Kij Johnson

Overview

Katherine Irenae "Kij" Johnson, born January 20, 1960, is an American writer whose thought-provoking and lyrical works in fantasy, science fiction, and horror have garnered her numerous accolades and critical acclaim. This timeline traces key moments in her life and career, highlighting the experiences and achievements that have shaped her into the celebrated author she is today.

Main Milestones

Birth in Harlan, Iowa

January 20, 1960

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.

Graduation from St. Olaf College

1982

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.

Working in the Tech Industry

1987-2000s

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.

Publication of "The Fox Woman"

2000

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.

Publication of "26 Monkeys, Also the Abyss"

2008

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.

Hugo and Nebula Award for "The Dream-Quest of Vellitt Boe"

2009

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.

Hugo Award for "Ponies"

2011

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.

Hugo and Nebula Award for "The Man Who Bridged the Mist"

2012

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.

Continuing to Write and Teach

Present

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.

Other Themed Timelines

Awards and Recognition Timeline

Early Life and Education Timeline

Personal Life and Relationships Timeline

Teaching and Academic Career Timeline

Themes and Styles in Writing Timeline

Writing and Publication Career Timeline

Themed Timelines

Talks

Media Collections

Overview

Other Themed Timelines