Jay Lake

Jay Lake (1964-2014) was an American science fiction and fantasy writer. He was known for his inventive and often dark stories, characterized by rich world-building and compelling characters.

Lake's major works include the Mainspring trilogy (Mainspring, Escapement, Pinion), an alternate history fantasy series set in a world powered by clockwork mechanisms. He also wrote the Green trilogy (Green, Endurance, Kalimpura), a fantasy series inspired by British India, and numerous short stories collected in volumes such as Greetings from Gehenna and American Sorrows.

Lake won the John W. Campbell Award for Best New Writer in 2004. His works were nominated for multiple Hugo, Nebula, and World Fantasy Awards. He was an active member of the science fiction and fantasy community, known for his generous spirit and advocacy for other writers.

Diagnosed with terminal cancer in 2007, Lake wrote openly about his experiences with the disease on his blog and in essays. He used his platform to raise awareness and funds for cancer research. His candidness and resilience in the face of illness made him an influential figure in the speculative fiction world.

Lake continued to write prolifically until his death in 2014, leaving behind a substantial body of work that continues to be read and appreciated by fans of science fiction and fantasy.