A.B. Poranek

Poranek maps a vivid narrative landscape where Polish folklore intertwines with personal experience, creating a space where mythology and history converge. Her literary focus is deeply influenced by her childhood spent between Ontario, Canada and rural Poland, where she developed a profound connection to Polish myths like the Leszy. This cultural duality is mirrored in her writing, where she seeks to blend whimsy and darkness, capturing the enchantment and horror characteristic of Polish fairytales. While initially drawn to a STEM career, her disillusionment with veterinary medicine led her back to writing, a passion rekindled by the novel "Caraval".\n\nAs a discovery writer, Poranek emphasizes the process of storytelling as an internal dialogue, where the initial draft is an intimate telling to herself, later refined through significant revisions. Her journey to publication involved persistent querying and working closely with her agent, Victoria Marini. The culmination of her efforts is seen in her debut book, "Where the Dark Stands Still", which draws from Polish folktales to weave a narrative about Liska Radost and her mystical encounters. This novel not only captured readers' imaginations but also achieved instant bestseller status on the "New York Times" list.\n\nPoranek’s exploration of themes extends beyond Polish roots; her second book, "A Treachery of Swans", transports readers to a 17th-century French-inspired world, demonstrating her range in crafting fantastical settings. Her work resonates with young adult audiences, offering both entertainment and a cultural exploration. By intertwining her personal history with her literary pursuits, Poranek has established herself as a distinctive voice in young adult fantasy literature, providing readers with narratives that are as thought-provoking as they are magical.