Award-winning speculative fiction writer, editor and mentor Lee Murray was named an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for her significant services to literature. Murray has long been a champion both for Kiwi writing and for the genre of horror. She has worked tirelessly behind the scenes to showcase the quality and range of modern horror and has used her writing to bring about positive change for minorities, as well as to highlight themes of mental health.

While she has personally achieved many firsts, she has also helped many writers along the way. Having worked with Lee on several book projects we’re keenly aware of the amount of time and effort she has spent supporting her fellow authors so we are beyond pleased to see her recognized in this fashion.

Murray says, “It’s hugely humbling, because why me? I hope it shines a light on the creative community, particularly the speculative community that doesn’t get a lot of attention.” Read her full interview in the New Zealand Herald about receiving this honor.

Our projects with Lee have included:

• The Path of Ra Series: Hounds of the Underworld, Teeth of the Wolf, Blood of the Sun with Dan Rabarts
• Black Cranes: Tales of Unquiet Women co-editor with Geneve Flynn (2nd edition)
• The Attack From the 80s anthology included her story “Permanent Damage” which received a Bram Stoker