Picture a Portland-based storyteller who weaves horror, heart, and punk-rock spirit into genre-defying tales—meet Keith Rosson! An award-winning author and legally blind graphic designer, Rosson’s novels and short stories, like the chilling Fever House Duology and the Shirley Jackson Award-winning Folk Songs for Trauma Surgeons, blend literary fiction with supernatural thrills, earning him a cult following among readers who crave something bold and unexpected.
Born with optic nerve hypoplasia, Rosson’s unique perspective shapes his gritty, empathetic narratives, while his love for cassette tapes and public libraries adds a retro charm to his creative ethos. From punk zines to bestselling novels, his journey is a testament to resilience and raw talent.
The Making of Keith Rosson
Raised with a passion for art and comic books, Keith Rosson discovered his creative spark early, despite his visual impairment. Diagnosed with optic nerve hypoplasia at age 10, he honed his artistic skills through summer camps at the Oregon School for the Blind, mastering techniques like 'scanning' to navigate his limited peripheral vision. After studying at Seattle’s Cornish College of the Arts, Rosson settled in Portland, Oregon, where he launched his career as a graphic designer for bands like Green Day and Against Me!, all while self-publishing his punk zine Avow since 1995.
His writing began with creative nonfiction in Avow, but Rosson’s love for Stephen King and literary fiction pushed him toward storytelling. After years of crafting short stories for outlets like PANK and Cream City Review, he landed his debut novel with Meerkat Press, marking his rise as a literary force.
Keith Rosson’s Unforgettable Stories
Rosson’s novels defy easy categorization, blending horror, mystery, and magical realism with deeply human characters. His debut, The Mercy of the Tide (2017), set in 1980s Oregon, intertwines grief, supernatural crimes, and Cold War paranoia, earning praise from NPR as a 'horror story, but so much more.' Smoke City (2018) follows a haunted ex-rocker on a surreal road trip, exploring guilt and redemption with a nod to Joan of Arc’s executioner.
The Fever House Duology—Fever House (2023) and The Devil by Name (2024)—catapulted Rosson to wider acclaim. This horror-sci-fi saga, centered on a severed hand with apocalyptic powers, is both a pulse-pounding thriller and a meditation on family secrets. His Shirley Jackson Award-winning collection, Folk Songs for Trauma Surgeons (2021), showcases his short fiction prowess, tackling identity and loss with dark humor and supernatural twists.
Rosson’s style is raw yet lyrical, grounding wild plots in flawed, relatable characters. His punk roots shine through in his rebellious disregard for genre boundaries, making each work a fresh, unpredictable ride.
Why Keith Rosson Matters
Keith Rosson’s impact lies in his ability to humanize the bizarre, offering readers a lens on grief, resilience, and redemption through fantastical tales. His work resonates with fans of literary horror and indie fiction, carving a niche alongside authors like Kelly Link. As a legally blind creator, Rosson challenges stereotypes, proving that vision—literal or creative—knows no bounds.
His advocacy for public libraries and DIY culture further cements his influence, inspiring aspiring writers to embrace their unique voices. With upcoming works like Coffin Moon, a 1970s vampire tale, Rosson continues to push boundaries, ensuring his stories linger long after the final page.
- Birth Year: 1976
- Key Works: Fever House, The Devil by Name, Folk Songs for Trauma Surgeons, The Mercy of the Tide
- Awards: Shirley Jackson Award (2021), Two-time Pushcart Prize nominee
- Hometown: Portland, Oregon
Snag Fever House or Folk Songs for Trauma Surgeons and dive into Keith Rosson’s thrilling, heartfelt world of literary horror!