Picture a blue-haired storyteller who brought queer teens and epic space battles to life—meet Tristina Wright! This American author burst onto the young adult sci-fi and fantasy scene with her vibrant, inclusive narratives that blend heart-pounding action with heartfelt themes of identity and love. Known for her debut novel 27 Hours, Wright crafts worlds where diverse characters shine, proving that everyone deserves to be the hero of their own story.
With a knack for weaving science fiction and fantasy, Wright’s stories are a love letter to those who feel like outsiders. Her journey from a self-doubting writer to a trailblazing voice in YA literature is as inspiring as the tales she tells. Let’s dive into the life, works, and impact of this possibly-mermaid author!
The Making of Tristina Wright
Tristina Wright grew up with a passion for science fiction and fantasy, often caught scribbling stories in class instead of taking notes. Her love for speculative fiction was sparked by classics and fueled by a desire to see more diverse characters in the genre. Despite facing harsh criticism from college professors who dismissed sci-fi and fantasy as ‘copout genres’ and told her she’d never succeed, Wright persevered. After an eight-year hiatus from writing, she channeled her resilience and personal experiences as a bisexual woman with anxiety into her work, debuting with 27 Hours in 2017.
Diagnosed with degenerative disc disease, a psychological tremor, and generalized anxiety disorder, Wright faced significant health challenges that impacted her writing career. Yet, her determination and support from her computer-building, sun-shining husband kept her going. Her journey is a testament to overcoming adversity and staying true to one’s creative vision.
Tristina Wright’s Unforgettable Stories
Wright’s debut, 27 Hours, the first in the Nightside Saga, is a thrilling sci-fi adventure set on the moon Sahara, where a 27-hour night frames a battle between human colonists and native chimeras. The novel follows a diverse cast of queer, multiracial teens—Rumor, Jude, Nyx, and Braeden—who navigate love, betrayal, and monstrous threats. With its vivid world-building and inclusive representation, the book was praised for its fresh take on YA sci-fi, though some noted flaws in its colonialist undertones.
Her short story ‘The Siren Son’ blends fantasy and fable, exploring love and identity through a poetic narrative about humans, dragons, and sirens. Another work, 2 Suns Rising, continues the Nightside Saga, deepening the saga’s complex world. Wright’s style, reminiscent of Anne McCaffrey’s Pern series, merges science and magic, with a focus on intimate character-driven stories. Her themes of queerness, race, and resilience resonate deeply, making her a standout in speculative fiction.
Wright’s commitment to diversity shines through her characters, who are bisexual, deaf, or living with PTSD, reflecting real-world intersections of identity. Her snappy prose and fast-paced plots keep readers on edge, while her emphasis on ‘monsters and kissing’ adds a playful, romantic flair to her action-packed tales.
Why Tristina Wright Matters
Tristina Wright’s impact lies in her fearless advocacy for representation in YA literature. At a time when diverse voices were scarce, she pushed boundaries with casts that include nearly the full spectrum of LGBTQ+ identities and multiracial backgrounds. Her work challenges the ‘default’ narrative of white, straight, cisgender protagonists, offering mirrors for marginalized readers and windows for others. Despite the cancellation of the Nightside Saga in 2018, her debut sparked conversations about inclusivity and inspired aspiring writers to tell their own stories.
Wright’s online presence as a bisexual advocate and her candid discussions about mental health and disability further amplify her influence. She’s a beacon for those navigating personal and creative struggles, showing that resilience can turn dreams into reality. Her stories remind us that speculative fiction is a sandbox where anyone can be a hero.
- Birth Date: Not publicly available
- Key Works: 27 Hours (2017), 2 Suns Rising (2018), ‘The Siren Son’ (2016)
- Genres: Young Adult Science Fiction and Fantasy
Ready to explore epic worlds with queer heroes and monstrous adventures? Snag 27 Hours and dive into Tristina Wright’s thrilling sci-fi universe!