One Foot in Eden will be Rash's first published novel. Rash teaches English at TriCounty Technical College in Pendleton, SC and poetry in the Queens College MFA program in Charlotte. He has previously published three books of poetry, two collections of short stories and a children's book.
Rash said, "This is quite an honor. Especially gratifying is knowing the novel was chosen by a group of fellow writers."
Fellow Carolinian (and author of the Oprah Pick Gap Creek) Robert Morgan described the book as "a story of family secrets and family bonds, of legacies and intense loyalties. . .in prose that thrills like his poetry. I couldn't put it down."
Rogers noted that 115 manuscript submissions from writers in the two Carolinas were received and evaluated for the award. Five finalists were also announced: Anthony Abbott, Isaac Bailey, Bridget Huckabee, Karon Luddy and Sean Scapellato. Each will receive a $100 award.
The Novello Literary Award includes a $1000 advance against royalties, national distribution of the book, and a presentation piece from Tiffany. The book is scheduled for publication in the fall. Novello Festival Press is sponsored by the Public Library of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County. Its books are distributed by John F. Blair Publisher in Winston-Salem.
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