Picture a Seattle storyteller who spun a zombie apocalypse tale from the perspective of a foul-mouthed crow—meet Kira Jane Buxton! With a sharp wit and a heart for nature, Buxton’s genre-defying novels blend humor, horror, and hope, captivating readers with her unique voice. Her debut, Hollow Kingdom, introduced the world to S.T., a Cheeto-loving crow determined to save humanity, and her storytelling has been shaking up contemporary literature ever since.
Buxton’s work isn’t just about apocalypses; it’s a love letter to the natural world, inspired by her daily chats with wild crows and her menagerie of pets. From prestigious publications to bestselling novels, she’s carved a niche that’s as vibrant as the Pacific Northwest she calls home.
The Making of Kira Jane Buxton
Raised in the lush, green embrace of Seattle, Kira Jane Buxton grew up surrounded by nature’s chorus—crows cawing, hummingbirds buzzing, and squirrels scampering. Her love for animals shaped her worldview, infusing her writing with a deep respect for the wild. Before her breakout novel, Buxton honed her craft in humor and satire, contributing to outlets like The New York Times, NewYorker.com, McSweeney’s, and The Rumpus. These early pieces showcased her knack for blending wit with keen observations, setting the stage for her literary leap.
Buxton’s path to authorship wasn’t without hurdles. She once overedited a series of humorous mystery novels, losing their spark—a lesson in trusting her instincts. Her time at Hedgebrook’s Vortext writing community bolstered her confidence, and her connection to Seattle’s vibrant literary scene fueled her determination to tell stories that break the mold.
Kira Jane Buxton’s Unforgettable Stories
Buxton’s debut, Hollow Kingdom (2019), is a post-apocalyptic romp narrated by S.T., a domesticated crow with a penchant for profanity and a heart of gold. When humans succumb to a tech-induced zombie plague, S.T. and his bloodhound pal Dennis embark on a quest to save the world. Critics hailed it as a “hilarious, heart-bursting fable,” blending The Secret Life of Pets with The Walking Dead. It earned accolades as an Indie Next pick, a finalist for the Thurber Prize for American Humor, and a best book of 2019 by NPR and Book Riot.
The sequel, Feral Creatures (2021), dives deeper into S.T.’s world, exploring resilience and rewilding in a planet free of human dominance. Buxton’s prose sparkles with vivid descriptions and animal puns, balancing gritty humor with tender moments. Her third book, Tartufo, and an upcoming untitled third installment in the Hollow Kingdom series (estimated 2025) promise more of her signature style. Buxton’s writing stands out for its anthropomorphic brilliance, environmentalist undertones, and a voice that echoes Tom Robbins and Karen Russell, making every page a wild ride.
Her stories aren’t just entertaining—they challenge readers to rethink humanity’s place in the natural world. By giving voice to animals, Buxton crafts narratives that are both a critique of human ego and a celebration of nature’s beauty, wrapped in laugh-out-loud prose.
Why Kira Jane Buxton Matters
Kira Jane Buxton’s work redefines the apocalyptic genre, trading grim dystopias for hope and humor. Her animal narrators offer a fresh lens on humanity’s flaws and resilience, resonating with readers in a world grappling with environmental crises. Hollow Kingdom’s ecological insights hit home during the 2020 lockdowns, when nature reclaimed urban spaces, mirroring Buxton’s vision of a rewilded earth. Her ability to weave heavy themes with irreverent humor has earned her a devoted following and critical praise.
Beyond her novels, Buxton’s influence lies in her call to see the world through non-human eyes. She reminds us that animals have stories worth telling, fostering empathy and wonder. Her Seattle roots and animal-filled life make her a literary ambassador for the Pacific Northwest, inspiring writers to embrace bold, unconventional narratives.
- Key Works: Hollow Kingdom (2019), Feral Creatures (2021), Tartufo
- Awards: Finalist for Thurber Prize for American Humor, Audie Awards, Washington State Book Awards
- Fun Fact: Lives with three cats, a dog, two crows, hummingbirds, jays, juncos, squirrels, and a husband
About Kira Jane Buxton
Ready to soar into a world where crows curse and dogs save the day? Snag Hollow Kingdom and dive into Kira Jane Buxton’s hilarious, heartfelt universe!