The term 'THEM AUTHOR' is a crossword solution for the name of Joyce Carol Oates, an American author. Oates is best known for her novels, short stories, and plays, which often focus on the inner lives of characters and their struggles with violence, death, and loss. She has written over 70 books and has been awarded numerous awards, including the National Book Award and the PEN/Malamud Award for Excellence in Short Fiction.