Joel Lane

Joel Lane was a British novelist, short story writer, poet, critic, and anthology editor, best known for his contributions to dark fiction and supernatural literature. His acclaimed works earned him prestigious accolades, including the World Fantasy Award in 2013 and two British Fantasy Awards. Lane's writing often explored themes of urban decay, psychological horror, and the uncanny, with many of his stories set in the atmospheric landscapes of Birmingham and other English cities.

Born in Exeter, Lane came from a creative family—his uncle was the renowned tenor saxophonist Ronnie Scott. He spent much of his life in south Birmingham, where he worked in health industry-related publishing while maintaining a prolific literary career. His fiction frequently drew inspiration from his surroundings, blending realism with the macabre. In addition to his novels and short stories, Lane was an accomplished poet and critic, leaving behind a significant body of work that continues to influence contemporary dark fiction.