The Lost Country of Sight Wins the Philip Levine Prize
I am pleased to announce that my first book manuscript The Lost Country of Sight has just won the Philip Levine Prize!
Thank you CSU Fresno, Anhinga Press, and the readers and judges for the Philip Levine Prize! I’m going to be busy for a bit sending out withdrawal notices to all the other competitions — but that’s the kind of busy work I don’t mind.
This manuscript has grown and evolved so much over the past year — I am proud of what it has become and now, as it gets ready to enter the world on its own two feet, I am excited for where it will go. I’m grateful as well that I was able to share so much of this book with my father while he was alive and that the poems I wrote after his passing have also found their place within its pages. For all its journeying through loss, darkness, sorrow, love, and returning, it’s ultimately something I think he would be proud of as well.
Edit: Thank you all for your many kind comments and messages! Best wishes with your own writing and publishing efforts — hoping that this is a great year for you as well.
January 9th, 2008 at 8:44 pm
Yes, Neil, your father will be so proud of you. I know he always knew the day will come when your work will be recognized. I am so happy and proud for you too. Congratulations.
Mom
January 9th, 2008 at 9:34 pm
Oh, that’s wonderful news, Neil! I can’t wait to read it!
–Oliver
January 9th, 2008 at 10:09 pm
Congratulations, Neil! I am so happy for you. I can’t wait to read it.
January 9th, 2008 at 11:14 pm
Fabulous news — congratulations!!!
January 10th, 2008 at 12:04 am
Congrats Neil! That’s huge! Go and celebrate!
January 10th, 2008 at 7:27 am
Congratulations!
January 10th, 2008 at 9:38 am
On behalf of the BOR editorial staff, I’d like to give you a big high-five, Neil! Many, many congratulations!
January 10th, 2008 at 11:32 am
great news, neil, congratulations!
January 10th, 2008 at 2:31 pm
Congratulations! Wonderful news.
January 10th, 2008 at 6:16 pm
WOW! Great News! Can’t wait to read your book! Congrats.
January 10th, 2008 at 10:42 pm
YAY! That’s so awesome Neil! Congratulations.
January 10th, 2008 at 11:07 pm
Congratulations from a total and complete stranger!
Great news!
January 11th, 2008 at 9:32 am
Yay, Neil! Congratulations on your book’s imminent publication! Well done. 🙂
January 11th, 2008 at 10:21 am
congrats neil – you deserve it! can’t wait to see the book.
January 11th, 2008 at 11:10 am
Congratulations, Neil! You book sounds like a collection I will be able to empathize with. I look forward to reading it. And thank you for the gracious host that you were during my visit to UC Riverside a couple of years ago.
Francisco
January 11th, 2008 at 11:47 am
Congratulations!
January 11th, 2008 at 12:35 pm
Congrats, Neil!
January 12th, 2008 at 4:16 pm
Awesome news Neil- I look forward to reading it.
January 18th, 2008 at 10:20 am
Neil, wonderful news! Congratulations!!! Looking forward to reading it.