The novelist Oates (5 letters) is an American author who has written over 70 novels, as well as numerous short stories, plays, and non-fiction works. She is best known for her exploration of American social issues and her vivid depictions of violence and psychological complexity. Her works have been nominated for the Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award, and she has won numerous awards including the National Book Critics Circle Award and the PEN/Malamud Award.