I had the honor of attending the PEN/Hemingway awards at the JFK Library Boston last weekend with Brigid Pasulka , winner of this year's prize for her debut novel A Long Long Time Ago and Essentially True. I was filled with pride and thrilled to be reacquainted with old publishing friends, and meet many new ones including this year's judges Gail Tsukiyama , Michael Lowenthal and Julia Glass. Dorothy Allison's keynote address was characteristically amusing and who wouldn't be impressed (as I was) to meet Patrick Hemingway, who presented the award.

Being part of this weekend-long festivity was heartwarming (I admit to actually tearing up during Brigid's acceptance speech) and inspiring and an experience I will never forget. At a time when it is increasingly difficult to draw attention to new writers, I hope this award will introduce Brigid's amazing first novel to the large audience it so richly deserves.

(photographs courtesy of the JFK Library)