Walter Mosley

Walter Mosley, born January 12, 1952, in Los Angeles, is a celebrated author of over 60 publications, spanning novels, plays, short stories, and young adult fiction. Best known for his contributions to the mystery and crime genres, Mosley’s fiction typically explores themes of racial and economic inequality, political corruption, and modern American history through the eyes of Black protagonists. Raised in a working-class household, Mosley’s upbringing and heritage—his mother was Jewish, and his father African American—significantly shaped his worldview. He has spoken about identifying with both sides of his background and credits his parents for encouraging his love of reading and literature. Though he dropped out of Vermont’s Goddard College, Mosley ultimately earned a degree in political science from Johnson State College and went on to work as a computer programmer. It wasn’t until his mid-30s that he pursued writing seriously, inspired by a creative writing course at Harlem’s City College. During this period, Mosley began work on Devil in a Blue Dress (1990), the first novel in his iconic Easy Rawlins series, which launched his literary career. In 1998, he founded the Publishing Certificate Program at the City University of New York, aiming to open doors for underrepresented voices in publishing. His accomplishments have earned him numerous honors, including multiple NAACP Image Awards and an O. Henry Award. In 2020, he became the first Black man to receive the National Book Foundation’s Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters, a lifetime achievement honor. Mosley currently divides his time between New York City and Los Angeles.