Picture a transgender novelist weaving tales that tackle the wild world of digital culture—meet A.E. Osworth! This vibrant voice in contemporary literature burst onto the scene with their debut novel, We Are Watching Eliza Bright, a technothriller that dives headfirst into the murky waters of online harassment, inspired by the infamous GamerGate saga. With a knack for blending sharp social critique with innovative storytelling, Osworth has carved out a unique space in fiction, earning accolades from NPR to Harper’s Bazaar.
As a queer, trans, and nonbinary writer, Osworth brings a fresh perspective to themes of technology, identity, and feminism. Their work doesn’t just entertain—it challenges readers to rethink the boundaries between virtual and real-world spaces. Whether they’re teaching digital storytelling or crafting novels, Osworth’s passion for inclusivity and community shines through, making them a must-read for anyone curious about the digital age.
The Making of A.E. Osworth
A.E. Osworth’s journey to literary stardom began with a deep love for storytelling and a sharp eye for the internet’s underbelly. While details of their early life remain private, their career took shape at The New School, where they earned an MFA and honed their craft under mentors like Shelley Jackson. As Geekery Editor at Autostraddle, Osworth spent years dissecting the intersection of queerness and technology, covering everything from nerd culture to whiskey reviews. This immersion in digital spaces fueled their writing, particularly their rage against the misogyny of events like GamerGate, which sparked their debut novel.
Osworth’s freelance career also flourished, with pieces appearing in Quartz, Electric Literature, and Mashable. Their ability to navigate both creative and analytical writing laid the groundwork for their distinctive voice—one that’s equal parts witty, incisive, and unapologetic. Today, they balance writing with teaching, serving as a Visiting Assistant Professor at The Ohio State University and a lecturer at The University of British Columbia.
A.E. Osworth’s Unforgettable Stories
Osworth’s debut, We Are Watching Eliza Bright (2021), is a tour de force that reimagines GamerGate through the lens of Eliza Bright, a female coder facing workplace sexism and online vitriol. Narrated by two collectives—a toxic subreddit of incels and the queer, compassionate Sixsterhood—Osworth’s innovative structure mirrors the internet’s chaotic hive mind. The novel’s blend of thriller pacing, feminist fury, and digital culture critique earned it a spot on best-of-2021 lists from NPR, Autostraddle, and more.
Their upcoming novel, Awakened (March 2025), promises to push boundaries further. This tale of transgender witches battling artificial intelligence with magic is a bold response to J.K. Rowling’s controversial legacy, reclaiming magic for marginalized voices. Osworth’s writing style is chaotic yet deliberate, weaving nonlinear narratives that reflect the fragmented nature of online life. Their work tackles heavy themes—misogyny, doxxing, identity—with a lightness that keeps readers hooked, proving that serious topics can coexist with compelling storytelling.
Beyond novels, Osworth’s nonfiction explores queerness, technology, and community, often with a playful edge. Their essays and articles, published in outlets like Guernica and Paper Darts, showcase their versatility and commitment to amplifying underrepresented voices.
Why A.E. Osworth Matters
A.E. Osworth’s impact lies in their ability to hold a mirror to our digital age, exposing its darker corners while celebrating its potential for connection. By centering queer and trans perspectives, they challenge the tech world’s toxic masculinity and advocate for inclusivity in gaming and beyond. Their storytelling—rooted in rage, empathy, and hope—inspires readers to question the systems shaping our online and offline lives.
As an educator, Osworth empowers the next generation of writers to embrace digital storytelling and joy-centered drafting. Their work resonates with anyone who’s ever felt the internet’s double-edged sword, making them a vital voice in contemporary literature. With Awakened on the horizon, Osworth’s legacy is only just beginning.
- Born: Details not publicly available
- Key Works: We Are Watching Eliza Bright (2021), Awakened (2025)
- Awards: Finalist for the Oregon Book Award; longlisted for The Center for Fiction First Novel Prize
Snag We Are Watching Eliza Bright and dive into A.E. Osworth’s thrilling, thought-provoking world of technothrillers!