A welcome from author W. A. Schwartz

“Intriguing lead characters strengthen

this engaging Southern murder mystery."

—Kirkus Reviews

Fabulous Beasts

Inspired by the life of Sylvia Plath, Fabulous Beasts is a story all its own that tackles the complexities of art, abuse, mental illness, and the sacrifices we choose to make.

Other Books

An intelligent, fast-based thriller with well-drawn characters and authentic southern Louisiana atmosphere.
—Martha, Goodreads

“A mesmerizing book which will linger in the
reader's memory.”
—J. Rose, Goodreads

Meet W. A. Schwartz

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

W.A. Schwartz is a psychiatrist and novelist who studied literature at UC Davis and novel writing at Stanford. AFter earning her M.D., she went on to specialize in psychiatry, and her current practice helps women with severe psychiatric illness, depression, and a history of childhood and adult betrayal trauma.

Her work has been given special mention by the literary journal Glimmer Train and been long-listed for the Alexander Chee Short Fiction Prize. She spent many years working and living in New Orleans with her husband, a native of Louisiana. Currently, she lives in Northern California with her husband and children.

My blog

Featured
Here come the holidays
Here come the holidays

This is how it will be. I stand over a glass bowl filled with golden russets. I eyeball them harshly, daring them to peel themselves. I squint somehow, believing my squinting makes me appear more authoritative, but the potatoes do not respond; they lay there dead.

Is the glass half full? How your outlook impacts your kids.
Is the glass half full? How your outlook impacts your kids.

An Australian study supports the hypothesis that an optimistic outlook is protective against the development of depression and other disorders in teenagers.

The energy ball: What not to do when your kid drops the ball
The energy ball: What not to do when your kid drops the ball

Imagine you are watching your adolescent play a game of basketball. Only it’s not any game of basketball. This game is special. Your child is the only one on the court. You are the only one watching but, for whatever reason, this game is really important.

Good enough: Why not quite is just right (for parents)
Good enough: Why not quite is just right (for parents)

I met Judith when her son, Adam, was about 12 years old and was first diagnosed with a psychotic disorder. He had been very hard to deal with for some time but she and her husband had found it difficult to acknowledge there was something medically wrong with him.

  • Reading: City Lights Bookstore

    San Francisco, CA
    May 25 • 7:00-8:00PM

    Join W. A. Schwartz for a reading of her new book Fabulous Beasts at the iconic City Lights bookstore. Signed copies available.

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  • Reading: The Booksmith

    San Francisco, CA
    May 26 • 7:00-8:00PM

    Hear W.A. Schwartz read from her new book, Fabulous Beasts, at Haight-Ashbury’s Booksmith. Q&A following the reading.

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  • Talk: City Arts & Lectures

    June 15 • 7-9pm

    Come enjoy this intimate conversation between W. A. Schwartz and Joan Didion about writing about the lives of women.

    Get tickets

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