Official version: 

Madeline Claire Franklin holds an MFA in Creative Writing from the Vermont College of Fine Arts WCYA program, as well as a BA in Media Study and Anthropology from the University at Buffalo. When she is not writing strange fiction for young adults, she is probably attempting to dismantle the patriarchy and/or practicing witchcraft. She lives in sin in Western NY, with her partner, two dogs, three cats, and two Roombas, in a little yellow house called Cluckleberry Farms. Her debut novel, THE WILDERNESS OF GIRLS, will be published June 2024 by Zando Young Readers.

Click here to read about whatever the heck a “runcible witch” is

Long version:

I was born two weeks late in Buffalo, New York during the exciting time in American history known as “The 80s.” It was the decade that gave us such blessings as the Goblin King, the moonwalk, and the unfortunately not-well-thought-out hypercolor clothing, among other wonders. I actually don’t remember much of it because I was a wee child, but here is a picture of me and my mom and older brother looking quite en vogue at a Christmas tree lot (probably ’87?).

Despite the fact that my parents met while in a cult, my childhood and family life were pretty normal and uneventful (at least in terms of what some other people consider normal). I spent most of my youth wearing funny hats in my attic bedroom while scribbling down space operas of truly epic proportions, but also hanging out with my besties in the woods pretending to worship Satan and hoping to discover dead bodies. All in all, I think I turned out pretty all right.

In undergrad, I studied Cultural Anthropology for 2 years at the University at Buffalo before switching majors to Media Study and Production, where I embraced my love of unconventional storytelling methods. In 2018, I graduated from the Vermont College of Fine Arts Writing for Children and Young Adults program (VCFA WCYA) with an MFA in creative writing.

I landed my first agent in spring of 2022, and in January 2023 we sold my debut novel in a five house auction. No big deal.

My debut novel, The Wilderness of Girls, comes out in June of 2024, from Zando Young Readers.

These days you can find me on Instagram posting pictures of my pets, reposting DUNE memes, and reporting antisemites/alt-right accounts. You can contact me through my contact page, or, for professional opportunities, through my agent, Danielle Burby of Mad Woman Literary Agency. 🙂