Biography
Sheena Blankenagel, an author of mythological fantasy novels and creative non-fiction, lives in the heart of Southern Utah’s red rock country. She is the recipient of numerous awards from organizations including L. Ron Hubbard’s Writers of the Future Contest, the Utah Original Writing Competition, and the notable Olive Woolley Burt Awards. Her short stories have been published in Heritage Writers Anthology: A Collection of Prose, Poetry, and Art and
Utah’s Best Poetry and Prose 2025.
Forever enamored by all things mythoi, Sheena’s passion for crafting stories is infused with vital themes of tolerance and equality; empowering marginalized groups through the expression of fantastical worlds is the devotion of her art.
Since signing with a literary agent, Sheena’s debut novel is currently on submission. While writing her second novel, she volunteers regularly by teaching craft classes at her local chapter of the League of Utah Writers, hosting critique groups for burgeoning authors, and contributing articles to local newsletters and journals. Sheena feeds her inner artist by whisking her family off on outdoor adventures like camping, hiking, and soaking in hot springs.
It all begins with an idea…
During a 23 day raft trip down the Grand Canyon,
the idea for my centaur trilogy dropped into my head like a landslide.
The entire story appeared in my mind’s eye,
complete with characters, plot, themes, and quirks.
…then you simply grab tight and hang on for the ride.
I immediately scratched everything into my journal, mind whirling far quicker
than my pen could pace.
After that day, I plowed ahead with my story and never looked back.
Spending extensive time in nature is the zenith of my inspiration.
Clarity of voice is simple amidst the whisper of the trees, grass between the toes, and water tumbling over stone.