Welcome to Nine Lives. My name is Karawynn Long, and I’ve been writing things online since 1993.
I’ve also written some things offline: I’m an award-winning author of speculative short fiction, and I’m now writing an epic science fantasy novel.
The comma in the sentence above conceals a whole lot of life: a corporate career as a graphic designer, the raising of two stepdaughters, a move to a new country, and so much more.
I ran away from home as a teenager. I spent a year as a sex worker. I had multiple romantic relationships, usually in parallel. I learned to accept my intrinsic asexuality … and then had to figure out what that meant for my marriage. I became a radical anticapitalist. I developed a painful autoimmune disease that paralyzed both my arms. I went through menopause. I discovered I’m autistic.
Not strictly in that order, mind you.
I’ve lost track which of my nine lives I’m on now, but I have some stories to tell, is what I’m saying. I also love having deep conversations with other people, I read widely across multiple disciplines, and I’m always chasing those electric, goosebump moments when a connection arcs between separate points with eye-watering brilliance.
I hope you’ll come light things up with me. Please remember that reflective responses are always welcome, but respect and kindness will be enforced.