Saleema Nawaz is a highly acclaimed fiction author, best known for her work in novels and short stories. Her debut novel, Bone & Bread, won the Paragraphe Hugh MacLennan Prize for Fiction in 2013, earning her widespread recognition in the literary world. Nawaz's exceptional writing skills are not confined to her full-length novels; her short stories have also been featured in various Canadian literary journals, demonstrating her versatility and talent in storytelling.
Raised in Ottawa, Ontario, Nawaz completed her Bachelor of Humanities at Carleton University before pursuing her M.A. in English Literature at the University of Manitoba. It was during her time at the University of Manitoba that her novella "The White Dress" received the inaugural Robert Kroetsch Prize for Best Creative Thesis, further highlighting her prowess as a writer. Currently, Nawaz resides in Montreal, Quebec, where she continues to write and contribute to the literary community.
Throughout her career, Nawaz has received numerous accolades for her work. In addition to winning the Paragraphe Hugh MacLennan Prize for Fiction and the Writers' Trust of Canada/McClelland & Stewart Journey Prize, she has been an artist-in-residence at Yaddo and has taught creative writing at the Banff Centre and McGill University. Her most recent novel, Songs for the End of the World, showcases her ability to captivate readers with her compelling narratives and unique storytelling style.