Women Writers Born in Idaho

 
There are many exceptional woman writers who are connected to Idaho. Here are some who are native to the state.

Carol Ryrie Brink, who wrote more than 30 juvenile and adult books, including the 1936 Newbury Prize-winning , was born in Moscow and attended the University of Idaho. In 1965, she was awarded an honorary doctorate of letters from the University of Idaho, and Brink Hall on the campus is named for her.

Marilynn Robinson, who won the Pulitzer Prize for fiction for her book Gilead in 2005, was born in Sandpoint. Her book Housekeeping, set in Sandpoint, was a Pulitzer finalist in 1982.

Laurel Thatcher Ulrich was born in Sugar City, Idaho. Her history of midwife Martha Ballard, titled The Midwife’s Tale, won a Pulitzer Prize and was later made into a documentary film for the PBS series American Experience. Oddly, she may enjoy more fame for a single line in a scholarly publication than for her prize-winning work. She is remembered for the line, "well-behaved women seldom make history," which came from an article about Puritan funeral services. She would later write a book with that title.

Tara Westover was born in Clifton, Idaho. Her 2018 memoir Educated was on many best book lists, including the New York Times top ten list for the year.


Sarah Palin sold more than two million copies of her book Going Rogue. The former governor of Alaska and vice-presidential candidate was born in Sandpoint. She received her bachelor’s degree in communication with a journalism emphasis from the University of Idaho in 1987.

Emily Ruskovich grew up in the panhandle of Idaho on Hoo Doo Mountain. She now teaches at Boise State University. Her 2017 novel, Idaho, was critically acclaimed.

Elaine Ambrose grew up on a potato farm near Wendell. She is best known for her eight books of humor and recently released a memoir called Frozen Dinners, A Memoir of a Fractured Family.
 
Sister Mary Alfreda Elsensohn (1897-1989) was born in Grangeville, Idaho and she was professed as a Benedictine sister at the Monastery of St. Gertrude in 1916. She was educated at Washington State University, Gonzaga University, and University of Idaho. Her best-known book is Polly Bemis: Idaho County’s Most Romantic Character. Sister Elsensohn created the museum at St. Gertrudes near Cottonwood. The Idaho Humanities Council and the Idaho State Historical Society give an annual award in her name for Idaho museums.
 
Jacquie Rogers, born on a farm near Homedale, writes Western humor and Western romance, for which she has won several prizes. Go to any of her books on Amazon, such as Sidetracked in Silver City, and click on her name for a complete list.