Celia Swanson
Celia Swanson is a British author of magical realism and fantasy novels. Her work has been praised for its imaginative and complex storylines, atmospheric settings, and strong characterization. Born in the Midlands Region of England, Swanson began writing at a young age and has since gone on to publish several acclaimed books for adults, teens, and young readers.
Swanson's writing style is characterized by an emphasis on atmosphere and character development, as well as an exploration of themes like loss, grief, faith, and doubt. Her debut novel, The Charmed Heart, was a finalist for the American Library Association's William C. Morris Award for Young Adults, and tells the story of an orphaned girl named Tessa who discovers the power of friendship, magic, and redemption.
Swanson's other works include the supernatural fantasy novel, The House of Many Wonders; the books in The Forest of Doors trilogy, beginning with opening book, Into the Forest of Doors; and two young adult novels, Before I Oversleep and A Star In The Sky (also a finalist for the William C Morris Award).
In addition to her adult and young adult novels, Swanson has also written several middle grade books. The protagonist of these stories is the intrepid, spunky 11-year-old Annie West. In the first two books of Swanson's Annie West series, Annie West and the Quest of the Golden Phone and Annie West and the Feline Goblins, Annie is on a mission to uncover the truth behind the mysterious disappearance of her beloved uncle.
Swanson's most recent novel, Hungry Gods, is set in a world of Greek mythology, and follows a young woman named Calliope and her journey to confront the many dangers of the god with a giant, ravenous appetite. Like the rest of Swanson's work, Hungry Gods is characterized by a combination of rich settings, inventive plot, and memorable characters.
Swanson has been praised for her ability to create immersive settings and detailed characters that make readers feel as though they have truly been whisked away to another realm. While her novels follow a rather adult or middle grade drama plot line, her vivid descriptions and wonderful writing make her books accessible to all ages. She has also garnered acclaim for her frank discussions of mental health topics, and has been an advocate for spreading awareness among both adult and younger readers.
In addition to her claims of fame as an author, Swanson is also a writer for film and television, as well as a filmmaker. Her short film, One Recipe, was an official selection of Cinedigm's Shorts Program, and she is currently developing a feature-length adaptation of her novel, Before I Oversleep.
Through her unique and engaging novels, Swanson has earned her place as one of the most beloved authors of magical realism and fantasy fiction. With her imagination and dedication to otherworldly storytelling, she has enchanted countless readers with her intricate tales of love and mystery.