Michelle Huneven is an acclaimed American novelist known for her evocative portrayals of Southern California life, particularly in her hometown of Altadena. She is the author of six novels, including "Round Rock" and "Jamesland," both named New York Times Notable Books and finalists for the Los Angeles Times Book Prize. Her third novel, "Blame," was a finalist for the National Book Critics Circle Award, while her subsequent works, such as "Off Course," "Search," and "Bug Hollow," further cemented her reputation for nuanced storytelling.
Huneven’s writing often explores themes of morality, personal responsibility, and the complexities of human relationships, set against the backdrop of California’s landscapes. A graduate of the Iowa Writers’ Workshop, she has received prestigious accolades, including a Whiting Award, a Guggenheim Fellowship, and a Literature Award from the American Academy of Arts and Letters. Beyond fiction, Huneven built a distinguished career as a food writer and restaurant critic, earning a James Beard Award for her culinary journalism.
Currently, Huneven teaches creative writing at UCLA while continuing to write. Her personal life reflects her deep connection to Southern California, where she resides with her husband and pets. Despite the loss of her Altadena home in the 2025 Eaton Fire, she remains an enduring voice in contemporary literature, celebrated for her sharp prose and richly drawn characters.