Picture a Louisiana-born storyteller who traded dreams of espionage for crafting thrilling sci-fi worlds—meet Meg Long! This former teacher turned young adult science fiction author has captivated readers with her 'Edge Worlds' series, blending heart-pounding survival tales with unforgettable characters. From frozen planets to jungle rebellions, Meg’s stories are a wild ride you won’t want to miss.
With her debut novel, Cold the Night, Fast the Wolves, Meg burst onto the scene, earning praise for her vivid world-building and gritty protagonists. Her unique blend of adventure, found family, and fierce bonds—think a girl and her feral wolf braving an icy wasteland—has made her a rising star in YA sci-fi.
The Making of Meg Long
Born and raised in Shreveport, Louisiana, Meg Long initially set her sights on becoming a spy, inspired by a love for adventure and intrigue. Instead, her path led her to teach middle and high school in China, Malaysia, and Louisiana, where she honed her knack for storytelling. After eight years in education, Meg leapt into the tech world as a content designer for Netflix, a role that sharpened her ability to craft compelling narratives. Her early love for comic books, manga, and anime fueled her creative spark, eventually guiding her to write the sci-fi novels that would define her career.
Meg’s journey to publication wasn’t easy. After six years of rejections and discarded drafts, she found mentorship through Pitch Wars, which helped her refine her craft. Her persistence paid off with her 2022 debut, proving that her unique voice was worth the wait.
Meg Long’s Unforgettable Stories
Meg Long’s 'Edge Worlds' series is a masterclass in high-stakes sci-fi. Her debut, Cold the Night, Fast the Wolves (2022), follows Sena, a 17-year-old runaway on a frozen planet, teaming up with a feral wolf named Iska to survive a deadly sled race inspired by the Iditarod. Critics lauded its gritty world-building and emotional depth, with the novel winning the 2022 Colorado Book Award.
The sequel, Swift the Storm, Fierce the Flame (2023), shifts to a jungle planet where Remy Castell joins a rebellion to save a lost friend. Fans love Meg’s ability to craft morally gray characters and pulse-pounding plots that explore survival, trust, and defiance. Her writing style—vivid, immersive, and packed with dialogue that crackles—draws readers into worlds where danger lurks at every turn.
Meg’s stories stand out for their fresh take on survival narratives, blending frontier myths with futuristic settings. Her meticulous research, from Iditarod sled races to arctic survival tactics, grounds her fantastical worlds in gritty realism, making every page feel alive.
Why Meg Long Matters
Meg Long’s impact lies in her ability to create stories that resonate with young adults seeking adventure and authenticity. Her protagonists, often fierce yet vulnerable, reflect the struggles of finding one’s place in a chaotic world, earning her a dedicated fanbase. By weaving themes of found family and resilience, Meg offers readers hope amid thrilling stakes, making her work a standout in YA sci-fi.
Her influence extends beyond books. As a content designer, Meg shapes user experiences for Netflix, proving her storytelling skills transcend the page. Her journey from aspiring spy to award-winning author inspires aspiring writers, showing that persistence and passion can carve a path to success.
- Born: Shreveport, Louisiana
- Key Works: Cold the Night, Fast the Wolves (2022), Swift the Storm, Fierce the Flame (2023)
- Awards: Colorado Book Award (2022)
- Fun Fact: Meg’s grandmother co-founded a bookstore in Shreveport!
Ready to dive into a frozen wasteland or a jungle rebellion? Grab Cold the Night, Fast the Wolves and lose yourself in Meg Long’s thrilling sci-fi worlds!