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Travis Nichols

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Travis Nichols
Born1979 (age 45–46)
Ames, Iowa, U.S.
Occupation
  • Poet
  • novelist
Alma materUniversity of Georgia
University of Massachusetts Amherst

Travis Nichols (born 1979) is an American poet, novelist, and illustrator. His work spans various genres, including experimental poetry, satirical novels, and children's books.[1] He is also known for his professional roles in advocacy and journalism.

Early life and education

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Travis Nichols was born in Ames, Iowa, in 1979.[2] He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Georgia and a Master of Fine Arts from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst.[3] Prior to his writing career, Nichols held a variety of professions, including film projectionist, bookseller, dishwasher, teacher, estate sales consultant, movie critic, and journalist. He participated in the Wave Books Poetry Bus Tour.[4]

Career

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Literary works

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Nichols's poetry often explores themes of everyday observation, human relationships, and the absurd. His collections include:

  • Iowa (Letter Machine Editions, 2010)[5]
  • See Me Improving (Copper Canyon Press, 2010)[6]

His novels are characterized by their experimental form, humor, and engagement with contemporary culture, particularly internet phenomena and societal obsessions. His published novels are:

  • Off We Go Into the Wild Blue Yonder (Coffee House Press, 2010)[7]
  • The More You Ignore Me (Coffee House Press, 2013)[8]

Children's books and illustration

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As an author and illustrator, Nichols has contributed to numerous children's books and comics. His work in this field includes:

  • "The Terribles" series:
    • Welcome to Stubtoe Elementary[9]
    • A Witch's Last Resort[10]
    • Clash of the Gnomes![11]
  • The Totally Awesome Book of Useless Information[12]
  • Betty's Burgled Bakery[13]
  • Fowl Play[14]
  • Matthew Meets the Man[15]
  • Punk Rock Etiquette: The Ultimate How-To Guide for DIY, Punk, Indie, and Underground Bands[16]
  • Maze Quest[17]
  • Monstrous Fun[18]
  • Skedaddle: An Out-There Travel Journal[19]
  • Cassidy: Biggest Monster, Smallest Monster[20]

He has also provided illustrations and comics for SpongeBob SquarePants, Uglydoll, Nickelodeon Magazine, and Hello Kitty. His children's books have been published by Penguin Random House, Chronicle Books, Macmillan Publishers, and Viz Media.[1]

Professional and advocacy roles

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Beyond his literary and artistic endeavors, Nichols has engaged in journalism and advocacy. As of late 2024, he is the Director of Content Strategy for the international humanitarian organization CARE.org and is the editor of the organization's CARE News & Stories.[21]

Previously, Nichols was the media director for Greenpeace USA.[22] From 2008 to 2012, he was an associate editor for the Poetry Foundation's website. He also collaborated with the activist group The Yes Men on the "Arctic Ready" spoof, a satirical campaign targeting Shell Oil's Arctic drilling plans.[23]

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References

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  1. ^ a b "Travis Nichols | Penguin Random House". PenguinRandomhouse.com. Retrieved 2025-06-23.
  2. ^ "Travis Nichols".
  3. ^ "Travis Nichols". Copper Canyon Press. Retrieved 2025-06-23.
  4. ^ Poets, Academy of American. "Travis Nichols". poets.org. Retrieved 2025-06-23.
  5. ^ "LM // Iowa – Travis Nichols | Fonograf Editions". Retrieved 2025-06-23.
  6. ^ "See Me Improving by Travis Nichols". Copper Canyon Press. Retrieved 2025-06-23.
  7. ^ "Travis Nichols-Off We Go Into the Wild Blue Yonder". The Reading Experience. Retrieved 2025-06-23.
  8. ^ "REVIEW: "The More You Ignore Me,' by Travis Nichols". Star Tribune. Retrieved 31 July 2018.
  9. ^ "The Terribles #1: Welcome to Stubtoe Elementary". The Nile. Retrieved 2025-06-23.
  10. ^ "The Terribles #2: A Witch's Last Resort". The Nile. Retrieved 2025-06-23.
  11. ^ "The Terribles #3: Clash of the Gnomes! (signed)". Travis Nichols. Retrieved 2025-06-23.
  12. ^ Botham, Noel (2012). The Totally Awesome Book of Useless Information. Travis Nichols. East Rutherford: Penguin Publishing Group. ISBN 978-0-399-15925-1.
  13. ^ Betty's Burgled Bakery.
  14. ^ "Fowl Play". Kirkus Reviews.
  15. ^ "Review: Matthew Meets The Man (Nichols) - MrsReaderPants". 2012-07-12. Retrieved 2025-06-23.
  16. ^ "Punk Rock Etiquette". Macmillan Publishers. Retrieved 2025-06-23.
  17. ^ Maze Quest.
  18. ^ "Monstrous Fun: A Doodle and Activity Book - Nichols, Travis: 9780843178821 - AbeBooks". www.abebooks.com. Retrieved 2025-06-23.
  19. ^ "Skedaddle". Travis Nichols. Retrieved 2025-06-23.
  20. ^ "Cassidy". Travis Nichols. Retrieved 2025-06-23.
  21. ^ Nichols, Travis (2023-12-11). "What COP28 could mean for Somalia". CARE. Retrieved 2025-06-23.
  22. ^ "Travis Nichols - Greenpeace USA". www.greenpeace.org. Retrieved 31 July 2018.
  23. ^ Hill, Kashmir. "Was Greenpeace's Shell Hoax Brilliant Or 'Villainous'? One Of The Guys Behind It All Speaks". Forbes. Retrieved 31 July 2018.
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