I am an independent writer and critic.  I grew up in central Kentucky, went to college in Chicago, attended grad school in New Mexico and Iowa, taught writing and literature in Sichuan province, and currently live in California with my wife and daughter.

I created the graphic novel Second Quest with artist David Hellman.  I’ve written many essays about videogames, including “Saving Zelda”, “On Videogame Reviews”, “Nine Encounters in Hyrule”, and “It’s Not Coming Back”, as well as a series of review drabbles.  I used to have a monthly column at Grantland and a podcast called Close Playing.  I like to make lists.

If you want to keep up with my current writing, I post irregular updates here.  As a writer I’m deeply interested in the experience of everyday life, of being in a world.  I’m more concerned with what things are like than what they are.  I am inspired by Sei Shonagon, Clarice Lispector, Janet Frame, Ama Ata Aidoo, Lynda Barry, and Revolutionary Girl Utena.

If you wish to contact me, my email address is tevis at this website (no www), though I am unfortunately an infrequent correspondent.