Russell Banks was raised in New hampshire and eastern Massachusetts. He was the eldest of four children. He graduated Phi Beta Kappa at the University of North Carolina. Before he was able to support himself as a writer a was first a plumber, then a shoe salesman and window trimmer. He then taught in several coleges and institutes later on.

Mr. Banks is a public writer of fiction. His works are widely published and translated in Europe and Asia. A few of his books have became screen films as well. He has won a lot of awards such as Guggenheim Fellowship. He has also won prizes for the novels he has written. Banks has lived in a numerous amount places. They range from New England to Jamaica. This aided in his rich writings and writing styles.

 

He is currently living in upstate New York. He is married to the poet, Chase Twichell. They have 4 grown daughters.