Award-winning author of historical fantasy and fairy tales with asexual, nonbinary LGBTQIA+ and disability/chronic illness/mental health representation. I offer talks, readings and workshops to age 13+.
I am the author of the Asexual Fairy Tales series, and Angelio series.
My main readership is in the 18-27 age bracket. My books sell in independent and LGBTQIA+ bookshops around the country – and world – including the famous Gay’s the Word, London.
My short stories have appeared in many anthologies and magazines, and been performed by Liars’ League London on several occasions. I won the James White Award 2005.
I live in Bradford, West Yorkshire, and will undertake visits within the Yorkshire/East Lancashire area, as well as virtual workshops, readings and panel interviews.
I am currently working on the next book in the Angelio series and taking commissions for bespoke fairy tales. I will be running a Cosy Fantasy workshop and taking 1-1s at Swanwick Writers’ Summer School, 2025.
Asexual Fairy Tales
Once upon a time, our ancestors told tales of glass coffins and marble statues; of eunuchs and androgynes; of chaste romances, miraculous childbirth and bodily transformations. ..
A refreshing collection of enchanting fairy tales that reflect the spectrum of human sexuality.
The Asexual Fairy Tales trilogy of books is a collection of fairy tales, myths and legends from around the world, which can be read as having asexual representation. These were the stories that resonated with me, before I knew I was asexual. Alongside retellings of these tales are my own, original fairy tales, using traditional motifs. Tales include: Pygmalion and Galatea, The Little Mermaid Speaks, Comapnions of the Grail, The Tale of Princess Kaguya, Bisclavret, Snow White and Rose Red, Children of Wax, Attis and the Priests of Cybele, The Glass Lawyer, The Wife with the Flying Head, The Marzipan Husband.
Asexual Fairy Tales is my bestselling book, and the one I get the most feedback about. I have had other aces say it makes them feel seen and hopeful. Two readers have written to tell me they have tried writing their own asexual fairy tales in response.
It is also starting to be used in academic contexts. One young person told me it helped them pass their GCSEs during lockdown, as a teacher suggested they use it for their personal project. Another person wrote to tell me they came across it during research for their postgraduate thesis.
I am happy to offer:
- book signing
- talk with readings from the books
- myself as a panel guest, discussing folklore and asexuality
- creative writing workshop based around one of the tales
- visits to LGBTQIA+ youth groups, college/university societies – could include one or more of the above and/or talking about asexuality, ace rights, coming out, my journey as an ace author
- visits to schools/colleges/universities where Asexual Fairy Tales is recommended reading
The Asexual Fairy Tales books and their spin-off Legends from Lindisfarne were all illustrated by my daughter Anna Hopkinson, so there is a possibility in some cases of doing an author-illustrator event.
“What Elizabeth has done has brought aces to the forefront in these pieces of writing. It’s an incredible and necessary thing.” – AVEN (Asexual Visibility and Education Network)
”We always have a huge demand for asexual themed books, but sadly there’s just not that many good titles around at the moment. Both Asexual Myths & Tales and Asexual Fairy Tales sell really well for us and we’ve had amazing feedback from our customers for both of them. We literally can’t wait to read the latest ace stories from Elizabeth.”
– Gay Pride Shop, Manchester“We are SO excited to hear of a new collection of Asexual Tales from Elizabeth – the first two have been a huge success for the bookshop. When there is so little asexual representation in print it’s really thrilling as booksellers to be able to offer brilliantly written and produced titles offering just that to our readers – we will always welcome more!”
Lighthouse – Edinburgh’s Radical Bookshop”I really enjoyed the reading! Being an asexual myself I’m really glad you wrote this book! I hope you continue writing!”
– University of Huddersfield LGBTQ+ Society
Angelio Series
In a highly-structured eighteenth-century society, the city state of Angelio is known for two things: its music, and its guardian, the Archangel Michael.
At Angelio’s music school—nicknamed the Cage of Nightingales—castrato singer Carlo is headed for fame at the opera … at the price of personal freedom. Charity pupil Tammo hates the school and everyone in it, and wants to live in the woods, charming birds with his flute.
When Tammo meets Carlo, their lives change forever. With the help of the Archangel, they can grant to each other whatever their hearts desire. But staying true isn’t easy, and their choices will affect not just their futures, but that of Celestina—a young aristocrat destined to be the third person in their relationship.
A YA/NA series of historical fantasy novels with asexual, nonbinary and disability representation. Carlo is both asexual and nonbinary. Celestina is a paraplegic wheelchair user. Tammo has bodily and vocal scarring. And there are other disabled characters, such as the dwarf laundry maid/seamstress Fenice.
Masquerade of Finches (Angelio #2) was shortlisted for the inaugural Tempest Prize (Northern Writers Awards).
The world of Angelio is fictional, but is based on the lives of the historical castrati – operatic superstars with post-surgery bodies, who saw themselves as a third gender and were forbidden to marry. Modern-day singers they could be compared with include Samuel Mariño (Venezuelan male soprano opera singer), Nemo (Eurovision 2024 winner) and JJ (Eurovision 2025 winner).
I am happy to offer:
- book signing
- talk with readings from the books
- visits to schools/colleges/LGBTQIA+ youth groups
- talk or workshop on the books and the history of theatre/opera
- talk or workshop of the books and the history of disability
- talk or workshop on the books and queer history
- workshop on a theme from the books – e.g. identity, found family, bodies, asexuality, gender, discrimination, fame
“Compelling thoughout and very accomplished”- Patience Agbabi
“A beautiful historical fantasy that shows how rash judgements can not only be wrong, but life changing. The 18th century world Hopkinson builds is both beautiful and terrifying… Hopkinson is an expert in crafting magical realism in her works and this book is no exception.”
– Lindsey Barger, Read With Lindsey Book Reviews”The historical fantasy world of this novel is brought to life with impeccable skill, making it vividly imaginable… Disability is portrayed in a way which is in keeping with the society of the time whilst still positive and nuanced. The intense feelings of the young characters as they grow and process significant traumas is depicted with authenticity and never sensationalised… A truly fascinating, often suspenseful and rewardingly complex narrative”.
Amazon reviewer
Some Recent Events
- Ink & Impact – an evening of spoken word in association with Hope Housing Bradford to raise awareness and funds for their work to end homelessness. This was my initial idea, and I worked with the charity to put the idea together, featuring writers from the spoken word scene in Bradford.
- Cultural Futures Conference – a virtual conference for academics and creatives in the worldwide folklore community, organised by Dee Dee Chainey. I was a guest on the Inclusive Storytelling panel.
- We Have Always Been Here – a carnivalesque day, celebrating the heritage throughout history and folklore of trans, nonbinary and gender-nonconforming people. I read some selections from my books, and contributed a section on Farinelli to the Heritage Trail. Organised by the Folklore Centre, Todmorden.
Own Voices Statement and Access Needs
I identify as asexual and greygender (she/they). I have lived with chronic depression/anxiety from the age of 16, and with fibromyalgia since 2016. I am probably neurodivergent (undiagnosed).
It is because of my health conditions that I have limited my visits to the local area and virtual events. I will consider visits outside the local area if overnight accommodation is provided. If being invited to a full day event, I would require rest breaks and a quiet room.
Terms and Conditions
My fees are in line with the Society of Authors recommendations, but I am willing to negotiate something affordable in the case of small charitable and community groups.
I have public indemnity insurance as part of my SoA membership. As a condition of this, I must not be left alone with children or vulnerable adults.
Authors visiting a school/college/university on an irregular “volunteer” basis are not required to have a DBS.
Please consult the full SoA guidelines and Inklusion guide for authors speaking at events.