Stoker Hunt

Stephen Graham Jones is an American author born in 1972, recognized for his contributions to experimental fiction, horror, crime, and science fiction. He is an enrolled member of the Blackfeet Tribe and his writing frequently delves into Native American experiences and perspectives. Jones holds a distinguished academic position as the Ineva Baldwin Professor of English at the University of Colorado, where he has been a faculty member since 2008.

His literary career began with his debut novel, 'The Fast Red Road,' published in 2000, which originated as his dissertation. Jones has since garnered numerous accolades, including a National Endowment for the Arts fellowship and multiple Bram Stoker Awards. His novel 'The Only Good Indians' received significant recognition, winning the Ray Bradbury Prize and a Bram Stoker Award, and was inspired by his experiences with the annual Blackfeet elk hunt. His work often blends genres and explores themes of racial inequality, sometimes categorized as 'Native American Gothic' or 'Rez Gothic.'

Stephen Graham Jones's literary style is characterized by its experimental nature, genre blending, and a unique narrative inventiveness, often described by scholars as containing 'dark playfulness.' He acknowledges influences from Native American Renaissance writers, particularly Gerald Vizenor, and even pulp westerns by authors like Louis L'Amour, stating they are integral to his writing. His work is sometimes seen as representative of 'New Sincerity,' a literary movement that counters postmodern cynicism with a focus on morality and belief, with his novel 'Ledfeather' serving as a key example. Jones himself notes a tendency towards sentimentality, which he suggests might be an overcorrection leading to the dark and chilling tone of his fiction. He skillfully uses humor to manage escalating tension, enhancing reader anticipation. His novels are often framed within the 'Native American Gothic' or 'Rez Gothic' subgenres, utilizing fantasy, science fiction, and horror to illuminate racial inequalities faced by Indigenous peoples.

Beyond his writing career, Stephen Graham Jones is an accomplished academic. He serves as the Ineva Baldwin Professor of English at the University of Colorado, having joined the faculty in 2008. His educational background is extensive, holding a Bachelor of Arts in English and Philosophy from Texas Tech University, a Master of Arts in English from the University of North Texas, and a Ph.D. from Florida State University. Prior to his academic career, Jones worked in a warehouse and later at the Texas Tech Library, transitioning to teaching after a back injury necessitated a desk job. Personally, Jones is married to Nancy, and they have two children. He resides in Boulder, Colorado. He maintains a strong connection to his heritage, regularly attending the Blackfeet Nation Pow Wow and participating in the annual Montana Blackfeet elk hunt, an event that directly inspired his novel 'The Only Good Indians.'