R.O Kwon is a highly acclaimed author, born in Seoul, South Korea, and raised in the United States. She has received numerous awards for her writing, including the MacDowell Award, Omi International Award, Sewanee Writers Award, Norman Mailer’s Writers Award, and Bread Loaf Writers Award. Kwon’s writing has been featured in leading news and media outlets such as The Guardian, Buzzfeed, Playboy, Electric Literature, and San Francisco Literature.
Kwon’s academic background is in Cognitive Science, a subject she became interested in while studying physical science classes. Prior to her interest in science, Kwon had aspirations to become an astronaut in her youth, but her dreams changed as she grew older. Her academic pursuits reflect her curiosity and desire to explore the human mind, which is a central theme in her writing.
Kwon’s debut novel, “The Incendiaries,” was published by Riverhead publishers in July 2018 and has since been translated into seven languages. The novel was a finalist for the National Book Critics Circle John Leonard Award and named a best book of the year by over forty publications. Kwon’s writing has also been featured in The New York Times, New Yorker, Vanity Fair, and other prestigious publications.
In addition to her work as an author, Kwon has also co-edited the bestselling book “Kink,” a New York Times Notable Book and recipient of the inaugural Joy Award. Kwon’s upcoming novel, “Exhibit,” is set to publish in May 2024. She has received fellowships and awards from the National Endowment for the Arts, Yaddo, and MacDowell. Kwon’s background in Cognitive Science, along with her accolades and achievements, make her a prominent and respected voice in contemporary literature.