Paulette Livers is an accomplished novelist and short story writer whose debut novel, "Cementville," was published by Counterpoint Press. The book, inspired by wartime events in her Kentucky hometown, earned critical acclaim, including the Elle magazine Readers' Lettres Prize and recognition as a finalist for the Center for Fiction's Flaherty-Dunnan First Novel Prize. Her work has been honored with numerous awards, including the Meyerson Prize for Fiction at Southwest Review, and has been shortlisted for prestigious distinctions such as the International Bridport Prize and the Chicago Writers Association Book of the Year. Her fiction and essays have appeared in literary journals such as The Dos Passos Review and Spring Gun Press, showcasing her versatility across genres.
Born and raised in rural Kentucky, Livers brings a distinctive perspective to her writing, shaped by her upbringing in a creative household and her Catholic education. Before dedicating herself to writing, she built a successful career as a graphic designer and book artist, working with publishers across the country. Her transition to fiction was marked by her enrollment in the MFA program at the University of Colorado, where she later taught creative writing and curated literary events. Her multidisciplinary background informs her storytelling, blending rich visual detail with narrative depth.
Currently based in Chicago, Livers continues to balance her writing career with her role as Creative Director at Mighty Sword Studio, where she assists authors and artists in preparing their work for publication. She also teaches writing at Story Studio Chicago, sharing her expertise with emerging writers. Livers remains active in the literary community, contributing to workshops and conferences nationwide while working on her next novel.