nChris Offutt is the author of two collections of short stories, three memoirs, and six novels, including four in the Mick Hardin series which began with The Killing Hills. His books have been translated into twelve languages and won four international awards in France. He wrote screenplays for True Blood, Weeds, and Treme.

He is the recipient of a Pushcart Prize, a Guggenheim Fellowship, an NEA grant, and a Lannan Fellowship. He received an award from the American Academy of Arts and Letters for prose that takes risks. His work is included in many anthologies and textbooks, including Best American Short Stories, Best American Essays, Best American Food Writing, and Modern American Memoirs.

He grew up in the hills of eastern Kentucky and lives in Iowa City, Iowa.n