Picture a Chicago physician who traded stethoscopes for spellbinding stories—meet Rita Woods! A master of blending historical fiction, fantasy, and magical realism, Woods captivated readers with her debut novel, Remembrance. Her tales weave resilience, magic, and the Black female experience, proving that a doctor’s precision can craft literary magic.
Born in Detroit, Woods’s journey from medicine to authorship is as enchanting as her prose. With a knack for storytelling that rivals her medical expertise, she’s a rising star whose multi-generational sagas leave readers spellbound.
The Making of Rita Woods
Rita Woods grew up in Detroit, Michigan, where Catholic school days sparked her love for storytelling. Her educator parents steered her toward a “real job,” leading her to earn a BS in Microbiology from Purdue University, followed by medical school at Howard University and residency at Creighton University. Now a Medical Director at a wellness center in suburban Chicago, Woods balances healing bodies with crafting stories. Her lifelong passion for fantasy, history, and magic—fueled by childhood favorites like Tuck Everlasting and Toni Morrison’s works—set the stage for her literary leap.
Rita Woods’s Unforgettable Stories
Woods’s debut, Remembrance (2020), is a tour de force of historical fiction and magical realism. Set across centuries, it follows four Black women—Mother Abigail, Margot, Winter, and Gaelle—whose supernatural gifts intertwine in a hidden Underground Railroad sanctuary. Praised by NPR as “ambitious and absorbing,” it won the 2020 African American Literature Award for Historical Fiction and the 2021 Hurston/Wright Legacy Award for Debut Fiction. Woods’s vivid settings and unflinching look at slavery’s horrors make it a must-read.
Her follow-up, The Last Dreamwalker (2022), dives deeper into dreamscapes, earning the 2023 Chicago Book of the Year title. The Edge of Yesterday (2023) continues her genre-blending magic, exploring time and resilience. Woods’s style—rich with sensory details and inspired by authors like Gloria Naylor and Marlon James—creates worlds where magic feels tangible, and characters’ struggles resonate across time.
Her narratives refuse to be boxed in, blending fantasy, Black literature, and women’s fiction. This genre-defying approach initially stumped publishers, but Woods’s perseverance paid off, cementing her as a bold voice in literary fiction.
Why Rita Woods Matters
Rita Woods’s work redefines historical fiction by infusing it with magical realism and unflinching honesty about slavery and resilience. Her stories amplify Black women’s voices, offering fresh perspectives on survival and power. As a physician-author, she bridges science and art, inspiring readers and writers to embrace multifaceted identities. Twice named one of Chicago’s Top 50 Artists, Woods’s impact is undeniable, resonating with fans of Octavia Butler and Yaa Gyasi.
Her mentorship with organizations like Cinnamon Girls, which encourages creative writing among high school girls of color, and her role as a library board trustee highlight her commitment to community and storytelling. Woods’s legacy is one of courage, creativity, and connection.
- Born: Detroit, Michigan
- Key Works: Remembrance (2020), The Last Dreamwalker (2022), The Edge of Yesterday (2023)
- Awards: 2020 African American Literature Award, 2021 Hurston/Wright Legacy Award, 2023 Chicago Book of the Year
- Fun Fact: She’s a self-professed coffee lover and owns a houseful of cats!
Snag Remembrance and dive into Rita Woods’s mesmerizing blend of history and magic! Her stories will linger long after the final page.