Picture a storyteller who weaves history, horror, and heart into tales that linger long after the last page—meet LaTanya McQueen! Born in 1984, this American author has carved a unique space in literary fiction and nonfiction, tackling race, identity, and America’s haunted past with unflinching grace. Her debut novel, When the Reckoning Comes, blends chilling horror with social commentary, earning her a Bram Stoker Award nomination and a devoted following.
McQueen’s work doesn’t just entertain—it challenges readers to confront uncomfortable truths. With an MFA from Emerson College and a PhD from the University of Missouri, she crafts stories that resonate deeply, shining a light on the invisible and the overlooked. Let’s dive into her journey, her unforgettable works, and why she’s a voice to watch!
The Making of LaTanya McQueen
Born in 1984, LaTanya McQueen grew up with a passion for storytelling, fueled by her mother’s sacrifices and a desire to give voice to the unseen. Her early life was marked by loss and resilience, themes that echo in her writing. After earning her MFA at Emerson College, she pursued a PhD at the University of Missouri, honing her craft. Her time as the 2017–2018 Robert P. Dana Emerging Writer Fellow at Cornell College solidified her path, leading to teaching roles at Coe College and North Carolina State University, where she inspires the next generation of writers.
LaTanya McQueen’s Unforgettable Stories
McQueen’s debut novel, When the Reckoning Comes (Harper Perennial, 2021), is a haunting masterpiece. Set at a plantation wedding, it follows a Black woman confronting the ghosts of enslaved people, weaving horror with sharp commentary on America’s racial history. The novel, a Goodreads Choice nominee and Bram Stoker Award finalist, showcases McQueen’s ability to blend visceral storytelling with profound themes.
Her essay collection, And It Begins Like This (Black Lawrence Press, 2017), is equally compelling. Through intimate prose, McQueen explores her family’s history, including her great-great-grandmother’s life as an enslaved woman, blending personal reflection with historical research. Her essays and stories have appeared in journals like TriQuarterly, West Branch, and Ninth Letter, earning accolades like the Disquiet Prize and Best of the Net.
McQueen’s style is raw yet lyrical, often using second-person narration to pull readers into the narrative. Her work tackles heavy topics—racism, loss, invisibility—with a tenderness that makes it accessible and deeply moving. She’s currently working on another novel and essay collection, promising more stories that challenge and inspire.
Why LaTanya McQueen Matters
LaTanya McQueen’s impact lies in her fearless exploration of America’s past and present. Her stories amplify marginalized voices, particularly Black women, and confront the legacy of slavery in ways that are both haunting and healing. By blending genres like horror and literary fiction, she reaches diverse readers, sparking conversations about identity and justice. Her awards, including a 2022 National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship, affirm her growing influence.
As an educator and editor for Gigantic Sequins and Story Magazine, McQueen nurtures new talent, ensuring her legacy extends beyond her pages. Her work reminds us that storytelling can be a reckoning—a way to face the past and imagine a better future.
- Born: 1984
- Key Works: When the Reckoning Comes (2021), And It Begins Like This (2017)
- Awards: 2022 NEA Fellowship, Bram Stoker Award finalist, Disquiet Prize
- Current Role: Assistant Professor at North Carolina State University
Ready to get lost in LaTanya McQueen’s haunting, heartfelt world? Grab When the Reckoning Comes or And It Begins Like This and discover why her stories are unforgettable!