The Shortlist for the 2024 UKLG Prize for Fiction
Today I learned I had lost the Ursula K. Le Guin Prize for Fiction. It is a $25,000 prize given by a panel of literary icons, including Margaret Atwood, in honor of Le Guin and her work.
To put it lightly, the $25,000 and the prestige of the award could’ve changed my life and career. School loans have been a nightmare, so much so I’ve been homeless and have had to prostitute myself to buy food. I’m thinking of picking up a third job. (Thankfully I have an amazing partner who puts a roof over my head. Without him, I’d be back on the streets for sure.) I really could’ve used that 25K to pay back debt and to put toward publishing and marketing my next book. I could withhold from publishing, yes, but like most artists, life wouldn’t be worth living without art.
Secondly, Atwood… She is my literary icon! She’s the best writer of our generation in my opinion. Handmaid’s inspired TDS. (I reference the bestseller on page 19 and 120.) It would’ve been full circle if she had approved of it.
And lastly, Ursula… I wrote about Left Hand in TDS (page 104 and 120). Her characters live with me every day, particularly Estraven. To have been in Ursula’s company with her name attached to mine would’ve given me respect for myself that I haven’t quite found. Perhaps I am wrong to say that. Or dramatic. Or perhaps I am just a bit heartbroken. But I’ll move on, I know. It’s just an award, right? I’ve lost worse things in life, just add this to the list. That just makes all the more to gain. Is that how the saying goes?
Regardless, I do want to congratulate those who were shortlisted. What phenomenal news! I hope this changes your lives for all the better, truly! If you see this, just know I can’t wait to read your books! I’ve already added some to my TBR! They look great!
I also want to say thank you very much to everyone who nominated me! I appreciate it so much that you all took the time to help out little ol’ me! The love is felt!
Ursula, you’ll always live on! In me and all those who will ever read you! … And now, onto my edits for book #2! :)
