Picture a storyteller who conjured entire worlds from a 'haunted' Massachusetts house—meet Lawrence Watt-Evans! Born in 1954, this American fantasy and science fiction author has enchanted readers for over four decades with his Ethshar series and beyond. With a knack for blending magic with common sense, Watt-Evans has crafted over 40 novels and 100 short stories, earning a Hugo Award and a devoted fanbase.
From his early days scribbling tales at age eight to pioneering online serials, Watt-Evans’s journey is as captivating as his stories. Let’s dive into the life, works, and lasting impact of this speculative fiction maestro!
The Making of Lawrence Watt-Evans
Born in Arlington, Massachusetts, as the fourth of six children, Lawrence Watt-Evans grew up in a Victorian home rumored to be haunted—a fitting backdrop for a future horror and fantasy writer. His parents, avid science fiction readers, sparked his love for the genre, while a comic book taught him to read at age five. By eight, he was already trying to sell his stories. After graduating from Bedford High School, he attended Princeton University but left without a degree, using the mandatory gap year to hone his craft. His persistence paid off with his first novel, The Lure of the Basilisk, published in 1980, launching a lifelong career as a full-time writer.
Lawrence Watt-Evans’s Unforgettable Stories
Watt-Evans is best known for his Ethshar series, a fantasy world born in a dull high school geometry class. This richly imagined setting, with its unique magic systems like telekinetic warlocks, features standalone novels such as The Misenchanted Sword (1985), where a cursed blade grants victory but complicates life, and The Unwilling Warlord (1989), a tale of a reluctant hero thrust into power. His science fiction shines in Denner’s Wreck (1988), exploring human dynamics on a distant planet, while The Nightmare People (1990) delivers chilling horror. Watt-Evans’s style blends adventure with practical protagonists who navigate fantastical challenges with wit and realism, avoiding clichéd archetypes.
His versatility extends to pseudonyms like Nathan Archer for sci-fi and roles as a comic book writer for Marvel. In 2005, he pioneered digital publishing by serializing The Spriggan Mirror online using the Street Performer Protocol, a bold move that showcased his innovative spirit. Whether crafting dragons in the Obsidian Chronicles or revolutionaries in The Fall of the Sorcerers, Watt-Evans’s stories resonate with fans for their clever plots and relatable characters.
Why Lawrence Watt-Evans Matters
Lawrence Watt-Evans’s impact on speculative fiction lies in his ability to make the extraordinary feel accessible. His Ethshar series, with its diverse magic and grounded heroes, has inspired role-playing games and a loyal readership. His Hugo-winning short story, “Why I Left Harry’s All-Night Hamburgers” (1987), showcases his knack for blending the mundane with the cosmic. Beyond writing, he served as president of the Horror Writers Association (1994–1996), mentored aspiring authors through workshops, and co-owned Misenchanted Press, amplifying new voices. His embrace of crowdfunding for Vika’s Avenger in 2013 further cemented his forward-thinking legacy.
- Born: 1954 in Arlington, Massachusetts
- Key Works: Ethshar series, Denner’s Wreck, The Nightmare People
- Awards: Hugo Award (1988), Asimov’s Readers Award
- Pseudonym: Nathan Archer for science fiction
Snag The Misenchanted Sword and dive into Lawrence Watt-Evans’s spellbinding fantasy! Whether you’re a fan of dragons, warlocks, or clever twists, his worlds await you.