Picture a Chicago storyteller who crafts tales that linger like a chill in the air—meet Jac Jemc! An American author celebrated for her haunting blend of horror and psychological depth, Jemc has carved a niche in contemporary fiction with novels like The Grip of It and My Only Wife. Her stories, laced with eerie atmospheres and complex characters, have captivated readers and earned her accolades, including a 2023 Guggenheim Fellowship. Ready to dive into a world where the mundane turns sinister? Let’s explore Jac Jemc’s journey.
The Making of Jac Jemc
Born with a love for stories, Jac Jemc grew up as an avid reader, dreaming of writing a 100-page book by third grade. Initially drawn to theater during her college years, she rediscovered her passion for writing, finding it the perfect medium to express her unique voice. Jemc earned her MFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, honing her craft in fiction and poetry. Her early career included editing roles at literary magazines like Hobart and decomP, alongside residencies at prestigious venues like Ragdale and the Vermont Studio Center, shaping her distinctive narrative style.
Jac Jemc’s Unforgettable Stories
Jemc’s bibliography is a treasure trove of unsettling yet mesmerizing tales. Her debut novel, My Only Wife (2012), a finalist for the PEN/Robert W. Bingham Prize, explores a man’s obsession with his vanished wife, blending mystery with emotional depth. The Grip of It (2017), a chilling haunted house story, draws comparisons to Shirley Jackson and Jeff VanderMeer, with its eerie prose and psychological tension. Her story collection False Bingo (2019) won the Chicago Review of Books Award, weaving supernatural and earthly horrors into everyday life. Most recently, Empty Theatre (2023) delves into the lives of 19th-century monarchs, earning starred reviews for its vivid historical fiction. Jemc’s style—marked by fragmented narratives, sharp humor, and speculative elements—invites readers to question reality while savoring her lyrical prose.
Her stories often explore themes of isolation, identity, and the uncanny, making the familiar feel alien. Whether it’s a couple haunted by their new home or a taxidermist grappling with past mistakes, Jemc’s characters navigate worlds where the line between real and surreal blurs, leaving readers both thrilled and introspective.
Why Jac Jemc Matters
Jemc’s impact extends beyond her books. As a 2023 Guggenheim Fellow and Faculty Director of the Clarion Writers’ Workshop, she inspires aspiring writers through her teaching at UC San Diego. Her work, recognized with awards like the Paula Anderson Book Award and Lambda Literary Award nominations, pushes the boundaries of horror and speculative fiction, appealing to readers who crave stories that challenge and unsettle. By blending feminist perspectives with genre-defying narratives, Jemc has become a vital voice in modern literature, influencing both fans and fellow authors to embrace the strange and profound.
- Key Works: My Only Wife, The Grip of It, False Bingo, Empty Theatre
- Awards: 2023 Guggenheim Fellow, Chicago Review of Books Award, Paula Anderson Book Award
- Fun Fact: Jemc has completed residencies in unique locations, including the Arctic Circle!
Snag The Grip of It or False Bingo and dive into Jac Jemc’s thrilling, thought-provoking world of horror and beyond!