Picture a Canadian storyteller who turned her childhood dreams of having a twin into a fang-tastic vampire series—meet Sienna Mercer! From her cozy attic in Toronto, surrounded by travel photos and her two cats, Calypso and Angel, Mercer crafted the beloved My Sister the Vampire series, enchanting young readers with tales of sisterhood, identity, and a touch of supernatural fun.
Born and raised in Toronto, Mercer’s imaginative world-building and lighthearted storytelling have made her a cherished name in children’s literature, blending humor, mystery, and heartwarming themes that resonate with tweens and beyond.
The Making of Sienna Mercer
Growing up as an only child in Toronto, Sienna Mercer always longed for a sibling—especially a twin. This yearning became the spark for her creative journey. As a teenager, a rainy day canceled her cheerleading practice, and she began scribbling stories in red leather notebooks. These early writings laid the foundation for her future as an author. Now, she writes in her attic, a space filled with cobwebs and travel mementos, perfect for dreaming up vampire adventures.
Sienna Mercer’s Unforgettable Stories
Mercer’s flagship series, My Sister the Vampire, launched in 2007 with Switched, introducing readers to Olivia Abbott, a peppy cheerleader, and Ivy Vega, her goth vampire twin. The series, spanning 18 books, follows the twins’ adventures in Franklin Grove as they navigate their differences and uncover secrets. With titles like Fangtastic! and Vampalicious!, each standalone story weaves humor, mystery, and themes of belonging, making them perfect for grades 4–8.
Beyond vampires, Mercer explored werewolves in her spin-off series, My Brother the Werewolf, starting with Cry Wolf in 2013. This series follows twins Daniel and Justin, blending paranormal fun with relatable sibling dynamics. Mercer’s writing style is fast-paced, witty, and accessible, with likable characters and comical scenarios that keep readers hooked. Her ability to balance lighthearted plots with deeper themes like identity and family has earned praise from outlets like Publishers Weekly.
The idea for My Sister the Vampire came from a daydream: what if Mercer had a super-cool twin who was a vampire? This spark, combined with her love for cheerleading and travel, shaped her stories’ vibrant settings and quirky characters, making them a hit among young readers.
Why Sienna Mercer Matters
Sienna Mercer’s impact lies in her ability to craft stories that resonate with tweens navigating their own identities. Her books offer a safe space to explore themes of belonging and self-discovery through the lens of supernatural fun. The My Sister the Vampire series has captivated a generation of readers, with its blend of humor and heart inspiring reluctant readers and parents alike. Mercer’s legacy as a Toronto-based author continues to shine, proving that even an only child’s daydreams can spark stories that connect with millions.
- Key Works: Switched (2007), Fangtastic! (2007), Vampalicious! (2008), Cry Wolf (2013)
- Hometown: Toronto, Canada
- Fun Fact: Mercer keeps a scrapbook of her travels to inspire her stories.
Snag Switched and dive into Sienna Mercer’s delightful world of vampires and sisterhood!