Picture a Utah-born storyteller who turned a fascination with serial killers into a chilling yet heartfelt series—meet Dan Wells! Born in 1977, this American author has carved a niche in horror and science fiction with his gripping John Cleaver series and dystopian Partials Sequence. With a knack for dark humor and complex characters, Wells hooks readers and keeps them up late, turning pages.
But there’s more to Wells than thrills. As a co-host of the Hugo-winning podcast Writing Excuses, he inspires aspiring writers with wit and wisdom. His journey from a book-loving kid to a New York Times bestselling author is as compelling as his stories. Ready to dive into his world?
The Making of Dan Wells
Dan Wells grew up in Salt Lake City, Utah, surrounded by books and sci-fi classics. At just seven, he penned his first stories, inspired by Choose Your Own Adventure books and Where the Wild Things Are. His parents, avid readers, introduced him to The Hobbit and Star Wars, sparking a lifelong love for speculative fiction. By high school, he was crafting comic books and novellas, already dreaming big.
At Brigham Young University, Wells studied English and anthropology, honing his craft while working on the speculative fiction magazine Leading Edge. Before breaking out as a novelist, he wrote corporate copy for NuSkin, but his heart was in storytelling. At 22, he finished his first serious novel, setting the stage for his debut, I Am Not a Serial Killer, in 2009.
Dan Wells’s Unforgettable Stories
Wells’s debut, I Am Not a Serial Killer, introduced John Cleaver, a teenage sociopath battling his dark urges while hunting demons. The novel’s blend of psychological horror and supernatural thrills earned rave reviews and a 2016 film adaptation starring Christopher Lloyd. Its sequels, like Mr. Monster and The Devil’s Only Friend, deepen John’s struggle, showcasing Wells’s skill at crafting flawed, relatable heroes.
The Partials Sequence, a YA sci-fi series starting with Partials, explores a post-apocalyptic world where humans and engineered beings fight for survival. With fast-paced action and moral dilemmas, it’s a hit with fans of The Hunger Games. Wells also ventured into cyberpunk with the Mirador series, like Bluescreen, and middle-grade sci-fi with Zero G, proving his versatility. His writing—sharp, darkly funny, and emotionally raw—tackles themes of identity, morality, and survival.
Other gems include The Hollow City, a psychological horror about schizophrenia, and Extreme Makeover, a sci-fi thriller about a beauty company gone wrong. Whether he’s writing novels, novellas, or TV scripts for Extinct, Wells keeps readers guessing with unpredictable plots and vivid worlds.
Why Dan Wells Matters
Dan Wells isn’t just a storyteller; he’s a trailblazer in genre fiction. His John Cleaver series redefined horror by blending psychological depth with supernatural stakes, earning praise from authors like F. Paul Wilson. The Partials Sequence brought fresh ideas to YA dystopia, tackling complex ethical questions. His work resonates with readers who crave stories that challenge and entertain.
Through Writing Excuses, Wells mentors countless writers, sharing insights with co-hosts like Brandon Sanderson. His Hugo Award and Whitney Awards reflect his impact, but his real legacy is in the fans who see themselves in his characters—flawed, fighting, and fiercely human. As Vice President of Narrative at Dragonsteel Entertainment, he continues shaping fantasy and sci-fi.
- Born: March 4, 1977, Utah
- Key Works: I Am Not a Serial Killer, Partials, The Hollow City
- Awards: Hugo Award (Writing Excuses), Whitney Awards
- Fun Fact: He’s a self-proclaimed 'rabid gamer' with over 400 board games!
Snag I Am Not a Serial Killer and dive into Dan Wells’s thrilling, darkly funny world today!