Melissa Febos
“Anyone who makes a life of what they love is a hero to me, and it’s important for those people to be visible in every kind of life, every kind of love, every kind of work”
"Her mastery over metaphor is astonishing . . . What might be mere navel-gazing for a less brilliant author is made powerfully universal here. Though the particulars are hers, just about anyone can relate to the feeling of a chasm opening up inside. Febos’ awakening to her full identity, even its ugliness, is a powerful and redemptive epic." - Publishers Weekly (starred review)
With a captivating blend of personal anecdotes, literary analysis, and cultural commentary, Febos delves into the depths of human emotion, shedding light on the often-unspoken truths that shape our lives. Her critically acclaimed books, including the memoir Whip Smart, the essay collections Abandon Me and Girlhood, and the craft guide Body Work, have been praised for their raw vulnerability and insightful examination of human experience.
Her work has resonated with readers worldwide. She has won the National Book Critics Circle Award for Criticism. She is the recipient of awards and fellowships from the Guggenheim Foundation, the National Endowment for the Arts, MacDowell, Lambda Literary, The Black Mountain Institute, The Barbara Deming Foundation, The British Library, the Bogliasco Foundation, and others.
Beyond her literary achievements, Febos is an engaging and inspiring speaker who brings a fresh perspective to discussions on gender, sexuality, and the art of writing. She has shared her insights at renowned venues such as the Brooklyn Book Festival, the New York Public Library and educational institutions around the country. Her presentations are known for their intellectual rigor, emotional resonance, and ability to connect with diverse audiences.
Whether delving into the intricacies of human relationships or dissecting the power dynamics of language, Febos is a thought leader who challenges conventional thinking and invites audiences to engage with her work on a deeply personal level. Her speaking engagements offer a unique opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of her writing process, her literary influences, and her vision for the future of storytelling.
PRAISE FOR MELISSA FEBOS
"Melissa Febos was such a delight to work with from beginning until the end. At the event she read a piece was exactly on the theme of the evening; it was at once hilarious and thought-provoking and gorgeously written. She also did a fabulous job teaching a three hour class the following day, the students were raving about it in her evaluations. We would love to have her return any time"
--Christine Texeira, Hugo House