Here at OSU Press, we know our authors work hard to
contribute to their respective fields. But it’s always rewarding when others
recognize their talents and dedication, as well! Last month saw two OSU Press
authors honored with distinguished accolades.
Sharman Apt Russell received the 2015 Willa Literacy Award
for Creative Nonfiction. Her 
book, Diary
of a Citizen Scientist, was not only well received by readers, but also
prized by colleagues who value the burgeoning field of citizen science. Using
her own experience tracking tiger beetles as a guideline, Russell crafts a
humorous, wondrous picture of our natural world. She applauds the opportunities
of citizen science and encourages others to explore their own self-driven
scientific inquiries.
The WILLA Awards are presented by Women Writing the West,
an association of writers whose work focuses on the experiences of women and
girls living in the American West. The group created the award to honor former
Pulitzer Prize winner Willa Cather and recognizes outstanding literature that
echoes the organization’s mission. Russell will receive her award October 9 at
WWW’s annual conference in Redmond, Oregon.
Russell wasn’t the only Press author to receive acclaim,
however. Justin Wadland’s book 
Trying Home has been announced a
finalist in the history / general nonfiction category of the Washington State
Book Awards. A unique combination
of personal reflection and historical research, Trying Home follows the climb and plummet of Home, Washington: an
anarchist colony of the early twentieth century. It was a utopian community
quite unlike any other and the outside world soon took notice. Wadland’s engaging
prose has the power to captivate scholars and general readers alike.
The Washington State Book Awards, administered by the
Seattle Public Library, recognize outstanding books published in the past year
by authors hailing from the northern state. Wadland and his fellow nominees
will be honored October 10 at the Washington State Book Awards Celebration at
the Central Library. A single winner from each category will be announced at
that time.
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For more information on the aforementioned authors and
their work, please visit their personal pages:
