Picture an American storyteller who spun the tale of Rapunzel’s witch into a magical, medieval epic—meet Mary McMyne! A bestselling historical fantasy novelist, McMyne has enchanted readers with her ability to reimagine classic folktales through the eyes of powerful women. Her debut, The Book of Gothel, took the literary world by storm in 2022, blending folklore with rich historical detail.
With a poet’s heart and a professor’s wisdom, McMyne crafts stories that feel both timeless and fresh. Her work dives deep into the stories behind stories, unearthing the voices of women often left in the shadows. Let’s explore the journey of this captivating author whose pen breathes new life into fairy tales.
The Making of Mary McMyne
Born in south Louisiana, Mary McMyne grew up enchanted by bedtime stories of Snow White, Cinderella, and Red Riding Hood. These tales sparked her love for storytelling, but as she matured, she questioned their passive heroines. Why did princes always save the day? This curiosity shaped her career. After earning a bachelor’s and master’s in creative writing from Louisiana State University and an MFA from New York University, McMyne honed her craft, blending poetry, fiction, and folklore. Her early works, including essays and poems, appeared in journals like Gulf Coast and Strange Horizons, setting the stage for her novelistic leap.
McMyne’s academic path led her to Lake Superior State University, where she taught creative writing from 2011 to 2021. Her time in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, surrounded by forests and lakes, fueled her fascination with myths and history. A grant from the Sustainable Arts Foundation even took her to Germany to research medieval settings, enriching her storytelling with authentic detail.
Mary McMyne’s Unforgettable Stories
McMyne’s debut novel, The Book of Gothel (2022), reimagines the Rapunzel tale from the witch’s perspective. Set in medieval Germany, it follows Haelewise, a young woman with strange black eyes, navigating love, loss, and magic. Critics praised its “sprawling epic” scope and “luscious origin story,” earning it a spot on Booklist’s Top Ten SF/Fantasy Debuts. McMyne’s poetic prose and historical research shine, grounding the fantastical in real-world grit.
Her follow-up, A Rose by Any Other Name (2024), tackles Shakespeare’s mysterious Dark Lady. This speculative historical novel weaves a “captivating imagining” of a woman’s untold story, blending romance, intrigue, and feminist fire. Publishers Weekly called it a “fascinating fictional exposé.” McMyne’s earlier poetry chapbook, Wolf Skin (2014), won the Elgin Chapbook Award, showcasing her lyrical talent in fairy-tale-inspired verse. Her short fiction, like “Primrose” in Apex Magazine, further highlights her knack for dark, fabulist tales.
McMyne’s style is a tapestry of magical realism, feminist retellings, and historical depth. She explores themes of female agency, folklore’s hidden truths, and the power of storytelling itself. Her work challenges readers to see familiar tales through new eyes, making the past feel alive and urgent.
Why Mary McMyne Matters
Mary McMyne’s impact lies in her ability to resurrect forgotten voices. By centering women in her retellings, she flips the script on traditional fairy tales, empowering readers to question narratives they’ve long accepted. Her novels resonate with fans of authors like Madeline Miller and Naomi Novik, blending myth with emotional truth. As poetry editor for Enchanted Living, McMyne also nurtures new voices, fostering a community of dreamers and storytellers.
Her awards, including the Faulkner-Wisdom Prize for a Novel-in-Progress and a National Endowment for the Arts fellowship, underscore her literary prowess. McMyne’s stories don’t just entertain—they inspire readers to dig deeper into history, folklore, and their own stories, making her a vital voice in historical fantasy.
- Birthplace: South Louisiana
- Key Works: The Book of Gothel (2022), A Rose by Any Other Name (2024), Wolf Skin (2014)
- Awards: Elgin Chapbook Award, Faulkner-Wisdom Prize, Sustainable Arts Foundation Grant
Snag The Book of Gothel and dive into Mary McMyne’s spellbinding world of historical fantasy! Her stories will leave you enchanted, curious, and ready to rewrite the tales you thought you knew.