David James Keaton

David James Keaton is an Associate Teaching Professor in the English Department at Santa Clara University's College of Arts and Sciences. He holds a BFA from Bowling Green State University and an MFA from the University of Pittsburgh. His work spans novels, short story collections, and edited anthologies, blending horror, crime fiction, and science fiction with social critique. Notable publications include Fish Bites Cop! (2013 Horror Award Winner), Stealing Propeller Hats from the Dead (2022 PW Starred Review), and Head Cleaner (2022), a satirical thriller exploring VHS culture and social media. His research interests include genre hybridity, cultural nostalgia, and narrative experimentation.

Education:

• BFA in Creative Writing, Bowling Green State University
• MFA in Creative Writing, University of Pittsburgh

Research Interests:

• Creative Writing Pedagogy
• Horror and Crime Fiction Genres
• Vintage Media Critique
• Interdisciplinary Art Collaborations

Awards:

• 2013 Short Story Collection of the Year (This Is Horror)
• Starred Review from Publishers Weekly (2022)

Teaching Focus: Composition and Creative Writing courses emphasizing genre exploration and narrative innovation.