Author of Speculative Fiction / Poetry / Literary Nonfiction
Brief Bio
Daniel Ruefman is an author of speculative fiction, literary nonfiction, and poetry. He is the author of several books, including Things that Won't Stay Dead, a collection of short stories forthcoming from Cornerstone Press in March of 2028.
Full Bio
Daniel Ruefman is an author of speculative fiction, literary nonfiction, and poetry. A native of the Appalachian foothills of Pennsylvania, he earned degrees in writing, literature, and composition from Edinboro University, Slippery Rock University, and Indiana University of Pennsylvania. His work has appeared in more than one hundred journals, including The MacGuffin, Blue Mountain Review, and Thin Air Magazine. Ruefman is the author of multiple books, spanning poetry collections, memoir, and works for younger readers. His forthcoming short‑story collection, Things that Won’t Stay Dead, will be released by Cornerstone Press in March 2028. When not writing, he teaches the craft at a university in the Upper Midwest, where he lives with his wife and children.
Early praise for Things that Won't Stay Dead
"Ruefman’s appropriately titled collection is a beautifully crafted series of stories and oddities that I couldn’t put down. Each piece gives readers a glimpse into tiny, often overlooked avenues of our world. In these literary delicacies, readers get a taste of hope, loss, misunderstood monsters, snakes, and, of course, Things That Won’t Stay Dead!"
- Jeremiah Bass, award winning author of
The Silver Screen
"Fascinating characters, gripping plots, and descriptive language that sparkles. Daniel Ruefman's craftsmanship is remarkable. You'll be reading this through the night!"
- Jim Guhl, Midwest Book Award Winner for
Eleven Miles to Oshkosh and South of Luck
"Things that Won't Stay Dead weaves the ordinary with the extraordinary. The characters are real and the tales will stick with you long after you've finished them."
- Manfred Gabriel, author of
The Correct Response
Praise for What the Fuzz? Survival Stories of a Minor League Mascot
"What the Fuzz? is the most unexpected book I've read in a long, long time. Heartfelt and hilarious, this memoir charts the maturity of its author, from a bumbling kid utterly lacking in self-confidence, into an unexpected American blue-collar superhero. This book is chockful of magical moments, moments of levity, and moments of love, friendship, and decency. I read this memoir in a single-sitting and can't wait for more of Ruefman's quirky, kind-hearted writing. What the Fuzz? is a literary underdog that I'll be rooting and cheering for long into the future."
- Nickolas Butler, bestselling author of
Shotgun Lovesongs
"In What the Fuzz?, Daniel Ruefman gives an uproarious glimpse behind the mask, with stories both hilarious and humbling. He shows us that oftentimes, the mascot is the hardest working person in the stadium."
- Joe Niese, author of
Handy Andy: The Andy Pafko Story
Praise for The Warden of Wickwood
"Explore the secrets of the forest alongside Breeze Chadwick and her new friend, Puck, the protector of the trees. This story evokes the importance of stewardship of the environment and demonstrates that while wealth is nice to have, there are greater priorities. Ruefman intertwines fantasy and adventure within our tangible, contemporary world. A must read for all kids!"
- Dana Storino, author of
The Golden Bee
"The Warden of Wickwood blends realistic environmental issues and relationships in a compelling story, both human and fantastical. The action and adventure are page-turning . . . satisfying readers with a resolution that is neither simplistic nor shallow."
- Sandy Brehl, author of
Odin's Promise