Joyce Carol Oates is an American author who has written over 70 novels, as well as numerous short stories, plays, and essays. She is best known for her works of psychological fiction, which often explore the complexities of human relationships. Oates has won numerous awards, including the National Book Award, the PEN/Malamud Award, and the Bram Stoker Award. She is also a member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters.