Chapter 16
A Community of Tennessee Writers, Readers & Passersby

Mary Emily Vatt

Twice as Nice

East Tennessee poet Jesse Graves has won the prestigious Weatherford Award for the second time

April 1, 2015 The Weatherford Award is an honor bestowed by Berea College to highlight books that “best illuminate the challenges, personalities, and unique qualities of the Appalachian South.” Basin Ghosts by Johnson City poet Jesse Graves received the poetry prize again this year.

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Passion, Precision, and Wit

John Jeremiah Sullivan takes home the 2015 Windham Campbell Literature Prize for nonfiction—and $150,000

February 26, 2015 Sewanee grad John Jeremiah Sullivan has already won two National Magazine Awards, a Whiting Writers’ Award, and a Pushcart Prize. Now he’s added a new title to his list of accolades: the 2015 Windham Campbell Literature Prize for nonfiction.

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Poet, Lyricist, Musician

Billboard recognizes spoken-word artist Minton Sparks

February 25, 2015 Billboard magazine recently highlighted Murfreesboro native Minton Sparks in a profile that attempts to define the work of this genre-defying artist.

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Even Brighter Lights

Jay McInerney’s Bright Lights, Big City is set for a Broadway debut

February 18, 2015 Jay McInerney’s career-making debut novel, Bright Lights, Big City, will soon be opening on Broadway.

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Winning the Literary Lottery

Chattanooga native Meredith Russo signs her first book deal—for a six-figure advance

Meredith RussoFebruary 12, 2015 Chattanooga native Meredith Russo has just signed a six-figure book deal for her first YA novel, If I Was Your Girl, the story of a transgender teen.

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