Picture a storyteller weaving tales of resilience and rebellion in a fictional Maryland town—meet Rion Amilcar Scott! This American author of Trinidadian descent has captivated readers with his lyrical short stories, blending raw emotion, sharp wit, and unflinching takes on the Black experience. His debut, Insurrections, snagged the prestigious PEN/Robert W. Bingham Prize, marking him as a literary force.
From the vibrant streets of Silver Spring to the hallowed halls of academia, Scott’s journey is as compelling as his prose. His work, rooted in African American life and the lingering echoes of racial injustice, invites readers into the mythical Cross River, a town born from a fictional slave revolt. Ready to dive into his world?
The Making of Rion Amilcar Scott
Born in Washington, D.C., and raised in Silver Spring, Maryland, Rion Amilcar Scott grew up in a middle-class family with Trinidadian roots. His parents, immigrants who studied at Howard University, instilled a love for storytelling and culture. Scott’s early fascination with literature led him to Howard University for his bachelor’s degree, followed by an MFA in Creative Writing from George Mason University, where he honed his craft and won the Mary Roberts Rinehart Award. Inspired by the Haitian Revolution and writers like August Wilson, Scott began crafting stories that pulse with rhythm and authenticity.
Rion Amilcar Scott’s Unforgettable Stories
Scott’s debut collection, Insurrections (2016), set in the fictional Cross River, Maryland, is a tapestry of African American life. Its 13 stories, ranging from gritty to tender, explore themes of identity, family, and survival. The collection’s lyrical prose and vivid characters earned it the 2017 PEN/Bingham Prize and the Hillsdale Award. Standout stories like “202 Checkmates” use chess as a metaphor for a father-daughter bond, blending humor with heartache.
His follow-up, The World Doesn’t Require You (2019), pushes boundaries further, mixing satire, magical realism, and speculative fiction. Set again in Cross River, it features unforgettable characters—a musician claiming to be God’s son, a robot servant, and professors grappling with loneliness. Critics, including Lauren Groff, praised its “blazing brilliance,” and it was a finalist for the PEN/Jean Stein Book Award. Scott’s style—playful, poignant, and unapologetically Black—draws readers into a world where history and myth collide.
His stories have also appeared in The New Yorker, The Kenyon Review, and Best American Science Fiction and Fantasy 2020, showcasing his versatility. A forthcoming collection, Wolf Tickets, promises more of his signature wit and depth, cementing his place in contemporary fiction.
Why Rion Amilcar Scott Matters
Rion Amilcar Scott’s work is a bold celebration of Black multiplicity, challenging stereotypes and amplifying marginalized voices. His fictional Cross River serves as a microcosm of African American resilience, reflecting both the weight of history and the hope of community. As a professor at the University of Maryland, Scott inspires students to find their own voices, blending artistry with activism. His stories resonate globally, offering humor, healing, and hard truths in a world that needs them.
- Born: Washington, D.C.
- Key Works: Insurrections (2016), The World Doesn’t Require You (2019), Wolf Tickets (forthcoming)
- Awards: PEN/Robert W. Bingham Prize (2017), Hillsdale Award (2017), Maryland Individual Artist Award (2019)
- Current Role: Creative Writing Professor, University of Maryland
About Rion Amilcar Scott
Snag Insurrections or The World Doesn’t Require You and dive into Rion Amilcar Scott’s vibrant, soul-stirring stories! His Cross River awaits, ready to spark laughter, tears, and everything in between.