Joseph Delaney

Joseph Delaney is a British author, renowned for his works in science fiction and fantasy. Prior to his writing career, he was an English teacher and helped establish the Media and Film Studies department at Blackpool Sixth Form College. Delaney was born in Preston, Lancashire, England on July 25, 1945. After attending Preston Catholic College, he worked as an apprentice engineer and fitter before earning his way into Lancaster University. It was after his time at the Blackpool Sixth Form College that Delaney became a full-time writer, focusing on his craft in Lancashire.

Delaney's writing is heavily influenced by the folklore and landscape of Lancashire. Many of the locations in his books are based on actual places in the county. His famous series, The Wardstone Chronicles, was inspired by a local boggart, leading him to jot down the idea of "a story about a man who hunts boggarts". Before becoming a full-time writer, Delaney worked as a teacher at a Sixth Form College, teaching English, Film, and Media Studies. He would wake up early to write before work, a habit that allowed him to write a book a year, though they were initially rejected. It was only when Americans bought the series that he decided to become a full-time writer.

Delaney has a unique writing process, often discovering the story as he writes it. He doesn't plot too far ahead and prefers writing dialogue to description. He describes himself as a minimalist, leaving much to the reader's imagination. His writing career took off after the success of The Spook's Apprentice, the first book in The Wardstone Chronicles. The series, along with his other works, has earned several award nominations and wins, including the Lancashire children's Book for the Year Award and the Sefton Book Award. Delaney has three children and nine grandchildren and is known for being a wonderful public speaker.