Picture a Pacific Northwest storyteller who conjured a fast-food fry cook into a necromancer with a knack for snark—meet Lish McBride! This Seattle-based author has carved a niche in young adult fiction with her darkly comic tales that blend supernatural chills with relatable coming-of-age vibes. Her debut, Hold Me Closer, Necromancer, hooked readers with its quirky humor and heart, earning accolades and a loyal fanbase. Let’s dive into the world of Lish McBride, where werewolves, witches, and witty banter reign supreme!
The Making of Lish McBride
Born and raised in the rainy Pacific Northwest, Lish McBride grew up just outside Seattle, soaking in the region’s moody landscapes and vibrant culture. Her love for storytelling led her to a BFA in creative writing from Seattle University, followed by an MFA in fiction from the University of New Orleans, where she weathered hurricanes and honed her craft. After returning to Seattle, McBride worked as a bookseller and event host at Third Place Books, a thriving indie bookstore, immersing herself in the literary community that would shape her career.
Lish McBride’s Unforgettable Stories
McBride’s debut, Hold Me Closer, Necromancer (2010), follows Sam, a slacker who discovers he’s a necromancer after a fast-food prank goes awry. Packed with sarcastic humor, creepy supernatural elements, and a Seattle setting, it won the Scandiuzzi Children’s Book Award and was a finalist for the William C. Morris YA Debut Award. Its sequel, Necromancing the Stone (2012), continues Sam’s adventures with more wit and werewolf drama. McBride’s Firebug series, starting with Firebug (2014) and followed by Pyromantic, introduces Ava, a fiery assassin with a penchant for snark, set in a world of magical mafias and were-hares. Her recent work, Curses (2021), reimagines Beauty and the Beast with flying badgers and her signature blend of humor and heart. McBride’s style—think Mad Magazine meets Twilight—mixes horror, romance, and laugh-out-loud dialogue, making her stories both thrilling and relatable.
Her short stories, published in outlets like Tor.com and anthologies such as Cornered and Kisses & Curses, showcase her versatility, often exploring quirky characters and supernatural twists. Whether writing for teens or adults, as in her fantasy romance series starting with A Little Too Familiar, McBride crafts vivid worlds where underdogs shine and found families steal the show.
Why Lish McBride Matters
Lish McBride’s impact lies in her ability to make the supernatural feel human. Her stories resonate with teens navigating identity and belonging, wrapped in a package of humor and horror that’s uniquely her own. By blending Pacific Northwest grit with New Orleans flair, she’s created a distinctive voice in YA fiction, earning praise for her authentic characters and innovative world-building. As a former bookseller and current writing instructor at Seattle’s Hugo House, McBride inspires aspiring writers, proving that weird, wonderful stories have a place in literature.
- Born: Pacific Northwest, exact date unavailable
- Key Works: Hold Me Closer, Necromancer, Necromancing the Stone, Firebug, Curses
- Awards: Scandiuzzi Children’s Book Award, ALA Best Book for Young Adults, Morris Award finalist
- Fun Fact: She dreams of owning a castle!
Snag Hold Me Closer, Necromancer and dive into Lish McBride’s wickedly funny world of magic and mayhem!