Lee Gutkind

Last updated
Lee Gutkind
Head-Shot-Closed-Jacket-2015.jpg
Born (1943-01-03) January 3, 1943 (age 79)[ citation needed ]
OccupationWriter
LanguageEnglish
NationalityAmerican
Education University of Pittsburgh
Genre Creative nonfiction [1]
ChildrenSam Gutkind
Website
leegutkind.com

Lee Gutkind is an American writer, speaker, and founder of the literary journal called Creative Nonfiction.

Contents

Gutkind has written or edited more than 30 books, covering a wide range of subjects from motorcycle subculture to child and adolescent mental illness and organ transplantation. [2]

Currently he is Distinguished Writer in Residence at the Consortium for Science Policy and Outcomes and Professor at the School of Life Sciences at Arizona State University. [2]

Early life

Gutkind was born on January 3, 1943, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.[ citation needed ] He earned his bachelor's degree in English from the University of Pittsburgh in 1968. [2] After high school and service in the United States Coast Guard, he held jobs as a truck driver, traveling shoe salesman and public relations account executive.

Career

In 1973, he published his first book, Bike Fever: On Motorcycle Culture. He then joined the University of Pittsburgh's Department of English faculty, where he eventually became the first tenured professor at the university without an advanced degree[ citation needed ].

Gutkind founded the literary journal Creative Nonfiction in 1993[ citation needed ]. He also published three issues of Best Creative Nonfiction, an anthology of creative nonfiction[ citation needed ]. At Arizona State University, he founded the ThinkWritePublish program, [2] supported by The National Science Foundation (Science in Society) and the Templeton Foundation (True Stories About Science and Religion)[ citation needed ].

Gutkind has lectured about nonfiction to a wide range audiences and organizations, including the National Academy of Science, Earth Justice, the Institute for Learning, the Council on Healthcare Economics and Policy at Princeton University, as well as foreign audiences.

He helped found the low-residency MFA program in creative nonfiction at Goucher College, and for 11 years was director of the Mid-Atlantic Creative Nonfiction Writers’ Conference there[ citation needed ]. He was the director and founder of the "412 Pittsburgh Creative Nonfiction Literary Festival" for four years[ citation needed ]. He also served as the Virginia G. Piper Distinguished Writer in Residence at Arizona State University in 2007-2008[ citation needed ].

Awards and recognition

Lee Gutkind's list of honorary achievements include

: The Steve Allan Individual Award, by United Mental Health, Inc; Chancellor's Award for Public Service; Meritorious Service Award by American Council on Transplantation; Howard Blakeslee Award by the American Heart Association for "outstanding journalism; Golden Eagle Award by CINE, for the film A Place Just Right; Recipient of National Endowment of the Arts Creative Writing Fellowship. In 2004, Gutkind was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Letters from Chatham College.

In a 1997 snipe at Gutkind in the print edition, Vanity Fair called Gutkind "the Godfather" of the genre of creative nonfiction [ better source needed ]. [3] [4] More than 10 years later, Harper’s Magazine was quoted as having stated he was "the leading figure behind the creative nonfiction movement." [5]

List of publications

Written

TitleDescriptionPublisherYearISBN
You Can't Make This Stuff Up A writer's guide to reading & writing creative nonfiction. Da Capo Lifelong Books 2012 ISBN   978-0-7382-1554-9
An Immense New Power to Heal: The Promise of Personalized MedicineCo-authored with Pagan Kennedy, this book delves into the personal side of medicine, offering the physician’s perspective and the patient’s experience through intimate narratives and case studies.In Fact Books2012ISBN

978-1937163068

Truckin' with Sam A memoir chronicling several years of Gutkind's experiences traveling across the United States and the world with his son Sam, who appears later in the book as a co-author. State University of New York Press 2010 ISBN   978-1-4384-3259-5
Almost Human: Making Robots Think Documents four years of observation at the Carnegie-Mellon University Robotics Institute, as they imagine, design, build, and test robots. Some scenes also take place at NASA and in the Atacama Desert in Chile. W. W. Norton 2007 ISBN   978-0-393-05867-3
Forever Fat: Essays by the Godfather A memoir. University of Nebraska Press 2004 ISBN   0-8032-2194-0
The Best Seat in Baseball, But You Have to Stand: The Game as Umpires See It A reprint of the original 1973 book from Dial Press. University of Southern Illinois Press1999 ISBN   978-0-8093-2195-7
The Veterinarian's Touch: Profiles of Life Among the Animals Various profiles of veterinarians.Owl Books1998 ISBN   978-0-8050-5811-6
The Art of Creative Nonfiction: The Literature of Reality A writer's guide to the craft of creative nonfiction. John Wiley & Sons 1996 ISBN   0-471-11356-5
Creative Nonfiction: How to Live it and Write It A guide to teach young writers how to use creative nonfiction Chicago Review Press 1996 ISBN   1-55652-266-5
Stuck in Time: The Tragedy of Childhood Mental Illness An examination of the American health care system. Henry Holt and Company 1994 ISBN   0-8050-1469-1
One Children's Place: Inside a Children's Hospital An examination of the American health care system.A Plume Book by Penguin 1992 ISBN   978-0-452-26687-2
Many Sleepless Nights: The World of Organ Transplantation An inside look at the world of organ transplantation. W. W. Norton & Co. 1990 ISBN   978-0-8229-5905-2
The People of Penn's Woods West Essays about rural America. University of Pittsburgh Press 1984 ISBN   978-0-8229-5360-9
God's Helicopter A novel. Slow Loris Press 1983 ISBN   978-0-941038-09-6
The Best Seat in Baseball, But You Have to Stand: The Game As Umpires See It An inside look at the life of major league umpires. Dial Press 1975 ISBN   978-0-8093-2195-7
Bike Fever: An Examination of the Motorcycle Subculture Lee's first book. Avon Books, Inc. 1973 ISBN   978-0-695-80380-3

Edited

TitleDescriptionPublisherYearISBN
Show Me All Your Scars: True Stories of Living With Mental IllnessIntroduction by Patrick J. Kennedy, and foreword by Dr. Karen Wolk Feinstein.In Fact Books2016ISBN

978-1937163259

What I Didn’t Know: True Stories of Becoming a TeacherIn these twenty personal narratives, teachers provide us with a fascinating insight into a profession that touches us all.In Fact Books2016ISBN

978-1937163273

Same Time Next Week: True Stories of Working Through Mental IllnessThese dramatic narratives communicate clearly the rewards of helping patients move forward with their lives, often through a combination of medication, talk therapy, and common sense. Collectively, these true stories highlight the need for empathy and compassion.In Fact Books2015ISBN

978-1937163198

Oh, Baby: True Stories About Conception, Adoption, Surrogacy, Pregnancy, Labor, and LoveCo-edited with Alice Bradley. Introduction by Lisa Belkin.In Fact Books2015ISBN

978-1937163211

The Rightful Place of Science: Creative NonfictionContributing authors: Michael Zirulnik; Lee Gutkind; David Guston; Elizabeth Popp Berman; Adam Briggle; Roberta Chevrette; Gwen Ottinger; Angela Records; Meera Lee Sethi; Sara Wehlchel; Rachel Zurer; Ross Carper; Sonja SchmidConsortium for Science, Policy, & Outcomes2015ASIN

B01FGPKIO6

For the Love of Baseball: A Celebration of the Game That Connects Us AllCo-edited by Andrew Blauner. Introduction by Yogi Berra.

United by the authors’ fervent love of the game, each chapter in this book reminds us of the unique role baseball plays in our national history and collective imagination.

Skyhorse Publishing2014ISBN

978-1510702738

Southern Sin: True Stories of the Sultry South and Women Behaving BadlyCo-edited with Beth Ann Fennelly. Introduction by Dorothy Allison.In Fact Books2014ISBN

978-1937163105

True Stories Well Told: From the First 20 Years of Creative Nonfiction MagazineCo-edited with Hattie Fletcher. Introduction by Susan Orlean.In Fact Books2014ISBN

978-1937163167

Writing Away the Stigma: Ten Courageous Writers Tell True Stories About Depression, Bipolar Disorder, ADHD, OCD, PTSD and MoreIn this collection, ten writers confront the stigma of mental illness head-on, bravely telling stories of devastating depressions, persistent traumas, overwhelming compulsions, and more.In Fact Books2014ISBN

978-0692221297

Creating Nonfiction: Lessons From the Voice of the GenreCo-edited with Robyn Jodlowski. Contributing authors: Roy Peter Clark, Megan Foss, Steven Harvey, Lisa Knopp, Bret Lott, Hilary Masters, Susan Messer, Natalia Rachel SingerIn Fact Books2013ASIN

B00F0RWY7U

I Wasn’t Strong Like This When I Started Out: True Stories of Becoming a NurseTrue stories of becoming a nurse.In Fact Books2013ISBN

978-1937163129

True crime: Real-life Stories of Abduction, Addiction, Obsession, Murder, Grave-robbing, and MoreIn Fact Books2013ISBN

978-1937163143

Great Baseball Stories: Essays, Ruminations, and Nostalgic Reminiscences on Our National PastimeCo-edited with Andrew Blauner, with foreword by Yogi Berra.Skyhorse Publishing2012ISBN

978-1616086039

At the End of Life: True Stories About How We DieForeword by Francine Prose.In Fact Books2012ISBN

978-1937163044

Becoming a Doctor: From Student to Specialist, Doctor-Writers Share Their Experiences.Personal narratives from those who have gone through the process of becoming a doctor.W.W. Norton & Co.2011ISBN

978-0393334555

Twelve Breaths a Minute: End of Life EssaysTwenty-three original, personal narratives that examine the way we as a society care for the dying. Southern Methodist University Press 2011 ISBN   978-0-87074-571-3
Becoming a Doctor: From Student to Specialist, Doctor-Writers Share Their Experiences(CNF description) Physicians recount personal stories from their lives in white coats in this inspired anthology by new and known writers. These original stories reveal the inner lives of the men and women who are often rendered invisible by their white coats. W.W. Norton 2010 ISBN   978-0-393-33455-5
The Best Creative Nonfiction, Vol. 3A third special issue of Creative Nonfiction that features twenty-five essays that originally appeared in alternative publications, blogs, literary journals, and other publications. W.W. Norton 2009 ISBN   978-0-393-33025-0
The Best Creative Nonfiction, Vol. 2A second special issue of Creative Nonfiction that features twenty-nine essays that originally appeared in alternative publications, blogs, literary journals, and other publications. W.W. Norton 2008 ISBN   978-0-393-33024-3
Anatomy of BaseballTwenty new and classic essays about the American past time. SMU Press 2008 ISBN   978-0-87074-522-5
Keep It Real: Everything You Need to Know About Researching and Writing Creative NonfictionProvides writers with the working parameters of the creative nonfiction genre W.W. Norton 2008 ISBN   978-0-393-06561-9
Silence Kills: Speaking Out and Saving LivesTwelve new essays written by physicians, patients, and family members. Explores the communication breakdown in the current American health care systemSMU Press2007 ISBN   978-0-87074-518-8
The Best Creative Nonfiction, Vol. 1A special issue of Creative Nonfiction that features twenty-seven essays that originally appeared in alternative publications, blogs, literary journals, and other publications.W.W. Norton2007 ISBN   978-0-393-33003-8
Hurricanes and Carnivals: Essays by Chicanos, Pochos, Pachucos, Mexicanos, and ExpatriatesOriginally published as Issue 23 of Creative Nonfiction, this book features fifteen essays that push the boundaries between fact and fiction. The University of Arizona Press 2007 ISBN   978-0-8165-2625-3
Our Roots are Deep with Passion: `Creative Nonfiction` Collects New Essays by Italian American WritersTwenty-one essays written by established and emerging writers that explore the unique intersections of language, tradition, cuisine, and culture that characterize the diverse experience of Americans of Italian heritage.Other Press2006 ISBN   978-1-59051-242-5
Rage & Reconciliation: Inspiring a Health Care RevolutionOriginally published as issue 21 of Creative Nonfiction, the book includes new essays and an 80- minute CD containing three essays read by professional actors and a panel discussion of the ethical dimensions of the issues raised. Produced in conjunction with Pittsburgh's Jewish Healthcare Foundation, writers tackle health care in America, including problems of patient rights and professional responsibility.SMU Press2005 ISBN   0-87074-503-4
In Fact: The Best of Creative Nonfiction Twenty-five essays, all originally appearing in Creative Nonfiction, republished in honor of the journal's tenth anniversary. W.W. Norton 2005 ISBN   0-393-32665-9
On Nature: Great Writers on the Great OutdoorsTwenty original and previously published essaysJeremy P. Tarcher2002 ISBN   1-58542-173-1
Healing: 20 Prominent Authors Write About Inspirational Moments of Achieving Health and Gaining InsightTwenty original and previously published essaysJeremy P. Tarcher2001 ISBN   1-58542-079-4
Lessons in Persuasion: Creative Nonfiction/Pittsburgh ConnectionsEighteen essays written by writers with ties to the city of Pittsburgh. University of Pittsburgh Press 2000 ISBN   0-8229-5715-9
Connecting: Twenty Prominent Authors Write About the Relationships That Shape Our LivesTwenty original and previously published essaysJeremy P. Tarcher/Putnam1998 ISBN   0-87477-904-9
A View from the Divide: Creative Nonfiction on Health and ScienceSeventeen essays that attempt to demonstrate the many ways in which aspects of the scientific world—from biology, medicine, physics, and astronomy—can be captured and dramatized for a humanities-oriented readership.University of Pittsburgh Press1998 ISBN   978-0-8229-5685-3

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References

  1. Norman, Tony (May 24, 2017). "Point Park hosts the 2017 Creative Nonfiction Writers' Conference". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Retrieved April 1, 2019. Mr. Gutkind, founder of the locally based Creative Nonfiction Foundation
  2. 1 2 3 4 "Lee Gutkind | School of Life Sciences". sols.asu.edu. Retrieved 2019-10-21.
  3. "What's the Story #10 | Creative Nonfiction". www.creativenonfiction.org. Retrieved 2019-10-21.
  4. 3qreview (2017-12-31). "The Godfather Speaks". 3QR: The Three Quarter Review. Retrieved 2019-10-21.
  5. Walker, Andrea (2009-07-27). "Inspirations". The New Yorker. ISSN   0028-792X . Retrieved 2019-10-21.