P. C. Cast

Phyllis Christine Cast, born April 30, 1960, is an American writer recognized for her contributions to the fantasy and romance genres. She is primarily known for the "House of Night" series, which she penned with her daughter, Kristin Cast. Prior to this collaboration, Cast established herself with her "Goddess Summoning" and "Partholon" book series. Her debut novel, "Goddess by Mistake," garnered multiple awards and accolades, setting a precedent for her subsequent successful works.

The "House of Night" series, which explores themes of vampirism in an alternative universe, gained significant popularity, especially during the peak of vampire fiction's mainstream appeal. The series' success led to substantial critical and commercial recognition, with individual books frequently appearing on best-seller lists. The concept for the series, a "vampire finishing school," was reportedly suggested by Cast's agent. The books are set in a version of Tulsa, Oklahoma, featuring a unique spelling for vampires ("vampyres") chosen by the author for aesthetic reasons. The narrative follows a young protagonist's journey into this supernatural world.

Cast's career has also seen adaptations and rights acquisitions for her work, with "House of Night" being optioned for film production. She has a background in teaching English and has lived in various locations, including Illinois, Oklahoma, and currently Oregon. Her influence extends to former students, such as horror journalist Preston Fassel, who credits her as a significant writing mentor.

P. C. Cast's independent writing career is marked by her "Goddess Summoning" and "Partholon" series. The "Partholon" series, her earliest work, features a parallel world inhabited by mythical creatures and humans, with a protagonist who swaps places with a High Priestess. Her novel "Goddess by Mistake" received critical acclaim, winning awards like the Prism, Holt Medallion, and Laurel Wreath. The "House of Night" series, co-written with her daughter Kristin, delves into a world where humans coexist with "vampyres." This series, set in an alternate Tulsa, Oklahoma, centers on a young girl marked as a "fledgling" and her enrollment in the "House of Night" school for transformation. The series' exploration of vampire lore and a unique take on the supernatural world contributed to its widespread popularity.

The "House of Night" series achieved significant commercial success, particularly in the wake of popular vampire fiction trends. Its rising popularity led to its appearance on major best-seller lists, with the fifth installment reaching number one on "USA Today" and "The Wall Street Journal." The series' film rights have been optioned by multiple production companies over the years. Cast's background includes teaching English, and she has influenced former students like Preston Fassel, a horror journalist and novelist who cites her as an early mentor. Her published works span multiple series, including "Goddess Summoning," "Partholon," "House of Night," "Time Raiders," "Tales of a New World," "Dysasters," and "Sisters of Salem," showcasing a diverse range of fantasy and paranormal themes.