Picture a storyteller who conjures eerie fairy tales by the sea, blending gothic chills with sparkling magic—meet Erin A. Craig! This American novelist has enchanted young adult readers with her haunting reimaginings of classic stories, most notably her debut, House of Salt and Sorrows. With a knack for crafting atmospheric worlds, Craig’s tales are as spellbinding as a moonlit dance.
From her roots in theatre to her rise as a New York Times bestselling author, Craig’s journey is a testament to her love for storytelling. Her unique blend of horror, fantasy, and romance has carved a niche in the YA genre, making her a must-read for fans of dark, dreamy narratives.
The Making of Erin A. Craig
Born with a passion for stories, Erin A. Craig grew up captivated by fairy tales, often listening to cassette tapes of Rumpelstiltskin with her sister. She earned a B.F.A. in Theatre Design and Production from the University of Michigan, where she stage-managed operas filled with séances and murderous clowns. This theatrical background infused her writing with vivid, dramatic flair. After college, Craig transitioned from stage to page, inspired by her newborn daughter and a haunting idea for an island estate shrouded in fog, which became the seed for her debut novel.
Erin A. Craig’s Unforgettable Stories
Craig’s debut, House of Salt and Sorrows (2019), is a chilling reimagining of The Twelve Dancing Princesses, infused with gothic horror and maritime mystery. The story follows Annaleigh, who unravels a curse as her sisters die mysteriously on their isolated island estate. Critics praised its evocative prose and creepy atmosphere, earning it a spot as a New York Times bestseller.
Her follow-up, Small Favors (2021), dives into folk horror, exploring dark wishes in the isolated Amity Falls. House of Roots and Ruin (2023), a companion to her debut, continues the Sisters of the Salt series with Verity Thaumas navigating eerie secrets. Craig’s latest, The Thirteenth Child (2024), reimagines Godfather Death, blending body horror and fairy-tale magic. Known for twisting fairy tales into dark, immersive narratives, Craig’s lyrical style and gothic vibes make her worlds unforgettable.
Why Erin A. Craig Matters
Erin A. Craig has redefined YA fantasy by blending gothic horror with fairy-tale retellings, offering readers a fresh take on familiar stories. Her ability to craft atmospheric settings and complex characters resonates with teens and adults alike, earning praise from authors like Stephanie Garber. By drawing on her theatrical roots, Craig brings a cinematic quality to her work, inspiring a new generation of writers to explore the darker side of fantasy.
Her growing fanbase eagerly awaits her upcoming adult debut, A Land So Wide (2025), a vampire-infused take on Tam Lin. Craig’s influence lies in her fearless exploration of grief, love, and the supernatural, making her a standout in modern YA literature.
- Born: Not publicly disclosed
- Key Works: House of Salt and Sorrows, Small Favors, House of Roots and Ruin, The Thirteenth Child
- Fun Fact: Craig collects typewriters and is a rabid basketball fan!
Snag House of Salt and Sorrows and dive into Erin A. Craig’s hauntingly beautiful world of gothic fantasy!