Tawni O'Dell is a highly accomplished author, best known for her New York Times bestselling novels "Fragile Beasts," "Sister Mine," "Coal Run," and "Back Roads." Originally from the coal-mining region of western Pennsylvania, O'Dell infuses her writing with a striking authenticity that comes from her deep understanding of the territory. She pursued her passion for writing at Northwestern University, where she graduated with a degree in journalism.
Before achieving success in publishing, O'Dell faced significant challenges, including over thirteen years of rejection. During that time, she wrote six novels and received more than three hundred rejection letters. However, O'Dell's perseverance paid off when her novel "Back Roads" was published in 2000, becoming a Book of the Month Club Main Selection and an Oprah's Book Club pick.
O'Dell's work has been translated into fifteen languages and published in over thirty countries. Her screen adaptation of "Back Roads" is currently in development to be made into a film, with Adrian Lyne set to direct. Additionally, O'Dell is a contributor to several anthologies, including "Becoming Myself: Reflections on Growing Up Female." Her works have been published in over forty countries, demonstrating her global appeal and impact as a writer.
After spending many years living in the Chicago area, O'Dell moved back to Pennsylvania, where she now resides with her two children. Her personal experiences and roots in the coal-mining region of western Pennsylvania continue to inspire and inform her writing, making her a powerful and authentic voice in contemporary literature.