A new collection is available in Special Collections and University Archives (SCUA) this month that will be a great resource for anyone interested in feminist science fiction, dystopia, and fantasy. The Suzy Mckee Charnas papers represent another addition to Special Collection’s array of feminist authors. Charnas, who passed away in 2023, is best known for her series The Holdfast Chronicles (1974-1999). The four-part series is set in a dystopian future where women are enslaved and follows the femmes who break away and fight for freedom. Charnas’ writings span five decades and include novels, short stories, non-fiction, and even a play, all of which are represented in this rich collection.

In addition to her writings, the Charnas papers include correspondence from the author’s personal and professional career. The series spans from Charnas’ time as a Peace Corps teacher in Nigeria to her complex publishing endeavors. While handwritten and typed letters are easy to archive, emails can be more of a challenge. Luckily for researchers, it appears that Charnas printed out and filed most or all the emails she received and sent. This is a treasure trove of mailing lists, logistics, and messages that merit a deep dive. Charnas’ eloquent voice and strong opinions, clear in her published works, also show through in these everyday conversations.

Possibly the most fun part of this collection is the convention series, comprised of files from each science fiction, fantasy, and literature con that Charnas attended. For over four decades, Charnas attended multiple cons a year and kept a file for each. These files contain plane tickets, travel itineraries, receipts, correspondence, notes, schedules, memorabilia, and more. Going through them will feel like a trip down memory lane for any sci-fi or fantasy fan. The convention guides are a who’s-who of popular and up and coming authors of the 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s. In addition, the files are full of Charnas’ notes on who she met, which talks she attended, and the networking she did.

On top of all her traveling to conventions, Charnas frequently traveled for work and pleasure around the country, to Europe, and beyond. She kept files for those trips as well, which are invaluable for building a timeline of her career and life.

The miscellaneous subject files series can also help researchers understand the complexities of Charnas’ life and interests. Charnas spent time teaching history in Nigeria with the Peace Corps, which she viewed as important inspiration for her writings. Later in life, she served as the chairman of the archival committee of the National Council of Returned Peace Corps Volunteers. As chairman, she helped compile archival materials from Peace Corps Volunteers who served during the Kennedy administration. These are now housed in the Returned Peace Corps Volunteer collection at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library.

After her time with the Peace Corps, Charnas worked in education, helping develop anti-drug curriculum in New Mexico. Throughout her life she continued to lecture and instruct at a variety of schools, libraries, and workshops. Charnas wrote articles and was interviewed for a variety of publications during her career. In addition, she was highly awarded and contributed to several literary award committees.

The manuscripts series may represent the most intriguing portion for researchers. A published book is a carefully crafted vision of what the author intended. But by seeing the research, notes, drafts, extensive revisions, and correspondence that preceded the published work, we gain new perspectives and add another dimension of understanding to the work. This series contains multiple drafts and even multiple titles of many of Charnas’ most popular works. Her two series, the Holdfast Chronicles and the Sorcery Hall trilogy, are both represented, along with a variety of works associated with her Vampire Tapestry novel. In addition to novels, several published and unpublished short stories are available. This series is invaluable to researchers who wish to understand Charnas’ inspirations and writing process.

This collection provides an opportunity for new research into the life of a highly awarded feminist author. Charnas took inspiration from the works of Ursula K. Le Guin and frequently corresponded with feminist and writer Joanna Russ. SCUA is lucky enough to hold both Le Guin’s and Russ’ papers, and now the Charnas collection is expanding our feminist writers’ collections even more. Charnas’ legacy of creativity and feminism lives on in this impressive collection, which is now fully processed and available for exploration in our reading room. Dive into the Suzy Mckee Charnas papers here.

– Post by Maggie Dobson