Picture a New York City storyteller who spins tales of mermaids and menace with a splash of social critique—meet Jade Song! A writer, art director, and artist, Song burst onto the literary scene with her debut novel Chlorine, a New York Times Editor’s Choice that blends body horror with coming-of-age drama. Her hypnotic prose and fearless exploration of identity have made her a rising star in contemporary fiction.
With a knack for weaving the grotesque with the tender, Song’s stories dive deep into the messy, magical parts of being human. Whether she’s crafting a novel or a screenplay, her work pulses with raw emotion and sharp commentary, inviting readers to question societal norms while shivering with delight.
The Making of Jade Song
Born with a love for art and storytelling, Jade Song grew up cherishing books and paintings, finding solace in stories that sparked her imagination. Based in New York City, with roots in Pittsburgh and Beijing, Song’s multicultural background infuses her work with a unique perspective. Her creative journey began early, fueled by a passion for reading and a desire to tell stories that resonate. Transitioning from art direction—where her projects earned accolades from Campaign US and AdAge—to writing, Song channeled her visual and emotional instincts into crafting narratives that are as vivid as they are unsettling.
Jade Song’s Unforgettable Stories
Song’s debut novel, Chlorine (2023), is a tour de force of literary horror. Following Ren Yu, a Chinese American swimmer obsessed with becoming a mermaid, the novel explores the brutal pressures of competitive sports, identity, and transformation. Lauded as “visionary and disturbing” by Publishers Weekly, it tackles themes of misogyny, generational trauma, and sapphic longing with unflinching honesty. Its selection for the 2024 Black List Writers Lab for a screenplay adaptation signals Song’s versatility across mediums.
Looking ahead, Song’s upcoming works promise more bold storytelling. Her second novel, I Love You Don’t Die, set for release in spring 2026, shifts from the anger-fueled Chlorine to a narrative rooted in love and grief. Her debut short story collection, Ox Ghost Snake Demon, slated for 2027, will dive into speculative fiction, showcasing her range. Song’s style—lyrical yet visceral, blending myth with reality—sets her apart, offering readers a fresh take on horror and human connection.
Her stories and essays, published in outlets like Teen Vogue and Electric Literature, further highlight her ability to merge personal reflection with cultural critique. Whether exploring queer transcendence or the violence of girlhood, Song’s work is a mirror to the complexities of modern life, delivered with a darkly poetic edge.
Why Jade Song Matters
Jade Song’s impact lies in her fearless storytelling and her ability to center marginalized voices, particularly queer girls of color, in narratives that challenge conventions. Chlorine’s Alex Award win and translations into French, Chinese, and Turkish reflect her growing global influence. By blending horror with social commentary, she redefines the genre, making it a vehicle for exploring identity and resistance. Song’s work resonates with readers who crave stories that are both thrilling and thought-provoking, cementing her as a vital voice in contemporary literature.
- Born: Date unavailable, with roots in Pittsburgh and Beijing
- Key Work: Chlorine (2023), New York Times Editor’s Choice
- Upcoming: I Love You Don’t Die (2026), Ox Ghost Snake Demon (2027)
- Awards: Alex Award 2024 for Chlorine
Snag Chlorine and dive into Jade Song’s haunting, heartfelt world of literary horror! Her stories will leave you enchanted, unsettled, and eager for more.