Picture an American storyteller who weaves humor, heart, and sharp social commentary into every page—meet Courtney Maum! A Brown University graduate with a knack for spotting trends and naming products, Maum brings a fresh, witty perspective to contemporary literature. From her debut novel to her guide for aspiring writers, her work captures the messy beauty of human connections with a playful, insightful voice.
Whether she’s penning satirical book reviews or crafting screenplays that dazzle at Sundance, Maum’s multifaceted career keeps readers hooked. Ready to dive into her world? Let’s explore the life, works, and impact of this literary gem!
The Making of Courtney Maum
Born in the United States, Courtney Maum graduated from Brown University with a degree in Comparative Literature, setting the stage for her eclectic career. After college, she spent five years in France, working as a party promoter for Corona Extra—a job that had more to do with securing a visa than her literary ambitions. Back in the U.S., she carved out a niche as a trend forecaster and corporate namer, skills that later infused her writing with a keen eye for cultural shifts. Her early forays into short fiction and essays, published in outlets like The New York Times, hinted at the bold, humorous voice that would define her novels.
Courtney Maum’s Unforgettable Stories
Maum’s debut novel, I Am Having So Much Fun Here Without You (2014), is a heartfelt yet hilarious tale of a British artist navigating love, infidelity, and redemption in Paris. Critics praised its witty dialogue and emotional depth, with Glamour calling it a standout for its lovable protagonist. Her follow-up, Touch (2017), a New York Times Editor’s Choice, takes a satirical swipe at our screen-obsessed culture through the eyes of a trend forecaster questioning human connection. NPR named it a Best Book of the Year for its sharp, prescient commentary.
In Costalegre (2019), Maum channels the surrealist art world of 1930s Mexico, inspired by Peggy Guggenheim’s daughter, Pegeen. This slim, evocative novel—a GOOP Book Club pick—explores a teenager’s search for love amid artistic chaos. Maum’s nonfiction shines in Before and After the Book Deal (2020), a Zibby Award-winning guide that Vanity Fair hailed as a must-read for writers. Her memoir, The Year of the Horses (2022), blends humor and vulnerability as Maum reconnects with horseback riding to combat depression, earning acclaim from The Today Show as a top mental health read.
Maum’s style is a delightful mix of satire, warmth, and cultural critique. Her characters grapple with fractured relationships and societal pressures, rendered with a humor that’s both biting and tender. Whether exploring art, love, or mental health, her work feels like a conversation with a witty friend who sees the world a little clearer than most.
Why Courtney Maum Matters
Courtney Maum’s impact lies in her ability to make readers laugh, think, and feel all at once. Her novels tackle timely themes—digital disconnection, artistic privilege, mental health—with a lightness that never sacrifices depth. As a writing coach and founder of The Cabins, a nonprofit learning collaborative, she champions the joy of art-making in a world fixated on branding. Her essays in The Guardian and Interview Magazine amplify her voice as a cultural commentator, while her workshops and newsletter inspire countless aspiring authors. Maum’s legacy is one of connection, urging us to embrace creativity and humanity in equal measure.
- Born: United States
- Key Works: I Am Having So Much Fun Here Without You, Touch, Costalegre, Before and After the Book Deal, The Year of the Horses
- Awards: Zibby Award for Before and After the Book Deal, Joyce Carol Oates Prize nominee
Snag The Year of the Horses or Before and After the Book Deal and dive into Courtney Maum’s witty, soulful world! Whether you’re a reader or a writer, her stories will leave you inspired and chuckling.