And the OW Press Fiction Chapbook Contest winner is…
Shome Dasgupta’s i am here And You Are Gone
First, though it seems cliche, it is absolutely true in this case: we received so many amazing submissions, some from writers we knew, most from writers we didn’t (where Shome fits), and the amazing range of styles and tones made the selection process incredibly difficult. We used every day of February to narrow the many submissions to the final four. Then, we used every final hour to narrow further to the winner.
So, what about Shome Dasgupta? He lives in Lafayette, LA and teaches at South Louisiana Community College and University Of Phoenix Online. His favorite beer: Abita Amber alongside a steaming bowl of gumbo.
What some judges said:
I have a bias for work that takes chances, and especially work that combines poetry, concrete poetry, different styles/forms–and does it all with humor and great feeling…When I think of the types of books that truly inspired me, made me want to become a writer–corso, cummings, yourgrau, walser, leyner, et al–I think Shome’s book would fit very comfortably into that category of books I’ve carried with me, stained and dog-eared, for the last 20+ years.
And
The straightforward, simplistic style compliments the childhood narration, while actually heightening the amount of empathy we feel for the narrator. Though the language may initially appear “dumbed down,” the themes definitely are not. And this is without even considering the visual elements that are weaved into the story. When I think of the type of experimentation that most often works in favor of the core story, and not against it, I think of the same inseparable elements that Shome uses, specifically the “elementary,” simple, textual designs that enhance the childhood depictions.
A small taste, this, the opening of the chapbook:
Mary-Go-Round
Mrs. Jasker was Jonas’ kindergarten teacher. She wore socks like the nanny from Muppet Babies, except they were purple and blue instead of green and white. She always looked like she had just finished crying and never talked much. She napped when the class napped, too. Mary and Jonas were on the playground, twirling around and around, until Hi-C came back out of their mouths. Mary’s favorite cartoon was Looney Tunes. So was Jonas’. He asked her to marry him–she said yes, and he gave her a dandelion.
You’ll hear more as the months go on, I promise. Between appearances, visit Shome here. I highly recommend reading his artist’s statement, at his site, too.
Congratulations, Shome Dasgupta!
Shome you’re the man. Congratulations.
Right on! Definitely dug the excerpt! Can’t wait to read the whole thing!
Congrats my talented friend! Beautiful work.
You are so deserving of this and I couldn’t be prouder!
Big congrats to Shome.
Congratulations Shome!
Congratulations, Shome! I loved reading your chapbook and can’t wait to get a copy I can hold in my hands.
congrats – looking forward to it…
Dig it Shome. See ya at the Moulin Rouge on Bourbon Street where we’ll buy Precious a bottle of champagne, because Precious don’t drink no Amber beer. Stay cool, g.
Congrats, Shome–great work.
Hi Everyone–Thank You so much! Really fun and nice reading these comments–greatly appreciated.
Congratulations Shome! What an honor. I can’t wait to read the whole thing. Keep on writing.
Excellent, excellent news Shome. You deserve it, and more. Keep up the good work man.
Congratulations Shome!!! I can’t wait to read it!
Wonderful Shome. I really want to be like you when I grew up!!!
Shome
That’s great. You will go on amazing people who care.
Amiyamesho, mithumashi
Great job Shome, way to go!! congratulations!!
Congratulations Shome. Hope to see you in Houston some time. May be we can arrange a meeting for you with some like minded people in the town. Satish and Ann Kalra
Congratulations Shome! Can’t wait to read the whole thing.
Shome,
Its simply great! Waiting to read more.
Rashmi
Congratulations – I want to see more of this!!