Raven Leilani is a highly acclaimed American author who has gained significant recognition for her work. She made her debut as a published author in 2020 with the release of her first novel, Luster, which was met with widespread critical acclaim. The book was named as a Best Book of the Year by numerous publications, including NPR, O Magazine, Vanity Fair, Los Angeles Times, Glamour, The New York Times Book Review, Buzzfeed, and Time, among others.
Before becoming a published author, Leilani was influenced by her artistic family to pursue visual art after high school. However, she eventually decided to pursue a career in writing instead. Leilani holds an MFA from New York University (NYU), and her love for the written word can be seen in her other notable works, including her Hard Water and Breathing Exercise short stories. She has also written for various prestigious publications, such as McSweeney's Quarterly Concern, Granta, Yale Review, New England Review, and The Cut.
Leilani's writing has appeared in numerous publications, including Granta, The Yale Review, McSweeney’s Quarterly Concern, Conjunctions, The Cut, and New England Review, among others. She has also received recognition for her writing abilities, having been awarded the Axinn Foundation Writer-in-Residence position. Currently, Leilani resides in Brooklyn, where she continues to work on her writing. Luster is her first novel, and its success has solidified her place as a prominent and talented voice in American literature.