Xiran Jay Zhao is a Chinese-Canadian author who has made a significant impact in the literary world with their debut novel, Iron Widow, which was an instant bestseller on the New York Times list in 2021. The young adult novel, marketed as Pacific Rim meets The Handmaid's Tale, has been praised for its unique storytelling and world-building, which draws from Zhao's own experiences as a first-generation immigrant to Canada.
Zhao was born in a small town in China, which, by Chinese standards, means a town of 4 million people. They later moved to Canada and studied biochemical pathways at Vancouver's Simon Fraser University, all the while pursuing their passion for writing science fiction and fantasy novels. Zhao's writing style is heavily influenced by their cultural background, and they strive to bring authenticity and diversity to their work.
In addition to their writing, Zhao is also known for their online presence, where they engage with their fans and share their thoughts on various topics. They can be found on Twitter for daily "shitposts," as they call them, as well as on Instagram and YouTube. Zhao is particularly active on these platforms, sharing their cosplays, Extra outfits, and videos about Chinese history and culture.
One of the most endearing things about Zhao is their commitment to their promises. In a now-iconic author photo, Zhao can be seen wearing a cow suit, which they had promised their friends they would do if they ever got published. True to their word, Zhao took the photo, and it has since become a symbol of their authenticity and dedication to their craft. Overall, Zhao's unique voice and commitment to diversity and authenticity have made them a rising star in the literary world, and fans are eagerly awaiting their next novel.