Picture an American storyteller who weaves chilling tales of race, class, and scientific ethics—meet Megan Giddings! This rising star in speculative fiction has captivated readers with her debut novel Lakewood and her sharp, thought-provoking short stories. With a knack for blending horror and social commentary, Giddings is redefining contemporary literature with every page.
Born and raised in the Midwest, Giddings brings a unique perspective to her work, drawing on the quiet tensions of small-town life and the complexities of identity. Her stories don’t just entertain—they challenge readers to confront uncomfortable truths about society and the human experience.
The Making of Megan Giddings
Giddings’s journey to literary stardom began with a love for writing nurtured at the University of Michigan, where she earned a B.A. in Creative Writing and Literature. She later honed her craft at Indiana University, earning an MFA in Fiction. Early on, she made waves as an editor, serving as Fiction co-Editor at The Offing and Executive Editor at SmokeLong Quarterly. Her flash fiction, known for its brevity and emotional punch, earned her accolades, including a Best of the Net anthology inclusion in 2014. A 2018 Barbara Deming Memorial Fund grant for feminist fiction further fueled her creative fire.
Megan Giddings’s Unforgettable Stories
Giddings’s debut novel, Lakewood (2020), is a haunting exploration of medical experimentation and systemic racism. Following Lena Johnson, a Black millennial drawn into a secretive research program in a remote Michigan town, the novel blends horror and dystopian elements. Critics hailed it as a standout, landing it on New York Magazine’s Top 10 Books of 2020 and NPR’s Best Books list, with nominations for two NAACP Image Awards.
Her second novel, The Women Could Fly (2022), dives into a dystopian world where witches are real and single women face intense scrutiny. Centered on Josephine Thomas, a Black woman navigating her mother’s mysterious disappearance, the book earned praise as a New York Times Editors’ Choice and a spot on The Washington Post’s Best Science Fiction and Fantasy Novels of 2022. Giddings’s upcoming works, Meet Me at the Crossroads (2025) and her short story collection Black Arts (2026), promise to continue her bold storytelling.
Known for her vivid prose and unflinching social commentary, Giddings draws inspiration from literary giants like Margaret Atwood and Octavia Butler. Her stories often explore the intersections of race, gender, and power, wrapped in speculative and psychological thriller elements that keep readers on edge.
Why Megan Giddings Matters
Megan Giddings is more than a writer—she’s a cultural force. Her work shines a spotlight on the moral dilemmas faced by marginalized communities, particularly Black women, in a world rife with systemic inequities. By blending speculative fiction with real-world issues, she invites readers to question societal norms and imagine new possibilities. Her influence extends beyond the page, as she mentors emerging writers as an assistant professor at the University of Minnesota, shaping the next generation of storytellers.
Giddings’s ability to craft narratives that are both thrilling and deeply human has earned her a devoted following. As she continues to publish, her voice is poised to leave a lasting mark on American literature, challenging readers to confront the past and envision a more just future.
- Born: Midwest, USA
- Key Works: Lakewood (2020), The Women Could Fly (2022), Meet Me at the Crossroads (2025)
- Awards: Barbara Deming Memorial Fund Grant (2018), Best of the Net Anthology (2014, 2018)
- Fun Fact: Giddings is a fan of Premier League football and contemporary witchcraft!
Snag Lakewood or The Women Could Fly and dive into Megan Giddings’s thrilling world of speculative fiction! Her stories will grip you, haunt you, and leave you hungry for more.