Picture a wandering storyteller who spins tales of anarchist demon hunters and steampunk rebels—meet Margaret Killjoy! A trans woman, anarchist, and literary trailblazer, Killjoy crafts speculative fiction that pulses with social justice themes and vibrant, diverse characters. From her Danielle Cain series to her grassroots publishing ventures, she’s a voice for the marginalized, challenging norms with every word.
Born in the United States, Killjoy’s journey from a nomadic punk to a celebrated author is as captivating as her stories. Her work blends folk horror, urban fantasy, and steampunk, all infused with a fierce commitment to queer representation and anti-authoritarian ideals. Let’s dive into the life and legacy of this Appalachian-based wordsmith!
The Making of Margaret Killjoy
Margaret Killjoy’s early life was a tapestry of rebellion and creativity. Growing up surrounded by books, she briefly attended art school before dropping out in 2002 to join the anarchist counterculture. For over a decade, she lived as a “squatter and wanderer,” hitchhiking, opening squats, and cooking with Food Not Bombs. This nomadic existence shaped her worldview, fueling her stories with raw authenticity. Her writing career began with zines, self-published works that fictionalized her adventures, eventually leading to her founding Steampunk Magazine, a critique of Victorian aesthetics through an anarchist lens.
By the late 2010s, Killjoy settled in the Appalachian Mountains, building a cabin on an anarchist land project. Her experiences—marked by resilience, community, and a rejection of hierarchy—became the bedrock of her fiction and non-fiction, earning her a unique place in speculative fiction.
Margaret Killjoy’s Unforgettable Stories
Killjoy’s bibliography is a thrilling mix of genres, each work pulsing with her anarchist ethos and love for diverse, messy characters. Her Danielle Cain series, starting with The Lamb Will Slaughter the Lion (2017), follows a group of genderqueer, anarchist demon hunters battling supernatural forces in America’s heartland. The novella’s vivid prose and themes of power and justice make it a standout, with its sequel, The Barrow Will Send What It May (2018), adding romance and humor to the mix.
Beyond urban fantasy, Killjoy’s A Country of Ghosts (2014) imagines an anarchist utopia in a war-torn, 19th-century-inspired world, exploring mutual aid and resistance. Her young adult debut, The Sapling Cage (2024), weaves a witchy, trans-inclusive tale, cementing her knack for crafting hopeful, rebellious narratives. Killjoy’s style—sparse magic, sharp dialogue, and a focus on community—sets her apart, making her stories both thrilling and thought-provoking.
Her editorial work, like Mythmakers & Lawbreakers: Anarchist Writers on Fiction (2009), amplifies anarchist voices, while her podcast, Live Like the World Is Dying, offers practical survivalist advice with an anti-authoritarian twist. Whether through novels or zines, Killjoy’s work is a call to question power and embrace collective freedom.
Why Margaret Killjoy Matters
Margaret Killjoy’s impact lies in her ability to weave social justice into speculative fiction without preaching. Her stories resonate with queer and anarchist readers, offering representation that feels authentic and lived-in. By centering trans and genderqueer characters, she challenges genre norms, while her community-driven projects—like Combustion Books and Strangers In A Tangled Wilderness—empower underrepresented writers. Killjoy’s influence extends beyond books, inspiring a generation to rethink hierarchy and embrace mutual aid.
In a world grappling with inequality, her work is a beacon of hope, proving that fiction can spark change. Her Appalachian cabin, built without electricity, symbolizes her commitment to living her values, making her a true punk rock visionary in literature.
- Born: United States (exact date unavailable)
- Key Works: The Lamb Will Slaughter the Lion, A Country of Ghosts, The Sapling Cage
- Genres: Steampunk, folk horror, urban fantasy
- Notable Projects: Steampunk Magazine, Live Like the World Is Dying podcast
Snag The Lamb Will Slaughter the Lion and dive into Margaret Killjoy’s punk rock, demon-hunting world! Her stories are a wild ride—perfect for anyone craving fiction that’s as rebellious as it is heartfelt.