Picture a Kentucky storyteller who spun a whimsical tale of wishes and found family, enchanting readers worldwide—meet Meg Shaffer! Bursting onto the literary scene in 2023 with her debut novel, The Wishing Game, Shaffer crafts heartwarming stories that blend magical realism, nostalgia, and the transformative power of books. A self-proclaimed introvert with a passion for Star Trek fan fiction and classic films, she’s a creative force whose work resonates with dreamers of all ages.
Shaffer’s stories aren’t just page-turners; they’re love letters to the books that shaped her childhood, like A Wrinkle in Time and The Phantom Tollbooth. Her ability to weave philosophy, adventure, and heartfelt relationships has earned her a spot among USA Today bestselling authors, with translations in 21 languages. Let’s dive into the world of Meg Shaffer and discover what makes her stories so unforgettable.
The Making of Meg Shaffer
Born and raised in the United States, Meg Shaffer found solace in books during her formative years, a passion that would later define her career. Inspired by childhood favorites like The Westing Game and Gene Wilder’s Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory, she developed a love for stories that blend whimsy with deeper truths. Shaffer pursued an MFA in TV and Screenwriting at Stephens College, Missouri, honing her storytelling craft while teaching creative writing part-time.
When she’s not writing, Shaffer indulges in Hitchcock films and Star Trek fan fiction, a nod to her playful, imaginative spirit. Her journey to publishing was anything but conventional—before The Wishing Game, she wrote under the pen name Tiffany Reisz, penning romance and women’s fiction. This rich, varied background infuses her work with a unique blend of emotional depth and creative flair.
Meg Shaffer’s Unforgettable Stories
Shaffer’s debut, The Wishing Game (2023), is a whimsical tale of a teacher’s aide, Lucy Hart, who competes for a rare book to secure a future for an orphaned student. Described as “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory for book lovers,” it’s a nostalgic ode to the power of childhood stories, earning accolades from Reader’s Digest and the Washington Post as a Best Book of the Year. Its clever puzzles, found-family themes, and magical realism captivated readers, making it a Book of the Month finalist.
In 2024, Shaffer followed up with The Lost Story, a fairy tale for grown-ups inspired by C.S. Lewis’s The Chronicles of Narnia. This enchanting novel follows two friends who mysteriously reappear after vanishing in a West Virginia state park, blending LGBTQ+ romance with fantasy. Shaffer’s style—rich with imagination, hope, and emotional resonance—shines through, earning starred reviews from Publishers Weekly and Library Journal.
Her writing is a delicate balance of light and dark, weaving serious themes like foster care and trauma with playful riddles and heartwarming resolutions. Shaffer’s stories remind readers that books can be a refuge, a spark for courage, and a catalyst for change, appealing to both adults and the inner child within.
Why Meg Shaffer Matters
Meg Shaffer’s impact lies in her ability to craft stories that heal and inspire. Her focus on found family and the redemptive power of storytelling resonates deeply in a world craving connection. By addressing heavy topics with hope and humor, she invites readers to confront their fears and embrace their dreams. Her work has sparked discussions about the role of books in shaping identity, earning praise from authors like Jodi Picoult and V.E. Schwab.
Shaffer’s global reach, with translations in 21 languages, underscores her universal appeal. Her novels remind us that stories aren’t just entertainment—they’re lifelines, especially for those navigating life’s challenges. As a relatively new voice, Shaffer’s legacy is still unfolding, but her influence on contemporary fiction is undeniable.
- Birthplace: United States
- Key Works: The Wishing Game (2023), The Lost Story (2024)
- Education: MFA in TV and Screenwriting, Stephens College
- Fun Fact: She writes Star Trek fan fiction in her spare time!
Ready to escape into a world of wishes and wonder? Snag The Wishing Game or The Lost Story and dive into Meg Shaffer’s magical storytelling!