Picture a Canadian storyteller who spins tales of time travel, horror, and fantastical worlds—meet Kelly Robson! This award-winning speculative fiction author has captivated readers with her vivid prose and imaginative narratives, from the Nebula-winning A Human Stain to the eco-futuristic Gods, Monsters, and the Lucky Peach. With a knack for blending science, fantasy, and human emotion, Robson’s stories are as thought-provoking as they are thrilling.
Born in the rugged foothills of the Canadian Rockies, Robson’s journey to literary stardom is as colorful as her fiction. From her days as a rodeo princess to her unexpected stint as a wine columnist, she’s always been a storyteller at heart, weaving narratives that push the boundaries of imagination.
The Making of Kelly Robson
Kelly Robson was born on July 17, 1967, in Edmonton, Alberta, and raised in Hinton, a small town nestled in the Canadian Rockies. As a teenager, she competed in barrel racing and was crowned princess of the Hinton Big Horn Rodeo, a far cry from the literary world she’d later conquer. Her love for speculative fiction bloomed early, fueled by scouring drugstores for Asimov’s Science Fiction magazine and lurking in bookstore fantasy sections. After earning an English degree from the University of Alberta, Robson’s career took eclectic turns—editing science books, writing a wine column for Chatelaine from 2008 to 2012, and eventually diving into speculative fiction with a passion that would define her legacy.
Kelly Robson’s Unforgettable Stories
Robson’s fiction is a masterclass in speculative storytelling, blending horror, science fiction, and fantasy with rich, evocative prose. Her 2017 novelette A Human Stain, published by Tor.com, is a chilling horror tale set in an isolated house by Lake Meresee, earning her the 2018 Nebula Award for Best Novelette. Critics lauded its creeping dread and sensory detail, a testament to Robson’s ability to make readers feel every shiver.
In 2018, Gods, Monsters, and the Lucky Peach introduced readers to Minh, a bioengineered ecologist in a post-apocalyptic 2267, tasked with a time-travel mission to ancient Mesopotamia. This novella, a finalist for Hugo, Nebula, and Locus awards, merges climate fiction with historical fantasy, showcasing Robson’s knack for worldbuilding and complex characters. Her 2022 novella High Times in the Low Parliament, a fantasy stoner comedy, brought humor to the Nebula finalist list, proving her chameleonic range. Robson’s short fiction collection, Alias Space and Other Stories, won the 2022 Aurora Award, cementing her status as a versatile voice in speculative fiction.
Her style is marked by nuanced characters, ecological and political themes, and a refusal to shy away from the gritty realities of human (and inhuman) existence. Whether exploring disability in We Who Live in the Heart or the ethics of time travel, Robson’s stories resonate with readers who crave depth and daring.
Why Kelly Robson Matters
Kelly Robson’s impact on speculative fiction lies in her ability to weave hope and humanity into even the darkest tales. Her stories challenge readers to rethink ecological responsibility, societal power dynamics, and the sacrifices of progress, all while delivering unforgettable narratives. As a Canadian author, she’s elevated the country’s presence in global speculative fiction, winning three Aurora Awards and inspiring new voices. Her work as a creative futurist, consulting for organizations like UNICEF, further amplifies her influence, shaping how we imagine tomorrow.
Robson’s legacy is also personal—she’s a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, married to fellow sci-fi writer A.M. Dellamonica since 1989 (officially wed in 2003 after same-sex marriage legalization in Ontario). Her authentic, inclusive storytelling resonates with readers seeking diverse perspectives in genre fiction.
About Kelly Robson
- Birth Date: July 17, 1967, Edmonton, Alberta
- Key Works: A Human Stain, Gods, Monsters, and the Lucky Peach, High Times in the Low Parliament
- Awards: 2018 Nebula Award, three Aurora Awards, finalist for Hugo, Locus, and World Fantasy Awards
- Fun Fact: She was once a rodeo princess!
Snag Gods, Monsters, and the Lucky Peach or A Human Stain and dive into Kelly Robson’s mind-bending speculative worlds today!