About Calyssa Erb

Calyssa Erb is a queer, autistic Canadian writer of books for young readers. Her debut middle grade novel MAYA PLAYS THE PART was published by Annick Press in 2024. It was nominated for IBBY Outstanding Books for Young People with Disabilities, 2025; and a Canadian Children’s Book Centre 2024 Best Books for Kids and Teens, starred selection. When not writing, she enjoys a tall mug of tea and hanging out with her Animal Crossing villagers. She currently lives in Toronto, Ontario.

Photographer: Asher Riven

I was inspired to write Maya Plays the Part when I was diagnosed with autism as an adult. It inspired me to revisit some memories from my childhood, particularly my summers spent attending theatre camps at Neptune Theatre in Halifax, NS, and ask myself what might have been different if I knew I was autistic then.
Maya’s story is inspired by my own experiences, but it is not an autobiography. Maya is very different from how I was at that age and I love experiencing the world through her perspective!
I’m currently working on another project, but I hope to return to Maya in the future! She is such a fun character and I have lots of ideas of adventures she will have.

My favourite book when I was 10 - 12 years old was Inkheart by Cornelia Funke. I hope one day to write a wonderfully fantastical book like it!
I also adored (and still enjoy) the manga Yotsuba&. I’m a huge fan of graphic novels and manga.
Yes! I love to have a cup of tea and some instrumental game music playing while I’m writing.
Write. Write. Write! Being an author requires perseverance, craft, and joy. Find out what motivates you to write, find supportive people to surround yourself with, and have fun with it!