IAF Little Bluestem Award Books
Noted Nebraska poet, Marjorie Saiser, and noted Nebraska fiction writer, Brent Spencer, were awarded the first Little Bluestem Publication Awards which produced a new publication for each of the writers.
Beside You at the Stoplight by Marjorie Saiser and Rattlesnake Daddy: A Son’s Search for His Father by Brent Spencer are printed as a cooperative effort between the Nebraska Arts Council and The Backwaters Press, in order to honor the winners of the Nebraska Arts Council’s Distinguished Artist Awards in Literature.
Winners of the Distinguished Artist Awards are offered the publication of a book of their work in the genre in which they have won the award. In 2009, Marjorie Saiser won the Distinguished Artist Award in poetry, and Brent Spencer won the Distinguished Artist Award in non-fiction, both which also included a cash award of $5,000. The Little Bluestem Award will be available in future IAF Literature competitions, subject to available funding. The 2012 Literature program does not have NAC funding to offer this award.
A book release reception for both authors was held at the Creighton University Harper Student Center on March 3rd, 2011, in Omaha. Videos of the event readings are available below, and may also be seen via Creighton University's YouTube channel.
Poet Marjorie Saiser reads from her new book Beside You at the Stoplight
Author Brent Spencer reads from Rattlesnake Daddy: A Son's Search for His Father
