About Me
Hello! I'm Denica.
My name is Denica, and I'm a fantasy writer, editor, poet, and deep thinker. I grew up in Western Washington but currently make my home in Kansas City, Missouri.
When I was thirteen, I picked up J.R.R. Tolkien's The Fellowship of the Ring and was instantly swept into a world I somehow knew I belonged in. The Lord of the Rings series, along with other similar literary works, have had a profound impact on my life and my eventual decision to start writing fiction.
I write to discover truth, to find meaning in my own experiences, and to offer readers the hope that they're not alone and that in the end, darkness doesn't get the final say.
In addition to writing, I have enjoyed working with children for many years, both as a nanny and in various volunteer positions. These incredibly creative little humans have perhaps unknowingly contributed to my writing with their wild ideas and unique outlooks on life.
The Details That Make Me, Me
Ireland
I absolutely love to travel and wish I could do it more! My favorite place I've been (perhaps only second to Hobbiton) is Ireland. There's something so rich and magical about the country.
Dancing on the Cliffs of Moher
While in Ireland, I got to dance on the Cliffs of Moher. I mean, who gets to say that?
Dance
I adore the art form and have been taking classes for over sixteen years, starting in ballet as an adult. (It's never too late, right?) My favorite style is contemporary, which is very suited to storytelling.
Italy — First Flight Ever
My first plane ride EVER was all the way across the Atlantic to Italy. How's that for an intro to air travel?
Coffee
I may have a slight addiction to coffee. I always look for new coffee shops to try wherever I go in the world.
Elephant Ride
I once rode an elephant. It was worth it, yes.
Favorite Shows
My favorite shows are Stranger Things, Doctor Who, Rings of Power, and Heartland. (Yep, good old Canadian horse drama.)
The Kids in My Stories
All of the kids I've been a nanny for show up in one of my stories, either by their first name, middle name, or part of their name.
"Something about the green hills and ancient stones feels like coming home."
Stories That Discover Truth and Offer Hope
"I write lyrical young adult fantasy with generational themes. My characters often grapple with love, loss, and the injustices of their worlds while learning to embrace who they are in the context of relationships."
I love to travel, and I've been told I'm an old soul. I believe that stories have great power to connect and heal. Fantasy, at its best, is not escapism — it's a different angle of vision. When we step into a world with magic and prophecy, we're actually stepping closer to the truths we can't quite face head-on: questions of identity, belonging, sacrifice, and love.