While specific dates are unavailable, this period likely marks Johnson's serious pursuit of a writing career. She would have been developing her skills, experimenting with different genres, and submitting her work to various publications.

Johnson began gaining recognition for her short fiction in the 2000s, publishing stories in prominent science fiction and fantasy magazines and anthologies. During this time, she likely refined her distinctive voice and began exploring the themes that would become characteristic of her work.

Kij Johnson's "26 Monkeys, Also the Abyss" received the Theodore Sturgeon Award for best short story, her first major literary award.

Kij Johnson's "The Bride of Frankenstein" received the Hugo Award for best short story.

Kij Johnson's "Spar" received the Hugo Award for best short story.

Kij Johnson's "The Man Who Bridged the Mist" received the World Fantasy Award for best novella.

Kij Johnson's "The Man Who Bridged the Mist" received the Nebula Award for best novella. She now has won all three of the biggest awards in Fantasy and SciFi for the same novella.

Kij Johnson's "The Dream-Quest of Vellitt Boe" received the Nebula Award for best novella.

Kij Johnson writes a sequel to the classic novel, The Wind in the Willows, titled 'The River Bank'.

Johnson continues to write and publish short stories and novels, solidifying her reputation as a leading voice in contemporary fantasy and science fiction. She remains an active member of the writing community, attending conventions and workshops.