Macmillan New Writers: Friends

Tuesday, 21 April 2009

Friends

The Orange Prize long list is now the short list, and Rachel DuPree didn't make the cut. It's been an incredible experience, and you all made it fun. Your cheers brought home once again how fortunate I am to be part of the MNW team. Nominations and prizes are terrific but only when shared with friends. That's you.

Thank you all.

12 comments:

Tim Stretton said...: Commiserations are hardly necessary when you did so brilliantly to reach the longlist. Your journey is great news for the whole of MNW (and it's still not over with the New Writing prize still up for grabs...). We're all proud that one of our own has socked it to Robert McCrum and his like!

Having finished the latest McGilloway (highly recommended) it's now time to move on to Rachel DuPree!; 21 April 2009 at 15:19
Ninjauthor said...: Ann

Commiserations, but you're still up for the Orange new writers award, which is fantastic (and I'm sure everyone here will have everything crossed that you win it).
On a related issue, I've been pimping you all over the place, and if we do get a chance to meet up in London in June, I'll have a dozen or so copies of the book with me, so be prepared for an impromptu signing session!!; 21 April 2009 at 16:12
Frances Garrood said...: I agree with Tim - you've done far too well to need commiserations - but the very best of luck with the New Writers award. I know we're all rooting for you.; 21 April 2009 at 17:07
Doug Worgul said...: Ann,

We're all honored to be in your company.

drw; 21 April 2009 at 17:55
Len Tyler said...: I would echo all of the above. Shortlisting for the New Writing award is brilliant, and we all have our fingers crossed. Look forward to seeing you again when you are over here!; 21 April 2009 at 19:58
Brian McGilloway said...: To have come from having your ms turned down to being longlisted for such an award is in itself inspirational, Ann - you are, without doubt, a winner to us!; 21 April 2009 at 21:05
Maggie Dana said...: Most writers can only dream of what Ann has accomplished, and I'm sure not all of them would have done it with such grace and charm. Ann, we are proud to know you, and our collective fingers will remain crossed until June 3rd.

Which means none of us will be worth a damn in front of our keyboards.; 22 April 2009 at 02:17
Anonymous said...: Just being on that list will be such a marketing boost, Ann! Fingers crossed for the new novel category...; 22 April 2009 at 07:37
suroopa said...: Fingers crossed for the 3rd! Nobody can take Ann and the Imprint lightly anymore. Isn't that an achievement?; 22 April 2009 at 08:03
Tim Stretton said...: And there is a magnificent review here:

http://dovegreyreader.typepad.com/dovegreyreader_scribbles/2009/04/the-personal-history-of-rachel-dupree-by-ann-weisgarber.html

I started the book last night, and only because I am disciplined about bedtime have I not also finished it! if there are six better books on the Orange shortlist they must be pretty damned good.; 22 April 2009 at 08:19
Faye L. Booth said...: As everyone's already said, it's a cause for celebration that you were on the longlist! And there's still all to play for in the ONW award - best of luck!

F x; 22 April 2009 at 12:34
Ann Weisgarber said...: Thanks everyone. I'm not the least bit disappointed about yesterday's news. How can I be? The longlist was way beyond all expectations, and there's still the shortlist. I'm having so much fun with this and especially relish the thought (imagined, but true I hope) of Will and team being part of the buzz at the book fair. The underdog has teeth!

Matt, I've never been pimped before, but there you have it. One more new experience. I'd love to meet you while I'm in London so let's make that happen. You say, and I'm available. (Uh oh, that's kind of scary on the heals of pimping.) Tim, many thanks for reading the book. You know how it goes -- the choice compliments are from our fellow authors.

You all are the best. I'd love to meet you all while I'm in London. Doug, bring the pig and get the smoke going.; 22 April 2009 at 17:08