C. Morgan Babst is a highly accomplished American author who has made a significant impact in the literary world through her exceptional writing skills. She studied writing at several prestigious institutions, including NOCCA, Yale, and New York University, which provided her with a strong foundation to build her writing career. Babst's work has been featured in various journals, including Guernica, the Harvard Review, The Oxford American, LitHub, and the New Orleans Review. Her writing covers a range of topics, from short fiction to essays, and she has received recognition for her work. In 2016, Best American Essays featured her piece, 'Death is a Way to Be,' as a Notable Essay, highlighting her exceptional talent as a writer.
Babst's personal experiences have significantly influenced her writing, particularly her connection to New Orleans. She is a native of the city and has a deep understanding of its culture and people. In 2005, Babst evacuated New Orleans one day before Hurricane Katrina made landfall, an event that no doubt had a profound impact on her life. After spending eleven years in New York, she returned to her hometown, where she now lives with her husband and child. Her experiences, both in New Orleans and New York, have provided her with a wealth of material to draw upon in her writing.
Babst's connection to New Orleans is evident in her writing, particularly in her first novel, The Floating World. The novel explores the impact of Hurricane Katrina on a family living in New Orleans, drawing upon the experiences of those who lived through the disaster. Babst's writing is deeply personal and evocative, providing readers with a glimpse into the lives of those affected by the hurricane. Through her writing, Babst has established herself as a significant voice in American literature, one that is both powerful and affecting.