LINDA McCARRISTON (born 1947) is an American poet and writer whose work is celebrated for its emotional intensity, raw honesty, and focus on trauma, survival, and healing themes. Born in Lynn, Massachusetts, McCarriston’s poetry frequently reflects her experiences of hardship and resilience, delving into the complexities of family dynamics, violence, and recovery.

Her poetry collections, including Talking Soft Dutch (1984) and Eva-Mary (1991), have left an indelible mark on the literary world with their unflinching portrayal of difficult subjects, earning her both critical acclaim and controversy. Eva-Mary was a finalist for the National Book Award and cemented her place as a powerful voice in contemporary American poetry.

McCarriston is also a respected teacher and has been a long-time faculty member at the University of Alaska Anchorage, where she has mentored generations of writers. Her work has been recognized with numerous awards, including fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Guggenheim Foundation.