North Atlanta isn’t just home to scenic parks, thriving neighborhoods, and bustling shopping districts—it’s also where stories are written, imagined, and brought to life by some of the region’s most compelling authors. From literary award-winners to rising voices in children’s literature, here are ten authors who live in North Atlanta and enrich the community with their words.
1. Tayari Jones
A novelist of national acclaim, Tayari Jones crafts emotionally resonant stories grounded in relationships, identity, and Southern life. Her breakout novel An American Marriage turned heads across the country, and she continues to write and teach from her home in North Atlanta.
2. Anthony Grooms
Known for his poignant storytelling and thoughtful exploration of race, memory, and community, Anthony Grooms brings both creative talent and educational influence to the area. As a professor and writer, he’s helped shape Georgia’s literary culture from his base in the north suburbs.
3. Melanie Sumner
Melanie Sumner’s fiction blends sharp insight with Southern charm. A Whiting Award winner and longtime educator, she lives and works in the North Atlanta area, where she continues to write novels that blur the line between the everyday and the extraordinary.
4. Julius Thompson
With a literary career spanning several decades, Julius Thompson has written a powerful trilogy exploring the African American experience. One of his most memorable works is set in Atlanta itself, reflecting the complexities of race and personal growth in the city he calls home.
5. Aisha Saeed
A dynamic voice in young adult and middle grade literature, Aisha Saeed lives in the northern suburbs of Atlanta with her family. Her novels are both deeply personal and globally relevant, often highlighting themes of belonging, justice, and resilience.
6. Laurel Snyder
Beloved by children and adults alike, Laurel Snyder writes heartfelt, imaginative stories that capture the wonder of childhood. She lives in Atlanta and frequently connects with young readers through school visits, book festivals, and community events across the metro area.
7. Shonia Brown
As both a writer and a publisher, Shonia Brown brings vibrant energy to Atlanta’s literary scene. Her novels explore relationships, personal identity, and LGBTQ+ experiences, all while uplifting diverse voices through her publishing imprint based in the northern arc of the city.
8. Caroline Eubanks
A travel writer and cultural commentator, Caroline Eubanks celebrates the flavors, places, and people of the South in her work. From her North Atlanta home, she captures regional stories that speak to heritage, cuisine, and the character of Georgia’s neighborhoods.
9. Joshilyn Jackson
With novels full of wit, suspense, and Southern warmth, Joshilyn Jackson is a household name in contemporary fiction. She lives in the Buckhead area and continues to delight readers with her emotionally rich stories set against the backdrop of Southern life.
10. Anissa Gray
Anissa Gray’s novels delve into family dynamics, personal transformation, and the strength of women navigating life’s toughest moments. Her work resonates with both local and national audiences, and she writes from a quiet, reflective space in North Atlanta.
🌟 Final Note
These ten authors remind us that North Atlanta isn’t just a place to live—it’s a place to create. Whether you’re reading their novels in a cozy Alpharetta café, attending a book signing in Roswell, or browsing their titles in a Cumming bookstore, their voices are part of what makes this region unique. Support your local storytellers—and let their words inspire your own.
