Picture a New England storyteller who conjured magic for young adults with tales of witchcraft and friendship—meet Isobel Bird! This pen name hides the prolific Michael Thomas Ford, a writer whose passion for paganism and storytelling birthed the beloved Circle of Three series. With a knack for blending teenage drama with Wiccan wisdom, Bird’s work invites readers into a world where self-discovery sparkles under the moonlight.
Behind the pseudonym, Ford’s deep roots in the pagan community and his love for authentic narratives set Bird apart. From the early 2000s, this series captured the hearts of teens navigating high school and spirituality, making Isobel Bird a quiet but enchanting force in young adult fiction.
The Making of Isobel Bird
Michael Thomas Ford, born in 1969, grew up with a curiosity for the mystical. Raised Jewish, he discovered Wicca in college, diving into paganism with a seriousness that shaped his writing. Ford’s early career included nonfiction works on spirituality and gay issues, but as Isobel Bird, he found a new voice. Inspired by his friend, author Isabelle Holland, and a love for whimsical names, he chose ‘Isobel Bird’ to craft fiction that felt true to Wiccan life, distinct from his adult-oriented works.
Writing as Bird, Ford aimed to fill a gap in young adult literature. At a time when witchcraft-themed books leaned heavily on fantasy, he wanted stories grounded in real Wiccan practices—rituals, ethics, and all. This vision launched his journey into the Circle of Three series, a 15-book saga that became his creative playground.
Isobel Bird’s Unforgettable Stories
The Circle of Three series, spanning 2001 to 2002, follows three teenage girls—Kate, Annie, and Cooper—who form an unlikely bond over witchcraft. In the first book, So Mote It Be, Kate’s playful love spell goes awry, sparking a journey of friendship and magical mishaps. The series weaves Wiccan rituals, like quarter calls and meditations, into high school drama, offering readers a grounded take on magic.
Other standout titles include Merry Meet, where the trio deepens their Wiccan studies, and Initiation, the heartfelt finale of their year-and-a-day journey. Bird’s style is approachable yet rich, blending coming-of-age themes with spiritual exploration. Unlike flashier fantasy series, her books focus on energy-based magic and ethical dilemmas, reflecting Ford’s deep knowledge of paganism. A short story, Ever After, in the 2007 anthology 666: The Number of the Beast, showcases Bird’s darker, horror-tinged side.
What makes Bird’s work shine is its authenticity. Each book introduces Wiccan concepts—like the Wheel of the Year or spell ethics—while tackling teen struggles like grief, identity, and friendship. Fans praise the series for its relatable characters and rituals that some even tried themselves, often with surprising results!
Why Isobel Bird Matters
Isobel Bird’s Circle of Three series carved a unique niche in young adult fiction, offering a realistic portrayal of Wicca at a time when pop culture often sensationalized it. By centering diverse characters, including early LGBT representation, Ford broke ground in YA literature, making the series a cult favorite among bookish teens. Its blend of spirituality and self-discovery resonates with readers seeking more than just escapist fantasy.
Though the series is out of print, its eBook editions and used copies keep Bird’s magic alive. Ford’s choice to write as Bird allowed him to explore new creative territory, and his fans—some now adults—still cherish the series for its nostalgia and wisdom. Isobel Bird remains a testament to the power of stories that honor both the mundane and the mystical.
- Born: 1969
- Key Works: So Mote It Be, Merry Meet, Initiation, Ever After
- Fun Fact: The name ‘Isobel Bird’ honors Ford’s mentor, Isabelle Holland.
Snag So Mote It Be and dive into Isobel Bird’s enchanting blend of Wicca and teenage triumphs!