Desiree Cooper

Desiree Cooper is a Pulitzer-prize nominated journalist who has made a name for herself in the field of literary fiction and poetry. She has a particular interest in exploring issues of race and sexism through her work. Cooper's writing is known for its ability to delve into the complexities of these issues, even in the midst of life's most intimate moments.

In her 2015 collection of flash fiction, "Know the Mother," Cooper explores the ways in which sexism and racism continue to impact individuals' lives. The book is written in a compressed form, with each story telling a complete narrative. Cooper's writing in "Know the Mother" slips between poetry and prose, taking the reader to unexpected places where race and gender intersect. The stories in the collection range from a black woman shopping in a traditional Japanese market with her newborn, to a woman miscarrying during a conference call, to encounters with spirits in the middle of the night.

Cooper is a 2015 Kresge Artist Fellow, and her writing has earned her numerous accolades. In addition to being a Pulitzer Prize-nominated journalist, she is a former attorney who has written extensively about racial and gender equality. Her debut collection of flash fiction, "Know the Mother," won the 2017 Next Generation Indie Book Award, and her fiction, poetry, and essays have been published in a variety of publications. Cooper's writing has also been recognized by The Best American Essays, and she has received a starred review from Booklist for her children's book, "Nothing Special." After spending her career in Detroit, Cooper now lives in the Virginia Beach area where she cares for her mother and three grandchildren.