Picture an American storyteller who weaves the eerie and the heartfelt into paranormal tales for young adults—meet Leah Clifford! With a knack for crafting dark, supernatural worlds, Clifford has captivated readers with her unique blend of creepy vibes and complex characters. From her debut novel to her thrilling series, her stories explore the murky edges of life, death, and everything in between.
Born and raised outside Cleveland, Ohio, Clifford’s journey to authorship is as eclectic as her tales. Before penning her eleven published works, she tackled jobs that sound like they belong in a novel themselves—extreme cave tour guide, flight attendant, and even pizza delivery girl. These experiences infuse her writing with a vivid, lived-in quality that makes her worlds leap off the page.
The Making of Leah Clifford
Growing up in Ohio, Clifford was drawn to the weird and creepy, a passion that later inspired her oddity shop, Petite Grotesque. Her diverse career path—from navigating dark caves to serving in-flight snacks—gave her a treasure trove of perspectives. These roles honed her ability to observe human nature, a skill she channels into her morally complex characters. Writing became her calling after years of storytelling, with her first book, A Touch Mortal, launching her into the young adult paranormal scene in 2011.
Leah Clifford’s Unforgettable Stories
Clifford’s debut, A Touch Mortal, kicks off the Touch Trilogy, introducing Eden, a teen grappling with a supernatural existence after a fateful romance. The novel’s fresh take on angels and death, paired with its dark, gothic atmosphere, earned praise for its original ‘slider’ characters and eerie world-building. A Touch Morbid and A Touch Menacing continue Eden’s journey, diving deeper into themes of identity and sacrifice.
Beyond the trilogy, Clifford’s Vial Things launched the Resurrectionist series, a thrilling tale of a teenage resurrectionist named Allie, caught in a web of secrets and danger. Written in dual perspectives, the book’s fast-paced plot and morbid charm make it a standout. Clifford’s style shines through her vivid settings—think gritty, shadowy streets—and characters who wrestle with tough choices, blending paranormal thrills with real-world emotions.
Her love for poetry also peppers her work, with characters in A Touch Mortal trading poetic quotes, adding a layer of intellectual spark. Clifford’s ability to craft strong, independent protagonists like Eden, who balance vulnerability and grit, has resonated with readers seeking more than typical YA romance.
Why Leah Clifford Matters
Leah Clifford’s impact lies in her ability to carve a niche in young adult paranormal fiction, offering stories that feel both otherworldly and deeply human. Her focus on morally gray characters and unconventional supernatural elements challenges the genre’s norms, appealing to readers who crave depth and darkness. Through her oddity shop and social media, she connects with fans, fostering a community around her creepy aesthetic.
While not a household name, Clifford’s dedicated fanbase and eleven works showcase her staying power. Her influence extends to aspiring writers, proving you can blend eclectic life experiences into compelling fiction. As she teases a spin-off to the Vial Things series, her legacy in YA literature continues to grow.
- Born: Outside Cleveland, Ohio
- Key Works: A Touch Mortal (2011), Vial Things (2016), Something Grave (2021)
- Fun Fact: Runs Petite Grotesque, an oddity shop for all things weird
Ready to dive into a world of dark magic and tough choices? Snag A Touch Mortal or Vial Things and let Leah Clifford’s paranormal tales sweep you away!