Jerry Bledsoe
This former newspaper columnist writes humorous nonfiction and true crime set in North Carolina.

Orson Scott Card
A Hugo and Nebula award winner for science fiction who makes his home in Greensboro

Fred Chappell
A retired UNC-Greensboro professor who writes folksy fiction and world-famous poetry

Clyde Edgerton
You’ll love his light, humorous fiction!

Inglis Fletcher
The author to read for historical fiction about North Carolina in the colonial period

Candace Flynt
Her Sins of Omission and Mother Love are set in Greensboro. Women who have sisters can really relate to Mother Love.

Charles Frazier
His first novel, Cold Mountain, was on the New York Times Bestseller List and won the National Book Award! Be sure to see the movie version, too.

Kaye Gibbons
Her short novels are popular with our readers—and with the critics, too!

Allan Gurganus
Best known for his long novel, Oldest Living Confederate Widow Tells All, a critical and popular success

Jan Karon
Expect long waiting lists for her light, cozy novels with mountain settings!

Tim McLaurin
There’s a mix of tears and laughter in his fiction and in his autobiography; he contrasts traditional southerners with newcomers to the area.

Margaret Maron
Author of award-winning mysteries set in North Carolina

Robert Morgan
His fiction and poetry stay close to his mountain roots; if you enjoy reading Lee Smith and Charles Frazier, try his books.

O. Henry (Wlliam Sydney Porter)
The famous short story writer grew up in Greensboro. 

Reynolds Price
National Book Critics Circle Award winner, novelist, playwright, poet, autobiographical writer, portrayer of rural North Carolina; a literary giant, but don’t let that scare you off. His work is very readable.

Kathy Reichs
This amazing woman is a forensic anthropologist, working in both North Carolina and Quebec, and also teaches at UNC-Charlotte. We know that Reichs’ mystery novels are authentic, since her main character holds the same jobs that Reichs does.

Ann B. Ross
Her books about Miss Julia, an older widow with a straight-laced demeanor, a kind heart, and a flair for adventure, keep readers laughing.

Lee Smith
Greensboro readers eagerly await each of these novels with mountain settings.

Nicholas Sparks
His romance novels, set in eastern North Carolina, are best-sellers.

Anne Tyler
Winner of the National Book Critics Circle award and of the Pulitzer Prize, she spent her teen and college years in North Carolina. You’ll be fascinated with her quirky characters.

Omar Tyree
This African-American author writes best-selling novels on a variety of subjects. His novels read much like screenplays.

Thomas Wolfe
The author of the classics Look Homeward, Angel and You Can’t Go Home Again came from Asheville.

Children's Authors

Betsy Byars
Charlotte native and Newberry Medalist, Byars writes juvenile and young adult fiction. Her stories often deal with very serious subjects, but she always adds just the right touch of humor so that the reader does not feel overwhelmed.

Donald Davis
A captivating storyteller and author, Davis relates true-to-life stories, Jack tales, and other folklore.

Gail Haley
Winner of the Caldecott Medal and the Kate Greenaway medal, Haley creates outstanding children's picture books. She also retells and illustrates Jack tales and fairy tales.

William Hooks
This native of Whiteville, NC grew up with a family of storytellers who shared Elizabethan and African folktales. His juvenile and young adult fiction are often set in eastern North Carolina.

Gloria Houston
Houston's picture books and young adult fiction reflect the culture of the Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina. Two books that are always favorites are The Year of the Perfect Christmas and But No Candy.

Belinda Hurmence
Winner of the Parent's Choice Award in 1983 and the Golden Kite Award for 1984-85, this author of juvenile fiction lives in Statesville, NC. Her well-researched books have a North Carolina background.

Jane Belk Moncure
This author of early childhood nonfiction, fiction and poetry creates books that are very helpful for beginning readers. She lives in Seven Lakes, NC.

Suzanne Newton
An author of young adult novels, Newton recalls the past and uses the present in her writing.

Nancy Roberts
This author of fiction and folklore lives in Charlotte. Her work indicates her interest in both history and the supernatural. An Illustrated Guide to Ghosts and Mysterious Occurrences in the Old North State and Ghosts of the Carolinas are always favorites.

Suzanne Tate
This author of juvenile fiction and folklore lives in Nags Head. She incorporates NC place names in her stories. She has a special interest in nature and science and has written a nature series for children.

Theodore Taylor
An award-winning author, Taylor was born in Statesville. Upper elementary and middle school students particularly enjoy The Cay and its prequel Timothy of the Cay and The Trouble with Tuck and its sequel Tuck Triumphant.