Novakovich: A Distinguished Career in Literature and Academia
Novakovich is a prolific author and educator whose body of work spans multiple genres, from evocative short stories to instructional textbooks. With a career marked by prestigious fellowships and international recognition, Novakovich has established a significant presence in both the creative and academic spheres of English literature.
Key Facts
- Diverse Bibliography: Author of one novel, four short story collections, four narrative essay collections, and two textbooks.
- Major Honors: Recipient of the Whiting Award and a Guggenheim fellowship.
- International Recognition: Finalist for the 2013 Man Booker International Prize.
- Academic Reach: Has taught at numerous institutions across the United States and Canada.
- Critical Acclaim: Described by Kirkus Reviews as "the best American short stories writer of the decade."
Literary Contributions
Novakovich's writing is characterized by its versatility. In the realm of fiction, the author published the novel April Fool's Day and four distinct short story collections: Yolk, Salvation and Other Disasters, Infidelities: Stories of War and Lust, and Tumbleweed. The latter, Tumbleweed, earned a spot on the longlist for the Scotiabank Giller Prize in 2017.
Beyond fiction, Novakovich has explored non-fiction through four collections of narrative essays—a genre that blends factual reporting with storytelling techniques. These works include Apricots from Chernobyl, Plum Brandy: Croatian Journey, Three Deaths, and Shopping for a Better Country. In addition to these books, Novakovich has produced hundreds of individual short stories and essays.
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Educational Resources
Dedicated to the craft of writing, Novakovich has authored two textbooks designed to guide aspiring authors: Writing Fiction Step by Step and Fiction Writer's Workshop.
Awards and Professional Recognition
The quality of Novakovich's work has been validated by some of the most prestigious organizations in the arts. This includes a Guggenheim fellowship and the Whiting Award, as well as two fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), where Novakovich has also served as a panelist. Other notable honors include an award from the Ingram Merrill Foundation and an American Book Award from the Before Columbus Foundation.
Novakovich's short fiction has been frequently anthologized, appearing in Best American Poetry, the O. Henry Prize Stories, and three times in the Pushcart Prize.
| Category | Notable Titles |
|---|---|
| Novel | April Fool's Day |
| Short Story Collections | Yolk, Salvation and Other Disasters, Infidelities, Tumbleweed |
| Narrative Essay Collections | Apricots from Chernobyl, Plum Brandy, Three Deaths, Shopping for a Better Country |
| Textbooks | Writing Fiction Step by Step, Fiction Writer's Workshop |
Academic Career
Parallel to a writing career, Novakovich has maintained a deep commitment to teaching. This academic journey began with roles at various institutions, including Nebraska Indian Community College, Bard College, Moorhead State University, and Antioch University Los Angeles.
Novakovich also taught creative writing at the University of Cincinnati, Pennsylvania State University, and the University of Tampa. In 2009, this professional path led to Canada, where Novakovich joined the faculty at Concordia University to teach creative writing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which major international prize was Novakovich a finalist for?
Novakovich was a finalist for The Man Booker International Prize in 2013.
What textbooks has Novakovich written for aspiring writers?
Novakovich authored Writing Fiction Step by Step and Fiction Writer's Workshop.
How has Kirkus Reviews described Novakovich's writing?
Kirkus Reviews referred to Novakovich as "the best American short stories writer of the decade."
Where does Novakovich currently teach?
Since 2009, Novakovich has been teaching creative writing at Concordia University in Canada.
Which short story collection was longlisted for the Scotiabank Giller Prize?
The collection titled Tumbleweed was longlisted for the Scotiabank Giller Prize in 2017.