Picture a Los Angeles native weaving tales of identity and celebrity with a journalist’s keen eye—meet Emily Beyda! A rising star in literary fiction, Beyda captivates readers with her debut novel, The Body Double, and her witty 'Dear Glutton' column in The Austin Chronicle. Her knack for blending suspense with cultural commentary makes her a voice to watch.
With an MFA from Texas State and a knack for storytelling, Beyda’s work dances between fiction and journalism, exploring the masks we wear in modern society. Ready to dive into her world? Let’s explore the life and stories of this intriguing author.
The Making of Emily Beyda
Born and raised in Los Angeles, Emily Beyda grew up surrounded by the glitz and grit of Hollywood, which later fueled her fascination with celebrity culture. She earned a Bachelor’s in Comparative Literature from NYU, honing her ability to dissect narratives across cultures. Her move to Austin for Texas State’s MFA program marked a turning point, immersing her in a vibrant literary community where she began crafting her unique voice.
Beyda’s career kicked off with journalism, writing for outlets like The Austin Chronicle, where her 'Dear Glutton' column offered sharp, humorous advice on life and food. Her interviews with chefs and restaurateurs showcased her curiosity and knack for uncovering human stories, setting the stage for her fiction debut.
Emily Beyda’s Unforgettable Stories
Beyda’s debut novel, The Body Double (2020), is a psychological thriller that echoes Hitchcock’s Vertigo and David Lynch’s Mulholland Drive. The story follows a nameless narrator hired to impersonate a reclusive Hollywood star, Rosanna Feld, exploring themes of identity, obsession, and the cost of fame. Critics praised its moody, noir-inspired narrative and eerie resonance with fairy tales like 'Rapunzel' and 'Bluebeard.' Its slow-burn suspense and vivid prose keep readers hooked.
Beyond fiction, Beyda’s journalism for Built, the Bluebeam Blog, dives into environmentalism and innovation in construction. Articles like her piece on managing technological change in the industry highlight her ability to make complex topics engaging. Her work for dot.LA and other outlets reflects her versatility, covering everything from tech startups to social issues with a storyteller’s flair.
Beyda’s style is marked by meticulous prose and a fascination with deconstructed identities. Whether crafting a novel or a column, she probes the tension between authenticity and artifice, making her work both thought-provoking and accessible. Her influences—Hitchcock, Lynch, and literary giants like Edith Wharton—shine through in her layered narratives.
Why Emily Beyda Matters
Emily Beyda’s impact lies in her ability to bridge fiction and journalism, offering fresh perspectives on identity and culture. The Body Double resonates with readers navigating a world obsessed with image and performance, while her journalism amplifies voices in overlooked industries. Her exploration of fame’s darker side feels timely in an era of social media and celebrity worship.
As a Los Angeles native who found her voice in Austin, Beyda embodies the blend of coastal glamour and Southern grit. Her growing body of work promises to influence literary fiction and journalism, inspiring readers to question the stories we tell about ourselves. With more projects on the horizon, Beyda is an author to keep on your radar.
- Born: Los Angeles, California
- Key Work: The Body Double (2020)
- Notable Column: 'Dear Glutton' in The Austin Chronicle
- Education: MFA, Texas State University; BA, NYU
Snag The Body Double and dive into Emily Beyda’s thrilling world of suspense and self-discovery! Her stories are a rollercoaster of wit and wonder—perfect for anyone craving a fresh literary voice.