James R. Gapinski is an accomplished author and educator known for their innovative short fiction and novellas. They are the author of "The Museum of Future Mistakes," winner of the BOA Short Fiction Prize, and "Edge of the Known Bus Line," which received the Etchings Press Novella Prize and was named to Kirkus Reviews’ Best Books of 2018. Gapinski has also published three chapbooks: "The Last Dinosaurs of Portland," "Fruit Rot," and "Messiah Tortoise." Their short stories have appeared in literary journals such as Heavy Feather Review, Monkeybicycle, SmokeLong Quarterly, and Variant Literature.
Gapinski’s work often explores surreal and speculative themes, blending sharp prose with imaginative storytelling. Their writing has garnered critical acclaim for its originality and depth. In addition to their literary pursuits, Gapinski serves as managing editor of Conium Press and directs Portland Community College's TRIO SSS program. They also teach as an adjunct professor in Southern New Hampshire University's MFA program, contributing to the development of emerging writers.