Coal Writer

AWP panel in Chicago

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 19:56:54 -0500

If you happen to be in Chicago on Thursday, March 1, please come hear me speak about creative nonfiction and truth on a panel called "What's Wrong with the Whole Truth?" We're on from 4-5:45. Information below.

(Susan Resnick, Philip Gerard, Peter Trachtenberg, Paige Williams)
Waldorf, Hilton Chicago, 3rd Floor
Many writers feel comfortable molding the truth to create a more satisfying story, yet still calling their piece nonfiction as long as the emotional core and basic frame of the work remain true. Not the writers on this panel. These authors, journalists, and nonfiction professors will explore the philosophy of factual versus emotional honesty and discuss how to achieve both--beautiful and moving nonfiction writing that is 100% true.

High Plains Book Award WINNER

Sun, 16 Oct 2011 21:10:46 -0500

I won the Best Woman Writer Award at the High Plains Book Awards ceremony last night in Billings, Montana. Sadly, I wasn't there to accept, but I am no less grateful for the honor. Here's the thank you message I sent in advance of the event:

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

Montana Book Award honoree

Tue, 22 Feb 2011 20:28:22 -0500

Goodbye Wifes and Daughters was chosen as an "honor" book by the Montana Book Award committee. One wonderful book won first prize, and my book and three others tied for second.

Thank you so much wonderful Montanans!

Paperback update

Sun, 23 Jan 2011 20:44:12 -0500

The paperback edition of Goodbye Wifes and Daughters is slated to hit the world on March 1, 2011 - one year after the "cloth" edition came out. Feel free to ask your local bookstore or library to stock it. And please excuse the lack of site updating. I've started work on a new book and I'm a little behind on playing web mistress!

Again

Thu, 25 Nov 2010 09:12:53 -0500

Just when I think I've moved beyond mining tragedies... Silly me: the disasters won't stop until the miners and their families refuse to put up with the lack of safety anymore. The mine operators certainly seem to have no incentive.

God Bless those left behind in New Zealand.

Day of mourning as New Zealand investigates fatal mine blast - CNN.com

Thu, 25 Nov 2010 09:12:07 -0500

http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/asiapcf/11/25/new.zealand.miners/

Chile, Montana and West Virginia

Tue, 12 Oct 2010 10:48:09 -0500

I'm so sorry it's been so long since I've posted. I've been busy teaching college students at Brown University how to write. But this fall brings Wifes and me to two book festivals: West Virginia and Montana.Check my schedule for details or email me if you'll be at any of the events. I'd love to meet any and all readers - or potential readers - in person.

Most importantly, let's all say some extra prayers for the long-trapped Chilean miners. They should be freed starting today.

Wifes on Kindle

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 15:21:49 -0500

I just learned that Goodbye Wifes and Daughters is available on Kindle. This is very exciting to me, though I wish I could see it in its Kindleness. I might be forced to buy one. This link should bring you to the Kindle store, which I've also just discovered.

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=node%3D1293747011&field-keywords=goodbye+wifes+and+daughters&x=0&y=0&ih=22_2_3_0_0_0_0_0_0_1.80_84&fsc=-1

Bad guy gets a talking to

Sat, 22 May 2010 10:26:16 -0500

I love how Senator Byrd scolds Blankenship in this Senate hearing, though it's still not enough. He needs a time out in a locked corner.

http://wvgazette.com/News/201005200622

My first gold medal

Thu, 13 May 2010 21:17:31 -0500

http://www.independentpublisher.com/article.php?page=1362

West-Mountain - Best Regional Non-Fiction Gold: Goodbye Wifes and Daughters, by Susan Kushner Resnick (University of Nebraska Press) Silver (tie): Voices of the American West, by Corinne Platt and Meredith Ogilby (Fulcrum Publishing) and Theodore Roosevelt Hunter-Conservationist, by R.L. Wilson (Boone and Crockett Club) Bronze: Storm of the i: An Artobiography, by Tina Collen (Art Review Press)

Washington Post Book review of "Goodbye Wives and Daughters," by Susan Kushner Resnick

Sat, 08 May 2010 08:53:55 -0500

It's ok that they misspelled my title and criticized my foreshadowing. I love this review simply because it exists!

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/05/07/AR2010050702351.html

President Obama at miner memorial: 'How can we let anyone in this country put their lives at risk by simply showing up to work; by simply pursuing the American dream?' « Coal Tattoo

Sun, 25 Apr 2010 19:21:42 -0500

Let's hope and pray that this isn't just rhetoric once again.

http://blogs.wvgazette.com/coaltattoo/2010/04/25/president-obama-at-miner-memorial-how-can-we-let-anyone-in-this-country-put-their-lives-at-risk-by-simply-showing-up-to-work-by-simply-pursuing-the-american-dream/

Moment of Silence

Sun, 11 Apr 2010 21:57:09 -0500

3:30 on Monday, to honor the disaster of one week ago at that time. Personally, I think we should all shut off our electricity for half a day because half of it comes from coal. And coal miners.

Miners Found Dead: Four Missing Miners Found Dead At Upper Big Branch Coal Mine

Sat, 10 Apr 2010 09:27:11 -0500

Rest In Peace. 75 men from Montana will meet you in heaven.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/04/10/upper-big-branch-mine-res_n_532696.html#postComment

Great article linking Smith Mine disaster of 1943 to this week's tragedy

Thu, 08 Apr 2010 17:52:38 -0500

AOL's Steve Pendlebury interviewed me about how this week's tragedy echos the Smith Mine disaster of 1943. Here is the article.