Picture a Tampa-born storyteller who fused steampunk with zombies to create a literary sensation—meet Cherie Priest! Born in 1975, this award-winning American novelist has captivated readers with her genre-bending tales, most notably her groundbreaking novel Boneshaker. With a knack for crafting vivid worlds and complex characters, Priest has become a beloved figure in speculative fiction, blending horror, Southern Gothic, and science fiction into stories that linger long after the final page.
From her early days hopping between states to her rise as the 'Queen of Steampunk,' Priest’s journey is as dynamic as her novels. Her work, celebrated for its rich historical settings and fearless protagonists, has earned her a Hugo nomination, a Nebula nod, and a Locus Award, cementing her as a trailblazer in modern literature.
The Making of Cherie Priest
Born in Tampa, Florida, on the day Jimmy Hoffa vanished, Cherie Priest grew up as an Army kid, moving through Florida, Texas, Kentucky, and Tennessee. This nomadic childhood sparked her love for diverse settings, which later flavored her novels. After earning a B.A. from Southern Adventist University in 1998 and an M.A. in Rhetoric from the University of Tennessee in 2001, she settled in Chattanooga, where she penned her first books. Her early exposure to Southern culture and history shaped her unique voice, blending gritty realism with fantastical elements.
Priest’s writing career kicked off with Four and Twenty Blackbirds in 2003, a Southern Gothic ghost story that introduced her Eden Moore series. Her passion for history and research, coupled with a love for zombies and goth music, set the stage for her genre-defying career.
Cherie Priest’s Unforgettable Stories
Priest’s breakout novel, Boneshaker (2009), redefined steampunk by weaving zombies into an alternate-history Seattle ravaged by a toxic gas. This thrilling tale of a mother and son navigating a walled-off city won the Locus Award and earned Hugo and Nebula nominations, establishing Priest as a steampunk icon. The Clockwork Century series continued with Dreadnought, Ganymede, and Fiddlehead, each blending airships, mad scientists, and strong female leads.
Beyond steampunk, Priest’s versatility shines in Maplecroft (2014), a gothic horror reimagining Lizzie Borden battling Lovecraftian monsters, and I Am Princess X (2015), a YA graphic novel mash-up. Her writing style—marked by meticulous world-building, sharp dialogue, and fearless heroines—tackles themes of resilience and identity, often set against richly detailed historical backdrops.
Her short stories, like “Reluctance” in The Mammoth Book of Steampunk, and nonfiction, such as “Steampunk for Beginners,” showcase her range. With over 30 books and novellas, translated into nine languages, Priest’s ability to cross genres keeps readers hooked.
Why Cherie Priest Matters
Cherie Priest’s impact on speculative fiction is undeniable. By blending steampunk with zombies and horror with history, she’s expanded the boundaries of genre fiction, inspiring writers to take risks. Her strong, authentic female protagonists challenge stereotypes, offering readers—especially young women—heroes who are resourceful and unapologetic. Her work’s cinematic quality, with Boneshaker optioned for film, highlights her influence beyond the page.
Priest’s dedication to research and her love for quirky details, like Seattle’s Lakeview Cemetery or Cherokee burial grounds, ground her fantastical tales in reality, making them resonate deeply. As a blogger and genre advocate, she’s fostered a vibrant community, earning her titles like “High Priestess of Steampunk.”
About Cherie Priest
- Born: July 30, 1975, in Tampa, Florida
- Key Works: Boneshaker, Maplecroft, I Am Princess X
- Awards: Locus Award for Boneshaker, PNBA Award, Philip K. Dick Award nominee for Maplecroft
- Fun Fact: She’s phobic of unfinished ceramics and allergic to yellow dye #7!
Ready to dive into a world of airships, zombies, and axe-wielding heroines? Snag Boneshaker and explore Cherie Priest’s thrilling steampunk universe today!