John Smelcer facts for kids
John Smelcer is an American writer. He writes both poetry and novels. He is known for his stories often set in Alaska.
Background
John Smelcer was born to parents who were not Native American. Later, he was adopted by a Native American father.
In Alaska, there are special rules that allow people who are not Native American by birth to join a tribal corporation. Because of these rules, John Smelcer became a shareholder in Ahtna, Incorporated. This is a company connected to the Ahtna tribe. He also joined the Native Village of Tazlina, which is in Tazlina, Alaska.
Personal Life
John Smelcer is married to Dr. Amber Johnson. She is a professor at Truman State University.
Career as a Writer
John Smelcer has worked as a professor at the University of Alaska Anchorage. He was hired to help bring more diverse teachers to the university.
However, some of his claims about publishing his work in magazines like The New Yorker were found to be incorrect. Because of this, he left the university.
Smelcer also works as a literary editor for Rosebud. This is a magazine that publishes stories and poems.
Books and Awards
In 2004, John Smelcer won an award called the James Jones Literary Society First Novel Award. This award gave him $10,000 to help him write his novel, The Trap. This book came out in 2007.
Later, in 2015, he had to give the award back. This happened because it was found that he had published another novel before The Trap using a different name.
The Trap is a novel for young adults. It was generally liked by readers. The Wisconsin State Journal described it as a "spare and lyrical" story. It is about a boy and his grandfather facing challenges in a faraway part of Alaska.
Another one of his books, Without Reservation, won the Milt Kessler Poetry Book Award in 2004. This award was given by Binghamton University. His book Stealing Indians was also nominated for a literary prize.
See also
In Spanish: John Smelcer para niños
