Blake Nelson grew up in Portland, Oregon. He began his career writing short humor pieces for Details Magazine. His first novel GIRL was originally serialized in SASSY magazine and was made into a film staring Selma Blaire and Portia De Rossi. His novel PARANOID PARK won the prestigious International Grinzane Literary Award and was made into a film by Gus Van Sant. His most recent Young Adult novel THE PRINCE OF VENICE BEACH has been shortlisted for the 2015 Edgar Award. His 2011 novel RECOVERY ROAD has been adapted into a television drama for ABC FAMILY and will premier in January of 2016.