Emma Hibbs: Crafting Fantasy with Heart, Soul, and a Library in Her Head
Emma Hibbs is not your typical fantasy author. With a career spanning over a decade, she’s become known for creating deeply immersive worlds, unforgettable characters, and stories that resonate with readers on a profoundly personal level. Based in Cheshire, North-West England, Emma burst onto the scene in 2012 with her debut novel Blindsighted Wanderer, which quickly earned acclaim. Since then, she has become an Amazon bestselling author, having published 13 novels, 3 short story collections, and contributed to numerous anthologies, solidifying her place as a powerful voice in the fantasy genre.
But Emma’s talents don’t stop at writing. She is also an accomplished calligrapher and traditional storyteller, known for bringing stories to life through performances across the UK and Finland. With over 1,000 storytelling sessions under her belt, she was dubbed “The Lady with a Library in Her Head” by one particularly enchanted young listener — a title that perfectly encapsulates her gift for weaving magic into the everyday.
A Storyteller Rooted in Heritage and Science
Emma’s fascination with fairy tales and folklore, combined with her background in heritage and science, has given her a unique perspective on storytelling. She thrives on uncovering connections between history and myth, bringing to light the extraordinary in what might seem ordinary. To Emma, stories are much more than words on a page — they are living, breathing works of art that paint pictures, spark emotions, and invite readers to explore their own realities through the lens of fantasy.
Her approach to storytelling is deeply personal. Each book she writes is grounded in authenticity, with no two stories alike. From Arctic mythology and Gothic fairy tales to steampunk dystopias and intricate vampire sagas, Emma’s versatility as an author shines through. Yet no matter how complex the worldbuilding, her focus remains firmly on the emotional core of her characters. These are strong, three-dimensional individuals who reflect the diverse experiences of her readers, making her work both inclusive and deeply relatable.
An Independent Spirit and Champion of Inclusivity
As an independent author, Emma has always charted her own course, drawing on her personal experiences to create stories that celebrate individuality, tenacity, and inclusivity. Her work has been featured in the prestigious British Fantasy Society Journal, and in 2016, she co-created an award-winning charity anthology to support the Sophie Lancaster Foundation, an organization close to her heart. Her readership, affectionately known as the Batty Brigade, was named one of the top 100 book communities in the world by Qwerty Thoughts in 2020 — a testament to the impact her stories have had on her fans.
Through her meticulous research and attention to historical detail, Emma creates worlds that feel both familiar and fresh. Each layer of her storytelling is carefully crafted, with homages to myth, folklore, and history woven throughout her text. This depth ensures that there is always something new for readers to discover, whether it’s a hidden historical fact or a subtle nod to a fairy tale that inspired her.
The Journey Ahead
As Emma continues to explore new frontiers in fantasy, her dedication to her craft remains as strong as ever. Whether she’s working on her next novel, performing a traditional tale, or creating intricate calligraphy, her passion for storytelling in all its forms continues to inspire readers and audiences alike. For Emma Hibbs, stories are more than just entertainment — they are a way to connect, to reflect, and to discover the magic that lies just beneath the surface of everyday life.
To learn more about Emma Hibbs and her books, visit her website or connect with her on Instagram.
