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+. My main readership is in the 18-27 age bracket.
 
I am the author of the Asexual Fairy Tales series, and Angelio series and over 100 published short stories. I have won the James White Award, been a joint winner of the Liars’ League/National Gallery “Inspiration” Competition, and Masquerade of Finches was shortlisted for the inaugural Tempest Prize.

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. 

For Schools, Colleges and Youth Groups

Author visits with readings from Angelio and discussion/workshop questions 

Tailored to your needs around one of the following PSHE topics:

• Asexual and Nonbinary Identities
• Body Modification
• The Pros and Cons of Fame
• Friendship and Bullying
• Healthy and Unhealthy Relationship Behaviours
• Inclusion and Discrimination
• Disablility and Visible Difference

Author visits with readings from Asexual Fairy Tales and discussion/workshop questions 

Tailored to your needs around one or more of the following English topics:

• Fairy tales, myths and legends
• Oral storytelling vs written texts
• Recognising themes, tropes and symbolism
• Shared stories, tropes and themes across different cultures 
• Harmful stereotypes and reclaiming narratives – who tells your story?
• Different interpretations of the same story
• Structure of stories

For LGBTQIA+ Groups

I am happy to read from my work and talk about:

• My ace journey, asexual identities and ace rights
• Finding representation in folklore/myth and history
• My author journey and advice about writing as an LGBTQIA+ author

For Community/Writers/Book Groups

• Creative writing workshops based around fairy tales, myths & legends
• Talk with Q & A about my journey as a writer
• Author visit with book group discussion of one of my books

 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.

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)

Angelio Series

Two boys. One meek, one rebellious. Both discover a power that will set them free…or sever them.

When Tammo meets Carlo, their lives change forever. With the Archangel’s help, they are granted the power to fulfil each other’s deepest desires—but every gift demands a price.

As music opens doors to a glittering world beyond the Cage, the bond between them is tested by ambition, longing, and the fragile promises they have made. And their choices will shape not just their futures, but that of Celestina—a young aristocrat who will become entwined in their lives in ways neither of them can foresee.

Cage of Nightingales is a story of found family, and queer identity—featuring a tender portrayal of an asexual, nonbinary eunuch at its heart.

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).

”Compelling thoughout and very accomplished”- Patience Agbabi  

Some Recent Events

• British Fantasy Society readings and panel discussion event at Social Refuge, central Manchester.
• 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 Inclusion guide for authors speaking at events.