Sanderia Faye Smith

Sanderia Faye Smith is a celebrated novelist, educator, and advocate for social justice, known for her powerful storytelling that examines themes of race, identity, and societal change. Born and raised in Gould, Arkansas, she initially pursued a career in accounting, earning a Bachelor of Science from the University of Arkansas. However, her passion for literature led her to obtain a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from Arizona State University, a Master of Arts in Aesthetic Studies from the University of Texas at Dallas, and a Ph.D. in English from the University of North Texas.

Her critically acclaimed debut novel, Mourner’s Bench, set in the rural South during the Civil Rights Movement, explores the complex intersections of faith, family, and activism. The novel earned the prestigious Hurston/Wright Legacy Award for Debut Fiction, as well as the Philosophical Society of Texas Award of Merit for Fiction and The Arkansas Library Association, Arkansiana Award. Its significance in contemporary literature was further recognized when it was optioned for a film adaptation.

In addition to her work as a novelist, Dr. Faye is an active contributor to the literary world. Now in her second career, she is an Assistant Professor of Practice in the Department of English at Southern Methodist University (SMU), where she teaches courses in creative writing and literature. As Executive Director of the SMU/Dallas Literary Festival and Co-Director of PEN America’s Dallas chapter, she fosters inclusive literary spaces and champions freedom of expression. She is also the co-founder of the Kimbilio Center for Fiction, which supports writers of the African diaspora, and the creator of LitNight Reading Series, a popular Dallas-based literary event series.

Dr. Faye's writing extends beyond fiction, with essays and short stories appearing in esteemed literary journals and publications such as The New York Times, The New Yorker, Southwest Review, Texas Highways, and D Magazine. Her work often highlights historical and contemporary social issues, reflecting her deep commitment to activism and cultural commentary. Pieces like "Breonna Taylor" (The New Yorker) and "My Protests and Prayers in Dallas" (The New York Times) are a testament to her ability to merge storytelling with advocacy.

Her unique background also includes certification as a sommelier, blending her love of storytelling with wine. She has pioneered the concept of pairing wines with books, creating sensory experiences that align a reader’s emotional journey with the narrative of a story.

Through her multifaceted career as a writer, educator, and community builder, Dr. Sanderia Faye continues to make a profound impact on the literary world, inspiring readers, writers, and activists to engage deeply with the stories that define and transform our world.