Jocelyn Nicole Johnson is a critically acclaimed author, best known for her debut story collection, "My Monticello" (2021). The book was a commercial and critical success, earning Johnson recognition as a finalist for several prestigious awards, including the Kirkus Fiction Prize, the National Book Critics Circle Leonard Award, the LA Times Debut Seidenbaum Prize, the Pen/Faulkner Fiction Award, and the Story Prize. "My Monticello" is a thought-provoking and expertly written exploration of the legacies of the United States.
Johnson's writing has appeared in numerous publications, including Guernica, The Guardian, Kweli Journal, Joyland, Lit Hub, and elsewhere. Her short story "Control Negro" was included in The Best American Short Stories, guest edited by Roxane Gay, and was read live by LeVar Burton as part of PRI's Selected Shorts series. In addition to her work as an author, Johnson is also a veteran public school art teacher, and she currently resides in Charlottesville, Virginia.
Johnson has been a fellow at several prestigious writing programs, including Tin House Summer Workshops, Hedgebrook, and the Virginia Center for the Creative Arts. Her writing has earned her numerous awards and accolades, including the Library of Virginia Fiction Award, the Weatherford Award, the Balcones Fiction Prize, and the Lillian Smith Award. "My Monticello" was also chosen as the Route 1 Reads for Virginia. Johnson's work continues to be celebrated for its thoughtful and powerful exploration of the American experience.