Picture a Canadian storyteller who spun tales of dragon slayers in small-town Ontario and reimagined ancient deserts with feminist flair—meet E.K. Johnston! As a bestselling young adult author, Emily Kate Johnston crafts science fiction and fantasy novels that blend complex characters with bold themes, captivating readers worldwide. From her NaNoWriMo beginnings to her celebrated Star Wars contributions, Johnston’s journey is as enchanting as her stories.
The Making of E.K. Johnston
Born in southwestern Ontario, E.K. Johnston grew up immersed in fantasy worlds like Star Wars and The Chronicles of Narnia, LARPing epic adventures in her backyard woodlot. A forensic archaeologist by trade, she honed her storytelling through fan fiction in 2002 before tackling original novels during National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) in 2009. Her discipline from academic writing and a passion for diverse narratives fueled her rise, with her breakthrough novel penned in 2011.
E.K. Johnston’s Unforgettable Stories
Johnston’s debut, The Story of Owen: Dragon Slayer of Trondheim (2014), introduces a modern-day Ontario where carbon-eating dragons threaten society. This witty fantasy, nominated for the William C. Morris Award, follows Owen and his bard Siobhan as they battle environmental chaos. Its sequel, Prairie Fire (2015), deepens their saga. In A Thousand Nights (2015), a lush retelling of One Thousand and One Nights, Johnston celebrates female empowerment in a pre-Islamic desert, with its companion Spindle (2016) reimagining Sleeping Beauty. Her Star Wars novels, including Ahsoka (2016) and the Padmé Amidala trilogy, weave rural Ontario vibes into galactic adventures, earning her a New York Times bestseller spot. Johnston’s style shines through vivid world-building, subverted gender norms, and diverse, resilient characters.
Her contemporary novel Exit, Pursued by a Bear (2016) tackles sexual assault with sensitivity, following cheerleader Hermione Winters’ journey of resilience. Recent works like Pretty Furious (2024) and the upcoming Sky on Fire (2025) continue her legacy of blending real-world issues with speculative twists, making her a standout in young adult literature.
Why E.K. Johnston Matters
E.K. Johnston’s impact lies in her ability to craft stories that resonate with young readers, challenging societal norms and amplifying underrepresented voices. Her feminist retellings and environmentally conscious narratives spark conversations about identity, empowerment, and climate change. By blending small-town Ontario settings with epic stakes, she bridges the local and the universal, inspiring readers to rethink their world. Her Star Wars contributions have also expanded the franchise’s appeal, particularly for young women.
About E.K. Johnston
- Born: Southwestern Ontario, Canada
- Key Works: The Story of Owen, A Thousand Nights, Ahsoka, Exit, Pursued by a Bear
- Awards: Nominated for William C. Morris Award, shortlisted for Governor General’s Award
- Fun Fact: She’s a forensic archaeologist who plays the alto saxophone!
Ready to dive into E.K. Johnston’s vibrant worlds? Snag A Thousand Nights or Ahsoka and lose yourself in her bold, diverse storytelling!