Picture a Montana storyteller who spun small-town chaos into literary gold—meet Richard Fifield! With a knack for crafting quirky characters and heartfelt tales, Fifield’s novels capture the grit and grace of rural America. His journey from addiction to acclaimed author is as compelling as the stories he tells, blending humor, heart, and a touch of rebellion.
Born in Troy, Montana, Fifield transformed his tumultuous past into fiction that resonates with readers craving authentic voices. His debut, The Flood Girls, and follow-up, The Small Crimes of Tiffany Templeton, shine a spotlight on complex women and LGBTQ+ experiences in places often overlooked by literature.
The Making of Richard Fifield
Raised in a tiny Montana town of 956 people, Richard Fifield grew up surrounded by the rugged beauty and eccentric locals that would later inspire his fiction. After earning a bachelor’s from the University of Montana and an MFA from Sarah Lawrence College, he spent two decades as a social worker for adults with intellectual disabilities. His work in Missoula, coupled with volunteering as a creative writing teacher, honed his ability to listen and weave stories from real lives. Fifield’s nine years of sobriety, proudly shared, infuse his writing with raw honesty and redemption.
Richard Fifield’s Unforgettable Stories
Fifield’s debut novel, The Flood Girls (2016), is a riotous tale set in Quinn, Montana, where bar fights, AA meetings, and a misfit softball team collide. Rachel Flood, a prodigal daughter, returns to make amends, stirring up chaos and charm. Critics raved, with Kirkus calling it a “lovable chronicle of small-town insanity,” earning starred reviews and a spot as Target’s Book of the Month. Its vibrant cast and sharp wit make it a standout.
In 2020, Fifield released The Small Crimes of Tiffany Templeton, a YA novel about a troubled teen navigating reform school and self-discovery. Kirkus praised its “quirky, unpredictable characters and intriguing plot.” Fifield’s knack for strong female leads shines, blending humor with poignant coming-of-age themes. He also edited We Leave The Flowers Where They Are (2019), a memoir anthology by Montana women, with proceeds supporting arts advocacy for underserved communities.
Fifield’s style is a love letter to the underdog—think John Irving meets Fannie Flagg. His stories pulse with humor, heart, and a deep empathy for outsiders, especially women and LGBTQ+ characters. Rural settings come alive with vivid details, from dive bars to dusty softball fields, making his work both specific and universal.
Why Richard Fifield Matters
Richard Fifield’s impact lies in his ability to amplify voices from the margins. His novels challenge stereotypes about rural life, showcasing its complexity through characters who defy expectations. By weaving LGBTQ+ themes and strong women into his narratives, he’s carved a niche in contemporary fiction that feels fresh and vital. His community work—teaching writing, coaching softball, and supporting recovery—reflects a commitment to uplifting others, making him a storyteller both on and off the page.
- Birthplace: Troy, Montana
- Key Works: The Flood Girls (2016), The Small Crimes of Tiffany Templeton (2020), We Leave The Flowers Where They Are (2019, editor)
- Education: University of Montana, Sarah Lawrence College (MFA)
- Notable Traits: Nine years sober, volunteers as a creative writing teacher, directs hip-hop videos
Snag The Flood Girls and dive into Richard Fifield’s wild, heartfelt world of small-town rebels and big dreams!