The Short of It

08/10/2009

The Short of It

An even happier national poetry day than normal here, as I can reveal that The Ambulance Box has been shortlisted for the Aldeburgh First Collection Prize! I’m joined on the shortlist by Forward nominee and fellow Salt author Siân Hughes, Forward nominee J O Morgan, Templar poet Dawn Wood and a name new to me: Philip Rush.

I’m thrilled to bits, not only for myself, but for Salt, especially as they missed out on a Forward prize again this year. Very pleased, too, to see Dawn Wood’s book on there. I was delighted to discover it in the Scottish Poetry Library several months back. Dawn and both I had work in New Writing Scotland 20 back in 2002 (as, in fact, did one Rob A Mackenzie and one James W Wood) and I still remember vividly her reading the wonderful title poem of her collection at the launch for that issue of the magazine (although I’m sure it was called “Heart-shaped Graffitti” then).

One of the interesting things about the shortlist is that it comes exclusively from small presses. The strength of the small presses is showing itself again, as it did in the Forward book.

Amy Jo Philip

magazines, poetry, prizes, Salt

Siân Hughes

8 responses to “The Short of It”

msbaroque

08/10/2009

… But conspicuously not on the Forward shortlist, and CERTAINLY not in the final winners. Phew. Meanwhile, many many congratulations to you Andy! Charging on with your wonderful book.

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1. Andrew Philip
  
  09/10/2009
  
  Katy, I certainly take your point about the Forward winners, and the shortlist as far as the main prize goes, but three of the five first collection nominees were from small presses* and the Norton nomination was, as discussed elsewhere, something of an aberation. As far as first collections go, the small presses have established more than a foothold in the Forwards. But it will be a real breakthrough only when there are a similar number of small-press nominees in the best collection prize too and a small-press nominee wins at least that category.
  
  *Although Salt is perhaps more medium-sized these days.
  
  Reply
Ivy

08/10/2009

Congratulations, Andrew! And good luck! Yay! 🙂

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Andrea Porter

08/10/2009

Excellent news, will be at Aldeburgh this year sending positive vibes.

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Andrew Philip

08/10/2009

Thank you, all!

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Anne

09/10/2009

Andy, this is fantastic news! Fingers crossed.

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sorlil

16/10/2009

Well done and congratulations!

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Anniversery « Website and blog of the Scottish poet Andrew Philip

01/03/2010

[…] professionally. I’ve met some great people virtually and face to face, outsold Keats, been shortlisted for a significant poetry book prize, reviewed here and there and delighted to have seen the […]

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