Claire Zulkey facts for kids

Claire Zulkey was born on April 15, 1979, in Evanston, Illinois. She is an American writer who creates stories and articles. Claire went to Georgetown University and also studied creative writing at Northwestern University. Today, she lives in Chicago, Illinois.

Meet Claire Zulkey

Claire Zulkey is a talented writer known for her books and online articles. She started her writing career in 2002 and has been sharing her stories ever since. Claire is especially good at writing humor and interviewing interesting people.

Her Book: An Off Year

Claire Zulkey wrote a popular book for young adults called An Off Year. It was published in 2009. This book was chosen by independent bookstores for their "Kids' Indie Next List." It was also named one of the "Best Books for Young Adults" by the American Library Association (ALA) in 2010.

Many people enjoyed An Off Year. Reviewers said that teens who might be unsure about going straight from high school to college would understand the main character. They also called it a "candid" (meaning honest) and "funny-smart" story. Claire has shared that the book was inspired by her own experiences. It took her more than 10 years to write it!

Writing Online and More

Since 2002, Claire Zulkey has written a blog called Zulkey.com. A blog is like an online journal or website where someone regularly shares their thoughts, articles, or interviews. In 2011, NPR (National Public Radio) affiliate WBEZ started helping to produce her blog.

Her blog is known for its funny writing and interviews. She talks with many different performers and authors. Besides her blog, Claire also writes for other well-known publications. She has been a contributor (someone who writes articles) for The A.V. Club and the Los Angeles Times.

Funny Ha-Ha Series

Claire Zulkey also organizes a special event in Chicago called Funny Ha-Ha. It's a literary humor reading series. This means people gather to read funny stories and writings aloud. The series calls itself "The Best Reading in Chicago. Ever." Chicago Magazine even named it one of the top 10 literary "salons" (gatherings for discussions or readings) in the city.