Picture an American storyteller who soared into the steampunk scene with a tale of metal wings and ticking hearts—meet Dru Pagliassotti! Known for her Clockwork Heart Trilogy, Pagliassotti blends intricate world-building with social commentary, captivating readers with her unique spin on fantasy and science fiction. Beyond her novels, she’s a communication professor and a champion for emerging writers, making her a standout figure in speculative fiction.
The Making of Dru Pagliassotti
Born on November 29, 1966, Dru Pagliassotti grew up with a typewriter as her playground, crafting stories from a young age. Her passion for storytelling led her to a Ph.D. in Communication from the University of Southern California, where she now teaches at California Lutheran University. Her academic life, filled with courses on comic books and Venetian culture, reflects her eclectic interests, which spill into her writing. Pagliassotti’s early career included editing The Harrow, an online magazine she founded in 1998 to nurture new talent, showcasing her commitment to the literary community.
Dru Pagliassotti’s Unforgettable Stories
Pagliassotti’s breakout work, Clockwork Heart (2008), introduces Taya, an Icarus-winged courier navigating the layered city of Ondinium. This steampunk fantasy, praised for its vivid action and intricate plot, kicks off the Clockwork Heart Trilogy, followed by Clockwork Lies: Iron Wind (2014) and Clockwork Secrets: Heavy Fire (2014). Her writing, often compared to China Miéville, weaves technology, romance, and social divides into gripping narratives. Beyond steampunk, Pagliassotti explores horror in An Agreement with Hell (2010), a chilling tale of supernatural deals, and contributes short stories to anthologies like Corsets & Clockwork. Her style balances breathtaking action with delicate character moments, creating worlds that feel both fantastical and grounded.
Her academic lens shines through in her exploration of gender and technology, especially in steampunk romance. Pagliassotti’s characters, like Taya, defy stereotypes, offering readers heroines who are autonomous yet relatable. Her work pushes genre boundaries, blending alternate history with emotional depth, earning her a loyal following and critical acclaim, including the 2008 RT Book Reviews’ Best Small Press Futuristic Novel for Clockwork Heart.
Why Dru Pagliassotti Matters
Dru Pagliassotti’s impact extends beyond her novels. As editor of The Harrow and owner of The Harrow Press, she’s mentored countless writers, fostering new voices in fantasy and horror. Her 2009 Year’s Best Fantasy Writers Award for her short story “Bookmarked” highlights her versatility. Pagliassotti’s research into yaoi manga and neo-Victorianism enriches her storytelling, bringing fresh perspectives to speculative fiction. Her ability to craft heroines who soar—literally and figuratively—inspires readers to embrace their own autonomy in a world of constraints.
- Born: November 29, 1966
- Key Works: Clockwork Heart Trilogy, An Agreement with Hell
- Awards: 2009 Year’s Best Fantasy Writers Award, 2008 RT Book Reviews’ Best Small Press Futuristic Novel
- Fun Fact: She holds a black belt in kempo and adores iguanas!
Ready to dive into a world of ticking gears and soaring wings? Snag Clockwork Heart and discover Dru Pagliassotti’s steampunk magic!