James P. Blaylock

State: California

James Paul Blaylock is a pioneering figure in steampunk and whimsical fantasy from Southern California. Born in Long Beach and teaching in Orange, his Balumnia trilogy (including The Elfin Ship) and Narbondo novels blend adventure, humor, and magic with a lighthearted touch. A mentor to other genre authors, Blaylock combines literary influences from Stevenson and Dickens with pulp sensibilities. His work has earned the World Fantasy and Philip K. Dick Awards, and his prose is praised for its lyrical wit and adventurous spirit. With a consistent presence in Southern California’s literary and academic writing communities, Blaylock stands as a key innovator in modern fantasy.

Genres: Fantasy, Humor, Science Fiction

Audiences: Adult, Young Adult