Local authors named finalists

From staff reports
Published: August 16, 2008

Two authors from Central Virginia were named finalists for the 11th Annual Library of Virginia Literary Awards, which recognizes excellence in fiction, nonfiction and poetry.

Carrie Brown, an associate professor of English at Sweet Briar College, was chosen as a fiction finalist for her novel “The Rope Walk.”

The book tells the story of a pivotal summer for a 10-year-old tomboy in small-town Vermont. According to a Chicago Tribune review, the narrative “captures the dignity and grace of a young woman coming into knowledge of herself and the world.”

Lynchburg resident Constance Merritt was named a finalist in poetry for her second collection of poems, “Blessings and Inclemencies: Poems.”

A review by Publisher’s Weekly says the work takes on “big ideas” through “powerful, gorgeous lyrical moments.” Merritt also has ties to Sweet Briar, as she was the Margaret Banister writer-in-residence there from 2002 to 2005. 

The fiction and poetry categories recognize Virginia authors, while the nonfiction category is open both Virginia authors or non-fiction works about Virginia. The winners will be announced on Oct. 18 at an awards ceremony at the Library of Virginia in Richmond.