Donald Ray Pollock is an American author known for his gritty and darkly humorous storytelling. Born on December 22, 1954, in Knox County, Ohio, he worked in a paper mill for over 30 years before pursuing writing full-time. His debut collection, Knockemstiff, published in 2008, features stories set in his hometown and reflects the struggles of working-class life. Pollock's writing often explores themes of violence, poverty, and the human condition. His novel, The Devil All the Time, released in 2011, gained significant attention and was adapted into a film in 2020. Pollock's unique voice and vivid characters have earned him a dedicated readership.