Maria Dahvana Headley

Maria Dahvana Headley is a highly acclaimed author, known for her distinctive storytelling and unique voice. Raised on a sled-dog ranch in rural Idaho, Headley's unconventional upbringing has significantly influenced her writing, often featuring elements of the fantastical and otherworldly. Throughout her career, she has authored several novels, memoirs, and short stories, exploring various genres from young adult fantasy to dark fantasy and horror.

Some of Headley's most notable works include "The Mere Wife," "Magonia," "Aerie," "Queen of Kings," and "The Year of Yes." Her writing has been recognized with multiple award nominations, such as the Nebula, Shirley Jackson, and World Fantasy awards. In addition to her solo works, Headley has collaborated with other prominent authors, like Neil Gaiman and Kat Howard, further solidifying her reputation in the literary world. Their co-edited young adult monster anthology, "Unnatural Creatures," was a New York Times-bestseller and benefitted 826DC, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting student writing.

Beyond her accomplishments in prose, Headley has also ventured into playwriting and essay writing. Her short fiction has been featured in numerous anthologies, including "Best American Fantasy and Science Fiction" and "The Year's Best Dark Fantasy & Horror." Headley's work has been supported by prestigious institutions such as The MacDowell Colony and Arte Studio Ginestrelle, enabling her to continue developing her craft. Currently, she resides in Brooklyn, where she continues to write and create within the realms of speculative fiction.