Alice McDermott

Date of Birth: June 27, 1953

Zodiac Sign: Cancer

Biography

Alice McDermott is an acclaimed American novelist known for her poignant and deeply human stories, often centered around Irish-American families. Born in Brooklyn, New York, McDermott has crafted a literary career that spans several decades, earning her a place among the most respected contemporary writers in the United States. She attended SUNY Oswego and later earned her M.A. from the University of New Hampshire. McDermott’s work often explores themes of family, memory, and identity, and she is celebrated for her lyrical prose and keen psychological insight. Her debut novel, “A Bigamist’s Daughter,” was published in 1982, but it was her third novel, “That Night,” which brought her significant acclaim and a nomination for the Pulitzer Prize. McDermott won the National Book Award for her 1998 novel “Charming Billy,” which tells the story of an Irish-American man whose life is steeped in both charm and tragedy. Other notable works include “At Weddings and Wakes,” “After This,” and “Someone.” Her most recent novel, “The Ninth Hour,” continues to explore the complexities of faith, love, and family within the Irish-American community. In addition to her novels, McDermott has taught at various institutions, including Johns Hopkins University, where she serves as a writer-in-residence. Her contributions to literature have earned her numerous awards and fellowships, solidifying her legacy as a significant voice in American fiction.

5 Interesting Facts about Alice McDermott

1. Alice McDermott won the National Book Award for “Charming Billy” in 1998.

2. She has been a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction three times.

3. McDermott is a member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters.

4. She has taught creative writing at Johns Hopkins University since 1996.

5. Her novel “That Night” was adapted into a film of the same name in 1992.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Alice McDermott

1. “What a writer brings to any story is an attitude, an attitude that is shaped by his or her own experiences.”

2. “I think the best stories come from a place of deep personal meaning.”

3. “Writing is a way of saying you and the world have a common existence.”

4. “For me, language is the most important thing. It’s the music of the prose that counts.”

5. “The challenge of fiction is to show the complexity of life.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Alice McDermott’s highest net worth achieved is estimated to be around $5 million.

Children

Alice McDermott has three children. She has often spoken about the influence of her family on her writing, noting that her experiences as a mother have enriched her storytelling.