Chris Offutt

Chris Offutt grew up in Haldeman, Kentucky, a former mining town of 200 people. He has published five books about people from the hills of Kentucky — two memoirs, two collections of short fiction, and one novel. The work has been recognized by fellowships from the NEA, the Guggenheim Foundation, and the Lannan Foundation. His work has also received a Whiting award, and an award from the American Academy of Arts and Letters for “fiction that takes risks.” His work is included in many anthologies, including Best American Short Stories and Best American Essays. He’s also written comic books, essays, and stage plays. His TV work includes scripts for True Blood, Weeds, and Treme, and three pilots.