Stephen Dobyns is a celebrated poet whose accolades speak volumes, and a versatile author crafting stories both mysterious and reflective. While critics often paint his prose with shades of shadow, they cannot deny the sharp wit and humor that sparkle within. His pen draws from the well of everyday life, capturing the essence of the ordinary with a language that resonates with the common soul. It's said that his fearless approach to storytelling captivates and stirs his readers deeply.

On February 19, 1941, Dobyns entered the world in Orange, New Jersey, with the guidance of a minister father. His academic journey began at Shimer College in Illinois, eventually leading him to Wayne State University in Detroit, where he earned his bachelor's degree in 1964. By 1967, he had secured a master of fine arts degree from the University of Iowa. After a brief stint in academia, he shifted paths in 1971, diving into journalism with the Detroit News. His teaching odyssey took him to numerous prestigious institutions, including Boston University and the University of Iowa, with a notable tenure as a creative writing professor at Syracuse University. Despite all, writing has remained his lifelong passion.

Poetry, Dobyns has often confessed, is the love that drives his creative spirit. His inaugural poetry collection, Concurring Beasts (1972), was honored as the Lamont Poetry Selection by the Academy of American Poets. Among his other lauded works are Black Dog, Red Dog (1984), a National Poetry Series winner, and Cemetery Nights (1987), which received the Melville Cane Award. Dobyns has penned twelve poetry collections, including Mystery, So Long (2005). Before their binding into volumes, his poems grace the pages of esteemed literary outlets such as the American Poetry Review and the New Yorker. Known for eschewing traditional forms, Dobyns's poetry finds its place within free verse and narrative styles, earning him recognition as one of America's premier narrative poets.

In the realm of fiction, Dobyns's prolific nature flourishes, boasting twenty titles to his name. His mystery series, featuring the uniquely flawed detective Charlie Bradshaw, unfolds in the scenic backdrop of Saratoga Springs, New York. Here, the racetrack often serves as more than just a setting. The latest tale in this intriguing series, Saratoga Strongbox, saw the light of day in 1998.

Dobyns has also ventured beyond mysteries with novels like Church of the Dead Girls (1997) and Boy in the Water (1998). His foray into short stories resulted in the 2000 release of his first collection, Eating Naked, adding another dimension to his literary repertoire.