Picture an American storyteller who spins cyberpunk tales for a generation navigating digital overload—meet K. Leigh! Born in 1987 in Worcester, Massachusetts, this transmasc author crafts 'wired fiction for the burnout generation,' blending high-tech dystopias with raw human resilience. Known for the acclaimed CONSTELIS VOSS trilogy, Leigh’s work is a neon-lit escape into futures where identity and technology collide.
With a background in fine arts and a knack for freelancing in tech-creative spaces, Leigh’s journey to authorship is as vibrant as their stories. Their cyberpunk universe, rich with queer narratives and anime-inspired flair, has captivated readers seeking both thrills and introspection.
The Making of K. Leigh
K. Leigh grew up in Worcester, Massachusetts, where their creative spark ignited early. After earning a BFA from the Massachusetts College of Art in Boston, they mastered 2D oil portraiture and showcased work globally, earning accolades like the Rachel Whittier Teaching Award. Writing, initially a hobby, took center stage after a successful freelance career penning op-eds for outlets like Hackernoon. Now based in Providence, Rhode Island, with their husband Trevor and feline companion Rolly, Leigh dives full-time into fiction, fueled by a passion for challenging societal norms through storytelling.
K. Leigh’s Unforgettable Stories
Leigh’s flagship work, the CONSTELIS VOSS trilogy, is a cyberpunk saga set aboard a dystopian, planet-sized ship. The series kicks off with Colour Theory (2021), where android Alex, infused with a 1990s persona, grapples with his human past and leads a rebellion against a corrupt regime. Pattern Recognition (2021) and Reformat (2022) deepen the mystery, blending anime-inspired action with existential questions. Readers praise the trilogy’s vivid prose and chaotic, lovable characters.
Beyond the trilogy, Leigh’s View Source series explores the backstories of CONSTELIS VOSS’s superheroes, delving into their human lives before the AI-driven future. Works like Indigo Voss and Pink Olive tackle trauma and time manipulation, earning acclaim for their emotional depth. Leigh’s style—think Ghost in the Shell meets Dostoevsky—merges pulpy sci-fi with social commentary, exploring queerness, neurodivergence, and resilience.
Leigh also dabbles in other genres, with the Holiday Hotties series offering lighter, queer-friendly romance, and a psychological thriller in the works, flavored with Mr. Robot vibes. Their short story collection, Demons, blends sci-fi and horror, showcasing their versatility.
Why K. Leigh Matters
K. Leigh’s impact lies in their ability to weave intersectional narratives that resonate with marginalized readers, particularly queer and neurodivergent audiences. By centering bi and trans characters in a genre often dominated by straight, cis voices, Leigh challenges cyberpunk’s tropes while honoring its roots. Their work, lauded for its raw honesty and hopepunk spirit, offers a lifeline to readers navigating modern anxieties, proving that art can both reflect and reshape reality.
As an indie author, Leigh’s success—bolstered by glowing reviews and a dedicated fanbase—highlights the power of #OwnVoices storytelling. Their fusion of tech critique and human connection positions them as a vital voice in contemporary sci-fi.
- Born: 1987, Worcester, Massachusetts
- Key Works: CONSTELIS VOSS trilogy, View Source series, Holiday Hotties
- Notable Award: Rachel Whittier Teaching Award
Snag Colour Theory and dive into K. Leigh’s electrifying cyberpunk world—your circuits will thank you!