Kent Nelson

Fiction Writer

Ouray, CO
Colorado US

Author's Bio

Writing is a way of life that allows exploration and questioning. I have published 145 stories, six collections, four novels, and, though I've been poor, I've never stopped loving the work. I've worked as bouncer, dishwasher, tennis pro, city judge, hired man on an alfalfa ranch, and university professor. Aside from writing, I've been interested in sports and played national level tennis, squash, and ice hockey and have run five marathons, including Pikes Peak twice. Birding is also a passion and has provided a way of being aware -- of backgrounds, sounds, the natural world, including weather. It's also a great reason to travel -- 767 species identified in North America.

Publications & Prizes

Books:
The Touching That Lasts (Johnson Books, 2006)
,
Land That Moves, Land That Stands Still (Viking/Penguin, 2003)
,
Toward the Sun (Breakaway Books, 1998)
,
Language in the Blood (Gibbs Smith, 1992)
Journals:
Atlantic Monthly
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Glimmer Train
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Shenandoah
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Prizes won: 

2014 Drue Heinz Literature Prize, two NEA grants, New Hampshire and Colorado writer grants; Mountain and Plains Booksellers Award, Colorado Book Award for best novel; Nelson Algren Award; Edward Abbey Prize for Eco-fiction; stories in Best American, O. Henry, Pushcart, Best American Mystery Stories; read at Library of Congress and many universities.

More Information

Gives readings: 
Yes
Travels for readings: 
Yes
Prefers to work with: 
Adults
Fluent in: 
German
Born in: 
Cincinnati
Raised in: 
Colorado Springs, CO
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Last update: Jul 21, 2016