Brian Evenson

Brian Evenson is an accomplished American author, born on August 12, 1966, in Ames, Iowa. He grew up with a father who was a longtime physics professor at Brigham Young University (BYU) and later became an administrator. As a young man, Evenson served a two-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Switzerland and France, which had a significant impact on his life and work. Evenson's educational background includes a BA from BYU and both an MA and a PhD from the University of Washington.

Evenson is known for his versatility in writing both literary fiction and popular fiction. Some of his popular fiction has been published under the pseudonym B. K. Evenson. His unique storytelling abilities have earned him praise from renowned author Peter Straub, who commended Evenson for his boldness in venturing "furthest out on the sheerest, least sheltered narrative precipice." This accolade speaks to Evenson's willingness to explore complex themes and ideas in his work, which often pushes the boundaries of conventional narrative structures.

Throughout his career, Brian Evenson has received numerous awards and accolades for his writing. He is a three-time recipient of the O. Henry Prize and has been a finalist for prestigious awards such as the Edgar Award, the Shirley Jackson Award, and the World Fantasy Award. Evenson's work has also been recognized by the International Horror Guild Award and the American Library Association, which honored him with the award for Best Horror Novel. His writing has been featured in Time Out New York's top books, further solidifying his status as a prominent figure in contemporary American literature.