Picture an American storyteller who turned a quirky teen diary into a global sensation—meet Meg Cabot! Born in 1967 in Bloomington, Indiana, this #1 New York Times bestselling author has penned over 50 novels, selling 25 million copies worldwide. Best known for The Princess Diaries, Cabot’s witty, relatable tales have charmed readers in 38 countries and inspired hit Disney films.
With a knack for blending humor, heart, and coming-of-age struggles, Cabot’s stories resonate with teens and adults alike. From her early days as a struggling illustrator to becoming a literary icon, her journey is as inspiring as her books. Let’s dive into the world of Meg Cabot!
The Making of Meg Cabot
Meggin Patricia Cabot grew up in Bloomington, Indiana, during the Chinese Year of the Fire Horse—a sign she jokingly calls unlucky. An avid reader of sci-fi and comics, she never planned to be a writer. After flunking algebra and dreaming of veterinary school, Cabot earned a B.A. in studio arts from Indiana University. She moved to New York City in 1991, aiming to become an illustrator, but faced setbacks, including a sanitation strike and a failed art career.
Working as an assistant dorm manager at NYU for a decade, Cabot found solace in writing. Her mother’s real-life romance with her high school art teacher inspired The Princess Diaries, and after years of rejection, her persistence paid off. In 1998, her first historical romance, Where Roses Grow Wild, was published under the pseudonym Patricia Cabot, marking the start of her prolific career.
Meg Cabot’s Unforgettable Stories
Cabot’s writing is a delightful mix of humor, romance, and relatable teenage angst, often told through diary entries or emails. Her flagship series, The Princess Diaries, debuted in 2000 and follows Mia Thermopolis, a New York teen who discovers she’s the heir to the fictional Genovian throne. The series’ witty, epistolary style and pop culture references captivated readers, spending 48 weeks on the New York Times Children’s Best Sellers List.
Beyond The Princess Diaries, Cabot’s versatility shines in other works. The Mediator series blends paranormal thrills with romance, following a teen who communicates with ghosts. All-American Girl explores a teen saving the president, while Avalon High reimagines Arthurian legend in a modern high school. Her adult series, like Heather Wells mysteries, showcase her knack for quirky, lovable heroines.
Cabot’s style—sassy, heartfelt, and packed with cultural nods—makes her stories timeless. Her ability to capture the awkwardness of adolescence while weaving empowering themes like self-discovery and resilience has earned her a loyal fanbase.
Why Meg Cabot Matters
Meg Cabot’s impact extends far beyond book sales. The Princess Diaries inspired two Disney films starring Anne Hathaway and Julie Andrews, boosting her global reach and introducing Mia Thermopolis to new audiences. Her books, translated into 38 languages, have empowered young readers, especially girls, to embrace their flaws and face challenges with courage. Critics like Sarah Rothschild praise Cabot for crafting strong, positive princess role models.
Cabot’s charitable efforts also shine. Proceeds from Project Princess support the Lower Eastside Girls Club, and Ransom My Heart benefits Greenpeace. With over 25 million copies sold and awards like the American Library Association Quick Pick, Cabot’s legacy as a trailblazer in young adult fiction is undeniable.
About Meg Cabot
- Born: February 1, 1967, in Bloomington, Indiana
- Key Works: The Princess Diaries, The Mediator, All-American Girl, Avalon High
- Awards: New York Public Library Books for the Teen Age, Evergreen Young Adult Book Award
- Fun Fact: Married poet Benjamin Egnatz on April Fool’s Day, 1993!
Snag The Princess Diaries and dive into Meg Cabot’s hilarious, heartfelt world of royal adventures and teenage dreams!