Picture a Utah-born storyteller who spun a paranormal tale so captivating it landed on the New York Times Bestseller list—meet Kiersten White! Known for her young adult fiction that blends humor, heart, and a touch of the supernatural, White has enchanted readers with her imaginative worlds and relatable characters. Her breakout novel, Paranormalcy, introduced a sassy heroine and a fresh take on paranormal romance, cementing her as a beloved voice in YA literature.
With a knack for weaving witty dialogue and authentic teen voices, White’s stories resonate with readers of all ages. From vampire-filled adventures to reimagined historical epics, her versatility keeps fans eagerly awaiting each new release. Let’s dive into the life, works, and lasting impact of this literary gem!
The Making of Kiersten White
Born in Utah in the 1980s, Kiersten White grew up surrounded by the stunning landscapes of the Wasatch Mountains, which sparked her vivid imagination. Raised in a Mormon household, she later stepped away from the faith, a journey that shaped her introspective storytelling. White graduated from Brigham Young University in 2004 with a degree in English, initially dreaming of illustrating books—until she realized her drawing skills didn’t match her vision. Instead, she turned to writing, crafting stories inspired by her love of reading and her playful sense of humor.
As a stay-at-home mom, White juggled freelance writing and parenting while penning her debut novel, Paranormalcy. Her determination paid off when the book, published by HarperCollins in 2009, became an instant hit, proving her knack for blending the fantastical with the heartfelt.
Kiersten White’s Unforgettable Stories
White’s bibliography is a treasure trove of genres, from paranormal romance to historical fantasy. Her debut, Paranormalcy (2009), follows Evie, a teen working for the International Paranormal Containment Agency, navigating love and a dark faerie prophecy. Its witty tone and unique premise earned it a spot at #7 on the New York Times Bestseller list and the 2011 Utah Book Award. The trilogy continued with Supernaturally (2011) and Endlessly (2012), delighting fans with Evie’s charm.
Beyond Paranormalcy, White’s And I Darken trilogy reimagines Vlad the Impaler as a fierce female protagonist, blending gritty historical fiction with romance. Her retelling of The Dark Descent of Elizabeth Frankenstein (2018) won the Bram Stoker Award for Young Adult Fiction, showcasing her ability to breathe new life into classics. The Sinister Summer series, aimed at middle-grade readers, offers spooky fun with a humorous twist, proving White’s range across age groups.
White’s style is defined by sharp humor, vibrant characters, and themes of identity and belonging. Whether she’s writing about shape-shifters or Egyptian gods in The Chaos of Stars, her stories balance lighthearted moments with deeper emotional truths, making them endlessly relatable.
Why Kiersten White Matters
Kiersten White’s impact on young adult literature lies in her ability to craft stories that feel both fantastical and grounded. Her heroines, like Evie and Lada Dracul, defy stereotypes, offering readers strong, flawed, and fiercely authentic role models. Her inclusive storytelling, informed by her bisexual identity and diverse casts, resonates with a generation seeking representation.
White’s influence extends beyond bookshelves. The Dark Descent of Elizabeth Frankenstein is in development with Sony Pictures Television, and her works have been translated into over 20 territories. By blending humor with horror and heart, she’s carved a unique niche, inspiring aspiring writers to embrace their own voices.
- About Kiersten White
- Born: 1980s, Utah
- Key Works: Paranormalcy, And I Darken, The Dark Descent of Elizabeth Frankenstein
- Awards: 2018 Bram Stoker Award, 2011 Utah Book Award
- Fun Fact: She lives in San Diego with her family and a tortoise named Kimberly!
Snag Paranormalcy or dive into the epic And I Darken trilogy to experience Kiersten White’s magical blend of humor and heart!