Charles de Lint

Charles de Lint is a renowned Canadian author, born in 1951, who has made significant contributions to the fantasy genre. He grew popular in the 1980s, alongside other urban fantasy writers such as Emma Bull and John Crowley. De Lint is best known for his Newford series, among other series, and has written books for adults, young adults, and children. He is a versatile writer who has also written horror novels under the pseudonym Samuel M. Key.

De Lint's childhood was spent moving around due to his father's job, but he settled in Lucerne, Quebec, by the time he was twelve. He spent his late twenties and early thirties working in a record store and playing with a Celtic band during the weekends. It was in 1983 that he began writing full-time, and since then, he has written over seventy books. Aside from writing, De Lint is also a musician, songwriter, artist, performer, and folklorist.

De Lint's writing has earned him numerous awards, including the World Fantasy, Aurora, Sunburst, and White Pine awards. His books have been featured in Modern Library's Top 100 Books of the 20th Century poll, with eight of his books making it to the top 100. He has served as a Writer-in-residence for two public libraries in Ottawa and has taught creative writing workshops for adults and children in Canada and the United States. De Lint has also been a judge for several prominent awards, including the Nebula, World Fantasy, Theodore Sturgeon, and Bram Stoker awards.

De Lint was born in the Netherlands and immigrated to Canada with his family as an infant. He currently resides in Ottawa, Ontario, with his wife, MaryAnn Harris, who works closely with him as his first editor, business manager, and creative partner. They share their home with a cheery little dog named Johnny Cash. De Lint is known for his romantic writing style, which focuses on compassion, hope, and human potential. His skilled portrayal of character and settings has earned him a loyal readership and glowing praise from peers, reviewers, and readers.

In conclusion, Charles de Lint is a highly respected and accomplished author in the fantasy genre. His contributions to urban fantasy have earned him a place among the greats, and his writing continues to captivate and inspire readers worldwide. His versatility as a writer, musician, and artist has made him a beloved figure in the literary world, and his awards and accolades are a testament to his talent and dedication to his craft.