Picture a storyteller weaving dragons, indigenous heritage, and steampunk flair into unforgettable Young Adult fantasy—meet Moniquill Blackgoose! As an enrolled member of the Seaconke Wampanoag Tribe, Blackgoose crafts vibrant narratives that blend cultural richness with speculative fiction. Her debut novel, To Shape a Dragon’s Breath, launched the acclaimed Nampeshiweisit series, captivating readers with its anti-colonial themes and dragon-filled world.
Beyond her novels, Blackgoose is a passionate advocate for authentic indigenous representation in sci-fi and fantasy. Her work in the steampunk community and her thought-provoking essays make her a unique voice in literature. Let’s dive into the life and legacy of this remarkable author!
The Making of Moniquill Blackgoose
Born into a nerdy family, Moniquill Blackgoose grew up surrounded by fantasy, from renfaires to bedtime stories like The Hobbit. A lineal descendant of Ousamequin Massasoit, she’s deeply rooted in her Seaconke Wampanoag heritage. She began writing science fiction and fantasy at age twelve, inspired by authors like Tamora Pierce and Anne McCaffrey. Before becoming a bestselling author, Blackgoose studied cognitive psychology, worked in a children’s home, and trained as a phlebotomist, all while honing her craft.
Her early involvement in the steampunk community, where she’s an avid costumer, shaped her creative lens. Blackgoose’s essays and blogs on indigenous representation in speculative fiction gained attention, establishing her as a thoughtful advocate for cultural authenticity in storytelling.
Moniquill Blackgoose’s Unforgettable Stories
Blackgoose’s debut novel, To Shape a Dragon’s Breath (2023), introduces the Nampeshiweisit series, a Nordic-inspired, steampunk-adjacent fantasy. The story follows Anequs, a young indigenous woman who bonds with a dragon and attends a colonizer-run academy. With lush world-building and themes of inequality, consent, and social revolution, the novel won the Nebula and Lodestar Awards, earning praise for its fresh take on dragon academia.
Her second novel, To Ride a Rising Storm, continues Anequs’s journey, deepening the series’ exploration of cultural identity and resistance. Blackgoose’s earlier work, Cygenic (2020, published as Monique Poirier), showcases her sci-fi roots. Her steampunk contributions appear in anthologies like Steampunk III: Steampunk Revolution and Steaming Into a Victorian Future, blending Victorian aesthetics with indigenous perspectives.
Blackgoose’s style is character-driven, with witty dialogue and intricate plots that challenge colonial narratives. Her worlds are vibrant, blending magic, dragons, and steampunk technology, while her protagonists—often indigenous and queer—navigate complex social dynamics with intelligence and heart.
Why Moniquill Blackgoose Matters
Moniquill Blackgoose’s impact extends beyond her page-turning stories. By centering indigenous voices in speculative fiction, she challenges stereotypes and offers young readers authentic representation. Her advocacy—through essays, blogs, and Tumblr—guides authors toward respectful portrayals of indigenous characters, reshaping the genre’s landscape. Her Nebula and Lodestar wins signal her growing influence, while her steampunk activism highlights her versatility.
Blackgoose’s stories resonate with readers seeking diverse, thought-provoking fantasy. Her ability to weave cultural heritage with thrilling narratives makes her a trailblazer, inspiring a new generation of writers and fans to embrace their identities in storytelling.
- Born: Enrolled member of the Seaconke Wampanoag Tribe, Rhode Island
- Key Works: To Shape a Dragon’s Breath, To Ride a Rising Storm, Cygenic
- Awards: Nebula Award (2023), Lodestar Award (2023), finalist for Astounding and Locus Awards
- Fun Fact: An avid costumer, Blackgoose shines in the steampunk community!
Snag To Shape a Dragon’s Breath and dive into Moniquill Blackgoose’s spellbinding blend of dragons, culture, and rebellion!