Megan Kate Nelson 📚
@mkn.bsky.social
I am a Colorado-born and raised, Boston-based writer, historian, and Pulitzer Prize Finalist. I am the author of "The Westerners" (2026), “Saving Yellowstone” (2022) and “The Three-Cornered War” (2020). More details at https://megankatenelson.com
Pinned
From award-winning historian @mkn.bsky.social an epic account of the creation of the American West in the 19th century, shattering the traditional frontier myth that has dominated popular American culture. The Westerners by Megan Kate Nelson, on sale 3/31/26! https://bit.ly/3NU7J4b
Blueskis. There is now a video.
🐝🐝🐝
🐝🐝🐝
Timeline cleanse.
Another photo of the colorful aurora last night near Fairbanks, Alaska taken from the middle of a frozen lake. The show was all around us and overhead!
February 5, 2026 at 10:23 PM
Timeline cleanse.
Reposted by Megan Kate Nelson 📚
In 2018, I heard a story of tunnels beneath Columbus, Ga. They were used to transport enslaved peoples before the Civil War, this person told me. What followed was my pursuit of the truth. www.youtube.com/watch?v=FzbP...
Folklore matters—here’s why | Bryan Banks | TEDxColumbus State U
YouTube video by TEDx Talks
www.youtube.com
February 5, 2026 at 8:56 PM
In 2018, I heard a story of tunnels beneath Columbus, Ga. They were used to transport enslaved peoples before the Civil War, this person told me. What followed was my pursuit of the truth. www.youtube.com/watch?v=FzbP...
This is one of the highlights of my career: a lovely blurb from the brilliant @vscharff.bsky.social! 🥰🙏📚
THE WESTERNERS is out March 31, 2026 with @scribnerbooks.bsky.social
THE WESTERNERS is out March 31, 2026 with @scribnerbooks.bsky.social
February 5, 2026 at 4:09 PM
This is one of the highlights of my career: a lovely blurb from the brilliant @vscharff.bsky.social! 🥰🙏📚
THE WESTERNERS is out March 31, 2026 with @scribnerbooks.bsky.social
THE WESTERNERS is out March 31, 2026 with @scribnerbooks.bsky.social
Given the WaPo news, a PSA from me and @katecarp.bsky.social:
February 4, 2026 at 5:31 PM
Given the WaPo news, a PSA from me and @katecarp.bsky.social:
Reposted by Megan Kate Nelson 📚
Trump to Harvard: 2 billion $
NYT: Harvard to pay 2B$
Harvard: no
Trump: 1B
Harvard: no
NYT: Negotiations intensify
Trump: 200 million
NYT: Harvard-Trump reach deal
Harvard: no
Trump: 0$
Harvard: ok
NYT: Harvard not paying! Trump loses.
Trump: How about 1B$
Harvard: no
NYT: Negotiations resume!
NYT: Harvard to pay 2B$
Harvard: no
Trump: 1B
Harvard: no
NYT: Negotiations intensify
Trump: 200 million
NYT: Harvard-Trump reach deal
Harvard: no
Trump: 0$
Harvard: ok
NYT: Harvard not paying! Trump loses.
Trump: How about 1B$
Harvard: no
NYT: Negotiations resume!
February 3, 2026 at 2:21 PM
Trump to Harvard: 2 billion $
NYT: Harvard to pay 2B$
Harvard: no
Trump: 1B
Harvard: no
NYT: Negotiations intensify
Trump: 200 million
NYT: Harvard-Trump reach deal
Harvard: no
Trump: 0$
Harvard: ok
NYT: Harvard not paying! Trump loses.
Trump: How about 1B$
Harvard: no
NYT: Negotiations resume!
NYT: Harvard to pay 2B$
Harvard: no
Trump: 1B
Harvard: no
NYT: Negotiations intensify
Trump: 200 million
NYT: Harvard-Trump reach deal
Harvard: no
Trump: 0$
Harvard: ok
NYT: Harvard not paying! Trump loses.
Trump: How about 1B$
Harvard: no
NYT: Negotiations resume!
An excellent project - documenting these erasures of history at federal sites is a vital part of the #resistance.
Please circulate and share this important resource: thepanorama.shear.org/2025/04/09/t...
The Early Republic Tracker
The Early Republic Tracker documents instances where the federal government is removing facts and stories essential to the public’s understanding American history from public historical sites, muse…
thepanorama.shear.org
February 3, 2026 at 4:38 PM
An excellent project - documenting these erasures of history at federal sites is a vital part of the #resistance.
Reposted by Megan Kate Nelson 📚
The Table of Contents is up for my book. For the nerds, the chapts are named for the central argument, not the time periods. The 1st is on the colonial period, 2nd Revo War era, 3rd is Founding, 4-6 on the 19th century. Pre-order here for a March 24 delivery: global.oup.com/academic/pro...
February 3, 2026 at 12:44 PM
The Table of Contents is up for my book. For the nerds, the chapts are named for the central argument, not the time periods. The 1st is on the colonial period, 2nd Revo War era, 3rd is Founding, 4-6 on the 19th century. Pre-order here for a March 24 delivery: global.oup.com/academic/pro...
Just sent off my first guest essay / Op-ed pitch as part of the #bookpromotion process for THE WESTERNERS.
The book pub (in two months!) is feeling really real now, friends!
The book pub (in two months!) is feeling really real now, friends!
February 2, 2026 at 4:37 PM
Just sent off my first guest essay / Op-ed pitch as part of the #bookpromotion process for THE WESTERNERS.
The book pub (in two months!) is feeling really real now, friends!
The book pub (in two months!) is feeling really real now, friends!
Reposted by Megan Kate Nelson 📚
Gonna beg media not to just repeat Trump's obviously bullshit framing in the headlines. Tell readers the truth in the headlines.
Alternatives:
"With Artists and Audience Fleeing, Trump Closes Kennedy Center Indefinitely"
"Trump Says Kennedy Center Needs Renovation, Despite Recent $250M Renovation"
Alternatives:
"With Artists and Audience Fleeing, Trump Closes Kennedy Center Indefinitely"
"Trump Says Kennedy Center Needs Renovation, Despite Recent $250M Renovation"
Breaking news: President Trump said that the Kennedy Center could temporarily close for roughly two years to undergo construction.
https://wapo.st/49VsdCk
https://wapo.st/49VsdCk
February 2, 2026 at 12:45 AM
Gonna beg media not to just repeat Trump's obviously bullshit framing in the headlines. Tell readers the truth in the headlines.
Alternatives:
"With Artists and Audience Fleeing, Trump Closes Kennedy Center Indefinitely"
"Trump Says Kennedy Center Needs Renovation, Despite Recent $250M Renovation"
Alternatives:
"With Artists and Audience Fleeing, Trump Closes Kennedy Center Indefinitely"
"Trump Says Kennedy Center Needs Renovation, Despite Recent $250M Renovation"
Nice to see the musicians at the Grammys doing what the actors at the Golden Globes (with only a few exceptions) did not do:
Taking a clear stand against this hateful, cruel administration and their appalling policies.
Taking a clear stand against this hateful, cruel administration and their appalling policies.
February 2, 2026 at 2:19 AM
Nice to see the musicians at the Grammys doing what the actors at the Golden Globes (with only a few exceptions) did not do:
Taking a clear stand against this hateful, cruel administration and their appalling policies.
Taking a clear stand against this hateful, cruel administration and their appalling policies.
Reposted by Megan Kate Nelson 📚
If any book review editors want a review essay putting these three books in conversation (once @mkn.bsky.social’s comes out), hit me up.
It’s been a good couple of years for western synthesis: Elliott West’s Continental Reckonings, Paul’s book below, and @mkn.bsky.social’s forthcoming book.
Finished reading: The Undiscovered Country by Paul Andrew Hutton 📚
February 1, 2026 at 9:07 PM
If any book review editors want a review essay putting these three books in conversation (once @mkn.bsky.social’s comes out), hit me up.
Reposted by Megan Kate Nelson 📚
As we begin this fraught & crucial Black History Month, & amidst every damn thing else, #ScholarSunday threads carry on—here’s my 261st of public scholarly writing, podcasts, new & forthcoming books from last week. Add more below, share widely, & enjoy, all! 🗃️
blackwhiteandread.com/scholarsunda...
blackwhiteandread.com/scholarsunda...
#ScholarSunday Thread 261 (2/1/26) – Black and White and Read All Over
As we begin this most fraught & most important Black History Month, & amidst every damn thing else, #ScholarSunday threads carry on—here’s my 261st of great public scholarly writing, podcasts, new & f...
blackwhiteandread.com
February 1, 2026 at 12:57 PM
As we begin this fraught & crucial Black History Month, & amidst every damn thing else, #ScholarSunday threads carry on—here’s my 261st of public scholarly writing, podcasts, new & forthcoming books from last week. Add more below, share widely, & enjoy, all! 🗃️
blackwhiteandread.com/scholarsunda...
blackwhiteandread.com/scholarsunda...
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Coming this March- @mkn.bsky.social The Westerners. I have an advance copy sitting on my desk right now. And yes, she’ll be making her third appearance on the pod to go with it.
January 31, 2026 at 6:34 PM
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
I cannot even with this Catherine O'Hara news.
January 31, 2026 at 12:29 AM
I cannot even with this Catherine O'Hara news.
🤬🤬🤬
TAMU ended our women and gender studies program, degrees and certificates today. Apparently they aren’t allowed under the new don’t mention gender or sexuality in the classroom rules our board passed. I am so saddened by this. I worked as a grad asst to wmst (no gender in the 90s) for a few years
January 30, 2026 at 7:52 PM
🤬🤬🤬
Yes! This! 📚📚📚
Please buy books that are coming out this year.
Doesn’t have to be mine. But there is a stellar release calendar this year especially of Black writers and it would be a shame if one of the fascist victories was people not buying those books (from the indies that are in the fight with us). #BookSky
Doesn’t have to be mine. But there is a stellar release calendar this year especially of Black writers and it would be a shame if one of the fascist victories was people not buying those books (from the indies that are in the fight with us). #BookSky
January 30, 2026 at 3:43 PM
Yes! This! 📚📚📚
January 30, 2026 at 12:12 AM
Listen, NYT Style Section, the world is enough of a shitshow right now - I don't want to feel bad about my scarf.
www.nytimes.com/2026/01/29/s...
www.nytimes.com/2026/01/29/s...
Does Your Winter Scarf Make You Look Old?
www.nytimes.com
January 29, 2026 at 9:58 PM
Listen, NYT Style Section, the world is enough of a shitshow right now - I don't want to feel bad about my scarf.
www.nytimes.com/2026/01/29/s...
www.nytimes.com/2026/01/29/s...
A second edition! In paperback! Pre-order this smart and important book by @drkarenlcox.bsky.social, Blueskis!
You can pre-order the 2nd edition. Now in paperback. 📘🗃️ @uncpress.bsky.social #abolishice
No Common Ground, Second Edition: Confederate Monuments and the Ongoing Fight for Racial Justice
Confederate Monuments and the Ongoing Fight for Racial Justice
bookshop.org
January 29, 2026 at 1:30 PM
A second edition! In paperback! Pre-order this smart and important book by @drkarenlcox.bsky.social, Blueskis!
Reposted by Megan Kate Nelson 📚
So, incredibly, the White House has chosen to escalate in blue Minnesota and retreat in Maine to protect a vulnerable GOP Senator.
It's confirmation that Trump-Vance-Miller view ICE as a partisan govt-backed militia to attack blue America while propping up their regime. 1/
It's confirmation that Trump-Vance-Miller view ICE as a partisan govt-backed militia to attack blue America while propping up their regime. 1/
Maine Senator Susan Collins said Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem informed her that ICE will end the immigration enforcement surge in the state.
ICE ending Maine surge, Senator Collins says - The Boston Globe
Collins said in a statement that she had pushed Noem and other Trump administration officials to have ICE “reconsider its approach to immigration enforcement in the state.”
trib.al
January 29, 2026 at 12:55 PM
So, incredibly, the White House has chosen to escalate in blue Minnesota and retreat in Maine to protect a vulnerable GOP Senator.
It's confirmation that Trump-Vance-Miller view ICE as a partisan govt-backed militia to attack blue America while propping up their regime. 1/
It's confirmation that Trump-Vance-Miller view ICE as a partisan govt-backed militia to attack blue America while propping up their regime. 1/
This pretty much guarantees that Collins will be a “yes” vote, yes?
January 29, 2026 at 12:19 PM
This pretty much guarantees that Collins will be a “yes” vote, yes?
Reposted by Megan Kate Nelson 📚
it is beautiful how we are having another moment of Bluesky unity. everybody basking in the glow of how Ilhan Omar was very visibly gonna punch that dude in the mouth
January 28, 2026 at 2:28 AM
it is beautiful how we are having another moment of Bluesky unity. everybody basking in the glow of how Ilhan Omar was very visibly gonna punch that dude in the mouth
Reposted by Megan Kate Nelson 📚
I’m ok. I’m a survivor so this small agitator isn’t going to intimidate me from doing my work.
I don’t let bullies win.
Grateful to my incredible constituents who rallied behind me. Minnesota strong.
I don’t let bullies win.
Grateful to my incredible constituents who rallied behind me. Minnesota strong.
January 28, 2026 at 2:26 AM
I’m ok. I’m a survivor so this small agitator isn’t going to intimidate me from doing my work.
I don’t let bullies win.
Grateful to my incredible constituents who rallied behind me. Minnesota strong.
I don’t let bullies win.
Grateful to my incredible constituents who rallied behind me. Minnesota strong.
Reposted by Megan Kate Nelson 📚
I am disgusted and outraged by the attack on Rep. Omar tonight while she was doing her job & meeting with constituents.
Let’s be clear: nonstop hate and dangerous rhetoric from Trump & his allies has fueled this type of violence.
I stand with Rep. Omar. I stand with Minnesota. This must stop.
Let’s be clear: nonstop hate and dangerous rhetoric from Trump & his allies has fueled this type of violence.
I stand with Rep. Omar. I stand with Minnesota. This must stop.
January 28, 2026 at 3:04 AM
I am disgusted and outraged by the attack on Rep. Omar tonight while she was doing her job & meeting with constituents.
Let’s be clear: nonstop hate and dangerous rhetoric from Trump & his allies has fueled this type of violence.
I stand with Rep. Omar. I stand with Minnesota. This must stop.
Let’s be clear: nonstop hate and dangerous rhetoric from Trump & his allies has fueled this type of violence.
I stand with Rep. Omar. I stand with Minnesota. This must stop.
Reposted by Megan Kate Nelson 📚
It’s just incredibly funny this is supposed to be the “freedom” party. It was never about any freedom except their right to be selfish assholes and not feel bad about it.
January 28, 2026 at 2:55 AM
It’s just incredibly funny this is supposed to be the “freedom” party. It was never about any freedom except their right to be selfish assholes and not feel bad about it.