On the wintry day of December 22, 1951, in the quaint town of Bussum in The
Netherlands, Charles de Lint came into the world. His father, Frederick Charles
Hoefsmit, pursued his career as a surveyor, whisking his family off to the vast
expanses of Canada shortly after Charles’s birth. His mother, Gerardina
Margaretha Hoefsmit-de Lint, imparted wisdom as a schoolteacher. By 1961,
Charles embraced his new identity as a naturalized Canadian. It wasn’t until
the mid-1970s, when he encountered Mary Ann Harris—a spirited artist with a
passion for music—that he found a place to call home. Settling in Ottawa, he
chose to stay where his heart led him, culminating in their union on September
15, 1980.
Before finding his path in the literary world, de Lint navigated an array of
clerical roles until his affinity for music brought him to manage a record
store. This chapter closed in 1983 when new management took over, but fate had
other plans. That same year, after enduring seven years of fruitless
submissions, he sold three of his novels. Although he harbored a deep love for
Celtic music, viewing himself primarily as a musician, his foray into poetry
and storytelling bloomed among friends. Early sales to niche magazines fueled
his passion, and he credits his wife for not only her encouragement but her
inspired ideas. It was she who nudged him towards his first novel, guiding him
into the realm of fantasy set within bustling urban landscapes—a creative
choice leading to some of his most celebrated works, including tales set in the
mythical city of Newford.
Recognition and Awards
The year 1984 marked a milestone for de Lint as he claimed the inaugural
William L. Crawford Award for Best New Fantasy Author from the International
Association for the Fantastic in the Arts. His novel, Jack, the Giant
Killer, captivated readers, earning the 1988 Canadian SF/Fantasy Award.
Further acclaim came in 1992 when the CompuServe Science Fiction & Fantasy
Forum honored him with the "HOMer" Award for Best Fantasy Novel for The
Little Country. This novel also garnered a spot on the New York Public
Library's prestigious list of Best Books for the Teen Age. In 1998, the Young
Adult Library Services Association of the American Library Association
recognized Trader as a standout, selecting it as one of their Best Books
for Young Adults.
A Versatile Storyteller
Charles de Lint has emerged as the quintessential crossover author,
seamlessly captivating both adult and young adult audiences alike. His
storytelling prowess mirrors the timeless allure of Edgar Allan Poe and Peter
S. Beagle. Notably, his works crafted for younger readers have found an equally
enthusiastic audience among adults, showcasing his unique ability to traverse
generational divides with ease and creativity.
