John Smolens

Wellesley High School Writer: John Smolens (1968)

“Smolens is that rare and gifted writer who can capture both our exterior and interior worlds with equal dexterity, grace, and power.” — Andre Dubus III, author of House of Sand and Fog.

            John studied at Boston College, the University of New Hampshire, and the University of Iowa.  After teaching at Michigan State University, he is now teaching in the Master of Fine Arts program at Northern Michigan University, where he received the Distinguished Faculty Award.  He recently received the Michigan Author of the Year Award from the Michigan Library Association. 

            John writes fiction, often inspired by historical events such as President McKinley’s assassination.  He has published 12 novels (including the critically acclaimed Del Maki crime titles Out and Cold), and a collection of short stories.  Other book titles include:  Day of Days, Wolf’s Mouth, Schoolmaster’s Daughter, and The Anarchist. 

            John’s two brothers, Michael (1969) and Peter (1972) are also WHS authors on this list.