In this soulful and thought-provoking episode of Queerly Beloved, Wil Fisher sits down with literary Gregory Maguire, author of Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West. Gregory Maguire—author of Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West. Gregory also happens to identify as both gay and Catholic, and brings a deep well of wisdom around faith, identity, creativity, and queerness, which he shares so beautifully in this interview.
He’s published dozens of novels, often reimagining classic stories and inventing imaginative, layered worlds. His work is known for its emotional depth and its keen understanding of what it means to be human. He’s also the founder of Children’s Literature New England, a nonprofit celebrating the power of story. Gregory lives with his husband, painter Andy Newman, and together they’ve raised three adopted children.
In the interview Gregory shares about his relationship with Catholicism, the sacred tension between faith and doubt, and the drag of heteronormativity. He shares playful childhood memories of directing Wizard of Oz backyard productions and Wil also shares his Wizard of Oz memories.
They also discuss:
- Writing as an act of meditation and prayer.
- The idea that faith and doubt are inseparable companions.
- How storytelling helps us reshape identity, reclaim power, and stay spiritually awake.
- The deeper baptismal symbolism in Dorothy’s water-throwing moment.
- Gregory’s decision to avoid previews and fanfare in advance of Wicked for Good so he can see it fresh!
- A story about advice he received guiding him to pursue his creative projects rather than stepping into priesthood.
Gregory Maguire’s wisdom will inspire you to keep rewriting your own myth.
Learn More about Gregory here - https://gregorymaguire.com/
Learn about Wil Fisher and his work here - https://www.wil-fullyliving.com/
Get info about the Summer Soulful Awakened Hearts retreat happening Labor Day in San Diego here- https://www.wil-fullyliving.com/events
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