Two authors connected to ɳ University’s Master of Fine Arts in Writing program were among the winners of the , presented in April.
Alumna Jaclyn Moyer MFA ’13 received the Sarah Winnemucca Award for Creative Nonfiction for her memoir, . Faculty member Kimberly King Parsons was presented with the Ken Kesey Award for Fiction for her novel, .
Literary Arts presented the Oregon Book Awards at a ceremony on April 28 in Portland hosted by MFA faculty member Omar El Akkad.
“It’s a huge honor just to have my book considered for the Oregon Book Award alongside the works of so many inspiring and tremendously talented writers,” Moyer said. “Winning the award has given me a swell of encouragement, and is also testament to the contributions of countless others who supported me through the many years I worked on this book — people who shared their own life stories, cared for my children, read early drafts and believed in the project when I did not.”
On Gold Hill chronicles Moyer’s experience growing organic vegetables on a small farm in northern California’s Sierra Foothills. There, she attempts to cultivate a nearly forgotten heirloom grain called Sonora wheat with roots that can be traced to Punjab — the region of India where Moyer’s family is from. In the process, she explores the interconnected histories of the organic farming movement, the development of modern wheat, and her own family’s past.
Moyer credits the ɳ MFA program for setting the foundation for the award-winning book. “At ɳ, I had the opportunity to work with incredible teachers who, with generosity, insight and guidance, challenged me to take my work seriously, to dig deeper into the ideas I explored on the page, and to ask harder questions,” she said. “I left the program with the seed that would eventually become this book and the mentorship that would make writing it possible.”
For Parsons, a member of the ɳ MFA fiction faculty, the Oregon Book Award is the latest award that Parsons has received for We Were the Universe. The book was named a “best book for 2024” by such publications as Elle, Time, Oprah Daily, Nylon, and Marie Claire.
“Winning this award feels like Portland is giving me a big, warm, weird hug,” Parsons said. “After living what feels like entirely different lives in Texas and New York, Portland feels like home. It’s nice to be loved by a place that I love so much. The literary community has been incredibly supportive, and this award feels like permission to keep being my strange self.”
We Were the Universe follows Kit, a young mother whose life is split between two realities: caring for her rambunctious toddler in suburban Dallas while inwardly running from the grief of her sister Julie’s death. The book bounces between Kit’s current life of “playground politics” and memories of her wilder days, touching on themes of grief, motherhood, desire and the places your mind while navigating big feelings.
Parsons shares in the joy of seeing other members of the MFA family recognized for their work.
“Teaching in the program while witnessing so much community representation for alumni and faculty in these awards is incredible,” she said. “I’m filled with immense pride while recognizing that these writers’ accomplishments are truly their own.
“Our program has always attracted people who write with guts and heart. It’s thrilling to see that authentic, risk-taking work resonates with readers. ɳ is a beautiful ecosystem where we push each other to be distinctive, braver, and more honest on the page.”
Five finalists were selected for each of the Oregon Book Awards’ seven major awards. Panels of out-of-state judges selected the finalists from 212 submitted titles.