Ivy Pochoda is an accomplished American novelist, born on January 22, 1977, in Brooklyn, New York. Raised in a house filled with books, her literary upbringing nurtured a deep-seated love for storytelling that would later flourish in her own written work. Pochoda made her debut as an author in 2009 with the publication of her first novel, The Art of Disappearing, introducing readers to her unique narrative style and creative flair.
Following her initial success, Pochoda continued to write, releasing Visitation Street in 2013 and Wonder Valley in 2017. These novels garnered critical acclaim and solidified her reputation as a talented author. Visitation Street, in particular, was highly praised, earning a spot as an Amazon Best Book of the Month, Amazon Best Book of 2013, and a Barnes & Noble Discover Great New Writers selection. Pochoda's writing has also been featured in various publications, including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and The Los Angeles Review of Books.
Pochoda's educational background includes a BA from Harvard College in Classical Greek and an MFA from Bennington College in fiction, reflecting her diverse intellectual interests and dedication to her craft. Her first novel, The Art of Disappearing, was published by St. Martin’s Press in 2009. In addition to her writing, Pochoda has shared her passion for literature by teaching creative writing at Studio 526 in Los Angeles's Skid Row and as a professor of creative writing at the University of California Riverside-Palm Desert low-residency MFA program. She currently resides in Los Angeles with her husband Justin Nowell.
Throughout her career, Pochoda has received numerous accolades for her work, including the 2018 Strand Critics Award for Best Novel and the Prix Page America in France. She has also been a finalist for the Los Angeles Times Book Prize and the Edgar Award, among other prestigious recognitions. Her novels, including These Women, have been celebrated for their compelling narratives and richly developed characters, further cementing Pochoda's status as a prominent voice in contemporary American literature.