Monson 'Neck Deep' in awards

Ander Monson, Grand Valley State University assistant professor of writing, is the recent recipient of three awards.

The Great Lakes Colleges Association recognized Monson's book, Neck Deep and Other Predicaments, with a New Writers Award. Though the awards are in their 39th year, Monson received the first award in the creative non-fiction category, which began in 2008. Winning authors receive $4,000 and have the opportunity to tour the association's 12 colleges giving readings, meeting with students and faculty and leading discussions or classes.

The Christopher Isherwood Foundation contributes significantly to the flourishing of American letters by awarding grants to published novelists. Monson's works, Other Electricities and Neck Deep and Other Predicaments, were recognized with a $3,000 grant, to enable the writer to devote time to writing projects and provide funds for research.

Monson was also honored at a Distinguished Alumni program February 14 at Knox College, where he earned a bachelor's degree in creative writing in 1997. As one of four recipients of the Young Alumni Achievement Award, Monson's three books were recognized, including his poetry collection, Vacationland. It was also noted that as a student, he sang in the choir, was a finalist for the Nick Adams award, a regional collegiate writing prize, and edited the college's award-winning literary magazine, Catch.

When not teaching or writing, Monson, who first came to Grand Valley as a visiting professor in 2003, is also editor of the magazine Diagram, and the New Michigan Press.

For more information, contact Ander Monson at [email protected], or (616) 331-3601.