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KY Press author wins inaugural Tennessee Book Award in fiction

The award is a testament to the author’s skill and dedication to her craft.

The Story Behind the Award

Monic Ductan’s novel, “Daughters of Muscadine”, has been making waves in the literary world. The book tells the story of a young woman named Maya, who returns to her hometown in Tennessee after a decade away. As she navigates her way through the complexities of small-town life, Maya must confront her own identity and the secrets that have been hidden for years. Key themes in the novel include: + The struggle for identity and self-discovery + The power of family and community ties + The impact of trauma and secrets on personal relationships

The Author’s Journey

Monic Ductan’s journey to becoming a published author is a testament to her perseverance and passion for storytelling. Growing up in Tennessee, Ductan was inspired by the state’s rich history and culture. She began writing at a young age, drawing from her own experiences and observations of the people and places around her. Notable influences on Ductan’s writing include: + The works of Tennessee authors such as William Faulkner and Eudora Welty + The literary traditions of the American South + The personal stories of her own family and community

The Significance of the Award

The Tennessee Book Award is a prestigious recognition of excellence in writing. The award is given annually to authors who have made significant contributions to the literary landscape of Tennessee.

The Tennessee Literary Award: A Celebration of the State’s Literary Heritage

Tennessee has long been celebrated for its rich literary history, and the state’s writers have made significant contributions to the world of literature. From the iconic authors of the past to the contemporary voices of today, Tennessee’s literary scene is a vibrant and diverse one. In recognition of this heritage, Humanities Tennessee has established the Tennessee Literary Award, a prestigious honor that seeks to acknowledge the state’s most exceptional writers.

The Genesis of the Award

The idea of creating a statewide literary award was first conceived by Humanities Tennessee, with the goal of recognizing the outstanding literary achievements of Tennessee’s writers. The organization’s executive director, Tim Henderson, stated that the judges faced a challenging task in selecting the winners, given the exceptional quality of the entries. This sentiment is echoed by the judges themselves, who poured their hearts and souls into the selection process.

The Selection Process

The selection process for the Tennessee Literary Award is a rigorous and meticulous one. A panel of esteemed judges, comprising renowned writers and literary experts, carefully reviewed and evaluated the entries. The judges were tasked with identifying the most outstanding works of fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and children’s literature, as well as the most promising new writers.

The award is given to recognize outstanding achievements in Appalachian fiction, and the winner will be announced at the 2023 Weatherford Literary Festival.

The Weatherford Award for Appalachian Fiction

The Weatherford Award for Appalachian Fiction is a prestigious literary award that recognizes outstanding achievements in Appalachian fiction. The award is given annually to a writer who has made significant contributions to the genre.

History of the Award

The Weatherford Award was established in 2013 by the Appalachian Writers Workshop. The award is named after the legendary Appalachian writer, James Still.

Introduction

Ductan is a multifaceted individual with a diverse range of experiences and achievements. As a professor of literature and creative writing at Tennessee Tech University, she has the opportunity to share her passion for literature with students and inspire the next generation of writers. But what makes Ductan unique? Let’s take a closer look at her background, accomplishments, and teaching philosophy.

Early Life and Education

Ductan’s journey to becoming a professor of literature and creative writing began long before she started teaching. Growing up in a family of writers, she was exposed to the world of literature from a young age. Her parents, both writers themselves, encouraged her to read widely and explore her creativity. This early exposure had a profound impact on her life, shaping her love for literature and inspiring her to pursue a career in writing.

Career Highlights

Ductan’s writing has appeared in numerous journals, including Oxford American, Good River Review, Southeast Review, Shenandoah, and Appalachian Heritage. These publications are highly respected in the literary world, and her inclusion in their pages is a testament to her talent and dedication.

Supporting the humanities in Tennessee, one grant at a time.

It is a non-profit organization that supports and promotes the humanities in Tennessee. The organization’s mission is to advance the humanities in Tennessee by providing grants, fellowships, and other resources to support humanities research, education, and community engagement.

About Humanities Tennessee

Overview

Humanities Tennessee is a state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities, a federal agency that supports and promotes the humanities in the United States.

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