Picture a storyteller weaving speculative tales that blend linguistics, identity, and futuristic worlds—meet S. Qiouyi Lu! This Los Angeles-based author, translator, and editor burst onto the literary scene with their debut novella, In the Watchful City, in 2021. With a knack for crafting polyphonic stories rooted in their Chinese heritage, Lu’s work in science fiction, fantasy, and horror captivates readers with its depth and diversity.
Known for exploring themes like surveillance, neopronouns, and cultural identity, Lu’s writing is as thought-provoking as it is imaginative. Their unique voice, shaped by a background in linguistics and a passion for speculative fiction, makes them a rising star in contemporary literature. Ready to dive into their world?
The Making of S. Qiouyi Lu
Born and raised in California’s San Gabriel Valley, S. Qiouyi Lu grew up surrounded by the vibrant energy of their hometown, not far from Octavia E. Butler’s Pasadena. Lu studied linguistics at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, minoring in Chinese, and later pursued graduate studies at Ohio State University. Their academic journey fueled a fascination with language, which would later define their storytelling. After attending the prestigious Clarion West Writers Workshop in 2016, Lu’s career took off with their first fiction publications appearing in professional markets that same year.
S. Qiouyi Lu’s Unforgettable Stories
Lu’s debut novella, In the Watchful City (2021), is a biocyberpunk gem that blends surveillance technology with a narrative structure inspired by One Thousand and One Nights. The story follows Anima, a human node in a city’s surveillance network, and Vessel, who collects stories to cheat death. Critics praise its experimental style and exploration of diaspora and power. Another standout is the short story “Mother Tongues” (2018), a poignant sci-fi tale about a mother’s sacrifices, which landed on the Locus Recommended Reading List and was long-listed for the Hugo Awards.
Lu’s work often features neopronouns and diverse characters, reflecting their commitment to inclusive storytelling. Their short story “Your Luminous Heart, Bound in Red” (2021) reimagines Little Red Riding Hood with a Chinese werewolf twist, tackling toxic masculinity through vulnerability. Lu also shines as a translator, bringing Chinese speculative fiction to English audiences in venues like Clarkesworld. Their poetry, such as “肉骨茶 (Meat Bone Tea),” published in Uncanny Magazine, weaves sensory richness with cultural resonance.
Whether writing fiction, poetry, or editing the magazine Arsenika, Lu’s style is marked by linguistic precision and emotional depth. Their stories challenge readers to rethink identity, technology, and human connection, making each work a journey into uncharted territory.
Why S. Qiouyi Lu Matters
S. Qiouyi Lu’s impact on speculative fiction lies in their ability to center marginalized voices and push narrative boundaries. By incorporating neopronouns and exploring themes like linguistic genocide and systemic marginalization, Lu challenges the genre’s norms and invites readers to embrace diverse perspectives. Their work as an editor and translator amplifies underrepresented voices, fostering a richer, more inclusive literary landscape. Lu’s recognition, including the Octavia E. Butler Memorial Scholarship and Diverse Writers Grant, underscores their growing influence.
As a queer, nonbinary author of Chinese descent, Lu’s stories resonate with readers seeking authentic, multifaceted narratives. Their blend of cultural heritage and speculative innovation makes them a vital voice in shaping the future of sci-fi and fantasy.
- Birthplace: San Gabriel Valley, California
- Key Works: In the Watchful City, “Mother Tongues,” “Your Luminous Heart, Bound in Red”
- Awards: Octavia E. Butler Memorial Scholarship (2016), Diverse Writers Grant (2021)
Snag In the Watchful City or dive into Lu’s short stories to experience their mesmerizing blend of speculative fiction and cultural storytelling!