Picture a Virginia-born storyteller who weaves cyberpunk thrillers and surreal short stories with a mischievous grin—meet Lincoln Michel! Born in 1982, this American author has carved a unique niche in speculative fiction, blending sharp wit with genre-bending narratives. His debut novel, The Body Scout, was hailed as a modern cyberpunk classic, earning a spot among The New York Times’ best science fiction books of 2021. From editing literary magazines to teaching at top universities, Michel’s influence ripples through today’s literary world.
The Making of Lincoln Michel
Growing up in Virginia, Lincoln Michel was captivated by the strange and surreal, influences that would later define his work. After earning an MFA from Columbia University, he dove into the literary scene, co-founding Gigantic, a magazine of short prose and art, in 2008. His early career blended writing and editing, including a stint as Editor-in-Chief of Electric Literature from 2014 to 2017, where he championed innovative storytelling.
Lincoln Michel’s Unforgettable Stories
Michel’s fiction is a playground of the bizarre and profound. His debut collection, Upright Beasts (2015), features short stories that twist reality—an apartment complex for the suicidal, a school without teachers—earning praise for its surreal yet poignant tone. The Body Scout (2021) is a cyberpunk thriller set in a climate-ravaged New York, blending baseball, biotech, and noir. Critics lauded its “timeless and original” vibe, with Boing Boing calling it a “modern cyberpunk classic.” His latest novel, Metallic Realms (2025), is a witty homage to pulp sci-fi, exploring a writing group’s colliding realities. Michel’s style dances between humor, horror, and heart, often probing human impulses in speculative settings.
His short stories, published in prestigious outlets like The Paris Review, Granta, and McSweeney’s, showcase his versatility. From the eerie “The Pond God” to the darkly funny “Notifications,” Michel’s work defies easy categorization, earning him a 2015 Pushcart Prize. As a co-editor of anthologies like Tiny Crimes and Tiny Nightmares, he’s shaped the landscape of flash fiction, amplifying new voices.
Why Lincoln Michel Matters
Lincoln Michel is more than a writer—he’s a literary trailblazer. His genre-bending stories challenge conventions, inviting readers to question reality and embrace the weird. As a professor at Columbia University and Sarah Lawrence College, he inspires the next generation of writers. His newsletter, Counter Craft, offers sharp insights into the writing process, cementing his role as a thought leader. In a world craving fresh narratives, Michel’s work sparks imagination and connection.
- Born: 1982, Virginia
- Key Works: Upright Beasts (2015), The Body Scout (2021), Metallic Realms (2025)
- Awards: 2015 Pushcart Prize
- Fun Fact: He tweets as @thelincoln, sharing quips and craft tips.
Snag The Body Scout or Metallic Realms and dive into Lincoln Michel’s thrilling, surreal universe!