William Sanders

William Sanders (born 1942) is an American novelist and short story writer known for his explorations of race, class, and family in contemporary society. Born in North Carolina, Sanders studied literature at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Sanders's debut novel, "The Peddler's Tale" (1991), won the Ernest J. Gaines Award for Literary Excellence and was nominated for the National Book Critics Circle Award. His other notable works include "The Wild Birds" (1995), a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize; "Distance Between Us" (1999); "Blues for Moonlight" (2007); and "Strange But True" (2019). Sanders's writing has received critical acclaim for its rich characterization, vivid storytelling, and insightful exploration of social issues. He has been awarded numerous grants and fellowships, including from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Guggenheim Foundation. Sanders has taught creative writing at various colleges and universities, including the University of Michigan and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.