Robert Olmstead (Fiction) is the author of six books, including most recently the award-winning novel Coal Black Horse published by Algonquin Books. He also has published a textbook for fiction-writing workshops (“Elements of the Craft”) and a non-fiction memoir (“Stay Here with Me: A Memoir”), plus numerous individual stories and essays in some of our nation’s finest magazines. He is the recipient of a Guggenheim fellowship and an NEA grant. He has taught in numerous colleges, universities and writing workshops, including Dickinson College, UC Irvine, Boise State University and the Summer Literary Seminars in St. Petersburg, Russia. Currently, he lives in Ohio, where he is a professor at Ohio Wesleyan University.
Robert Olmstead (Fiction) is the author of six books, including most recently the award-winning novel Coal Black Horse published by Algonquin Books. He also has published a textbook for fiction-writing workshops (“Elements of the Craft”) and a non-fiction memoir (“Stay Here with Me: A Memoir”), plus numerous individual stories and essays in some of our nation’s finest magazines. He is the recipient of a Guggenheim fellowship and an NEA grant. He has taught in numerous colleges, universities and writing workshops, including Dickinson College, UC Irvine, Boise State University and the Summer Literary Seminars in St. Petersburg, Russia. Currently, he lives in Ohio, where he is a professor at Ohio Wesleyan University.
Check out our Q&A with Laurent Binet, author of shortlisted title Perspective(s), as he discusses the inspirations behind his work and reflects on the role libraries have played in shaping his journey
VideoMay 8 2026
Ali Smith – Gliff Q&A
Shortlisted author Ali Smith discusses the creative inspirations behind Gliff and reflects on the significance of libraries throughout her reading and writing life in our latest Q&A.
VideoMay 5 2026
Magdalena Blažević – In Late Summer Q&A
Check out our Q&A with Magdalena Blažević, author of the 2026 shortlisted novel In Late Summer where she explores the influences behind the book and reflects on how libraries have shaped her life as a
VideoMay 5 2026
Éric Chacour – What I Know About You Q&A
Check out our Q&A with Éric Chacour, author of What I Know About You, as he discusses the inspirations behind his work and reflects on the role libraries have played in shaping his journey as a writer
