Sophfronia Scott is an acclaimed novelist, essayist, and contemplative thinker whose diverse body of work spans fiction, nonfiction, and journalism. Her debut novel, "All I Need to Get By," earned her a nomination for Best New Author at the African American Literary Awards and praise from Professor Henry Louis Gates, Jr., who described her as "potentially one of the best writers of her generation." Her historical novel "Wild, Beautiful, and Free" explores themes of resilience during the Civil War, while her nonfiction work "The Seeker and the Monk: Everyday Conversations with Thomas Merton" won the 2021 Thomas Merton "Louie" Award. Scott's other notable books include "Unforgivable Love," "Love’s Long Line," and the co-authored memoir "This Child of Faith: Raising a Spiritual Child in a Secular World."
Scott's career began in journalism, where she worked as a writer and editor for "Time" and "People", co-authoring the influential cover story "Twentysomething," which introduced the term "Generation X." Her essays and short stories, including "Hope On Any Given Day" and "The Legs On Which I Move," have been recognized in the "Best American Essays" series. A graduate of Harvard University and Vermont College of Fine Arts, Scott blends meticulous research with lyrical prose, often examining themes of faith, identity, and human connection. She has taught creative writing at institutions such as Regis University’s Mile High MFA and Bay Path University’s MFA in Creative Nonfiction. Currently, she serves as the director of Alma College’s MFA in Creative Writing program. Scott resides in Sandy Hook, Connecticut, where she continues to write and teach.