English instructor wins fiction prize for novel
Contact: Rene Abadie
11/18/10
Click on thumbnail for high resolution photo
HAMMOND – David Armand, an instructor in English at Southeastern Louisiana University, has earned the George Garrett Fiction Prize presented by the Texas Review Press for his novel “The Pugilist’s Wife.”
The award is given annually to an unpublished short novel or collection of short stories based on a competition evaluated by a series of judges affiliated with Texas Review Press, part of the Texas A&M press consortium. The award is named after the late poet laureate of Virginia, George Garrett, who excelled in a wide variety of writing including novels, short stories, plays and screenplays, poetry and biography.
“The Pugilist’s Wife” will be published next year by the Texas Review Press.
A native of Folsom and resident of Hammond, Armand received both his undergraduate and graduate degrees in English at Southeastern. In 2003 he received the university’s D Vickers Award for Creative Writing and in 2006 completed his thesis – a collection of short stories called “Mae’s Blues” – under the direction of Southeastern Writer-in-Residence Tim Gautreaux.
In addition to his teaching duties, he serves as managing editor for “Louisiana Literature,” Southeastern’s nationally-recognized literary journal. He also works with Southeastern’s Early Start program by visiting local high schools and offering students feedback and instruction on their writing.
“We’re very proud that David Armand is gaining recognition for his writing,” said David Hanson, head of the Department of English. “David has already earned a reputation as an excellent teacher; we chose him as a key member of our English Early Start team. He has given invaluable support to Louisiana Literature and the Louisiana Literature Press. It's impressive that his work takes its place alongside the distinguished winners of the George Garrett Prize, who have included Thomas Cobb, author of “Crazy Heart,” and William Neal Harrison.”
More News...
