Here is a list of some famous authors who have lived in Iowa for at least part of their lives:
Born in Des Moines in 1951, Bill Bryson is celebrated for his witty and insightful travel memoirs and science writings. His works include “A Walk in the Woods” and “The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid”, the latter reflecting his childhood experiences growing up in Iowa.
An acclaimed novelist and essayist, Marilynne Robinson is best known for her novels “Housekeeping” and “Gilead”. The latter earned her the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 2005.
Robinson taught at the University of Iowa and has been a major influence on contemporary literary fiction.
Born in Charles City, Iowa, in 1939, Robert James Waller achieved fame with his romantic novel “The Bridges of Madison County”. The book became a global bestseller and was adapted into a popular film starring Meryl Streep and Clint Eastwood.
The nook tells the story of Francesca, a lonely housewife in Iowa, and Robert Kincaid, a photographer who shows up at her farm while on an assignment. Their brief time together becomes a life-changing bond.
A graduate of the Iowa Writers' Workshop, Jane Smiley won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1992 for her novel “A Thousand Acres”.
That novel tells the story of an Iowa farm family. It’s a retelling of Shakespeare’s “King Lear,” set in the modern Midwest. The plot follows the Cook family as they deal with the father’s decision to divide his land among his three daughters.
An author and librarian from Spencer, Iowa, Myron is known for “Dewey: The Small-Town Library Cat Who Touched the World”.
The book tells the story of Dewey, a kitten found in the return book slot of a library in Spencer, Iowa. The library director decides to keep him as the library’s pet. Dewey becomes a local treasure, brightening the lives of regular visitors and even attracting attention from outside the town.
Though born in Indiana, Kurt Vonnegut taught at the Iowa Writers' Workshop for almost two years. He is famous for his masterpiece “Slaughterhouse-Five”. His sharp wit and satirical style make him one of the most iconic American writers of the 20th century.
A graduate of the Iowa Writers' Workshop, T.C. Boyle is a prolific author of novels and short stories. His works, including “World’s End” and “The Tortilla Curtain”, are known for their sharp social commentary and vibrant storytelling.
Born in Muscatine, Iowa, Max Allan Collins is a renowned crime novelist and graphic novelist. His notable works include “Road to Perdition”, which inspired the Academy Award-winning film, and numerous entries in the detective fiction genre.
A longtime teacher at the Iowa Writers' Workshop, Ethan Canin has written acclaimed novels like “America America” and “A Doubter’s Almanac”. His works often delve into themes of ambition, family, and moral dilemmas.
Born in Cedar Falls, Iowa, Bess Streeter Aldrich was a bestselling author of the early 20th century. Her novels, such as “A Lantern in Her Hand”, reflect the pioneering spirit of Midwestern life and remain cherished classics of regional literature.
A poet and professor from Iowa, Hearst's work often reflects rural life and the Midwestern experience.
An author and editor, Quick wrote novels and essays focusing on rural American life, including “Vandemark's Folly”.
Also known as Carolyn Keene, Benson was the original ghostwriter for the Nancy Drew mystery stories.
A luminary of American literature, Flannery O’Connor honed her craft at the Iowa Writers' Workshop. Known for her Southern Gothic style, she penned classics like “Wise Blood” and “A Good Man Is Hard to Find”, characterized by dark humor and moral complexity.
A former deputy sheriff from Iowa, Harstad writes crime novels inspired by his law enforcement experience, such as “Eleven Days”.
Author of the memoir “Little Heathens”, Kalish recounts her experiences growing up in Iowa during the Great Depression.
An American novelist, poet, and essayist, Garland's work often depicted Midwestern farmers' hardships, as seen in “Main-Travelled Roads”.
An essayist and novelist, Beard is the author of the book “The Boys of My Youth.” She has ties to the University of Iowa.