Picture a Chicago storyteller who weaves feminist fairy tales and ghostly postpartum poltergeists into spellbinding novels—meet Julia Fine! With a knack for blending fantasy, gothic vibes, and raw human emotion, Fine has captivated readers with her imaginative worlds. From her award-winning debut to her haunting explorations of motherhood, her stories linger like a dream you can’t shake.
Born in Washington, D.C., Fine’s love for storytelling sparked early, fueled by a passion for reading and writing. Now a Chicago-based author and writing instructor, she’s carved a niche in literary fantasy, earning accolades for her lyrical prose and bold female characters. Let’s dive into the magic of Julia Fine’s life and work!
The Making of Julia Fine
Raised in Washington, D.C., Julia Fine was enchanted by books from a young age, a passion that led her to Columbia College Chicago, where she earned her MFA. Mentored by literary luminaries like Audrey Niffenegger, Fine honed her craft, blending feminist theory with fairy-tale elements. Her academic journey didn’t stop there—she now teaches writing at DePaul University, inspiring the next generation while crafting her own stories.
Fine’s early career was shaped by her love for Chicago’s vibrant literary scene. After becoming a mother, she wove personal experiences into her work, exploring themes of isolation, legacy, and resilience. Her ability to balance teaching, motherhood, and writing speaks to her dedication, making her a relatable figure for aspiring authors.
Julia Fine’s Unforgettable Stories
Fine burst onto the scene with her 2018 debut, What Should Be Wild, a gothic fairy tale about Maisie Cothay, a girl cursed to kill or resurrect with a touch. Shortlisted for the Bram Stoker Award for Superior First Novel, it’s a lyrical blend of myth and feminism, praised for its bold female characters and haunting forest setting.
In 2021, The Upstairs House won the Chicago Review of Books Award for Fiction. This postpartum poltergeist story follows a new mother haunted by the ghost of children’s author Margaret Wise Brown. Fine’s exploration of motherhood’s psychological toll, wrapped in supernatural intrigue, earned rave reviews for its raw honesty and surreal imagery.
Her 2023 novel, Maddalena and the Dark, transports readers to 1717 Venice, where two girls at a music school navigate ambition and dangerous secrets. This gothic historical fantasy showcases Fine’s evolving style—rich, immersive, and emotionally complex. Writing as Margaux Eliot, Fine’s upcoming 2025 novel, Honeymoon Phase, promises more of her signature blend of intrigue and heart.
Fine’s style is a tapestry of lyrical prose, feminist themes, and gothic atmosphere. Her stories pulse with strong female protagonists who defy societal constraints, making her work both timeless and urgently relevant.
Why Julia Fine Matters
Julia Fine’s impact lies in her ability to reimagine fairy tales and historical settings through a feminist lens, giving voice to women’s struggles and strengths. Her exploration of motherhood, identity, and inherited trauma resonates deeply, particularly with readers navigating personal transitions. By blending fantasy with real-world issues, she creates stories that are both escapist and profoundly relatable.
Fine’s influence extends beyond her novels. As a teacher, she nurtures emerging writers, and her Chicago roots tie her to a thriving literary community. Her work, lauded by critics and readers alike, continues to shape the landscape of literary fantasy, proving that small stories can cast a mighty spell.
- Born: Washington, D.C.
- Key Works: What Should Be Wild (2018), The Upstairs House (2021), Maddalena and the Dark (2023)
- Awards: Chicago Review of Books Award for Fiction (2021), Bram Stoker Award nominee (2018)
- Fun Fact: Fine’s fascination with Margaret Wise Brown inspired The Upstairs House.
Ready to fall under Julia Fine’s spell? Snag What Should Be Wild or The Upstairs House and dive into her haunting, feminist fantasies today!