Picture a Canadian high jump champion who swapped the track for a typewriter, crafting spellbinding tales of magic and mystery—meet W.J. May! Known for her gripping young adult paranormal fiction, May’s series like Chronicles of Kerrigan and Paranormal Huntress have captivated readers worldwide with their fierce heroines and heart-pounding plots.
Born Wanita May in Grimsby, Ontario, this USA Today bestselling author blends her athletic grit with a vivid imagination, creating stories that leap off the page. From supernatural boarding schools to vampire feuds, May’s work is a thrilling ride for fans of fantasy and romance.
The Making of W.J. May
Wanita May’s journey began in the fruit belt of Ontario, where a vibrant childhood fueled her boundless creativity. At 16, she soared as a high jumper, breaking the Canadian Junior record at 18 with a 1.92-meter leap—22 centimeters over her height! She competed globally, winning the Francophone Games and representing Canada at World Championships. After earning a Kinesiology degree at Kansas State University, May retired from athletics in 2005 following the birth of her first child. The loss of her father to cancer in 2008 sparked a pivotal shift. Realizing life’s brevity, she reignited her passion for writing, debuting with Rae of Hope in 2011.
W.J. May’s Unforgettable Stories
May’s bibliography is a treasure trove of paranormal adventures, with over 180 books across 27 series. Her flagship Chronicles of Kerrigan follows Rae Kerrigan, a teen uncovering supernatural powers via a magical tattoo at a secretive boarding school. Spanning 12 books with sequels and spin-offs, it’s a whirlwind of espionage, romance, and time travel. Paranormal Huntress introduces Atlanta Skolar, a fierce huntress navigating vampire feuds and family loyalty in a six-book saga. Other notable works include The Queen’s Alpha, a fae-filled epic, and Bit-Lit, a dystopian vampire series. May’s style blends fast-paced action, witty dialogue, and strong female leads, often weaving themes of self-discovery and resilience.
Her stories resonate with young adult and new adult readers, offering escapist thrills grounded in relatable emotions. Whether it’s Rae’s battle against dark forces or Atlanta’s fight for love, May’s heroines embody the tenacity she honed on the track, making her books both empowering and addictive.
Why W.J. May Matters
W.J. May’s impact lies in her ability to craft immersive worlds that empower young readers. Her strong, flawed heroines inspire resilience, while her genre-blending narratives keep paranormal fiction fresh. With a global fanbase, May’s prolific output—often releasing multiple books a year—has made her a staple in young adult fantasy. Beyond writing, she runs an antiques business with her husband, a distance runner she met at university, balancing creativity with entrepreneurship.
Her transition from athlete to author is a testament to reinvention, showing how passion can pivot into new dreams. May’s stories, like her high jumps, reach for the stars, inviting readers to soar alongside her characters.
- Born: January 30, 1975, Grimsby, Ontario
- Key Works: Rae of Hope (2011), Never Look Back (2017), Eternal (2018)
- Notable Achievement: Holds Canadian record for greatest height-to-jump differential (female)
About W.J. May
Ready for a magical escape? Snag Rae of Hope and dive into W.J. May’s thrilling paranormal universe!