Each time a new disaster puts miners in the news, the press tries to make them into heroes, but they don't quite fit the bill. They don't march off to war or rush into burning buildings or rid our streets of crime. Tawni O'Dell billbuildingburn share on social
I've discovered as an author that the process of writing a novel becomes harder over time, not easier. I used to think the reverse must be true, that it would be like any task, and the more I practiced, the more adept I'd become. Tawni O'Dell adeptauthordiscover share on social
Coal mining is an industry rife with mismanagement, corruption, greed and an almost blatant disregard for the safety, health and quality of life of its work force. Everyone knows this. Everyone has always known it. Tawni O'Dell blatantcoalcorruption share on social
My mind is constantly creating and searching, but I can't make myself put the right words on paper until I'm ready. Once I'm ready, I'm a focused, disciplined writer who will put in twelve hours a day at the computer, but I also spend a lot of time away from the computer getting to that point. Tawni O'Dell computerconstantlycreate share on social
It turned out I really didn't like journalism. I wanted to make up stories, not cover real events. Tawni O'Dell covereventjournalism Change image and share on social
The image I had was that Oprah books were fluffy. Tawni O'Dell bookfluffyimage Change image and share on social
I was an avid tomboy, and as long as I could ride my bike just as fast, hit the ball just as hard, and catch just as many garter snakes, I was accepted as one of the boys and enjoyed all the perks of superiority. Tawni O'Dell acceptavidball share on social
Mining is a dangerous profession. There's no way to make a mine completely safe: These are the words owners have always used to excuse needless deaths and the words miners use to prepare for them. Tawni O'Dell completelydangerousdeath Change image and share on social
I don't try to sugarcoat things, but I also think my books make positive statements about the people and values in small-town America. Tawni O'Dell americabookmake Change image and share on social
Writing an essay is like a school assignment: I have my topic, I organize my thoughts, and I write it. I have complete control over what I'm doing. Writing a novel is like setting out on a journey without knowing who or what I'll encounter, how long it's going to take, or where I'm going to end up. Tawni O'Dell assignmentcompletecontrol share on social