. Her Harbinger Trilogy in the Star*Drive universe blends sci-fi adventure with intricate plots. Duane’s style—witty, heartfelt, and scientifically curious—makes her worlds feel alive, whether she’s writing about wizardry or interstellar intrigue.
She’s also a versatile screenwriter, contributing to Star Trek: The Next Generation with the Emmy-nominated episode “Where No One Has Gone Before” and co-authoring the Barbie movie Fairytopia. With over fifty novels, comics, and short stories, Duane’s creativity knows no bounds.
Why Diane Duane Matters
Duane’s impact lies in her ability to make magic accessible and meaningful. Her Young Wizards series, often recommended as a “Harry Potter” read-alike, empowers young readers with stories of courage and friendship. Librarians across the U.S. praise her for inspiring reluctant readers. Her inclusive storytelling, especially in the Middle Kingdoms, normalizes diverse relationships, paving the way for modern fantasy’s embrace of representation. Awards like the John W. Campbell Award nominations and her influence on sci-fi and fantasy fandom cement her legacy.
Duane’s work transcends genres, blending humor, heart, and intellect. Living in Ireland’s Wicklow Mountains, she continues to write, with the next Young Wizards novel in progress, proving her magic is far from fading.
- Born: May 18, 1952, Manhattan, New York
- Key Works: So You Want to Be a Wizard, The Door into Fire, My Enemy, My Ally
- Awards: Anne Spencer Lindbergh Prize commendation (2003), John W. Campbell Award nominee
- Fun Fact: She’s worked with Star Trek in more media than anyone, from novels to comics!
Snag So You Want to Be a Wizard and dive into Diane Duane’s spellbinding fantasy today!