Marieke Lexmond Weaves Magic and Wonder Into Fantasy Worlds

Blending Magic, Family and Self-Discovery

Marieke Lexmond delves into her creative process, shares the magic behind The Madigan Chronicles, and discusses inspiration from landscapes, family dynamics, and the role of tarot in her storytelling.

Marieke Lexmond stands as an extraordinary force within the realm of fantasy literature, captivating readers with her award-winning creations wrapped in magic, mystery, and emotional depth. A writer of boundless imagination and a solitary witch with an unyielding connection to the mystical, Lexmond has charmed audiences worldwide with The Madigan Chronicles, a series resplendent with enchanted worlds, complex characters, and tales that intertwine the supernatural with the deeply human. Her ability to transport readers, whether through the bustling vibrance of New Orleans, the wild beauty of Ireland, or the elemental power of Greenland, is nothing short of magical.

Having begun her storytelling journey in the realm of film, Marieke honed her artistic vision before turning to the written word, where she masterfully conjures immersive narratives laced with themes of family, self-discovery, and resilience. Titles such as The Wand, The Cup, and The Queen of Fairy remind us why Lexmond is a master of magical realism—layering vivid imagery, intricate worldbuilding, and gripping familial dynamics throughout her works. Through her stories, she offers readers an exploration of what it means to embrace one’s true self while blending fairy-tale wonder with modern dilemmas.

In this interview, Marieke Lexmond opens the door to her creative world. From the influence of her cherished landscapes to the deep bonds within the Madigan family, and her collaborative magic with tarot artist Nicole Ruijgrok, she reflects on the sparks of inspiration behind her award-winning series. Readers and aspiring authors alike are sure to find not only inspiration but also wisdom in the words of this brilliant author whose storytelling feels like an enchanting spell come to life. Prepare to be transported.

How did your experiences living in New Orleans and the west coast of Ireland influence the setting and atmosphere in The Queen of Fairy?

Both places feed my writer’s soul in their own way. The energy and atmosphere of New Orleans flow straight into the Madigan’s bar, Under the Witches Hat—that city’s vibrance, its magical and mysterious undercurrent, and the lively ambiance all live there. Ireland, on the other hand, grounds me in nature. It’s where I connect deeply with the land, and that connection shapes the world of Fairy. I’m constantly taking pictures—drawn to texture, light, and the way nature shifts—and that visual inspiration helps me write what Fairy looks and feels like.

In The Wand, you weave elemental powers and teenage trauma—what inspired Ceri’s journey as Keeper of the Land?

I think part of life’s journey is discovering who you are—and allowing yourself to fully be that person. Society puts so much pressure on us to fit into certain molds, to behave a certain way. Through Ceri, I wanted to explore that struggle, and show how liberating it can be to embrace your true self, even when the path is incredibly difficult.

The Cup transports readers to Greenland—what drew you to that remote location and how did it shape Luna and Freya’s character arcs?

I made a documentary in Greenland, A Greenland Story, and was deeply inspired by the raw, elemental energy of the landscape and the generosity of its people. I knew I had to weave that experience into my next novel.It felt like the perfect match for the energy of Water in The Cup—powerful and emotional, with a landscape that echoes Luna and Freya’s relationship. It’s rough and unforgiving at first, but once they let go of their preconceptions, they connect on a profound level.

The Madigan family dynamics are central across the books—how do you balance supernatural intrigue with relatable familial relationships?

At its core, this story is about family. A lot of the drama stems from their emerging magical talents—which are tightly woven into long-buried family secrets. That connection gives me the perfect opportunity to explore the supernatural while staying grounded in the very real tensions of family life. Honestly, it’s one of my favorite things to play with as a writer!

Tarot imagery features beautifully in The Wand—could you elaborate on your collaboration with Nicole Ruijgrok and the role of tarot in storytelling?

It’s been such a joy to collaborate with another creative soul! Working with Nicole was incredibly inspiring—she helped bring the visual magic of the cards to life, while also helping me articulate my creative vision in words.
Tarot is deeply interwoven throughout The Madigan Chronicles. Each chapter begins with a Minor Arcana card from one of the suits, setting the tone and subtly foreshadowing the themes ahead. The character traits of the Madigan family are loosely based on the Major Arcana cards they represent in The Magical Tarot Deck, which plays a key role in the second book.
Tarot doesn’t just add flavor—it forms the very structure of the story.

Your characters confront both fairy‑realm politics and modern dilemmas—how do you approach world building to keep both believable and interwoven?

I’m not an overthinker—I love to play and see where the magic leads. One of the beautiful freedoms of writing another realm is the chance to bend reality and gently stretch what readers believe is possible. It allows for a kind of subtle enchantment, expanding horizons without feeling heavy-handed. Fairies may care little for human morals, yet they follow their own intricate and often unyielding code of ethics—and that contrast is endlessly fascinating to explore.
Having Ceri learn as she goes gave me, as the writer, the space to let Fairy grow with her in my imagination. I like to sketch out a path—mapping chapters and story arcs—but I always leave room for discovery. If I plan too tightly, I lose my spark. Creativity needs space to breathe. The subconscious is a powerful guide—trust it.

The Queen of Fairy ends on a powerful showdown—without spoilers, what themes did you hope readers would resonate with most in that climax?

No spoilers? That’s a tough one! But at its heart, I wanted readers to feel the strength that comes from not facing everything alone. There’s power in asking for help, and sometimes support arrives from the most unexpected places.
For me, family isn’t just about blood—it’s about the people who stand by you when it matters most. Whether they’re friends, allies, or even brief acquaintances, those connections can be just as vital.

What key piece of advice would you give to aspiring authors hoping to blend magical realism, complex worldbuilding and emotional depth?

Such a great question—because striking that balance isn’t easy. The most important thing is to write your first draft without censoring yourself. If you keep editing as you go, you may never finish. Give yourself the freedom to play and let the words flow. That’s when the real magic happens—your subconscious might surprise you with little gems you didn’t plan.
Once the full story is on the page, then you can start shaping it: balancing worldbuilding with dialogue, emotional depth with structure. And don’t be afraid to cut big chunks—nothing is ever wasted. Exploring helps you get to know your characters more intimately, and that depth will shine through.
And one last thing: figure out what works for you. Every writer has a unique process. Courses and outside advice can be incredibly helpful, but in the end, it’s about taking what resonates and making it your own. Trust your way!