Picture a Pennsylvania mom of five spinning tales of dragons and romance while chasing cats off counters—meet Quenby Olson! A bestselling author who defies genres, Olson crafts cozy fantasy, historical romance, and spine-chilling horror with a wit and warmth that captivates readers worldwide.
From her debut novel in 2013 to her beloved Miss Percy series, Olson’s stories blend rich prose with unforgettable characters, all born from a life balancing homeschooling, classical ballet, and late-night Doctor Who marathons. Her journey from small-town dreamer to literary star is as enchanting as her books.
The Making of Quenby Olson
Born and raised in rural Central Pennsylvania, Quenby Olson grew up surrounded by dirt roads, deer, and the quiet hum of a small-town life. Homeschooled and immersed in books, she devoured fantasy giants like Ursula Le Guin and Diana Wynne Jones, while her love for classical ballet shaped her early years. Though she trained as a dancer, bad knees led her to teach instead, and her twenties sparked a new passion: writing. It wasn’t until marriage and motherhood—five kids in quick succession—that Olson’s writing career took flight, proving chaos can fuel creativity.
Quenby Olson’s Unforgettable Stories
Olson’s bibliography is a genre-hopping adventure, with over 18 works spanning fantasy, romance, horror, and more. Her breakout hit, Miss Percy’s Pocket Guide to the Care and Feeding of British Dragons (2021), follows spinster Mildred Percy, who inherits a dragon’s egg and embarks on a whimsical journey. This cozy fantasy series, including Miss Percy’s Travel Guide (2022) and Miss Percy’s Definitive Guide (2024), blends Regency-era charm with mythical creatures, earning praise for its humor and heart.
In historical romance, The Firstborn (2017) weaves love and societal tension in a Regency setting, while The Half Killed (2015), part of the Sundered Veil series, dives into historical fantasy-horror with eerie prose and Victorian intrigue. Olson’s strength lies in her versatility—her prose is lush yet accessible, her characters complex yet relatable, drawing readers into worlds where dragons soar and hearts race.
Her writing process, once fueled by late-night music and shorthand, now thrives in the quiet pockets of a busy mom’s day. Olson’s ability to outline intricate plots while juggling family life mirrors the resilience of her heroines, making her stories resonate with readers who crave adventure and authenticity.
Why Quenby Olson Matters
Quenby Olson’s impact lies in her ability to make the fantastical feel intimate. Her stories champion overlooked voices—spinsters, dreamers, and rebels—while blending genres in ways that defy convention. With over 28,000 Goodreads ratings and a loyal following, she’s carved a niche in cozy fantasy and historical fiction, inspiring readers to find magic in the everyday. Her work as a homeschooling mom turned bestselling author also proves that creativity can thrive amid life’s chaos, making her a beacon for aspiring writers.
- Born: Central Pennsylvania
- Key Works: Miss Percy series, The Half Killed, The Firstborn
- Genres: Cozy fantasy, historical romance, fantasy-horror
- Fun Fact: A classical ballet enthusiast and avid crocheter
Ready to tumble into a world of dragons and romance? Snag Miss Percy’s Pocket Guide and dive into Quenby Olson’s cozy, captivating universe!