Shari Goldhagen is an American author of fiction. She is originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, the daughter of a grade-school teacher and a jewelry salesman. After briefly attending Ohio University in Athens, Ohio. she transfereed to Northwestern University, where she earned a journalism degree. Following this, she moved to Columbus, Ohio where she earned an MFA from Ohio State University. She has been a journalist for National Enquirer, Life & Style and Celebrity Living Weekly. She currently lives in New York City where she teaches fiction and works as a freelance writer. She has received fellowships from Yaddo, MacDowell, and Ohiana Library Association. She teaches Fiction and Novel writing with the Gotham Writers' Workshop in New York City. She was engaged to Will Leitch, editor of popular sports blog Deadspin. Her sister is the actress Jacqui Holland.