C.L. Polk's debut novel Witchmark stormed the fantasy writing scene, landing on shortlists around the world — including the Nebula Award, Locus Award and Lambda Literary Award — and in Canada, where it is nominated for a Sunburst Award and Aurora Award. The book takes place in the aftermath of a major war and follows a young doctor named Miles Singer who must hide his magical healing gifts or be committed to a witches' asylum. Polk lives in southern Alberta.

CBC Books named Polk a writer to watch in 2019.