Meet Yvonne
Hi, I’m Yvonne McArthur, a fiction and fantasy writer, book-lover, developmental editor, and explorer of imaginary worlds.
I’m guilty of a few writer clichés (tea-gulper here), but I also ride a motorcycle (code name Mo) with my goggle-wearing canine sidekick, hike volcanoes for fun, and hold triple citizenship. Growing up between cultures sparked my love for telling stories that make us kinder, more courageous, more connected humans.
My goal is to create a space where stories don’t shy away from struggle, but still reach for something worth holding onto. A place where magic is layered and flawed, characters wrestle with loyalty and loss, and strength doesn’t always look the way we expect. Here, kindness is powerful, bravery takes many forms, and wonder can show up even in the messiest parts of the journey.
Stories can do all of that for us while still being entertaining and fun: full of hooky plots, emotional stakes, and propulsive drama. (I’m also a sucker for sentient objects, unique magic systems, and the occasional cyborg.)
All this to say: Welcome to the story-lover’s corner of the Internet. Whether you are on the hunt for your next favorite read, need a quick escape, or are seeking connection, I hope you feel right at home. I’m glad you’re here!
Ways to connect with me
My Writing Journey
Ever since I was a kid with dorky bangs and a propensity to read books, I dreamed of writing a novel. When I was 23, I decided to give it my first honest go. At the end of 30 days, I had written a 50,000-word manuscript a la Nanowrimo (National Novel Writing Month).
The story had no plot, no antagonist, random cows, ferret smugglers, and a toga-wearing ghost who’d faked his own death. The main character landed himself in prison for accidentally trafficking in Godiva chocolate.
Let’s just say this: the only place to go from there was up.
Learning how to structure a novel, how to write good dialogue, how and when to reveal which elements of the story, and how to write in a way that communicates clearly has been a delicious and continual challenge over the past 15 years. I’ve come a loooong way! So much so, that I now help other writers refine their books as a developmental editor.
Visit the Writing Nook for more insight into my writing process, what I’ve learned over the years, and my favorite writing resources (coming soon).
Where I’m at now: I’m currently seeking representation for my completed YA fantasy novel. In a city where stone guards stand sentinel and inanimate objects spring to life, a scrappy teen combats the teleporting assassin who’s using him as bait.
Everyday Creators:
Discovery, Study, and Lots of Rewriting: Fiction Writing with Yvonne McArthur
Ye Olde Dragon’s Library Storytelling Podcast
Storytellers Episode – Chatting with authors of stories in the Ye Olde Dragon Books anthologies
Get book recommendations!
