Picture a Kansas-born storyteller who turned life’s twists into tales of heart and grit—meet Janet Peery! This American novelist and short story writer didn’t pick up a pen professionally until her forties, but her evocative prose quickly earned her a National Book Award nomination and a lasting spot in contemporary literature. With a knack for weaving complex human relationships, Peery’s work captures the American experience with depth and grace.
Now a celebrated professor at Old Dominion University, Peery’s journey from odd jobs to literary acclaim is as inspiring as her stories. Let’s dive into the life and legacy of this remarkable writer whose words resonate like a quiet thunderstorm.
The Making of Janet Peery
Born on July 18, 1948, in Wichita, Kansas, Janet Peery grew up with a storyteller’s spark. As a child, she dreamed of crafting tales, even starting novels at thirteen. Life, however, took her on a winding path. Before writing, she juggled roles as a waitress, lifeguard, speech therapist, and respiratory technician while raising three daughters as a single mother. It wasn’t until her children were in school that she pursued an MFA at Wichita State University, igniting her literary career in her late thirties.
Peery’s diverse experiences shaped her authentic voice. Her Kansas roots and resilience infuse her stories with a grounded, relatable quality, making her transition from everyday jobs to acclaimed author feel like a triumph of passion and perseverance.
Janet Peery’s Unforgettable Stories
Peery’s debut, Alligator Dance (1993), a short story collection, stunned critics with its vivid characters and lyrical prose. Praised by Dorothy Allison in the New York Times Book Review, it set the stage for her rise. Her first novel, The River Beyond the World (1996), a National Book Award finalist, explores the bond between a Mexican housekeeper and her American employer, blending cultural meditation with rich storytelling.
What the Thunder Said (2007), a novella and stories set in the 1930s Dust Bowl, follows sisters Etta and Mackie Spoon navigating family secrets and hardship. It won the Library of Virginia Literary Award and the WILLA Award. Her latest, The Exact Nature of Our Wrongs (2017), dives into a Kansas family’s struggle with addiction, earning another Library of Virginia Award for its sharp humor and emotional depth. Peery’s style—lyrical yet restrained—balances raw human truths with the stark beauty of the American West.
Her stories, often published in journals like Shenandoah and Kenyon Review, showcase her gift for crafting scenes that feel both intimate and universal. Themes of renewal, family, and resilience thread through her work, inviting readers into lives shaped by love and loss.
Why Janet Peery Matters
Janet Peery’s impact lies in her ability to transform ordinary lives into extraordinary narratives. Her focus on the American West and human connections resonates with readers seeking authentic, character-driven stories. As a professor at Old Dominion University since 1993, she’s mentored countless writers, earning the State Council of Higher Education’s Outstanding Faculty Award. Her workshops at places like Sewanee Writers’ Conference and her role in the National Book Foundation’s American Voices Project amplify her influence.
Peery’s late start proves it’s never too late to chase a calling, inspiring aspiring authors to embrace their unique journeys. Her awards—Guggenheim and NEA fellowships, Pushcart Prizes, and more—cement her as a literary force whose stories endure.
- Born: July 18, 1948, Wichita, Kansas
- Key Works: Alligator Dance, The River Beyond the World, What the Thunder Said, The Exact Nature of Our Wrongs
- Awards: National Book Award finalist, Library of Virginia Literary Awards, WILLA Award, Guggenheim Fellowship
Snag The River Beyond the World and dive into Janet Peery’s soulful storytelling! Her words will linger like a Kansas sunset, warm and unforgettable.