Ernest Cline: From Slam Poetry to Sci-Fi Fame
- Janeth
- Aug 10
- 3 min read
Ernest Cline, a self-proclaimed geek and slam poet, became a breakout author in 2011 with his debut novel Ready Player One, a nostalgic tribute to the pop culture of the 1980s. In 2018, he’s stepping into the spotlight once again—this time as the co-writer of the film adaptation’s screenplay.
Photo by Lucie Liz by Pexels
A Geeky Start in Small-Town Ohio
Born in Ashland, Ohio, Cline grew up in a family of four. His younger brother Eric went on to become a major in the U.S. Marine Corps while Ernest immersed himself in video games and geek culture. One of his all-time favorite games, Black Tiger, even found its way into the heart of his first novel.
Before novels and screenplays, Cline made waves in the slam poetry scene. In the late ’90s, he became a regular in Austin’s spoken word circuit, winning championships in 1998 and 2001. He also represented Austin at national poetry slams. Some of his standout pieces include “Dance,” “Monkeys,” “Nerd Porn Auteur,” and “When I Was a Kid.” In 2001, he self-published a chapbook titled The Importance of Being Ernest and released a spoken word album called Ultraman Is Airwolf—a quirky collection of ten tracks that showcased his unique voice and humor.
From Fanboys to Film Scripts
Cline’s screenwriting journey began in 1998. He co-wrote Fanboys, a comedy about die-hard Star Wars fans, which was picked up by the Weinstein Company and released in 2009. The film featured a cast that included Sam Huntington, Dan Fogler, Chris Marquette, Jay Baruchel, and Kristen Bell.
In 2008, Lakeshore Entertainment acquired his second screenplay, Thundercade, which follows a washed-up gamer in his thirties trying to reclaim his former glory at the world’s biggest gaming tournament.
The Rise of Ready Player One
In 2010, Cline shifted gears and began writing novels. His debut, Ready Player One, was published in 2011 after Crown Publishing Group acquired the rights. Warner Bros. quickly followed, purchasing the film rights and bringing Cline on board to help write the screenplay.
Set in a dystopian 2044, the novel follows teenager Wade Watts as he searches for a hidden Easter egg inside a vast virtual reality world called OASIS. The prize? A massive fortune and control of the OASIS itself. The book earned both the Alex Award and the Prometheus Award and became a fan favorite for its blend of sci-fi, nostalgia, and adventure.
What’s Next for Ernest Cline?
Cline’s second novel, Armada, hit shelves in 2015. It tells the story of a teenage gamer who discovers that his favorite alien-fighting video game is actually a training simulation for a real-life invasion. The book debuted at #4 on the New York Times bestseller list and is currently in development for a film adaptation by Universal Pictures.
After much speculation, Cline confirmed in December that he’s working on a sequel to Ready Player One. But before that hits bookshelves, fans can look forward to the film adaptation of the original novel, set to premiere in March 2018. Directed by Steven Spielberg and starring Nick Robinson, the movie is already one of the most anticipated releases of the year.
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