Kali Fajardo-Anstine is a highly acclaimed author, born and raised in Denver, Colorado. She has spent her entire life in this vibrant city, which has served as a significant source of inspiration for her work. Fajardo-Anstine earned her MFA from the University of Wyoming, demonstrating her commitment to honing her craft and expanding her knowledge in the field of literature.
Fajardo-Anstine has made a substantial impact in the literary world, with her work earning numerous accolades. She is a National Book Award Finalist and the author of the celebrated short story collection, Sabrina & Corina. This powerful work has garnered several prestigious awards, including the American Book Award and a finalist nod for the PEN/Bingham Prize and The Story Prize. In 2021, Fajardo-Anstine was honored with the Metcalf Award from the American Academy of Arts and Letters, further solidifying her status as a formidable talent in contemporary literature.
In addition to her award-winning fiction, Fajardo-Anstine has contributed to various esteemed publications, including The New York Times, O the Oprah Magazine, The American Scholar, Boston Review, Bellevue Literary Review, The Idaho Review, and Southwestern American Literature. Her exceptional writing skills have been recognized with fellowships from Yaddo, MacDowell Colony, Hedgebrook, and Tin House, providing her with opportunities to focus on her craft and develop new work in supportive and inspiring environments.
Fajardo-Anstine's achievements extend beyond her writing, as she has been the recipient of the Denver Mayor’s Award for Global Impact in the Arts and the Mountains and Plains Independent Booksellers Association Reading the West Award. Her dedication to her craft and her community is evident in her work and her commitment to fostering a vibrant literary scene in her beloved hometown of Denver, Colorado. Fajardo-Anstine is currently serving as the 2022/2023 Endowed Chair of Creative Writing at Texas State University, where she continues to inspire and mentor aspiring writers.