In 2014, Marjorie Saiser received the WILLA Literary Award for LOSING THE RING IN THE RIVER, in which three women tell about life and love on the Great Plains. The award is named in honor of Willa Cather and is awarded annually for outstanding literature featuring women's stories set west of the Mississippi.
Here are comments on the award: On behalf of Women Writing the West, congratulations on being a 2014 WILLA Literary Award Winner for your book, Losing the Ring in the River. |
Comments by the professional librarian judges:
Judge: “Really a perfectly crafted collection of poems. The lives of these three women are compelling and heartfelt. I was moved by the poems, especially the ones that captured small simple moments, such as “One Summer Only.” Judge: “Wonderful interplay between both the interconnected and individual lives of three generations of women. The western theme was apparent. The characterization was especially good, often subtly highlighting the juxtaposition of the male/female perspective, though clearly told with a strong female voice.” You are welcome to use these to promote your book. Sincerely, Erin Gray 2014 WILLA Awards Chair |
OTHER AWARDS
High Plains Book Award, 2022. For The Track the Whales Make.
Little Blue Stem Award, Nebraska Arts Council and The Backwaters Press, 2009.
Distinguished Artist in Poetry, $5000 and publication, 2009, from the Nebraska Arts Council.
Leo Love Award, 2007 Taos Summer Writers Conference.
Nebraska Book Award for Best Anthology, 2004 (for Road Trip).
Nebraska Book Award for Best Cover Design/Illustration, 2004 (for Road Trip).
Best Cover Design/Illustration, Nebraska Book Awards, Nebraska Center for the Book, 2003. For Times of Sorrow, Times of Grace.
Poetry Honor Book, Nebraska Book Awards, Nebraska Center for the Book, 2003. For Times of Sorrow, Times of Grace.
Special Mention, Pushcart Prize, 2003.
Nominee, Pushcart Prize, by the editors of Prairie Schooner, 2002.
Nebraska Book Award for Poetry, 2000 (for Bones of a Very Fine Hand).
Merit Award, Nebraska Arts Council, 2000.
Literary Heritage Award, Nebraska Literary Heritage Association, 1999.
Vreelands Award, University of Nebraska — Lincoln.
Academy of American Poets Competition, University of Nebraska — Lincoln.
Finalist, Robert Penn Warren Prize.
Finalist, New Letters Literary Award.
Nominee, Pushcart Prize, 1995, by the editors of Poets On.
The Mildred Bennett Award for service to Nebraska's writers and readers, 2016.
High Plains Book Award, 2022. For The Track the Whales Make.
Little Blue Stem Award, Nebraska Arts Council and The Backwaters Press, 2009.
Distinguished Artist in Poetry, $5000 and publication, 2009, from the Nebraska Arts Council.
Leo Love Award, 2007 Taos Summer Writers Conference.
Nebraska Book Award for Best Anthology, 2004 (for Road Trip).
Nebraska Book Award for Best Cover Design/Illustration, 2004 (for Road Trip).
Best Cover Design/Illustration, Nebraska Book Awards, Nebraska Center for the Book, 2003. For Times of Sorrow, Times of Grace.
Poetry Honor Book, Nebraska Book Awards, Nebraska Center for the Book, 2003. For Times of Sorrow, Times of Grace.
Special Mention, Pushcart Prize, 2003.
Nominee, Pushcart Prize, by the editors of Prairie Schooner, 2002.
Nebraska Book Award for Poetry, 2000 (for Bones of a Very Fine Hand).
Merit Award, Nebraska Arts Council, 2000.
Literary Heritage Award, Nebraska Literary Heritage Association, 1999.
Vreelands Award, University of Nebraska — Lincoln.
Academy of American Poets Competition, University of Nebraska — Lincoln.
Finalist, Robert Penn Warren Prize.
Finalist, New Letters Literary Award.
Nominee, Pushcart Prize, 1995, by the editors of Poets On.
The Mildred Bennett Award for service to Nebraska's writers and readers, 2016.