Katherine Heiny

Katherine Heiny is an American short story author and novelist whose works examine the complexities of relationships between family, friends, and lovers. Her stories often delve deep into psychological relationships and dynamics, exploring in a humorous way the inner workings of relationships and the joy, pain, and humor of everyday life.

Heiny was born in 1965 in Macon, Georgia, and grew up in New Jersey, Texas, and Hawaii. She received her BA and MA in English from University of Texas in Austin. Following her undergraduate studies, she then completed an MFA at Johns Hopkins University. She currently lives and writes in Washington, D.C.

Heiny has published several books of short stories throughout her career, beginning with her collection entitled Standard Deviation, which was published in 2015. This book is a National Book Award Finalist and examines the relationship between a recently divorced man and his ex-wife's best friend. The stories in the collection explore the evolving relationship and the complicated history between the characters.

Heiny has also published two novels, Single, Carefree, Mellow, in 2016 and Early Morning Riser in 2019. The former tells the story of Katherine, a young woman whose life opens up when her best friend comes to stay with her. Early Morning Riser focuses on Alice, a married woman in a boring job who decides to take on a new job as a professional cuddler. These stories examine the intricacies of contemporary relationships and delve into Alice and Katherine's innermost thoughts and conflicts.

Heiny's writing has received much critical acclaim, with reviewers noting the wit and insight of the stories she tells. She has received various awards, such as the Pushcart Prize, the Grace Paley Prize in Short Fiction, and the Batduke Fiction Award. She is also a recipient of the Rona Jaffe Writers Award, which is given to six women writers every year.

Heiny has dedicated her writing to exploring relationships on a deeper level, highlighting the complexities of everyday life. With her characters' inner lives and thoughts as the main feature, Heiny gives an honest and often humorous take on real life relationships. Her keen insight into the inner workings of love and the difficulties of navigating relationships make her an engaging and thought-provoking writer, whose works are a joy to read.