Sam J. Miller

Sam J. Miller is a highly acclaimed author, known for his powerful and thought-provoking works of science fiction and fantasy. Raised in Hudson, New York, Miller comes from a long line of butchers, with his father and grandfather both having worked in the family business. However, after the family butcher shop failed when Miller was just seventeen, the town was soon overtaken by Wal-Mart, leading Miller to become a vegetarian. This period of his life had a profound impact on him, and it is possible that it has influenced his writing in some way.

Miller is perhaps best known for his novels "The Art of Starvation" and "Blackfish City," both of which have received widespread critical acclaim. "The Art of Starvation," published in 2017, is a young adult novel that tells the story of a gay teenage boy with an eating disorder who discovers that he has the power to kill people by refusing to eat. The novel received numerous accolades, including being named one of NPR's Best Books of the Year. "Blackfish City," published in 2018, is a dystopian novel set in a floating city in the Arctic, and was hailed as a "Must Read" by Entertainment Weekly and O: The Oprah Magazine. It was also included in several "Best Books of the Year" lists, including those of the Washington Post and Publishers Weekly.

In addition to his novels, Miller has also published a number of short stories, many of which have been nominated for prestigious awards such as the World Fantasy, Theodore Sturgeon, and Locus Awards. His writing has been reprinted in dozens of anthologies, further cementing his reputation as a leading voice in the world of science fiction and fantasy.

Before becoming a full-time writer, Miller held a variety of jobs, including film critic, grocery bagger, community organizer, secretary, painter's assistant and model, and guitarist in a punk rock band. These diverse experiences have likely contributed to the rich and varied tapestry of his writing, which explores themes of identity, power, and resistance. Miller currently resides in New York City, where he continues to write and inspire readers with his unique and captivating stories.