M. Stevenson
fantasy, romance, and horror
About
M. Stevenson is the author of Behooved, forthcoming from Bramble and Hodderscape in May 2025. She graduated from Brown University (BA, Geology-Biology) and the University of Idaho (MEd, Environmental Education) and has worked as an outdoor educator, wilderness skills instructor, and science teacher. Her poetry and prose have appeared in publications including Small Wonders, PodCastle, Barely South, The Florida Review, and Poets Reading the News.An avid swing dancer and amateur naturalist, she’s often found dancing Lindy Hop or wandering the woods talking to birds and plants. She is a dual US/Irish citizen and is based in the Finger Lakes region of New York.She is represented by Maddy Belton at the Madeleine Milburn agency.
Photo credit: Anna Simonak
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Books
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Preorder in the UK and canada
A charming slow-burn romantasy featuring a duty-bound noblewoman with a chronic illness, a prince who would rather be in a library than on a throne, and a magical ride through a world of cozy enchantmentBianca knows her duty comes before her heart. So when the threat of war looms, she agrees to marry the neighboring kingdom’s heir. But not all royal weddings are a fairytale, and Prince Aric, Bianca’s betrothed, is cold, aloof, and seems to hate her on sight.To make matters worse, on their wedding night, an assassination attempt goes awry―leaving Aric magically transformed into a horse. Bianca does what any bride in this situation would do: she mounts her new husband and rides away to safety.Sunset returns Aric to human form, but they soon discover the assassination attempt is part of a larger plot against the throne. Worse, Bianca has been framed for Aric’s murder, and she’s now saddled with a husband who is a horse by day and a frustratingly attractive man by night.As an unexpected romance begins galloping away with their hearts, Bianca and Aric must rely on each other to unravel the curse and save the throne.
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Praise for Behooved
"Behooved is bewitchingly charming, a romantic fairy-tale adventure that will sweep you off your feet (or hooves)!"―Sarah Beth Durst, New York Times bestselling author of The Spellshop"Arranged marriages, mischievous magic, and families lost and found. This quirky, charming fantasy romp is so much fun. A cozy fantasy romance to cuddle up with. A delightful debut―I’ll be looking forward to what Stevenson does next!"―T. Kingfisher, New York Times bestselling author of Nettle & Bone“Cinematic and engaging, sparkling and joyous. You’ll fall in love just like I did. This was a ridiculous amount of fun.” ―Seanan McGuire, New York Times bestselling author of Every Heart a Doorway“Wildly fun and completely charming, this story hits all the high notes of humor, sincerity, and a beautiful romance.”―Everina Maxwell, bestselling author of Winter’s Orbit"Behooved is a refreshing, enchanting journey of self-discovery―but also, for the horse girls in all of us, a witty romp of a fairy tale romance that will have readers chomping at the bit."―Julie Leong, bestselling author of The Teller of Small Fortunes"It's impossible to rein in my enthusiasm for Behooved. This romantic fairy-tale adventure―full of meddling magic, witty banter, and my new favorite stubborn, stabby heroine―captured my heart from the start."―Lenora Woods, author of Roll for Romance“Sprawlingly adventurous and packed with heartwarming romance and magic, Behooved is a captivating tale of duty, love, and breaking free―a book for everyone who's ever been told they're not enough. I devoured it with unbridled delight!”―Jules Arbeaux, author of Lord of the Empty Isles“Behooved is a whimsical subverted fairytale that throws reluctant allies-to-lovers together in an action-packed journey across a magical landscape. I absolutely loved watching Bianca and Aric battling their perceived shortcomings, and finding strength in each other—and themselves. Full of charm, romance, and swashbuckling adventure, this debut is so much fun!” —Keshe Chow, author of The Girl With No Reflection
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Other writing
It's long been acknowledged that disability representation is lacking in the fantasy genre landscape, so in this cozy anthology, fourteen writers from around the globe come together to bring you wonderful fantasy stories centering disabled and chronically ill characters.Teeming with magic, otherworldly creatures, discoveries, and journeys, every story is as thrilling and fascinating as it is passionate and meaningful. Worlds are discovered, lives are changed, and swords are drawn.Disabled and chronically ill characters go questing, fighting dragons, healing, and enacting strange magics. Familiar fairy tales are reimagined, and new fairytales are forged, with each story shattering stereotypes and challenging traditional narratives. Come see yourself reflected - or discover something new.
We've picked their poison,
and made it count.
Something they
can't live without.
Whether it be sweet or quietly deadly,
we've overwhelmed them with a medley.
It's more than they can bear—
Read on if you dare.Exquisite Poison is a collection of poetry & short fiction. The "poison" can be an actual toxin of death, an addiction, a heady love story, a compulsion…read on and find them all.
Buy the ebook (full issue)
Read the poem (free online)
Small Wonders is a magazine of speculative flash fiction and poetry. Issue 16 (October 2024) contains:"Business as Usual" by Sylvie Althoff (fiction)
"Traveling at Lightspeed is Easy, Returning to Earth is Hard" by Ian Li (poem)
"Catastrophizing" by Katie McIvor (fiction)
"The Six Clues That Tipped Me Off That You Were An Assassin From The Future Coming To Kill Me" by Allan Dyen-Shapiro (fiction)
"Change Your Mind" by Gwendolyn Maia Hicks (poem)
"The Fox Spirit's Retelling" by Wen Wen Yang (fiction)
"My Mother-in-Law Was Not A Dragon" by Anami Sheppard (fiction)
"The Shapeshifter's Daydream" by M. Stevenson (poem)
"Techniques for Folding Time and Space to Fit Into Your Nightstand" by Brian Hugenbruch (fiction)
ScalesShort story published in PodCastleThe boy stands at the edge of the forest, bare toes digging into the cold loam.
Alopecia at Twenty-EightPoem published in Barely SouthThey say true beauty is below the surface,
so as my surface frays thin
I am undone by what leers through.
Points of ConnectionEssay published in Barely SouthAs I drive on, the spider web fades with the daylight.
CompositionPoem published in Tiny SeedThere is a body somewhere in these woods.
editing services
I've edited dozens of query letters and other materials and would love to help you revise your submission package to catch an agent's eye! I specialize in science fiction and fantasy, but I can assist you with putting your best work forward in any genre and age category.
I offer the following editing services:
Query letter critiques - $30 for one round; $40 for two rounds
Synopsis critiques - $40
First chapter critiques (up to 2,500 words) - $50
Consultation call (half hour add-on video call to discuss my suggested edits and go over your questions) - $50
Full service package (one query critique, synopsis critique, first chapter critique, and consultation call) - $150
I offer $10 off the total cost to any clients who self-identify as BIPOC.Fill out the booking form to request services now!
Contact
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For rights inquiries, contact my agent Maddy Belton at [email protected].For media, interview, and events inquiries, contact my publicist Laura Etzkorn at [email protected].For editing services, fill out the booking form on the editing services page.For all other questions, fill out the contact form below and I'll be in touch!
Contact