Ling Ma is an accomplished and award-winning author who has made a significant impact in the literary world. Born in Fujian, she spent her formative years in Utah and Kansas before eventually settling in Chicago. Ma is best known for her 2018 novel, Severance, which has garnered widespread critical acclaim and numerous accolades. The novel, which has been described as a nail-biting indictment of late-stage capitalism and a chilling vision of what comes after, has been listed as a Notable Book of the Year and won the prestigious Kirkus Prize.
In addition to her work on Severance, Ma has also published a story collection titled Bliss Montage. Her writing has appeared in a variety of literary magazines, including ACM, Ninth Letter, Granta, Chicago Reader, Vice, and Playboy. Her work has been translated into eight languages and has received numerous awards and honors, including a Whiting Award and an NEA fellowship.
Beyond her accomplishments as a writer, Ma is also a respected college professor. Her work as an educator and her contributions to the literary world have solidified her position as a rising star in American literature. With her unique voice and insightful perspective, Ma continues to captivate audiences and challenge conventional thinking through her writing.