Picture a Florida-born storyteller who spins tales of queer life, taxidermy, and family with a wicked sense of humor—meet Kristen Arnett! This novelist, essayist, and former librarian has carved a unique space in contemporary literature with her raw, heartfelt stories that pulse with authenticity. From her debut collection to her bestselling novels, Arnett’s work captures the messy beauty of human connection in the Sunshine State.
With a voice that’s equal parts sharp and tender, Arnett’s writing has resonated with readers and critics alike, earning her accolades and a devoted following. Whether she’s exploring grief through a taxidermy shop or diving into the complexities of queer relationships, her stories are as vibrant as a Florida sunset. Let’s dive into the world of Kristen Arnett and discover what makes her one of today’s most exciting voices.
The Making of Kristen Arnett
Born on December 16, 1980, in Orlando, Florida, Kristen Arnett grew up in a conservative Southern Baptist family, a backdrop that shaped her nuanced take on identity and community. She studied English at Rollins College and later earned a master’s in library and information science from Florida State University. Her career as a librarian—at institutions like Rollins and Barry University’s law school—honed her love for stories and connection, themes that permeate her work. Arnett’s journey as a writer began with essays and short fiction, fueled by her experiences as a queer woman navigating Florida’s cultural landscape.
A pivotal moment came in 2013 when she joined the Lambda Writers Retreat for Emerging LGBT Voices, immersing herself in a community of queer writers. This experience ignited her confidence, leading to her first published pieces in outlets like The Rumpus and Guernica. Her librarian’s curiosity and knack for finding humor in the absurd laid the foundation for her distinctive storytelling style.
Kristen Arnett’s Unforgettable Stories
Arnett’s debut collection, Felt in the Jaw (2017), introduced her as a bold voice in queer fiction. Published by Split Lip Press, this award-winning collection explores the lives of queer women in Florida with stories that are both gritty and tender. From spider bites to family dysfunction, the tales capture the vulnerability beneath outward strength, earning the 2017 Coil Book Award.
Her breakout novel, Mostly Dead Things (2019), cemented her status as a literary star. A New York Times bestseller, it follows Jessa-Lynn Morton, a queer woman running her family’s taxidermy shop after her father’s suicide. Critics, including The New Yorker’s Katy Waldman, praised its dark humor and vivid portrayal of grief, calling it one of 2019’s best books. Arnett’s ability to weave Florida’s swampy, eccentric vibe into a universal story of loss and love makes the novel unforgettable.
In 2021, With Teeth tackled the challenges of queer parenting with unflinching honesty, earning a Lambda Literary Award nomination. Her latest novel, Stop Me If You’ve Heard This One (2025), dives back into Florida’s quirky underbelly, proving Arnett’s knack for crafting compelling, flawed characters. Her essays, published in The New York Times and TIME, offer sharp insights into queer life and Florida culture, blending humor with heartfelt reflection.
Why Kristen Arnett Matters
Kristen Arnett’s work is a love letter to the misfits, the queer communities, and the Florida no one sees in postcards. Her stories challenge stereotypes, portraying queer characters in everyday settings—messing up, falling in love, and finding humor in pain. By centering Florida as a character, she redefines the state as a place of complexity and resilience, inspiring other writers to embrace their roots.
Her impact extends beyond the page. As a mentor and member of Orlando’s queer community, Arnett fosters connection and creativity. Her candid social media presence and Substack, Dad Lessons, make her a relatable figure for aspiring writers and readers craving authentic voices. Arnett’s legacy is one of courage, proving that stories from the margins can resonate universally.
- Born: December 16, 1980, Orlando, Florida
- Key Works: Felt in the Jaw, Mostly Dead Things, With Teeth, Stop Me If You’ve Heard This One
- Awards: 2017 Coil Book Award, Lambda Literary Award finalist
Ready to dive into Kristen Arnett’s world? Grab Mostly Dead Things and lose yourself in her darkly funny, deeply human stories!