Thomas and Lille D. Chaffin Award
The Thomas and Lillie D. Chaffin Award for Appalachian Writing provides students the opportunity to interact with a published writer who is writing from the region. The award, which includes a cash prize of $500, recognizes outstanding Appalachian writers in all genres. During the award ceremony readers read from their work and will often present a craft talk, teach a workshop, or speak about writing as an Appalachian.
Nominations
Each year nominations are accepted between Sept. 1 and Dec. 1. Information regarding the nominee and four copies of a book written by the nominee should be sent to:
Department of English
UPO 630
Morehead State University
Morehead, KY 40351
Past Award Recipients
- 2019: Michael Chitwood
- 2018: Michael McFee
- 2017: Darnell Arnoult
- 2016: Rose McLarney
- 2015: Charles Dodd White
- 2014: George Ella Lyon and Scott McClanahan
- 2013: Dr. Jesse Graves
- 2012: Donald Ray Pollock
- 2011: Alex Taylor
- 2010: Ann Pancake
- 2009: Mark Powell
- 2008: Diane Gilliam
- 2007: Erik Reece
- 2006: Sharon Hatfield
- 2005: Ron Rash
- 2004: John Sparks
- 2003: Silas House
- 2002: Crystal Wilkinson
- 2001: Karen McElmurray
- 2000: Denise Giardina
- 1999: Chris Offutt
- 1998: Sharyn McCrumb
- 1997: Chris Holbrook
- 1996: James Still