Coal Writer

Dear High Plains Book Award committee, attendees and readers,

      I can't tell you how painful it is for me to miss this event. I'm not with you today because of a previously scheduled obligation to a biological family member, which I'm pretty sure most Montanans  - and certainly the folks I wrote the book for, who know how fragile family can be - will understand. Still, it's tough for me not to be in this room with you.

     Since discovering the story of the Smith Mine disaster, I've traveled from Massachusetts to Carbon County numerous times, and I always rejoice in opportunities to come back.  As I interviewed those left bereft by the mine explosion, drove the roads that its victims took to work that day, and memorized the sweet perfume of sagebrush and coal, I fell in love with your pocket of the world. The people of Bearcreek, Red Lodge, Billings and beyond welcomed me into their lives and made me feel like family. Those involved directly with the disaster graciously allowed me to give them a voice, and those just as shocked by this injustice as I was helped me to expose it. I thank all of them.

     I thank the book award committee, too, for nominating me for this prestigious prize. And if Goodbye Wifes and Daughters happened to be lucky enough to win it, I thank you again.

     Until next time,

            Susan Kushner Resnick

            October 2011