Katharine Beutner

Beutner interrogates the intersections of myth and history through her engaging narrative style, focusing on themes of identity, mystery, and reimagined histories. Her work blends a scholarly understanding of literary history with compelling storytelling, as seen in her novel "Alcestis", a creative retelling of a Greek myth first released by Soho Press in 2010 and reissued in 2023. Her subsequent book, "Killingly", explores the gothic elements of a real-life mystery from Mt. Holyoke College in 1897, reflecting her interest in historical narratives and their modern implications.\n\nHer academic career complements her fiction writing; Beutner teaches creative writing and literature at various institutions, currently at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. This dual focus on teaching and writing enhances her ability to explore complex literary themes. Beutner’s research encompasses areas like environmental writing and queer studies, which inform her fiction's depth and complexity. Meanwhile, her editorial role with "The Dodge", an online eco-writing journal, allows her to engage with contemporary ecological issues, broadening the impact of her work.\n\nReaders and students alike benefit from Beutner's unique approach to fiction and academia, gaining insights into the interplay of historical context and narrative form. Her contributions to literature have been recognized with awards such as the Edmund White Debut Fiction Award for "Alcestis" and an Ohio Arts Council Individual Excellence Award. Through her novels and academic endeavors, Beutner connects past and present, challenging readers to consider the narratives that shape our understanding of history and identity. This brief bio highlights her influential role as an author and academic, offering a glimpse into the thematic richness of her work.