clockwise from top left: Linh Dinh, Samrat Upadhyay, and Quang Bao
Last week, the Asian American Writers’ Workshop presented its 10th annual literary awards to poet Linh Dinh, fiction writer Samrat Upadhyay, and nonfiction writer Amitav Ghosh, which graphic novelist Gene Luen Yang winning the Members’ Choice Award. Amanda ReCupido was there to observe the ceremony, and files this report:
“Quang Bao, who will soon be stepping down as executive director of the Workshop, opened the ceremony with a reflection on his eight years with the group. ‘I have about 60 days left in this position, and yes, to answer all your questions, I’m very okay with it,’ he laughed. ‘This job has helped me sort out all my issues.’ He went on to advertise for his soon-to-be-open position, enticing any takers with a wonderful working loft space and the chance to work with some ‘talented, sexy people.’ Earlier in the day, Bao had officially debuted in his new role as an advice columnist for Asian Week, to be called ‘AskQ.’ ‘They figured I already had a penchant for telling people what to do,’ he remarked.
“Upon receiving their awards, the winners each shared a bit about their writing process. Upadhyay dished that he wrote his short story collection in a Starbucks on Indiana University’s campus, where he teaches creative writing and literature. Poetry winner Dinh joked that he ‘didn’t realize what a big deal this award was.’ In a more serious tone, he spoke of how he originally felt writing in English wasn’t for him. ‘I have always tried to escape my American-ness,’ he said. ‘Writing in English takes a certain recklessness.’
“National Book Foundation executive director Harold Augenbraum presented the Members’ Choice Award, which he described as the ‘popular’ award, as he stood beer-in-hand to credit Singha for sponsoring the evening’s reception. While Yang could not be present, the other nominees were just as happy for him. ‘I’ve never won a popularity contest in my life, so why start now?’ joked nominee Purvi Shah when I caught up with her later. The evening was certainly focused on the community of the group and the artistry of writing, with no air of pretension or competition. In fact, the room’s vibe was just as Bao described the awards: ‘No cash, but tons of love.'”