Picture a Pittsburgh storyteller who’s made dinosaurs roar off the page and into our imaginations—meet Julian Michael Carver! Born Joey Kelly in 1992, this American author and documentary film editor has carved a unique niche in science fiction and children’s literature, blending his passion for prehistoric creatures with a knack for thrilling narratives. From his self-published kids’ series to gripping adult novels, Carver’s work is a love letter to the Mesozoic era, proving dinosaurs never go out of style.
The Making of Julian Michael Carver
Growing up in the Pittsburgh suburb of New Kensington, young Joey Kelly was captivated by Jurassic Park and classic monster flicks like The Valley of Gwangi. His childhood sketches of dinosaurs evolved into stories crafted with colored pencils and boundless imagination. After earning a Bachelor’s in Visual Effects and Motion Graphics from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh in 2013, Carver honed his editing skills on commercials and TV shows like Ancient Aliens. But his heart remained with dinosaurs, leading him to write under the pen name Julian Michael Carver and launch his literary career in 2019.
Julian Michael Carver’s Unforgettable Stories
Carver’s debut novel, Triassic (2020), published by Severed Press, thrusts readers into a sci-fi horror adventure where galactic marines battle dinosaurs in Earth’s prehistoric past. Its sequel, Triassic 2: Revenant (2021), amps up the stakes with more Mesozoic mayhem. His creature-feature hit Megacroc (2020) unleashes a monstrous crocodile in the Everglades, drawing comparisons to Michael Crichton’s pulse-pounding style. For younger readers, Carver founded Pteranodon Press, releasing The Backpack Dinosaur series, starting with A Raptor Ate My Homework! (2019). These campy tales follow siblings Andy and Anna and their pet velociraptor, Tennyson, blending humor and heart for dino-obsessed kids.
Carver’s writing is a thrilling mix of science fiction, horror, and adventure, often laced with meticulous research—though some fans note inaccuracies, like grass in the Triassic period. His media tie-in work, including a 2021 novelization of the horror film Freshwater (earning a Scribe Award nomination) and a 2024 novel based on Primeval: New World, showcases his versatility. Whether crafting chilling adult tales or whimsical children’s stories, Carver’s love for prehistoric beasts shines through.
Why Julian Michael Carver Matters
Carver’s work taps into our fascination with dinosaurs, making them accessible to readers of all ages. His Backpack Dinosaur series sparks young imaginations, while novels like Megacroc offer gripping escapes for adults. By founding Pteranodon Press, he’s championed independent publishing, proving one person’s passion can revive a genre. His blend of visual effects expertise and storytelling creates vivid, cinematic worlds, cementing his place in the dino-lit revival.
- Born: 1992, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Key Works: Triassic, Megacroc, A Raptor Ate My Homework!
- Awards: Scribe Award nominee for Freshwater (2022)
Ready to roar into Julian Michael Carver’s world? Snag Megacroc or A Raptor Ate My Homework! and let his dino-packed adventures sweep you away!