Picture a British storyteller who weaves magic, mystery, and post-apocalyptic grit into unforgettable tales—meet Emma Newman! Born in Cornwall, this speculative fiction maestro has captivated readers with her Split Worlds urban fantasy series and haunting sci-fi novels like Planetfall. With a knack for complex world-building and psychological depth, Newman’s stories are as thrilling as they are thought-provoking, earning her a devoted following and prestigious nominations.
But Newman’s not just a writer. She’s a professional audiobook narrator, Hugo Award-winning podcaster, and a lover of tea, cake, and singing chickens (yes, really!). Let’s dive into the life and works of this multifaceted author who’s redefining speculative fiction with every page.
The Making of Emma Newman
Emma Newman grew up in Cornwall, England, where the rugged landscapes and rich folklore likely sparked her imaginative storytelling. Though details of her early life are scarce, her passion for speculative fiction—spanning urban fantasy, science fiction, and post-apocalyptic tales—emerged early. Newman began her career with short stories, honing her craft in dark, evocative prose. Her debut collection, From Dark Places (2011), showcased her ability to blend the eerie with the human, setting the stage for her novels. A self-professed geek, she’s also drawn inspiration from role-playing games (RPGs) and dressmaking, infusing her worlds with meticulous detail and creativity.
Emma Newman’s Unforgettable Stories
Newman’s bibliography is a treasure trove of speculative fiction. Her Split Worlds series, starting with Between Two Thorns (2013), is a dazzling urban fantasy blend of Regency-era society and fae-filled intrigue. The story follows Cathy, a rebellious heroine navigating the Nether—a hidden world between the mundane and the fae realm of Exilium. Praised for its intricate world-building and layered characters, the series earned British Fantasy Society nominations for Best Novel and Best Newcomer in 2014.
In science fiction, Newman’s Planetfall series, beginning with Planetfall (2015), explores human frailty and cosmic mysteries. After Atlas (2016), a sci-fi murder mystery, was shortlisted for the 2017 Arthur C. Clarke Award, while Before Mars (2018) nabbed a BSFA Best Novel nomination. Her young adult post-apocalyptic novel, 20 Years Later (2012), paints a vivid picture of a plague-ravaged London, showcasing her versatility. Newman’s writing is marked by psychological depth, morally gray characters, and settings that feel alive, whether it’s a fae-touched Bath or a dystopian wasteland.
As an audiobook narrator, Newman brings her own stories—and others’—to life with a captivating voice. Her Hugo and Alfie Award-winning podcast, Tea and Jeopardy, co-hosted with her husband Peter Newman, is a delightful mix of author interviews, tea, and playful peril, cementing her as a beloved figure in the speculative fiction community.
Why Emma Newman Matters
Emma Newman’s impact lies in her ability to craft worlds that are both fantastical and deeply human. Her stories tackle themes of survival, identity, and rebellion, resonating with readers who crave emotional depth alongside speculative thrills. The Split Worlds series has inspired role-playing games, while her Planetfall novels have sparked discussions on technology and morality. Her British Fantasy Society Best Short Story Award (2015) for “A Woman’s Place” and multiple award nominations highlight her influence in speculative fiction.
Newman’s multifaceted career—writing, narrating, and podcasting—makes her a trailblazer, proving that storytelling can transcend the page. For fans of urban fantasy, sci-fi, or post-apocalyptic tales, she’s a must-read author who continues to push boundaries.
- Born: Cornwall, England
- Key Works: Split Worlds series, Planetfall series, 20 Years Later
- Awards: British Fantasy Society Best Short Story (2015), Hugo Award for Tea and Jeopardy
- Hobbies: Dressmaking, RPGs, LARP
Snag Between Two Thorns or Planetfall and dive into Emma Newman’s spellbinding worlds of fantasy and sci-fi adventure!