Johnny Worthen

Johnny Worthen is an award-winning, bestselling author known for his multi-genre fiction spanning young adult, thriller, horror, comedy, and mystery. He gained national acclaim with his young adult novel "Eleanor, The Unseen," the first installment in a series that includes "Celeste, The Unseen Book 2" and "David, The Unseen Book 3." His debut adult occult thriller, "Beatrysel," explores darker themes of love and magic, accompanied by its companion story, "Dr. Stuart’s Heart." Worthen’s versatility shines in works like the Silver Quill Award-winning mystery "The Brand Demand" and the genre-blending noir comedy "The Finger Trap," featuring the sarcastic slacker detective Tony Flaner.

Trained in modern literary criticism and cultural studies, Worthen holds a B.A. in English, a minor in Classics, and a Master’s in American Studies from the University of Utah. His writing reflects a blend of academic rigor and imaginative storytelling, often infused with wit and thematic depth. Before dedicating himself to writing, he pursued diverse ventures, including running a bakery and living abroad. His short stories appear in numerous anthologies, such as "Little Visible Delight," "Old Scratch and Owl Hoots," and "Heroic: Tales of the Extraordinary."

Recognized as a Utah Writer of the Year, Worthen also contributes to the literary community as a professional editor for Omnium Gatherum, a dark fiction press. He frequently lectures on writing and has become a respected voice at conferences and conventions. Residing in Sandy, Utah, with his family, he continues to craft stories that defy genre boundaries while engaging readers with his distinctive narrative voice.