Gregory Maguire
Novelist best known for writing Wicked; discusses his spiritual journey, Catholic upbringing, and the relationship between art, attention, and prayer.
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Mar 10, 2026 • 50min
Gregory Maguire’s spiritual journey–From a Catholic orphanage to ‘Wicked’-fame
Gregory Maguire, novelist best known for Wicked, reflects on his Catholic orphanage roots and a lifelong practice of paying attention. He explores how early religious education shaped his imagination and how art, prayer, and noticing faces intersect. He also discusses marginalization, being gay, and how those perspectives inform compassion and storytelling.
Dec 24, 2025 • 8min
'Hiddensee' is a 'Nutcracker'-inspired novel from the author of 'Wicked'
Gregory Maguire, renowned for his inventive retellings such as Wicked, dives into his latest novel, Hiddensee, exploring the backstory of the Nutcracker's toymaker, Dirk Drosselmeyer. He reflects on the ballet's narrative structure, aiming to connect its disjointed acts. Maguire discusses the symbolic significance of Drosselmeyer's eye patch and the balancing act of weaving fairy tale magic with the realities of life. Additionally, he shares his personal nutcracker collection and the joy it brings to his family, showcasing the emotional power of seemingly marginal figures.
