Tananarive Due

Due synthesizes elements of Black speculative fiction and horror to illuminate themes of historical trauma and Black survival. Her work, such as the novel "The Reformatory," uses supernatural elements to explore difficult historical realities, drawing from her family’s deep roots in civil rights activism. Her mother's legacy as a civil rights activist significantly influences Due's storytelling, allowing her to weave personal and collective histories into her narratives. Her role as a Continuing Lecturer at UCLA, where she teaches Black Horror and Afrofuturism, complements her writing by expanding her impact beyond traditional literature, connecting with students and audiences interested in diverse narratives.\n\nIn collaboration with her husband, Steven Barnes, Due has ventured into screenwriting and producing, contributing to projects like "The Twilight Zone" and the graphic novel "The Keeper." Their podcast, "Lifewriting: Write for Your Life!", further showcases their dedication to storytelling across mediums. Readers of Due's work, including her acclaimed books "My Soul to Keep" and "The Good House," benefit from her ability to intertwine speculative fiction with real-world issues, creating stories that are both engaging and thought-provoking. Her achievements, recognized by awards such as the American Book Award and NAACP Image Award, affirm her influence in reshaping the landscape of speculative fiction.\n\nDue's literary endeavors provide a platform for exploring racial justice and Black literary traditions. Her approach not only broadens the narrative scope for her audience but also situates her as a key figure in contemporary discussions on race and history in speculative fiction. This bio captures the essence of an author whose commitment to storytelling challenges and enriches readers’ perspectives, offering narratives that are as impactful as they are imaginative.