Picture an American storyteller who conjures ghosts, salamanders, and gritty Detroit streets with a flick of her pen—meet Laura Bickle, also known as Alayna Williams! This urban fantasy and young adult author weaves tales that blend criminology, mythology, and a touch of the supernatural, captivating readers with her vivid worlds and complex characters. Her Anya Kalinczyk series, set in a haunted Motor City, showcases her knack for merging real-world grit with otherworldly intrigue.
With a background in library science and criminology, Bickle brings a unique lens to her storytelling, crafting narratives that feel both grounded and fantastical. Whether she’s writing as Laura Bickle or her alter ego Alayna Williams, her stories resonate with fans of science fiction, urban fantasy, and young adult literature, earning her a dedicated following and critical acclaim.
The Making of Laura Bickle
Born and raised in rural Ohio, Laura Bickle grew up reading comic books aloud to her Wonder Woman doll, sparking a lifelong love for storytelling. Her academic journey took her to Ohio State University, where she earned an MA in Sociology-Criminology, followed by an MLIS in Library Science from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Before becoming a full-time author, she worked in libraries and criminal justice data systems, experiences that inform the investigative depth of her characters. Her fascination with myths and monsters, paired with her professional background, laid the foundation for her genre-blending career.
Laura Bickle’s Unforgettable Stories
Bickle’s Anya Kalinczyk series is a standout, featuring a Detroit arson investigator who moonlights as a psychic medium called a Lantern. In Embers (2010), Anya battles a supernatural arsonist threatening to burn Detroit to summon an ancient entity, with her salamander familiar, Sparky, stealing scenes with his mischievous charm. The sequel, Sparks (2010), dives into eerie cases of spontaneous human combustion tied to a sinister psychic, showcasing Bickle’s talent for blending noirish urban fantasy with heart-pounding suspense.
Under her pseudonym Alayna Williams, Bickle explores contemporary fantasy with the Oracle series, starting with Dark Oracle (2010). This series follows Tara Sheridan, a criminal profiler with magical abilities, tackling mysteries infused with science and tarot. Bickle’s young adult novels, like The Hallowed Ones (2012), delve into horror and Amish culture, earning spots on the ALA’s Amelia Bloomer Project and Ohio’s Choose to Read lists. Her writing style—gritty, atmospheric, and threaded with mythological undertones—creates immersive worlds where reluctant heroes face high-stakes challenges.
Bickle’s ability to weave real-world issues, like Detroit’s economic struggles, into her supernatural narratives adds depth to her stories. Her characters, often outsiders like Anya, grapple with personal costs of power, making her work resonate with readers who crave emotional complexity alongside thrilling plots.
Why Laura Bickle Matters
Laura Bickle’s impact lies in her ability to carve a niche in urban fantasy and young adult literature with stories that feel fresh yet timeless. Her focus on underrepresented settings, like a decaying Detroit, and her integration of criminology and mythology have inspired readers and writers to explore new facets of speculative fiction. Her work’s inclusion in prestigious reading lists highlights her influence in promoting diverse, thought-provoking narratives.
Bickle’s dual identities as Laura Bickle and Alayna Williams showcase her versatility, appealing to fans across genres. Her stories remind us that even in the darkest corners, there’s magic—and a salamander or two—to light the way.
- Pen Names: Laura Bickle, Alayna Williams
- Key Works: Embers, Sparks, The Hallowed Ones, Dark Oracle
- Awards: Featured on ALA’s Amelia Bloomer Project 2013 and State Library of Ohio’s Choose to Read Ohio 2015-2016
- Hobbies: Astronomy, belly dancing, and caring for semi-reformed feral cats
Snag Embers or Dark Oracle and dive into Laura Bickle’s thrilling blend of urban fantasy and mystery!