Picture a Canadian storyteller who spun a magical Edwardian world of mystery and romance—meet C.L. Polk! This fantasy fiction star burst onto the scene with their debut novel, Witchmark, a spellbinding blend of magic, murder, and queer love that earned a Nebula Award nomination and the 2019 World Fantasy Award. From their home in Calgary, Alberta, Polk crafts stories that weave social justice, identity, and enchantment into unforgettable narratives.
Polk’s journey is as vibrant as their tales. A non-binary author with a self-described 'lava lamp' gender, they infuse their work with authenticity and heart, drawing readers into worlds where magic meets human struggle. With a rescue dog named Otis by their side, Polk’s rise from grade-school storyteller to acclaimed author is a tale of passion and perseverance.
The Making of C.L. Polk
Born in 1969 in New Westminster, British Columbia, Chelsea Louise Polk grew up in Surrey and Edmonton, soaking up influences from fantasy giants like Tanith Lee, Barbara Hambly, and Mercedes Lackey. Their love for speculative fiction sparked early, with Lee’s Tales from the Flat Earth leaving a lasting mark. Polk began writing in their thirties, publishing short stories in magazines like Abyss & Apex before diving into novels. Odd jobs as a film extra, vegetable vendor, and lepidoptera identifier added colorful threads to their creative tapestry, grounding their fantastical worlds in real-world grit.
C.L. Polk’s Unforgettable Stories
Polk’s debut, Witchmark (2018), introduces Miles Singer, a doctor hiding his magical healing gifts in a war-torn, Edwardian-inspired Aeland. This Hugo-nominated Kingston Cycle opener, followed by Stormsong (2020) and Soulstar (2021), blends political intrigue, romance, and a class-based magical system. Critics praised its 'thoroughly charming' pace and queer representation, with Time Magazine naming it one of the 100 Best Fantasy Books. The Midnight Bargain (2020), a Regency-era fantasy, explores gender and power through a sorceress resisting magical suppression, earning Canada Reads and Nebula nods. Even Though I Knew the End (2022), a Nebula-winning novella, sets a damned woman’s love story in 1940s Chicago, showcasing Polk’s knack for emotional depth.
Polk’s style is a vibrant mix of gaslamp fantasy, historical detail, and social commentary. Their worlds, rich with bicycles, telephones, and secret magic, reflect the early 20th century’s industrial buzz. Themes of resistance, identity, and found family resonate, making their stories both escapist and profoundly relatable. Using Scrivener to track plotlines, Polk ensures every character’s desires clash, driving narratives that feel alive and unpredictable.
Why C.L. Polk Matters
Polk’s impact on fantasy fiction lies in their ability to center marginalized voices—queer, non-binary, and oppressed—within richly imagined worlds. Their Kingston Cycle redefined gaslamp fantasy, blending Edwardian aesthetics with critiques of power and privilege. By tackling Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in their 2023 blog, Polk opened conversations about mental health in creative spaces, inspiring fans and writers alike. Recognized by CBC as one of '19 Canadian Writers to Watch' in 2019, Polk continues to shape speculative fiction with heart and courage.
About C.L. Polk
- Born: 1969, New Westminster, British Columbia
- Key Works: Witchmark, The Midnight Bargain, Even Though I Knew the End
- Awards: World Fantasy Award (2019), Nebula Award (2022)
- Fun Fact: Loves knitting and rides a green bicycle with a basket!
Ready to dive into a world of magic and mystery? Snag Witchmark and lose yourself in C.L. Polk’s enchanting gaslamp fantasy!