Robin McKinley
Full Name and Common Aliases
Robin McKinley, born Jennifer Carolyn Robin McKinley, is a celebrated author known for her contributions to the fantasy genre. She is often referred to simply as Robin McKinley, a name that has become synonymous with imaginative storytelling and richly woven narratives.
Birth and Death Dates
Robin McKinley was born on November 16, 1952. As of the latest available information, she is alive and continues to influence the literary world with her works.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Robin McKinley is an American author, renowned for her work in the fantasy genre. Her profession as a novelist has earned her a dedicated readership and critical acclaim, particularly for her ability to reimagine classic fairy tales and myths.
Early Life and Background
Robin McKinley was born in Warren, Ohio, and spent much of her childhood moving around due to her father's career as a naval officer. This transient lifestyle exposed her to various cultures and environments, which later influenced her writing. McKinley developed a love for reading at an early age, finding solace and adventure in books. Her passion for storytelling was evident even in her youth, as she often crafted her own tales and narratives.
McKinley attended Bowdoin College in Brunswick, Maine, where she graduated summa cum laude with a degree in English literature. Her academic background provided a strong foundation for her future career as a writer, allowing her to explore and reinterpret literary traditions through her unique lens.
Major Accomplishments
Robin McKinley's career is marked by numerous accolades and achievements. She has received several prestigious awards, including the Newbery Medal for her novel "The Hero and the Crown" in 1985. This award is one of the highest honors in children's literature, recognizing McKinley's exceptional ability to engage young readers with her compelling storytelling.
In addition to the Newbery Medal, McKinley has been honored with the Newbery Honor for "The Blue Sword" and the Mythopoeic Fantasy Award for Adult Literature for "Sunshine." Her works have been translated into multiple languages, further cementing her status as a significant figure in the fantasy genre.
Notable Works or Actions
Robin McKinley is best known for her retellings of classic fairy tales and myths. Her debut novel, "Beauty," published in 1978, is a retelling of "Beauty and the Beast" and remains a beloved classic. This novel set the tone for her career, showcasing her talent for breathing new life into familiar stories.
Other notable works include "The Blue Sword" and its prequel "The Hero and the Crown," both set in the mythical land of Damar. These novels are celebrated for their strong female protagonists and richly detailed worlds. "Sunshine," a departure from her usual fairy tale retellings, explores a post-apocalyptic world inhabited by vampires and humans, demonstrating McKinley's versatility as a writer.
Impact and Legacy
Robin McKinley's impact on the fantasy genre is profound. Her ability to create strong, relatable characters and immersive worlds has inspired countless readers and writers. McKinley's works often feature themes of empowerment, courage, and self-discovery, resonating with audiences of all ages.
Her legacy is evident in the continued popularity of her books, which remain in print and are frequently recommended to new generations of readers. McKinley's influence extends beyond her own writing, as she has paved the way for other authors to explore and reinterpret traditional narratives in innovative ways.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Robin McKinley is widely quoted and remembered for her eloquent prose and insightful observations on storytelling and the human experience. Her ability to articulate complex emotions and themes in a relatable manner has endeared her to readers and critics alike. McKinley's quotes often reflect her deep understanding of the power of stories to shape and transform lives.
Her works continue to be a source of inspiration and reflection, offering readers a chance to explore timeless themes through the lens of fantasy. Robin McKinley's enduring popularity and influence in the literary world ensure that her voice will be remembered and celebrated for years to come.
Quotes by Robin McKinley
Robin McKinley's insights on:
Your Chalice, Master, sees all things clearly, which is both her strength and her weakness.
Nothing?′ said Corlath. ‘I said there were two things. I have told you the first. You told us what you saw as you saw it. But this is the second thing: you spoke in the Old Tongue, what we call the Language of the Gods, that none knows any more but kings and sorcerers, and those they wish to teach it to. The language I just spoke to you, that you did not recognize- I was repeating the words you had said yourself, a moment before.
Reread your favorite novel, the one you only let yourself read any more when you’re sick in bed.
Muffin cups in my bakery were real sorcerer’s apprentice material, like the dough for the cinnamon rolls every morning could have stood in for The Blob.
Mr. Responsible Media was looking rebellious, but this was my country. I was the Cinnamon Roll Queen and most of those assembled were my devoted subjects.
I’ve always been fascinated by the grassroots folktale level of a culture, and as a storyteller, I have to follow what seems to be leading me on.
It was one of the good things about him. Whatever he might not be telling you, what he did tell you was the truth.
What was she to say? “The prodigal has returned? The mutineer wishes to be reinstated? The subordinate, having gone to a great deal of trouble to prove her commander wrong, has come back and promises to be a good little subordinate hereafter, or at least until next time?