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Seven Notable Montana Authors

by Elizabeth Hawley

Updated by the author on January 11, 2024

Edited by C. Bickenheuser

 

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1. Ivan Doig

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Ivan Doig, a third-generation Montanan, was born in White Sulphur Springs, Montana, on June 27, 1939. He led a diverse professional life as a ranch hand, newspaperman, and magazine editor. Growing up along the Rocky Mountain Front provided the backdrop for much of his writing.

 

Doig lived in Seattle with his wife, Carol Muller, a literature of the American West professor whom he met at the Medill School of Journalism. They married on April 17, 1965, and had no children. Doig earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in journalism from Northwestern University and a Ph.D. in history from the University of Washington in 1969.

 

Throughout his career, he received three honorary doctorates. As an American author, Doig’s writing topics often delve into adventure, the intricacies of rural life, and the natural beauty of Montana’s wilderness.

 

       Famous Works by Ivan Doig:

• English Creek (1984)

• Dancing at the Rascal Fair (1987)

• Ride with Me, Mariah Montana (1990)

• The Bartender’s Tale (2012)

• Last Bus to Wisdom (2015)

• This House of Sky: Landscapes of a Western Mind (1978)

• Heart Earth: A Memoir (1993)

• Winter Brothers: A Season at the Edge of America (1980)

 

2. James Welch​​

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James Welch, born on November 18, 1940, in Browning, Montana, had a diverse and captivating background. Welch’s father hailed from the Blackfeet tribe, while his mother belonged to the Gros Ventre (A’aninin) tribe. Growing up on an Indian reservation, he confronted the challenges faced by people largely excluded from the American dream.

 

Determined to become a writer, he sought to amplify their voices and shed light on their struggles. While acclaimed for his novels, Welch also dazzled with his poetry, fiction, essays, and writings about food, earning him the title “founding author of the Native American Renaissance.”

 

Before delving into English Literature at the University of Montana, Welch explored different vocations – firefighter for the U.S. Forest Service, laborer, and Upward Bound counselor. Yet, Welch’s unwavering passion remained storytelling through the written word.

 

Beyond his literary conquests, Welch served as the Vice Chairman of the Montana Board of Pardons and Parole for a decade. His contributions to literature and society have been recognized with honorary doctorates from the University of Montana, Montana State University, and Rocky Mountain College in Billings.

 

Welch has left an indelible mark on American literature as an Indigenous author and prolific writer. He wrote Killing Custer: The Battle of Little Bighorn and the Fate of the Plains Indians (1994), providing profound insights into Native American history.

 

James Welch’s mastery as an American author is a testament to his ability to captivate and enlighten readers with his poetic prose and engaging storytelling.

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       Famous Works by James Welch:

• Winter in the Blood (1974)

• Fools Crow (1986)

• The Death of Jim Loney (1979)

• The Heartsong of Charging Elk (2000)

• Killing Custer: The Battle of Little Bighorn and the Fate of the Plains Indians (1994)

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3. William Kittredge​

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William Kittredge, born on August 14, 1932, in Portland, Oregon, left an indelible mark on the literary world until his passing on December 4, 2020, in Missoula. He is a renowned American author known for his poetry, fiction, and essays, and was a master of capturing the essence of the natural world in his writings.

 

Hailing from the great state of Oregon, USA, Kittredge spent most of his life in the picturesque town of Missoula, Montana. His early experiences shaped his captivating fiction and nonfiction, drawing inspiration from his childhood and young adulthood. After obtaining a degree in general agriculture from Oregon State University in 1953, Kittredge studied under the Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist Bernard Malamud.

 

Throughout his life, Kittredge chronicled his adventures and insights, writing widely on natural history, the environment, and animal welfare issues. With degrees from Harvard, Oxford, and Princeton universities, Kittredge established himself as a respected nonfiction writer, captivating readers with his deep understanding of the natural world.

 

Over the past thirty years, Kittredge has lived in Missoula, Montana, embracing a life of writing, public readings, and exploration. With his powerful prose and unique perspective, William Kittredge’s adult books continue to inspire readers to appreciate the wonders of the world around us.

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       Famous Works by William Kittredge:

• Owning It All (1987)

• Hole in the Sky: A Memoir (1992)

• The Nature of Generosity (2000)

• The Best American Essays (2005)

• The Next Rodeo: New and Selected Essays (2017)

 

4. Judy Blunt​

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As a Montana writer, Judy Blunt brings a unique perspective to her exceptional storytelling skills. Spending over 30 years on wheat and cattle ranches in northeastern Montana, Blunt gained firsthand experience of the rugged and demanding ranch life that shapes her narratives.

 

Seeking liberation, she decided to attend the University of Montana, where her talent for storytelling blossomed. Blunt’s book of poems, Not Quite Stone, won the prestigious Merriam-Frontier Award in 1991. It captures Montana’s landscape and people in poignant verse. Her memoir, Breaking Clean, showcases her upbringing on a Montana ranch. At 15, she entered into an arranged marriage with an older cowboy named John.

 

Breaking Clean delves into Blunt's challenges as she endured 12 years of marriage, raising children, and living within the confines of her rural Montana heritage. But it also explores her journey to self-discovery and liberation. Breaking free from the traditions of her upbringing, Blunt courageously divorces her husband and embarks on a new life in Missoula, where she pursues education and becomes a writer.

 

Through her storytelling, Judy Blunt continues to leave a lasting impact on Montana literature. She shares the untold stories of those who brave the trials of rural life and find their voice amidst the vastness of Big Sky Country.

 

       Famous Works by Judy Blunt:

• Not Quite Stone (1991)

• Breaking Clean (2002)

• Traditions (2010) – Co-authored with Carol S. Leonard and Sharyn J. McCrumb

• Cowboy Stories (2011)

• The Land (2015)

• Winter Wheat (2019)

 

5. Pete Fromm

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Pete Fromm is a celebrated author from Montana's rugged landscapes. Born September 29, 1958, this seasoned wordsmith and adventure writer has created literary masterpieces for over 25 years. From Montana to Michigan to the battlefields of Vietnam, where he served as a soldier during the war, Fromm’s experiences have lent a rich tapestry to his storytelling.

 

He graces the stages of writer’s conferences across the United States and Europe, captivating audiences with his raw talent and captivating narratives. His name shines brightly in the literary sky, having garnered recognition with several prestigious accolades. Fromm has collected the Pacific Northwest Booksellers Literary Award five times, an extraordinary feat that speaks volumes about his storytelling prowess.

 

This Montana wordsmith’s brilliance extends beyond novels and includes mesmerizing memoirs. Indian Creek Chronicles have left an indelible mark on readers’ hearts. Fromm’s novel The Names of the Stars claimed the illustrious Evans Handcart Award for excellence in biography and the esteemed Montana Book Award.

 

Pete Fromm’s enchanting novel, As Cool As I Am, transcended the pages and made its way onto the big screen with a captivating film adaptation. The movie, starring the incredibly talented Claire Danes, James Marsden, and Sarah Bolger, brought Fromm’s unforgettable story to life.

 

The magic of Pete Fromm is not limited to novels and films alone. Delve into his collection of short stories, where you’ll find a treasure trove of captivating tales. He has mastered weaving wonder into concise narratives; over 200 stories have been published in various magazines. Step into the realm of Pete Fromm, a master storyteller, and allow yourself to be whisked away on a journey of wonder, inspiration, and the joy of a well-told tale.

 

       Famous Works by Pete Fromm:

• A Job You Mostly Won’t Know How To Do (2019)

• If Not For This (2014)

• As Cool As I Am (2003)

• How All This Started (2000)

• Monkey Tag (1994)

 

6. Richard Hugo​

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Richard Hugo is an American novelist, literary critic, and essayist; Hugo’s incomparable talent has left an indelible mark on the literary world. Hailing from the humble town of White Center, Washington, Hugo’s works spanned various genres, including poetry, fiction, and even writing about food. His ability to capture the essence of human emotion and experience in his writings is genuinely awe-inspiring.

 

Born on December 21, 1923, Richard Franklin Hogan was raised by his grandparents, Fred and Ora Monk, after his mother entrusted him to their care in 1942. Hugo embraced his mother’s second husband’s last name, Herbert Hugo, and became Richard Hugo.

 

His life took an extraordinary turn in 1943 when he volunteered for the Army Air Corps and was a bombardier in the Mediterranean Theatre. Hugo’s bravery and dedication earned him the rank of First Lieutenant and prestigious honors like the Distinguished Flying Cross. Completing 35 missions, he displayed the courage and resilience that would later permeate his literary works. Books, baseball, and fishing were three passions that accompanied Richard Hugo throughout his journey.

 

After being discharged from the military in 1948, he attended the University of Washington on the G.I. Bill and a baseball scholarship. While pursuing an English major, he participated in Theodore Roethke’s workshops, adding depth and insight to his literary prowess.

 

With a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree, Hugo married Barbara Williams and earned his Master of Arts (M.A.) degree in 1952. His dedication to the craft and unwavering commitment to his literary voice laid the foundation for his enduring legacy. Richard Hugo’s impact extends beyond his written works. The Richard Hugo House in Seattle is a beacon of inspiration for aspiring poets in the region. It offers workshops and writing education to foster a vibrant learning community.

 

Additionally, his papers are housed at the University of Washington, ensuring that his profound influence on the literary landscape is preserved for generations to come. Solace is found in his final resting place. Beneath the roots of an ancient tree in Missoula, visitors to his grave are met with words from his poem “Glen Uig” etched on the headstone.

 

These words remind us of the power of our voices and the resilience to endure even the most challenging circumstances. Richard Hugo’s body of work continues to inspire and captivate readers. With each page, he invites us to explore the depths of our humanity and embrace the power of storytelling. In a world that can sometimes feel chaotic and uncertain, Hugo’s books serve as beacons of hope, offering solace to all who dare to embark on the literary adventure he has left behind.

 

       Famous Works by Richard Hugo:

• The Triggering Town: Lectures and Essays on Poetry and Writing (1978)

• Making Certain It Goes On: The Collected Poems of Richard Hugo (1981)

• The Lady in Kicking Horse Reservoir (Carnegie Mellon Classic Contemporary Series: Poetry) (1973)

• Selected Poems (1979)

• Death and the Good Life (1981)

 

7. Mary Clearman Blew​​

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As a Montana author, Mary Clearman Blew has left an indelible mark on the literary landscape. Growing up in Montana’s eastern center, far from the bustle of town, Blew’s connection to the land and its people runs deep. With almost 50 years of teaching and working in Montana’s schools and colleges, Blew’s persistence and competence have been key to her life in teaching and writing.

 

Blew urges her students to delve into the history and significance of places with personal meaning. Blew believes that by incorporating personal and trivial details, writers can create a rich tapestry of storytelling that resonates with readers. Blew’s impressive work includes criticism, novels, memoirs, and essay collections. Her writing explores family, wonderful stories, and the delicate balance between personal narratives and a writer’s privilege to tell them.

 

Blew’s contributions to the literary world have not gone unnoticed. Her work has garnered praise and recognition, solidifying her position as a prominent Montana author. With her intimate connection to the state and her vast body of notable works, Mary Clearman Blew continues to inspire and captivate readers with her evocative storytelling.

 

       Famous Works by Mary Clearman Blew:

• Women’s Diaries of the Westward Journey (1982)

• Touchstone Anthology of Contemporary Creative Nonfiction: Work from 1970 to the Present (2007)

• Chip of the Flying U (1996)

• The Curlew’s Cry (1994)

 

Final Thoughts

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A tapestry of literary talent unfolds in Montana's vast and awe-inspiring landscapes. These remarkable authors' stories vividly depict adventure, resilience, and the human spirit’s indomitable nature. Each author’s unique voice and perspective breathe life into their stories. Ivan Doig captures rural life and the allure of Montana’s wilderness.

 

James Welch amplifies the voices of indigenous people, shedding light on their struggles.

 

William Kittredge immerses readers in the wonders of Montana’s landscapes. 

 

Judy Blunt fearlessly shares untold stories and challenging traditions.

 

Pete Fromm’s mastery whisks us away on journeys of wonder.

 

Richard Hugo’s poetic prose delves into human emotion. 

 

Mary Clearman Blew weaves a rich tapestry of storytelling.

 

Through their words, we are transported to the untamed wilderness, the hidden corners of history, and the hearts and minds of those who call Montana home. On this literary journey through Montana, we are reminded of storytelling's power to transport, inspire, and connect. These authors have left an indelible mark on the literary world, spotlighting Montana's hidden stories and capturing the essence of its people, landscapes, and history.

 

Montana authors will surely captivate readers and invite them to embark on their adventures within the pages of their books. Whether wandering the streets of Helena or gazing at the mountains of Glacier National Park, take a moment to delve into Montana's literary world. Let these authors be your guides. They will transport you to the heart of this breathtaking state and give you a deeper understanding of its rich tapestry of stories.

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As you turn the pages, may their words ignite your imagination and kindle a love for the written word, reminding you of the power of literature to connect you to the world around you.

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