What's better than seeing a bunch of writers on that rare occasion when they get to bust out their fancy outfits and take in too many beverages? The night ending with a win for best novel by Nick Arvin (Articles of War), of course. Word from Nick's wife, Rachel, is that had he not taken the award, she would have been tempted to run off with DeVotchKa lead Nick Urata, who performed soulfully that night. Maybe everyone in the audience felt the same way. Laura Pritchett, also up for the novel category, got a nod nonetheless as she contributed to the anthology that won that night, Comeback Wolves. Poetry finalist Aaron Anstett was in high spirits despite not taking home the award -- perhaps because his auction basket, which included his own poetry, a six-pack of Pabst Blue Ribbon, a pack unfiltered pall malls, some pork and beans, and a ripped Pavement CD, took the highest bid?
Those who wagered on the evening may have lost big on memoir, as fave JR Moehringer went home sans award. The guy who wrote The Guiness Book of Me was a perfectly gracious (and surprised?) winner in that category.
Thanks for the good times. See you next year when we'll expect more faculty finalists.
--AD
