About the Author

Rufus Watson is a queer fiction writer residing in Bloomington, Indiana, where he juggles writing, nursing school, and caring for his opinionated, elderly dog.

His work delves into the themes of fear, identity, and human connection, often eerie, atmospheric storytelling with a psychological twist. A lifelong enthusiast of haunted settings, unreliable narrators, and emotionally rich characters, Rufus writes fiction that blurs the lines between reality and imagination.

He is particularly dedicated to portraying LGBT characters who exist without needing justification, as love and identity should be accepted as facts rather than explanations. When he’s not writing or studying, you might catch him overthinking past conversations, gaming on a well-worn console, or wandering the kitchen trying to recall his purpose.

The Shadows Within marks his debut novel.