Picture a storyteller who spun tales of human connection against Montana’s vast skies—meet Craig Lancaster! Born in 1970, this American novelist and journalist transformed a challenging childhood into deeply emotional stories that resonate worldwide. His debut, 600 Hours of Edward, launched a career that’s both heartfelt and award-winning, capturing the grit and glory of the American West.
From his roots in Wyoming to his home in Billings, Montana, Lancaster’s journey is as compelling as his prose. With a style that’s both poignant and humorous, he’s earned a devoted readership and accolades like the High Plains Book Award. Let’s dive into the life and legacy of this Montana gem!
The Making of Craig Lancaster
Adopted at birth in Lakewood, Washington, Craig Lancaster’s early years were shaped by upheaval. After his parents’ divorce, he moved to suburban Fort Worth, Texas, with his mother and stepfather, a sportswriter who sparked his love for writing. Summers spent visiting his father in the oil fields of the West ignited a lifelong fascination with Montana’s rugged beauty. These experiences, coupled with a journalism degree from the University of Texas at Arlington, set the stage for a career that spanned newspapers across Texas, Alaska, and beyond, before he settled in Montana in 2006.
Lancaster’s journalistic roots honed his knack for observing human nature, a skill that would define his novels. In 2008, he took a leap into fiction during National Novel Writing Month, penning his debut in a whirlwind of creativity. That leap paid off, launching a literary career that’s as vibrant as the landscapes he describes.
Craig Lancaster’s Unforgettable Stories
Lancaster’s novels are love letters to Montana, blending raw emotion with deceptively simple prose. His breakout, 600 Hours of Edward (2009), follows Edward Stanton, a man with Asperger’s syndrome navigating life’s complexities in Billings. The novel’s humor and heart earned it a Montana Honor Book title and a High Plains Book Award. Its sequel, Edward Adrift (2012), takes Edward on a road trip of self-discovery, deepening his endearing saga.
The Summer Son (2011) explores fractured family ties against Montana’s rugged peaks, earning praise as a “classic western tale” and a Utah Book Award finalist. Lancaster’s ninth novel, And It Will Be a Beautiful Life (2021), weaves a pig tracker’s unraveling life into a poignant narrative, clinching another High Plains Book Award. His prose, influenced by literary giants like Hemingway and Steinbeck, dives beneath the surface, revealing the “grit and glory” of ordinary lives with humor and empathy.
Beyond novels, Lancaster’s versatility shines in short stories, plays, and a romantic comedy co-authored with his wife, novelist Elisa Lorello, titled You, Me & Mr. Blue Sky. His ability to craft intense, relatable characters makes each work a masterclass in storytelling.
Why Craig Lancaster Matters
Craig Lancaster’s impact lies in his ability to humanize the overlooked. His stories, set in the contemporary American West, give voice to characters grappling with isolation, identity, and redemption. By drawing on his own experiences—adoption, displacement, and a love for Montana—he creates narratives that feel universal yet deeply personal. Awards like the Montana Book Award and Independent Publisher Book Award gold medal underscore his literary prowess, but it’s his connection with readers that truly defines his legacy.
Lancaster’s work also elevates Montana’s cultural landscape, cementing his status as one of the state’s most important writers. His journalism, including contributions to Montana Quarterly, and his playwriting further amplify his influence, proving he’s a storyteller in every sense.
- Born: February 9, 1970, Lakewood, Washington
- Key Works: 600 Hours of Edward, The Summer Son, And It Will Be a Beautiful Life
- Awards: High Plains Book Award (2010, 2022), Montana Honor Book, Utah Book Award finalist
Snag 600 Hours of Edward and dive into Craig Lancaster’s heartfelt world of Montana magic!