Maureen Johnson, born in 1973, is an American author primarily writing young adult fiction. Her bibliography includes popular series like 'Truly Devious', 'The Name of the Star', and 'Suite Scarlett', alongside standalone novels and contributions to anthologies. She has collaborated on works such as 'Let It Snow' with John Green and Lauren Myracle. Johnson's literary career began with 'The Key to the Golden Firebird' in 2004, and she has since garnered critical acclaim, including starred reviews and award nominations.

Beyond her writing, Johnson has a diverse background, having worked in theater, served as a waitress and bartender, and studied dramaturgy. She has been actively involved in the literary community, coordinating programming for LeakyCon and contributing to discussions on diversity in YA literature. Johnson is also known for her advocacy, particularly concerning book banning, and has used her platform to speak out against censorship. She also voices a character on the podcast 'Welcome to Night Vale' and co-hosts the 'Says Who?' podcast.

Maureen Johnson's writing career launched in 2004 with 'The Key to the Golden Firebird,' a novel that emerged during a renewed interest in young adult fiction. Her subsequent works explored various genres, moving from contemporary realistic fiction to fantasy and mystery. 'Devilish,' published in 2006, marked a departure into speculative fiction and was recognized with a nomination for the Andre Norton Award. Johnson's 'Shades of London' series, beginning with 'The Name of the Star' in 2011, delves into a world of magic and mystery, earning an Edgar Award nomination. She has also contributed to significant collaborative projects like 'Let It Snow' and several bestselling anthologies, demonstrating her versatility and ability to weave interconnected narratives.

Johnson is a vocal advocate for intellectual freedom and has actively campaigned against book banning. When her novel 'The Bermudez Triangle' faced a challenge in an Oklahoma school, she responded by publicly advocating for transparency in censorship processes. She has expressed strong opinions on the impact of restricting access to literature, particularly for LGBTQ+ youth, stating that such actions send a harmful message. Beyond book challenges, Johnson has engaged with broader social issues through her writing and public appearances, including contributing to 'How I Resist,' a collection focused on activism and hope. Her involvement with LeakyCon's Lit Track programming also highlights her commitment to fostering dialogue around diversity and critical engagement within the young adult literary landscape.

In addition to her novels, Maureen Johnson has expanded her creative reach into other media. She has been a recurring voice actor for the surreal fiction podcast 'Welcome to Night Vale,' portraying the character Intern Maureen, a role that originated from a playful protest campaign. Johnson also co-hosts the 'Says Who?' podcast, which began as a response to the 2016 US election. She has been a vegetarian since 1994 and often shares her interest in vegetarian and vegan cooking. Her personal website, maintained since 2005, serves as a platform for her thoughts on writing, her experiences as an author, and her engagement with her readership.

“To do so is basically saying to the gay kids, 'There’s something dirty about you.' Anyone who would say that is the true filthmonger.”