Janet Fitch is a distinguished American author, well-known for her adult fiction, contemporary, and drama stories. She was born on November 9, 1955, in Los Angeles, California, and grew up in her hometown, surrounded by a family of avid readers. Fitch initially aspired to become a historian, having been drawn to its powerful narratives, vast themes, and significant personalities. However, during her time at Keele University in England as part of a student exchange program, she realized her passion for Russian history and made the life-changing decision to pursue a career in fiction writing.
Fitch's love for Russian history is evident in her novels, as she paints vivid portraits of young poets coming of age during the Russian Revolution in her books "The Revolution of Marina M." and "Chimes of a Lost Cathedral." Her novel "Paint It Black" was adapted into a feature film, available on NETFLIX, while her Oprah Book Club pick "White Oleander" was made into a motion picture. Fitch's writing journey began in earnest when she realized she wanted to live her life to the fullest, not confined to the four walls of a library.
Fitch's educational background includes a degree in history from Reed College in Portland, Oregon, where she specialized in Russian Studies. Her training as an historian has significantly contributed to her storytelling abilities. She has been honored with several prestigious fellowships, including a Likhachev fellowship to St. Petersburg, Russia, a Helen R. Whiteley fellowship at the University of Washington Friday Harbor Labs, and a Moseley fellowship in Creative Writing at Pomona College. Fitch is a dedicated teacher of fiction writing, regularly conducting workshops at various institutions, including the Squaw Valley Community of Writers summer workshops and the University of Southern California. Her short fiction and essays have been featured in numerous publications, further establishing her reputation as a gifted writer.