Janet Fitch, a third-generation native of Los Angeles, embarked on her academic journey, graduating from Reed College in 1978 with a degree in history. She further honed her knowledge by studying Russian history at Keele University in England.
As she began to explore her passion for creative writing, Fitch started publishing short stories in esteemed literary journals. Her diverse professional endeavors included stints at film school at USC, as a typesetter, proofreader, graphic artist, freelance journalist, and managing editor of American Film magazine. Additionally, she served as the editor of The Mancos Times Tribune, a weekly newspaper in Colorado.
After a dozen years of writing and countless rejections, Fitch's perseverance paid off as she published her first story in 1990. Her short story "White Oleander" gained recognition as a distinguished tale in Best American Short Stories 1994, inspiring her to develop the narrative into her debut novel.
The novel, which revolves around the tumultuous life of an adolescent girl navigating a series of Los Angeles foster homes after her brilliant poet mother is imprisoned for murder, garnered widespread acclaim. The book was chosen as a featured selection of Oprah's Book Club, sold nearly a million copies, and was adapted into a 2001 film.
Today, Fitch dedicates her time to teaching fiction writing privately in Los Angeles, where she resides with her husband and daughter.
