Early Recognition from Students
Miriam Gershow, an English professor at the University of Oregon, was still teaching her first advanced fiction class of the winter term when she received a congratulatory text from her publisher. This early recognition came as a surprise to Gershow, as she was still getting to know her students and they were not yet familiar with her work.
The text was accompanied by an email in the class with everyone, which made Gershow realize she had been nominated for the Ken Kesey Award for Fiction for her book “Survival Tips: Stories.” Excitement and delight filled her heart as she read the nomination, and she was thrilled to share it with her students.
The Judging Process
Chris Feliciano Arnold, a professor of creative writing at Saint Mary’s College of California, is one of the judges who determines the winners of the Oregon Book Awards. Awards such as the Frances Fuller Victor Award for General Nonfiction are presented annually by Literary Arts, and the ceremony takes place at the end of April. Arnold explained the judging process, which involves sending an initial box of books to the judges, followed by a second box of books selected by the other judges. The judges then join in conversation to make the final decision, ensuring that the chosen winner is carefully considered. “We come to the process with a sense of fundamental generosity toward books that are being nominated,” Arnold said earnestly. This sense of generosity is crucial in the judging process, as it allows the judges to consider all nominated books.
A Collection of Stories
Gershow’s book, “Survival Tips: Stories,” is a collection of 10 short stories written over 25 years. The stories follow characters through various hardships and illustrate the way humans ultimately make meaning out of our mistakes. Gershow wrote some of the stories as an MFA student, while others were written the year before the book came out. “It’s a really interesting amalgam,” Gershow said. She joked that her publisher couldn’t tell the difference between stories she wrote 25 years ago and the ones she wrote last year, which is either a good or bad thing.
A Journey of Publication
Gershow faced numerous challenges in her journey to publication. Her first book, published in 2009, was followed by 15 years of not getting published, including her second book, “Survival Tips: Stories”. However, she persevered and continued to write. “Survival Tips,” her second publication, came out 15 years after her first book. Gershow reflected on the experience, saying that the hardest part was not in the writing but what to do with herself during those long years of not getting published.
Awards and Recognition
Gershow was not only nominated for the Oregon Book Award but also won the Independent Publisher Book Awards Silver Medal and the PenCraft Awards Best Book for Fiction -Short Stories/Anthologies, both in 2024. These awards not only validate Gershow’s work but also elevate the visibility of her book. Chris Arnold emphasized the importance of these awards, stating, “When you’re giving a book the honor of receiving a prize, you have an opportunity to elevate the visibility of that book and build some buzz.” Arnold’s words highlight the significance of the Oregon Book Awards in promoting literary works.
Awards Nominated and Won in 2024
In addition to the Oregon Book Award nomination, Gershow was also a Silver Medalist at the Independent Publisher Book Awards and won the PenCraft Awards Best Book for Fiction -Short Stories/Anthologies in 2024. These recognitions have been a source of inspiration and reassurance for Gershow, boosting her confidence in her career.
Validation and Appreciation
Gershow is grateful for the nomination and is enjoying the experience. She appreciates the recognition and is learning from the other nominees. When asked about the awards, she said, “The awards are such a cherry on top and so validating, especially in a business where you can be told no for a decade and a half.” Gershow is cherishing the experience and the validation it brings.
The Road to Publication
Gershow called her book tour for “Survival Tips” last year the “all joy, no neurosis tour,” as a reminder to enjoy the experience and not worry about the book’s success. This theme has carried over into the Oregon Book Award nomination, where Gershow is honored and happy to be there, although a win would be the cherry on top.
The Oregon Book Award Winners
The Oregon Book Award winners will be announced on April 28. Gershow is eagerly awaiting the announcement and is confident that her book will be well-received. She is grateful for the nomination and is enjoying the journey, even if it does not end with a win. The validation and recognition she receives are already bringing her joy and fulfillment.
