Picture a Virginia librarian spinning tales of space misfits and magical heists—meet M.K. England! With a knack for blending humor, heart, and high-stakes sci-fi, this queer, agender author crafts young adult novels that resonate with diverse readers. From their debut The Disasters to the genre-bending Spellhacker, England’s stories are a love letter to nerdy fandoms, science literacy, and LGBTQ+ representation.
Growing up on Florida’s Space Coast, England watched shuttle launches from their backyard, fueling a lifelong passion for outer space. Now, on a rural Virginia micro-farm surrounded by Star Wars memorabilia and Dungeons & Dragons dice, they weave stories that feel like a galactic adventure with your best friends.
The Making of M.K. England
M.K. England’s journey to authorship wasn’t a straight path. Raised in a place where rocket launches were backyard entertainment, they developed an early love for science and storytelling. A self-proclaimed nerd, England dove into fandoms, fanfiction, and gaming, influences that later shaped their vibrant narratives. After stints as an experimental music composer and bookstore clerk, they found their calling as a teen librarian, a role they held from 2011 to 2021. This job immersed them in young adult fiction, sparking their ambition to write. Despite battling anxiety and scrapping early manuscripts, England’s persistence paid off during NaNoWriMo 2014, when they completed the draft for The Disasters, proving they could become a published author.
M.K. England’s Unforgettable Stories
England’s debut, The Disasters (2018), is a rollicking sci-fi adventure often described as The Breakfast Club meets Guardians of the Galaxy. It follows Nax Hall, a hotshot pilot, and a crew of academy washouts racing to save Earth’s colonies. Packed with diverse characters—Muslim, trans, bisexual—and witty banter, it’s a fast-paced ode to found families. Spellhacker (2020) shifts gears, blending sci-fi and fantasy in a futuristic city where magic, or ‘maz,’ is a controlled commodity. The story centers on Diz, a queer hacker, and her crew, including non-binary Remi, as they uncover a conspiracy tied to a magical plague. England’s knack for genre-blending shines, with themes of anti-capitalism and climate change woven into the action.
Beyond these, England has penned middle-grade and tie-in novels like Guardians of the Galaxy: No Guts, No Glory and the Player vs. Player series, showcasing their versatility. Their writing style—humorous, heartfelt, and inclusive—features sly nerdy references, mental health struggles, and triumphant endings, making their books a haven for readers who feel like outsiders.
Why M.K. England Matters
M.K. England’s impact lies in their ability to craft stories where everyone sees themselves. Their commitment to LGBTQ+ representation, with characters like non-binary Remi or bisexual Nax, normalizes diverse identities in sci-fi. As a librarian, England championed science literacy and fan culture, values that permeate their work. Their advocacy for mental health and creative persistence inspires aspiring writers, proving that even anxiety-ridden dreamers can conquer the page. England’s stories remind us that misfits, armed with courage and camaraderie, can save the world—or at least make it a lot more fun.
- Born: Florida’s Space Coast, date unavailable
- Key Works: The Disasters (2018), Spellhacker (2020), Guardians of the Galaxy: No Guts, No Glory (2021)
- Notable Roles: Teen librarian (2011–2021), Pitch Wars mentor
Snag The Disasters or Spellhacker and blast off into M.K. England’s vibrant sci-fi universe—perfect for anyone who loves a good heist, a hearty laugh, or a crew of lovable weirdos!