I’m Michael Kilman, anthropologist, speculative fiction author, and social science communicator. I explore how people, societies, and stories can change toward more just, cooperative futures.

We are living through rapid cultural and technological transformation. Anthropology gives us tools to understand how societies work and how individuals shape them. In my work I focus on cooperation, resistance, and the possibility of more just and sustainable societies.

Want regular updates about my work? Subscribe to my Substack

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Through dystopian science fiction, dark fantasy horror, and cultural criticism, my work examines power, trauma, resistance, and the stories we tell about who we can become.

Start reading today: download or listen to my free dark fantasy horror short story, Eye of the Wood, and step into a forest where darkness hunts the light in human eyes.

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Explore Anthropology and Social Science

Learn how anthropology shapes the world and how you can apply these ideas to writing, creativity, and understanding society.

Anthropology in 10 or Less

Short, practical lessons on culture, power, and social systems.

Ask an Anthropologist about Worldbuilding

A live Q&A series that lets the audience ask their burning worldbuilding questions

Resistance Reads Podcast

A livestream podcast that uses literature as a lens to discuss power, oppression, and social transformation. We love audience comments and participation!

The Writer’s Lab: Tips and Worldbuilding Resources

A space where you can find articles, podcasts, and recorded panel discussions on writing and worldbuilding

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Join My Substack Community

My substack supports independent research, storytelling, and public scholarship. It is for readers, writers, and curious thinkers interested in culture, power, and social change.

Free subscribers receive:
• Essays on anthropology, worldbuilding, and culture
• Short fiction and creative work
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Paid subscribers receive:
• Full access to original short fiction
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Start free and upgrade if you like the work I do.

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Speaking and Workshops

I offer talks, workshops, and consulting for organizations, educators, writers, and creative professionals. My sessions combine anthropology, storytelling, and practical tools to help people. For professional inquiries, speaking engagements, or consulting, visit my portfolio page.

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About Me

I am an author, anthropologist, and educator with an M.S. in Applied Anthropology from Portland State University. I spent more than a decade teaching anthropology across multiple institutions. My work includes ethnographic filmmaking, social justice theater, collaboration with Indigenous communities, applied research, and instructional design.

I bring anthropology out of academic spaces and into public conversation through storytelling, media, and education.

In 2021, I gave a TEDx Talk titled: Anthropology, Our Imagination, and Understanding Difference I regularly write and speak about culture, literature, and social transformation.

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Fiction & Books

Speculative Fiction & Novels

Shades and Shapes in the Dark
A dark fantasy horror series about trauma, healing, and the moment people reclaim their power and refuse the systems that harmed them.

The Chronicles of the Great Migration
A dystopian science fiction series exploring social systems, cultural transformation, and collective survival in changing worlds.

Nonfiction & Worldbuilding

Build Better Worlds:An Introduction to Anthropology for Game Designers, Fiction Writers, and Filmmakers
An anthropology informed guide for writers, game designers, and storytellers interested in creating cultures that feel real, complex, and alive.

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Status of Major Works In Progress:

The Children of AEIS (Chronicles of the Great Migration #5)

First Draft: 75% Complete Expected Completion 2027

Through An Endless Darkness Gleaming (Shades & Shapes in the Dark #2)

First Draft: 60% Complete Expected Completion 2026

Secret Stand Alone Sci-Fi Project

First Draft: 80% Complete Expected Completion 2026