Katherine Irenae Johnson is born in Harlan, Iowa, to Paul and Margaret Johnson. Her early life in the Midwest, surrounded by family and nature, would later influence her writing, particularly her exploration of small-town life and the complexities of human relationships.

Johnson graduates from St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota. While the exact nature of her studies is not universally highlighted, this marks an important step in her academic journey and lays the groundwork for her future intellectual pursuits and career trajectory.

Johnson held various positions in the tech and publishing industries. While seemingly disparate from creative writing, these experiences honed her analytical skills, exposed her to diverse perspectives, and provided a practical foundation that likely influenced her meticulous approach to crafting narratives and world-building.

Johnson publishes her debut novel, "The Fox Woman," a historical fantasy novel set in medieval Japan. This marks her formal entry into the world of professional writing and immediately establishes her unique voice, blending historical detail with folkloric elements.

The novella, "26 Monkeys, Also the Abyss", which won the World Fantasy Award for Best Novella, solidified her standing in the literary world as an author unafraid to explore darker themes with surrealist imagery. It signaled a shift to short-form, focused narratives which became her forte.

Johnson wins both the Hugo Award and Nebula Award for Best Novella for "The Dream-Quest of Vellitt Boe," a novella that reimagines H.P. Lovecraft's work through a feminist lens and explores themes of academia, identity, and the power of storytelling. This dual win cemented her place as a major voice in speculative fiction.

Johnson wins her second Hugo Award for Best Short Story for "Ponies," a dark and allegorical story about the loss of innocence and the pressures of conformity. This further demonstrates her versatility and her ability to create impactful narratives in shorter formats.

Johnson wins her third Hugo and Nebula Award for Best Novella for "The Man Who Bridged the Mist," a novella that blends steampunk elements with poignant reflections on engineering, art, and human connection. Her continued success is a testament to her craftsmanship and originality.

Kij Johnson continues to write acclaimed short stories, novellas, and novels, and contributes to the development of other writers through teaching workshops and mentoring. She remains a prominent figure in the science fiction, fantasy, and horror communities, influencing and inspiring new generations of storytellers.