Picture a Michigan-born storyteller who weaves myths, speculative futures, and raw human truths into unforgettable tales—meet Matt Bell! With novels like Appleseed and In the House upon the Dirt Between the Lake and the Woods, Bell has carved a unique space in modern literature, blending surrealism with urgent environmental and emotional themes. His work feels like a journey through a dreamscape where family, nature, and destiny collide.
As an author, editor, and creative writing professor, Bell’s influence extends beyond his books. His innovative storytelling and dedication to craft inspire readers and writers to explore the boundaries of fiction. Ready to dive into his world? Let’s trace the path of this visionary writer.
The Making of Matt Bell
Born on August 23, 1980, in Saginaw, Michigan, Matt Bell grew up in a rural setting that shaped his deep connection to place and storytelling. He earned a BA from Oakland University and an MFA from Bowling Green State University, honing his craft with a passion for experimental fiction. Early on, Bell made waves outside mainstream publishing, building a reputation through short stories in literary magazines like Conjunctions and Tin House. His role as senior editor at Dzanc Books and founding editor of The Collagist showcased his commitment to nurturing new voices.
Matt Bell’s Unforgettable Stories
Bell’s novels and stories are like kaleidoscopes—shifting, vivid, and impossible to pin down. His 2010 debut, How They Were Found, a short story collection, stunned readers with its genre-bending tales of loss and transformation. Critics praised its innovative forms, from prose poems to indexed narratives, calling it a literary triumph that defies classification.
In 2013, In the House upon the Dirt Between the Lake and the Woods cemented Bell’s reputation. This mythic novel follows a couple in a surreal landscape, exploring love, grief, and creation with haunting prose. It earned accolades like a Young Lions Fiction Award finalist spot and the Paula Anderson Book Award. Scrapper (2015) shifted gears, diving into a gritty, post-industrial Detroit to probe masculinity and redemption, while Appleseed (2021), a New York Times Notable Book, reimagines Johnny Appleseed as a faun in a climate-ravaged future, weaving myth, sci-fi, and ecological warnings.
Bell’s style is a blend of lush lyricism and bold experimentation, often tackling themes of family, environmental collapse, and human resilience. His craft book, Refuse to Be Done (2022), distills his revision process, offering practical wisdom for writers. Whether he’s writing about shapeshifters or abandoned cities, Bell’s work feels both timeless and urgently now.
Why Matt Bell Matters
Matt Bell’s impact lies in his ability to make the strange feel deeply human. His stories don’t just entertain—they challenge readers to confront climate change, personal loss, and societal decay through a mythic lens. As a professor at Arizona State University, he shapes the next generation of writers, while his Substack, No Failure, Only Practice, shares exercises and insights that demystify the creative process. Bell’s work resonates with those who crave fiction that pushes boundaries while staying grounded in emotional truth.
His novels have earned critical acclaim and a loyal following, proving that experimental fiction can be both accessible and profound. By blending genres and embracing complexity, Bell invites us to see the world—and ourselves—differently.
- Born: August 23, 1980, Saginaw, Michigan
- Key Works: How They Were Found, In the House upon the Dirt Between the Lake and the Woods, Scrapper, Appleseed, Refuse to Be Done
- Awards: Paula Anderson Book Award, Young Lions Fiction Award finalist, New York Times Notable Book
- Current Role: Creative Writing Professor at Arizona State University
Snag Appleseed or Refuse to Be Done and dive into Matt Bell’s mesmerizing blend of myth and reality! His stories are a wild ride you won’t forget.