In your honor, Liam. As always, Big Dog, in awe…
JUDGE TOM SLEIGH SELECTS 2011 WINNER OF THE LIAM RECTOR FIRST BOOK PRIZE FOR POETRY
At the inception of The Liam Rector First Book Prize for Poetry, we wanted to provide a much-needed venue for poetry publication in an often difficult market. More, we wanted to recognize and honor Liam Rector, a man who dedicated his professional life to the success of American Letters, to creating opportunity for emerging writers and to honoring those who came before us in the procession, from whose literary legacy we all benefit. Having served as Executive Director of AWP, the Academy of American Poets, and founder and director of the Bennington Writing Seminars, among numerous other positions, Liam embodied the fearlessness and heart of American poetry. Through both his own poetry and his role as arts advocate, he served the American arts community tirelessly, facilitating opportunity and creating standards for all of us who follow. This contest, we hope, will serve as a modicum of appreciation for that work, while also continuing his legacy of creating opportunities for writers.
We received a fascinating range of work, and found the decision-making process difficult. We left this process, however, reassured that the love of reading and writing poetry is alive and well in the American market.
We’re pleased to announce the 2011 winner of The Liam Rector First Book Prize for Poetry:
In the Kingdom of the Sons by Bonnie Bolling
Bio: Bonnie Bolling is the editor of Verdad magazine and has a M.F.A. from University of California – Riverside. Her collection of poems was chosen as a runner-up for the 2009 Anhinga Poetry Prize.
Ms. Bolling will receive an honorarium of $1000, a reading, and publication by Briery Creek Press, to be released in Spring 2011.
All entrants will receive a copy of the winning book after its release in Spring 2011.
Reading for The Liam Rector Prize for 2012 begins February 1, 2011.
Thank you for allowing us the opportunity to read all of your wonderful work.
Briery Creek Press 