Picture a storyteller who spins tales of apocalyptic game shows and talking cats, all from the cozy shores of Gig Harbor, Washington—meet Matt Dinniman! This multifaceted writer, artist, and bass player has carved a unique niche in speculative fiction, blending dark humor with heart-pounding action. Best known for his bestselling Dungeon Crawler Carl series, Dinniman’s work captivates readers with its quirky charm and relentless creativity.
From his roots as a self-published author to signing with major publishers like Ace Books, Dinniman’s journey is a testament to indie grit and imaginative flair. His stories, filled with monstrous dungeons and snarky felines, have earned him a devoted fanbase and a spot in the hearts of LitRPG lovers worldwide.
The Making of Matt Dinniman
Born and raised in the United States, Matt Dinniman now calls Gig Harbor, Washington, home—a serene backdrop for his wild, genre-bending tales. While details of his early life remain sparse, his creative spark ignited through a love for MMOs like RuneScape and the vibrant chaos of cat shows, where he once worked as an artist. This eclectic mix of influences shaped his storytelling, blending gaming culture with vivid, character-driven narratives. Dinniman’s career began with short stories and art, with his greeting cards and calendars gracing boutique shops globally before he dove headfirst into novels.
Matt Dinniman’s Unforgettable Stories
Dinniman’s literary catalog is a thrilling tapestry of horror, fantasy, and LitRPG, with the Dungeon Crawler Carl series as his crown jewel. Launched in 2020 on Royal Road, this series follows Carl, a Coast Guard vet, and Princess Donut, his ex-girlfriend’s sassy cat, as they navigate a deadly, galaxy-televised dungeon crawl. With seven books and counting, the series mixes dark comedy, high-stakes action, and intricate world-building, earning praise for its balance of grim themes and laugh-out-loud moments.
Beyond Dungeon Crawler Carl, Dinniman’s Dominion of Blades explores a hyper-realistic MMORPG gone awry, while Kaiju: Battlefield Surgeon dives into grotesque horror with a virtual twist. His standalone novel The Grinding (2013) paints a chilling portrait of a monstrous entity born from a nuked Tucson, showcasing his knack for blending terror with humanity. Dinniman’s style—fast-paced, character-driven, and laced with wit—draws readers into worlds where survival hinges on cunning and heart.
What sets Dinniman apart is his organic storytelling. He famously let Princess Donut evolve from a mere pet to a sapient fan-favorite, a choice that emerged as he wrote. His spreadsheets, once sprawling enough to crash his computer, reflect his meticulous yet playful approach to crafting complex narratives.
Why Matt Dinniman Matters
Matt Dinniman’s impact lies in his ability to make the absurd feel relatable. His Dungeon Crawler Carl series has redefined LitRPG, blending gaming tropes with emotional depth and social commentary. By engaging fans through Patreon, where they vote on story elements like loot boxes, Dinniman fosters a collaborative storytelling experience. His audiobooks, narrated by Jeff Hays, have outsold print and e-book editions, introducing countless listeners to his worlds via Audible.
From indie roots to Penguin Random House, Dinniman’s rise inspires aspiring authors, proving that bold ideas and fan connection can break through. His art, from cat-themed greeting cards to contributions to films like Ender’s Game, adds another layer to his legacy, making him a true creative polymath.
- Born: United States
- Key Works: Dungeon Crawler Carl, Dominion of Blades, The Grinding, Kaiju: Battlefield Surgeon
- Notable Trait: Blends dark humor with high-stakes speculative fiction
- Fun Fact: His cat-themed art is sold worldwide in boutique shops
Ready to dive into a world of dungeons, talking cats, and galactic game shows? Snag Dungeon Crawler Carl and let Matt Dinniman’s wild imagination sweep you away!