Elizabeth C.Bunce

Elizabeth C. Bunce is an American author of young adult and middle-grade literature. She specializes in historical fantasy, mysteries, and ghost stories.

Elizabeth C. Bunce was born and raised in the Midwest, living near Kansas City. Having grown up reading, Bunce was determined to become an author. She grew up reading a wide array of books, from the spooky stories of Ruth Chew to the historical adventures found in The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett.

She studied English and anthropology in college, focusing her career solely on writing. Despite holding various writing jobs, she has always been most passionate about creating novels.

Her debut book, A Curse Dark as Gold (2009), won the inaugural William C. Morris Award for a Young Adult Debut. Her novel blends historical fantasy with magical elements inspired by places and cultures from the past.

In 2021, Bunce ventured into middle-grade literature with Premeditated Myrtle, which received the Edgar Award for Best Juvenile Mystery from the Mystery Writers of America. The book earned nominations for the Agatha Award and the Anthony Award for its engaging mystery and historical setting.

She believes in the power of writing as a versatile skill, applicable across numerous career paths. Her advice to young writers reflects her journey: embrace your passions, work hard, and learn continuously.

Her writing process is supported by a love for coffee and surrounded by inspiring objects and her feline companions. Bunce maintains a flexible writing schedule, adapting to the demands of her projects and deadlines. She conducts writing workshops, sharing her creative process and the importance of physical objects in crafting ethereal stories.

Photo credit: elizabethcbunce.com