Laura van den Berg is a critically acclaimed American author, born and raised in Orlando, Florida. She is known for her exceptional work in fiction, having published multiple full-length novels and short story collections. Her debut collection, "What the World Will Look Like When All the Water Leaves Us," showcased her unique storytelling abilities and marked the beginning of her successful writing career.
Van den Berg's work has been featured in numerous anthologies and collections, highlighting her significant contribution to the literary world. She has also collaborated with other authors on novels, further demonstrating her versatility and collaborative spirit. Some of her notable works include "The Third Hotel," a finalist for the New York Public Library Young Lions Fiction Award, and "I Hold a Wolf by the Ears," which was named one of Time Magazine’s 10 Best Fiction Books of 2020.
Throughout her career, van den Berg has received various prestigious awards and recognitions. These include a Guggenheim Fellowship, a Strauss Living Award from the American Academy of Arts & Letters, a literature fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Bard Fiction Prize, a PEN/O. Henry Award, and a MacDowell Colony Fellowship. She has also been a finalist for the Frank O’Connor International Short Story Award on two separate occasions. Currently, she serves as a Senior Lecturer on Fiction at Harvard, further solidifying her status as a respected figure in the literary community.
Laura van den Berg's upcoming novel, "State of Paradise," is scheduled for release in July 2024 by FSG. She continues to reside in the Hudson Valley, where she no doubt remains dedicated to her craft and the creation of captivating stories that resonate with readers.