Anton Strout

Anton Strout, born January 24, 1970, was an American author celebrated for his contributions to the urban fantasy genre. Raised in Massachusetts, he pursued English and Theater studies, graduating in 1993. Strout's literary career gained momentum with the publication of "Dead to Me" in 2008, the first installment of his popular Simon Canderous series. This was followed by "Deader Still" (2009), "Dead Matter" (2010), and "Dead Waters" (2011), establishing a distinct narrative voice within the genre. Beyond his novels, Strout was an active voice in the literary community, maintaining a personal blog and contributing to the group blog "League of Reluctant Adults." He also engaged with fellow authors through his "Once & Future Podcast," where he conducted interviews. Strout's creative output extended to numerous short stories featured in various anthologies, often exploring themes connected to his established series or the broader urban fantasy landscape. He passed away on December 30, 2020, leaving behind his wife and two children. His work in urban fantasy, characterized by engaging protagonists and imaginative storytelling, continues to be recognized.

Anton Strout is primarily recognized for his work in urban fantasy, most notably the Simon Canderous series. The inaugural book, "Dead to Me," was released in 2008, introducing readers to an engaging protagonist that critics noted held promise for future adventures. The series continued with "Deader Still" in 2009, "Dead Matter" in 2010, and "Dead Waters" in 2011. In addition to this core series, Strout also authored "The Spellmason Chronicles," which includes "Alchemystic" (2012), "Stonecast" (2013), and "Incarnate" (2014). His bibliography also features a significant number of short stories, many of which were published in various anthologies. Some of these short stories served as prequels or expanded upon the universes of his major series, such as the Simon Canderous universe and the Spellmason Chronicles. This consistent output across novels and short fiction solidified his presence in the urban fantasy literary landscape.

Beyond his writing, Anton Strout was an active participant in the literary and speculative fiction community. He maintained a personal blog where he shared his thoughts and engaged with readers. Strout also contributed to a collective urban fantasy blog known as "League of Reluctant Adults," fostering a sense of community among writers and fans. His commitment to connecting with other authors and fans was further demonstrated through his "Once & Future Podcast." On this podcast, he interviewed various guest authors, providing a platform for them to discuss their work and creative processes. This multifaceted approach to his career, combining writing with active online presence and podcasting, allowed him to connect with a broader audience and contribute to the ongoing dialogue within the genre.