Joyce Carol Oates

"In love there are two things - bodies and words."

Joyce Carol Oates is an American author with over 70 books and the winner of a host of prizes including the National Book Award and a Guggenheim Fellowship. Oates published her first book in 1963 and has since published over 40 novels, as well as a number of plays and novellas, and many volumes of short stories, poetry, and nonfiction. Oates is Professor of the Humanities at Princeton University.

What genres and forms does Joyce Carol Oates write in?

She writes across literary fiction and multiple forms, including novels, short stories, novellas, poetry, plays and nonfiction.

How many books has Joyce Carol Oates published and when did she begin publishing?

She has published over 70 books and released her first book in 1963; her output includes more than 40 novels as well as shorter works and nonfiction.

Where should a new reader start with her work?

For novel readers, try one of her widely read standalone novels such as A Book of American Martyrs or The Man Without a Shadow. For short fiction, start with a collection like Beautiful Days or Night-Gaunts and Other Tales of Suspense. Soul at the White Heat is a good choice for readers interested in her thoughts on writing.