Fred Waitzkin is an American author and journalist whose memoir "Searching for Bobby Fischer" was adapted into a critically acclaimed 1993 film. His published works span multiple genres, including nonfiction with "Mortal Games," memoirs such as "The Last Marlin," and novels like "The Dream Merchant" and "Deep Water Blues." His writing has appeared in prominent publications including Esquire, New York magazine, the New York Times Sunday Magazine, and Sports Illustrated.
Born in Cambridge, Massachusetts in 1943, Waitzkin attended Kenyon College and pursued graduate studies at New York University. His early literary influences included Jack Kerouac and Ernest Hemingway, shaping his distinctive narrative style. Throughout his career, he has explored diverse themes ranging from competitive chess to maritime adventures, reflecting his lifelong passions for fishing and travel.
Waitzkin's recent works include the novel "Anything Is Good," based on the true story of a homeless friend, demonstrating his continued engagement with compelling human stories. He resides in Manhattan with his wife Bonnie and maintains close family ties with his two children and grandsons. When not writing, he can often be found aboard his boat "Ebb Tide," pursuing his enduring love of the sea.