Book Genres

Austin Authors You Should Read This Year

Austin's literary scene is flourishing with talents worth your attention. Check out Lucas Schaefer’s debut “The Slip,” Wendolyn Baird’s fantasy novel exploring chronic illness, and Matthew McConaughey’s forthcoming “Poems & Prayers.” 

Don’t miss Julie Poole’s urban poetry in “Gorgeous Freak” or Celia Bell’s award-winning “The Disenchantment.” For sci-fi lovers, Christopher Brown and Texas author Martha Wells offer immersive worlds with environmental themes. These voices represent just the tip of Austin’s creative iceberg. 

Best-Selling Austin Authors Taking the Literary World by Storm

In fiction trends, Lucas Schaefer’s debut “The Slip” has earned critical acclaim for its nuanced exploration of identity against an Austin backdrop, while Wendolyn Baird’s supernatural novel “Lilith Mason Takes On The Everlore” brings fresh perspective to fantasy through chronic-illness themes. Set in the divided, supernatural city of Penumbra, Baird’s novel features compelling worldbuilding and characters. Even Matthew McConaughey has expanded his literary footprint with “Poems & Prayers,” demonstrating the diversity of Austin’s writing talent. These authors are transforming Austin into a literary powerhouse worthy of your bookshelf. 

Rising Stars: Austin’s Emerging Literary Voices

You’ll find diverse representation among talents like Julie Poole, whose poetry collection “Gorgeous Freak” captures Austin’s rhythmic cityscape, and Celia Bell, whose acclaimed debut “The Disenchantment” challenges societal norms. 

The influence of UT’s New Writers Project is evident, with alumni receiving prestigious literary awards and fellowships. Scott Guild’s debut novel “Plastic” offers a surreal and incisive look at gun violence and environmental destruction. 

Don’t miss Zell Miller III, Austin’s inaugural Poet Laureate (2025–2027), whose performances explore identity while expanding poetry’s reach throughout the community. 

Genre Spotlight: Fantasy and Sci-Fi Authors from the Capital City

Several award-winning fantasy and sci-fi authors call Austin home, establishing the city as a vibrant hub for speculative fiction. Christopher Brown’s dystopian legal thrillers and Martha Wells’ immersive worldbuilding showcase the diverse talents emerging from this creative ecosystem.

The local community thrives through events like ArmadilloCon and Turkey City Writer’s Workshop, where authors exchange ideas and hone their craft. ArmadilloCon also offers sponsored memberships that support participation by writers of color, among others. 

Austin’s speculative fiction scene is known for its genre-blending innovations:

  • Slipstream fiction that merges literary and sci-fi elements from William Browning Spencer
  • Post-apocalyptic narratives with environmental themes reflecting Austin’s ecological awareness
  • Speculative legal thrillers that combine near-future technology with contemporary social issues 

You’ll find Austin authors consistently pushing boundaries while supporting newcomers through collaborative workshops and indie publishing platforms.

True Crime and Historical Fiction: Austin’s Unique Literary Perspective

Kate Winkler Dawson stands out for her work revisiting 19th-century cases connected to the real-life scandal that informed themes in “The Scarlet Letter.” Her dual role as journalist and UT professor brings academic rigor to archives and reimagined narratives. 

Meanwhile, writers like Skip Hollandsworth delve into Austin’s own history in works such as “The Midnight Assassin,” showing how the city continues to inspire stories that blend forensic insight with compelling storytelling. 

These works often capture the essence of Austin’s identity as the Live Music Capital, while revealing the darker elements beneath its laid-back reputation. 

Poetry and Personal Essays: Austin Authors Baring Their Souls

While Austin’s nonfiction and historical crime scenes thrive, the city’s soul emerges most vividly through its poetry and personal essays. Zell Miller III, Austin’s first Poet Laureate, brings powerful explorations of identity to community-driven literary workshops across the city. 

Meanwhile, KB Brookins’ recent memoir “Pretty” and poetry collections highlight marginalized experiences with stylistic verve, reflecting Austin’s vibrant, inclusive literary culture. 

Literary representation matters in Austin’s vibrant poetry scene, where you’ll find:

  • Heidi Kasa’s forthcoming collection “The Bullet Takes Forever”
  • Mary Jane Philpy-Dollins’ nurse-informed poetry through the Austin Poetry Society
  • Public performances and readings at the Texas Book Festival featuring diverse voices

The New Writers Project and Writers’ League of Texas provide platforms where personal narratives flourish, creating spaces for authentic expression. Usha Akella, who co-founded the South Asian poetry collective Matwaala, adds to Austin’s diverse literary landscape as a Creative/Creative Ambassador for the city.

Where to Find Austin Authors at 2025 Literary Festivals

If you’re looking to encounter Austin’s literary talent in person, the Texas Book Festival stands as your premier opportunity in 2025. Scheduled for November 8–9 at the Texas State Capitol and downtown venues, the 30th anniversary festival will feature author presentations, readings, panel discussions, and book signings—plus the Saturday night Lit Crawl in East Austin. 

With free admission and accessibility features throughout the downtown venues, you’ll easily navigate between tents along 11th Street and Congress Avenue. Expect the full author lineup to be revealed in early September.

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