Marie Mutsuki Mockett

I woke up in Japan this morning (more on that and some photos in the near future) to a lovely email from Marisa at Graywolf, who had written to inform me that Picking Bones from Ash is a finalist for the Paterson Fiction Prize. Jayne Anne Phillips' book, Lark and Termite, which was a finalist for the National Book Award, is the winner. Also on the list, Joyce Maynard, who I loved meeting in Portland last fall, and Bonnie Joe Campbell, who was also a National Book Award finalist. The list:

First Prize:

Lark and Termite by Jayne Anne Phillips

Finalists:

Picking Bones from Ash by Marie Mutsuki Mockett

American Salvage by Bonnie Jo Campbell

Claiming Kin by Laura Marello

Irish Girl by Tim Johnston

Labor Day by Joyce Maynard

Congratulations to everyone. I had no idea I was even in this contest, and am grateful to everyone who gave the book a chance and read it. This is some nice company to be keeping.