Picture an American storyteller who conjures cities where magical creatures fight for freedom and spaceships serve up cosmic adventures—meet Cat Rambo! Born in 1963, this award-winning author has carved a unique path in science fiction and fantasy, blending vivid world-building with heartfelt storytelling. From their Nebula-winning novelette to their leadership in the speculative fiction community, Rambo’s work sparkles with imagination.
With a voice that’s both direct and enchanting, Rambo invites readers into worlds where the ordinary meets the extraordinary. Whether it’s a hoarder’s glittering legacy in 'Carpe Glitter' or a restaurant crew dodging pirates in 'You Sexy Thing,' their stories resonate with humor, heart, and a touch of the bizarre.
The Making of Cat Rambo
Born Catherine Ann Francis on November 14, 1963, in College Station, Texas, Rambo grew up in South Bend, Indiana, in a house brimming with books. Their love for speculative fiction bloomed early, sneaking Heinlein novels inside textbooks at school. After studying at the University of Notre Dame and earning a master’s from Johns Hopkins’ Writing Seminars, Rambo worked in computer security and at Microsoft before diving into writing full-time. In 2005, they attended the Clarion West Writers Workshop, a pivotal moment that launched their fiction career.
Cat Rambo’s Unforgettable Stories
Rambo’s bibliography is a treasure trove of over 250 short stories and several novels, often set in richly imagined worlds like the city of Tabat. Their debut novel, 'Beasts of Tabat' (2015), kicks off a fantasy quartet where magical beings navigate a society on the brink of revolution. Shortlisted for the Compton Crook Award, it showcases Rambo’s knack for blending gritty realism with magical intrigue.
The Nebula-winning 'Carpe Glitter' (2019) is a dazzling novelette about a woman unraveling her grandmother’s sparkling, secretive legacy. Rambo’s space opera 'You Sexy Thing' (2021) mixes 'Farscape' vibes with culinary chaos, following a retired admiral and her crew aboard a sentient ship. Their short story 'Five Ways to Fall in Love on Planet Porcelain' (2012), a Nebula finalist, weaves love and loss in a surreal, porcelain-crafted world. Rambo’s style—described by John Barth as 'urban mythopoeia'—merges mythic elements with everyday struggles, creating stories that linger.
Themes of identity, community, and resistance run through Rambo’s work. Whether exploring non-romantic relationships or crafting hopepunk tales that champion collective heroism, their stories challenge conventions and celebrate diversity. Their prose is crisp yet evocative, balancing accessibility with poetic depth.
Why Cat Rambo Matters
Rambo’s impact extends beyond their fiction. As president of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America (SFWA) from 2015 to 2019, they advocated for writers’ rights and inclusivity. Their Rambo Academy for Wayward Writers offers online classes, mentoring aspiring authors in speculative fiction. By editing 'Fantasy Magazine' and co-editing works like 'Ad Astra: The SFWA 50th Anniversary Cookbook,' Rambo has shaped the genre’s landscape.
Their stories, often appearing in 'Asimov’s' and 'Clarkesworld,' inspire readers to embrace the weird and wonderful. Rambo’s commitment to hopepunk—stories of ordinary heroes uniting for change—offers a beacon in turbulent times. Their influence as a writer, educator, and advocate continues to ripple through the speculative fiction community.
- Born: November 14, 1963, College Station, Texas
- Key Works: 'Beasts of Tabat,' 'Carpe Glitter,' 'You Sexy Thing'
- Awards: Nebula Award for 'Carpe Glitter' (2020), World Fantasy Award nominee (2012)
- Pronouns: They/them
Snag 'You Sexy Thing' or 'Carpe Glitter' and dive into Cat Rambo’s vibrant blend of fantasy and science fiction! Their worlds are waiting to whisk you away.