Greetings! My name is Mary VanAlstine. I’m an author and illustrator. I publish my own novels that center around queer characters, unique fantasy settings, and strong relationships with mental health themes involved. I don’t like dark fantasy but I’m not afraid to hit ’em where it hurts during the height of the plot.
My published work so far includes The Heartwood Trilogy, which came out in September 2023, January 2024, and June 2024. The Heartwood Trilogy is for sale at a number of Twin Cities bookstores. I have been featured in MPR alongside such giants as Abby Jimenez and Jenna Miller. I have done readings at Comma, MiniCon, and Dream Haven Books to promote my work and have a strong following in Minnesota thanks to appearing several times in Twin Cities Pride’s Queer Writes Book Fair.
Latest Endeavors
My next endeavor is a queer ecopunk fantasy with romance elements. It is set to come out in early 2025.
You can add it to your Goodreads today, and keep an eye on my socials for information about applying for a review copy, pre-ordering, and pre-order goodie bundles.
I have been drawing since 2000 and usually adhere to an anime style. My art focuses on creating lively and unique character designs with bright fun colors. I started drawing mostly digital art in around 2014 and started using an iPad and Procreate in 2019.
Artist
I have been writing since 2004, but I didn’t publish anything until 2023. Between then and now, I drew and wrote a number of graphic novels, short stories, novellas, novels, and trilogies. You can learn more about them at My Mental Breakdown.
Author
Dreaming in Color
Art Blog
If you head to my art blog, you can see 14 years of my art identity develop among my writing including during my academic experience.
My Mental Breakdown
Stories Catalog
If you head to My Mental Breakdown, you can look through my writing projects spanning from 2004 to the present.
The Heartwood Trilogy
Current Publishing Project
My current writing project is a queer contemporary romantasy taking place in Saint Paul, Minnesota. I made the trilogy its own website.
Want a quick way to contact me? Go ahead and fill out the form below and it’ll go to my email. You can submit random life questions, interview requests, or ask to be my new best friend. I don’t know. Have at it. But don’t be weird.