Picture a storyteller who spun tales of dragons and ancient Persia, captivating young readers with her vivid imagination—meet Susan Fletcher! Born in 1951, this American author has enchanted audiences with her speculative fiction, particularly the beloved Dragon Chronicles series. From her home in Wilsonville, Oregon, Fletcher weaves stories that blend fantasy, history, and heartfelt themes, inviting readers into worlds where courage and wonder reign.
With a knack for crafting strong heroines and immersive settings, Fletcher’s work, including award-winning novels like Shadow Spinner and Walk Across the Sea, resonates with young adults and children. Her Welsh heritage and diverse experiences infuse her storytelling with a unique flavor, making her a standout in children’s literature. Let’s dive into her journey and discover why her stories continue to soar!
The Making of Susan Fletcher
Born in Pasadena, California, Susan Fletcher’s love for storytelling bloomed early. Inspired by her maiden name, Clemens—linked to Mark Twain’s daughter Susan—she dreamed of becoming a writer in third grade. After moving to Ohio and back to California, she honed her craft as fiction editor of her high school’s literary magazine. Fletcher earned a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and a master’s from the University of Michigan. Her early career in advertising and magazine writing sharpened her skills, but motherhood in Portland, Oregon, steered her toward children’s books. Her debut, The Haunting Possibility (1988), marked the start of a prolific journey.
Susan Fletcher’s Unforgettable Stories
Fletcher’s Dragon Chronicles series, spanning 1989 to 2010, is her crowning achievement. The series begins with Dragon’s Milk, where Kaeldra, a green-eyed dragonsayer, embarks on a perilous quest to save her foster sister with dragon milk. Flight of the Dragon Kyn follows Kara, summoned to call dragons for a king, while Sign of the Dove features Lyf, a frail heroine saving baby dragons. Ancient, Strange, and Lovely, set in a futuristic world, introduces Bryn, who protects a dragon hatchling. Fletcher’s dragons, inspired by Peter Dickinson’s biology, feel vividly real, blending majesty with personality.
Beyond dragons, Fletcher’s versatility shines in Shadow Spinner (1998), a reimagining of Shahrazad’s Arabian Nights, where Marjan navigates palace intrigues. Walk Across the Sea (2001) tackles anti-Chinese bigotry in 19th-century California, showcasing Fletcher’s knack for historical fiction. Her lyrical prose, strong female leads, and themes of courage and identity resonate across genres, earning her a Golden Kite Honor and ALA Notable Books recognition.
Why Susan Fletcher Matters
Susan Fletcher’s impact lies in her ability to craft stories that empower young readers. Her heroines—Kaeldra, Marjan, Lyf—defy stereotypes, showing that courage comes in many forms. By blending fantasy with real-world issues like prejudice and environmental concerns, she sparks meaningful conversations. Translated into nine languages, her books have reached global audiences, inspiring a love for reading and storytelling. Fletcher’s dedication to research, from pottery lessons for Dragon’s Milk to gliding for Flight of the Dragon Kyn, ensures authenticity, making her worlds immersive and relatable.
Her upcoming novel, Sea Change (June 2025), a YA sci-fi love story, proves her storytelling remains vibrant. Fletcher’s legacy endures through her influence on young adult and children’s literature, encouraging readers to embrace their inner strength and imagination.
- Birth Date: May 28, 1951
- Key Works: Dragon Chronicles, Shadow Spinner, Walk Across the Sea
- Awards: Golden Kite Honor, ALA Notable Books
- Fun Fact: Fletcher taught in the MFA in Writing for Children program at Vermont College of Fine Arts.
Ready to soar with dragons or unravel Persian tales? Snag Dragon’s Milk or Shadow Spinner and dive into Susan Fletcher’s enchanting worlds!