Ernest Cline

Ernest Cline is a science fiction novelist, screenwriter, and slam poet known for his contributions to contemporary pop culture fiction. His books have been published in more than 50 countries, and he has spent over 150 weeks on the New York Times bestseller lists. Cline's storytelling blends nostalgic references with dystopian themes, creating immersive worlds that engage science fiction and pop culture enthusiasts.

Before his career as a novelist, Cline performed original work at Austin Poetry Slam venues and self-published a chapbook collection, "The Importance of Being Ernest," as well as the album "The Geek Wants Out." His screenwriting career includes co-writing "Fanboys," a comedy about Star Wars fans. Following creative differences during the production of "Fanboys," Cline shifted focus to novel writing, resulting in the New York Times bestseller "Ready Player One."

"Ready Player One" is set in a dystopian future and follows Wade Watts as he competes in a virtual reality contest to win control of the OASIS, a vast online world. The novel is recognized for its celebration of 1980s pop culture and its vision of a future shaped by virtual reality. It received several honors, including the Alex Award from the American Library Association and the Prometheus Award. "Ready Player One" was adapted into a film directed by Steven Spielberg, with Cline serving as co-screenwriter.

Cline continued his exploration of science fiction and pop culture with the novels "Armada" and "Ready Player Two." "Armada" debuted at number four on the New York Times Bestseller list and is in development as a film by Universal Pictures. Cline also authored "Bridge to Bat City," a children's novel published by Little, Brown and Company, which tells the story of Opal B. Flats and her friendship with a colony of bats. Cline's work spans novels, screenwriting, and children's literature, contributing to the ongoing evolution of science fiction and pop culture storytelling.