Picture a storyteller who spun vampire tales with heart, wit, and a touch of rebellion—meet Susan Hubbard! This American author and Professor Emerita of English at the University of Central Florida has captivated readers with her intelligent young adult and literary fiction. Best known for her Ethical Vampire series, starting with The Society of S, Hubbard blends coming-of-age narratives with sharp social commentary, proving vampires can be more than just creatures of the night.
Born in upstate New York, Hubbard’s love for storytelling bloomed early, fueled by a childhood spent devouring books. Her unique ability to weave satire, ethics, and identity into genre fiction has earned her critical acclaim, including prestigious awards and a global readership. Let’s dive into the world of Susan Hubbard, where vampires ponder morality and stories linger like a haunting melody.
The Making of Susan Hubbard
Born on September 6, 1951, in Syracuse, New York, Susan Hubbard grew up with a passion for reading that saw her breeze through library shelves by age twelve. By seven, she was crafting neighborhood newspapers, and by ten, she’d penned her first (admittedly rough) novel. Encouraged by teachers, she honed her craft at Syracuse University, earning a B.A. and M.A. Her early career blended teaching and writing, with stints at Cornell and Syracuse, where her engaging style earned her teaching awards. These experiences shaped her ability to connect with readers and students alike, setting the stage for her literary journey.
Susan Hubbard’s Unforgettable Stories
Hubbard’s bibliography sparkles with diversity, from satirical novels to her genre-defying Ethical Vampire series. Her debut short story collection, Walking on Ice, snagged the Associated Writing Programs Short Fiction Prize, showcasing her knack for concise, evocative prose. Blue Money, another short story collection, won the Janet Heidinger Kafka Prize for best prose book by an American woman, cementing her literary prowess.
The Ethical Vampire series, beginning with The Society of S (2007), redefined vampire fiction. Following Ariella Montero, a half-human, half-vampire teen searching for her missing mother, the novel blends a coming-of-age tale with supernatural intrigue. Critics, including NPR, praised its “elusive, complex, poetic” style. Sequels The Year of Disappearances (2008) and The Season of Risks (2010) deepen Ari’s journey, tackling themes of identity, morality, and societal parallels to American and British politics. Hubbard’s satirical Lisa Maria series, starting with Lisa Maria’s Guide for the Perplexed (2004), offers sharp, humorous takes on modern life, proving her versatility. Her short stories, published in journals like Ploughshares and TriQuarterly, have reached over fifteen countries, showcasing her global appeal.
Why Susan Hubbard Matters
Susan Hubbard’s impact lies in her ability to elevate genre fiction into thought-provoking art. By infusing vampire narratives with ethical dilemmas and social commentary, she challenges readers to rethink stereotypes and explore deeper truths. Her work resonates with young adults and literary enthusiasts alike, offering both thrilling escapism and intellectual depth. As a professor, she’s shaped countless writers, earning accolades like the University of Central Florida’s Distinguished Researcher Award. Her editorial work, including co-editing 100% Pure Florida Fiction, highlights her commitment to regional storytelling. Hubbard’s stories, translated into multiple languages, continue to inspire a global audience.
- Birth Date: September 6, 1951
- Key Works: The Society of S, Blue Money, Lisa Maria’s Guide for the Perplexed
- Awards: Janet Heidinger Kafka Prize, AWP Short Fiction Prize
- Fun Fact: Hubbard was a visiting artist at Ireland’s Tyrone Guthrie Centre in 2016.
Snag The Society of S and dive into Susan Hubbard’s spellbinding world of ethical vampires and sharp satire!