N.K. Jemisin is an award-winning American author of speculative fiction novels, widely celebrated for her groundbreaking work in the genre. Born in Iowa in 1972, Jemisin is of African American descent, and her experiences growing up in a predominantly white community have heavily influenced her writing.

Jemisin is a graduate of Tulane University and holds a Master's degree in education from the University of Maryland. Before becoming a full-time writer, Jemisin worked as a counselor, a teacher, and a social worker with at-risk youth.

Jemisin's work is known for its intricate world-building, complex characters, and exploration of social and political issues. Her debut novel, "The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms," was published in 2010 and received critical acclaim, garnering several prestigious awards, including the Locus and Hugo Awards. This success was followed by the publication of two more books in the Inheritance trilogy: "The Broken Kingdoms" and "The Kingdom of Gods."

Jemisin's most recent work, "The Fifth Season," was released in 2015 and won the Hugo Award for Best Novel – making her the first African American woman to win this prestigious award. The book also won the Nebula Award and the Locus Award for Best Fantasy Novel.

In addition to her writing, Jemisin is an advocate for diversity in the publishing industry and has spoken out about the need for more representation of marginalized voices. She has been a guest speaker at various conventions and universities, where she discusses her writing, social justice issues, and the importance of diverse representation in media.

Jemisin has been praised for breaking down barriers in the speculative fiction genre, and for her powerful and thought-provoking writing. She continues to influence and inspire a new generation of writers and readers, and her work will undoubtedly be enjoyed and studied for years to come.