Marieke Lexmond Discusses The Magic Behind The Madigan Chronicles

PHOTO: Marieke Lexmond, author of The Madigan Chronicles, surrounded by books and tarot cards in her creative workspace.

Blending Magic, Family, And Self-Discovery

Marieke Lexmond shares her creative process, inspirations from New Orleans and Ireland, and the role of tarot in her award-winning series, The Madigan Chronicles, blending magical realism with familial drama and self-discovery.

M

arieke 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.

Marieke Lexmond’s storytelling enchants readers with its vivid imagery, emotional depth, and intricate worldbuilding, making her a master of magical realism.

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 conversation, 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.

On Setting and Atmosphere

When asked how her experiences living in New Orleans and the west coast of Ireland influenced the setting and atmosphere in The Queen of Fairy, Lexmond shared, “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.”

On Character Journeys

In The Wand, Lexmond weaves elemental powers and teenage trauma through the character of Ceri, the Keeper of the Land. She explained, “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.”

For The Cup, which transports readers to Greenland, Lexmond drew inspiration from her documentary, A Greenland Story. “I was deeply inspired by the raw, elemental energy of the landscape and the generosity of its people,” she said. “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.”

On Family Dynamics and Supernatural Intrigue

The Madigan family dynamics are central across the series. Lexmond explained, “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.”

On Tarot and Collaboration

Tarot imagery plays a significant role in The Wand, and Lexmond’s collaboration with tarot artist Nicole Ruijgrok was a highlight of her creative process. “It’s been such a joy to collaborate with another creative soul! 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,” she shared.

On Worldbuilding

Lexmond’s approach to worldbuilding is both playful and intuitive. “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. 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.”

On Themes and Climaxes

Reflecting on the climactic showdown in The Queen of Fairy, Lexmond said, “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. Family isn’t just about blood—it’s about the people who stand by you when it matters most.”

On Advice for Aspiring Authors

For writers hoping to blend magical realism, complex worldbuilding, and emotional depth, Lexmond offered this advice: “Write your first draft without censoring yourself. Give yourself the freedom to play and let the words flow. That’s when the real magic happens. Once the full story is on the page, then you can start shaping it. And figure out what works for you—every writer has a unique process. Trust your way!”

Marieke Lexmond’s ability to craft enchanting tales that resonate on both a magical and deeply human level continues to captivate readers. Her stories remind us of the power of self-discovery, the complexities of family, and the beauty of embracing the unknown.

Source: Reader’s House Magazine