Picture a British storyteller who turned Satan into a suburban misfit with a penchant for kebabs—meet Heide Goody! This fantasy comedy maestro has been tickling funny bones and sparking imaginations since 2011, often alongside her writing partner Iain Grant. With series like Clovenhoof and Oddjobs, Goody crafts tales that blend sharp wit, heartfelt characters, and a touch of the absurd, making her a standout in contemporary British literature.
Born and raised in the Midlands, Goody’s knack for storytelling shines through in her irreverent humor and genre-blending narratives. Her work, published through Pigeon Park Press, has garnered a devoted following for its playful satire and relatable protagonists. Let’s dive into the world of Heide Goody, where devils, bureaucrats, and fairy-tale rebels collide in the most delightful ways.
The Making of Heide Goody
Living in North Warwickshire, England, with her husband and children, Heide Goody’s journey to authorship began in the vibrant Birmingham Writers’ Group. It was here she met Iain Grant, and their shared love for Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman sparked a creative partnership that’s still going strong. Since 2011, the duo has churned out over twenty novels, starting with Clovenhoof, a comedy about Satan’s exile to Birmingham. Goody’s early writing, including Rupert Bear fan fiction, hinted at her lifelong passion for quirky narratives. Her ability to weave humor with social commentary has roots in her Midlands upbringing, where everyday life meets the extraordinary.
Heide Goody’s Unforgettable Stories
Goody’s bibliography is a treasure trove of fantasy comedy, with the Clovenhoof series leading the charge. This eight-book saga follows Jeremy Clovenhoof, a deposed Satan navigating suburban life with devilish charm and 2-for-1 kebab vouchers. Fans praise its sharp dialogue and British black humor, reminiscent of Good Omens but distinctly original. The Oddjobs series, another gem, is a Cthulhu-esque urban fantasy about civil servants battling alien gods in Birmingham. Think Men in Black meets The Office, with a dash of existential despair.
Beyond series, Goody’s standalone novels like A Heart in the Right Place—a horror comedy about a father-son trip gone hilariously awry—showcase her versatility. Her fairy-tale retelling Disenchanted, part of the Sprite Brigade series, reimagines classic characters with modern sass, featuring a heroine dodging her happily-ever-after. Goody’s style is defined by witty banter, slapstick chaos, and themes of finding purpose in absurd situations, making her stories both laugh-out-loud funny and deeply human.
Why Heide Goody Matters
Heide Goody’s impact lies in her ability to make readers laugh while reflecting on life’s absurdities. Her collaboration with Grant has produced a unique brand of fantasy comedy that resonates with fans of Pratchett and Gaiman, yet carves its own niche. By setting fantastical tales in relatable British settings, she bridges the mundane and the magical, earning accolades like an Adrian Mole commission for the character’s 50th birthday. Goody’s indie publishing success via Pigeon Park Press inspires aspiring authors, proving that creativity and control can thrive outside traditional routes.
Her work also fosters a sense of community, with readers connecting over her books’ humor and heart at events like Fantasycon. Goody’s legacy is one of joy, encouraging readers to embrace life’s quirks through her unforgettable characters and clever storytelling.
- Residence: North Warwickshire, England
- Key Works: Clovenhoof, Oddjobs, Disenchanted, A Heart in the Right Place
- Notable Achievement: Commissioned to write an Adrian Mole story
Ready to chuckle at Satan’s suburban antics or cheer for fairy-tale rebels? Snag Clovenhoof and dive into Heide Goody’s hilarious fantasy comedy world!