Alex Jennings

Alex Jennings is a writer, editor, teacher, and poet currently serving as a Lecturer of fiction and popular fiction at the University of Southern Maine's Stonecoast MFA in Creative Writing program. He lives in New Orleans and has a rich international background, having been born in Wiesbaden, Germany and raised across multiple countries including Botswana, Tunisia, Suriname, and the United States.

His research and creative interests focus on speculative fiction, Afrofuturism, poetry, and African American literary traditions. Jennings is particularly known for exploring themes of identity, culture, and the African diaspora through fantastical lenses. His work often incorporates New Orleans culture and musical traditions as central elements.

Jennings' recent creative output shows a strong focus on Afrofuturist themes across multiple formats including novels, short fiction, poetry, and literary criticism. His publications reveal deep engagement with contemporary issues of race, representation, and social justice, particularly through the lens of speculative genres. The recurring presence of New Orleans as a setting demonstrates his commitment to place-based storytelling.

• Inaugural Imagination Unbound Fellowship (2022)
• Shortlisted for Ernest J. Gaines Award
• Shortlisted for William L. Crawford Fantasy Award
• Shortlisted for Ray Bradbury Prize for Speculative Fiction
• Winner of 2023 Compton Crook Prize

As Program Director of DreamFoundry's Con or Bust, Jennings actively supports diversity in speculative fiction communities. His teaching at Stonecoast MFA focuses on fiction and popular fiction, with particular expertise in speculative genres. He has served as MC and co-producer of the literary readings series Dogfish from 2014-2020, demonstrating his commitment to literary community building.

Jennings maintains active engagement with creative communities through regular appearances at conferences and festivals including WisCon, International Conference for the Fantastic in Arts, and Tennessee Williams Literary Festival. His work spans multiple creative forms including novels, short stories, poetry, and critical essays.