Diana L. Paxson

Diana L. Paxson, born in 1943, is an American author recognized for her contributions to fantasy literature and her extensive work within pagan and heathen communities. Her literary output includes numerous fantasy and historical fiction novels, as well as a significant body of short stories. In recent years, Paxson has also focused on publishing books that explore pagan and heathen religions and their practices. She is also noted as a founder of the Society for Creative Anachronism, where she is known by the title Countess Diana Listmaker.

Paxson's writing career encompasses over 70 short stories and multiple novels. Her notable fictional series include the Westria novels and the Avalon series, the latter of which she co-authored with Marion Zimmer Bradley before continuing it as sole author after Bradley's passing. She has also penned her own Arthurian series, The Hallowed Isle, and authored non-fiction works on neopagan spirituality such as "Taking Up the Runes" and "Essential Asatru." Beyond her writing, Paxson has been actively involved in leadership roles within various organizations, including the Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America and several neopagan and heathen groups. As of 2024, she leads Hrafnar, a heathen organization based in Berkeley, California.

Diana L. Paxson has authored a substantial body of fictional work, including fantasy and historical fiction novels, alongside over 70 short stories. Her early notable fictional series include the Westria novels and her contributions to the Arthurian-themed Avalon series. Initially collaborating with Marion Zimmer Bradley, Paxson continued the Avalon series independently after Bradley's death. She also created her own Arthurian series, The Hallowed Isle, and has contributed to other anthologies and series like "Sword and Sorceress." Her published novels include titles such as "Lady of Light," "The Earthstone," "The Wolf and the Raven," and "The Book of the Sword."

Beyond her fiction, Paxson is a prominent figure in the fields of paganism and heathenism, authoring several books on these subjects. Her non-fiction works include "Taking Up the Runes: A Complete Guide to Using Runes in Spells, Rituals, Divination, and Magic," "Essential Asatru: Walking the Path of Norse Paganism," and "Trance-Portation: Learning to Navigate the Inner World." She has been actively involved in various spiritual organizations, serving as a leader in groups such as The Fellowship of the Spiral Path and the Covenant of the Goddess. Paxson also held leadership positions within The Troth, a heathen organization, where she served as Steerswoman and edited its journal, Idunna, before her expulsion in May 2024. She currently leads Hrafnar, a heathen group based in Berkeley, California.

Paxson has played a foundational role in several organizations. She was instrumental in the early activities of the Society for Creative Anachronism, later becoming one of its founding directors and corporate officers. Her leadership extends to the literary community as well, having served as the western regional director for the Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America. She is a regular panelist at science fiction conventions and was recognized as the 2007 Fantasy Guest of Honor at BayCon. Paxson also contributes a regular column to the women's spirituality magazine SageWoman.

“If we only had perfect people writing, there would be no one left to write. What we should be doing is honoring what people manage to achieve despite their flaws”