"Your inner knowledge is your only true compass."

—Joy Page

VCU Cabell First Novelist Award

Inspiration.
Creation.
Celebration.

 

 

A special thank-you to everyone who participated
in this year's hit VCU Cabell First Novelist Festival! Read more »
2010 winner Victor Lodato reads from his novel, <i>Mathilda Savitch</i>.
Maribeth Fischer, winner of the first Award, celebrates the Award's tenth anniversary.
Graduate students from VCU’s MFA Program in Creative Writing enjoy a reception.
VCU creative writers and lovers of literature gather to enjoy a reception at the Festival.
2009 winner Deb Olin Unferth speaks about the evolution of her novel, <i>Vacation</i>.
2009 winner Deb Olin Unferth speaks about the evolution of her novel, Vacation.
Special receptions are held in the Cabell Room, James Branch Cabell Library.
Special receptions are held in the Cabell Room, James Branch Cabell Library.
Dr. Terry Oggel, VCU Department of English Chair, with Travis Holland, 2008 winner.
NPR book critic Alan Cheuse recalls one of his favorite first novels at the Festival.
Members of the VCU and Richmond communities assemble for the 2009 Festival.
A thoughtful audience reflects on what Alan Cheuse says about the future of writing.
2010 winner Victor Lodato discusses the publishing of his novel, <i>Mathilda Savitch</i>.
2010 winner Victor Lodato discusses the publishing of his novel, Mathilda Savitch.
VCU University Librarian John Ulmschneider with supporters of the Award.
VCU University Librarian John Ulmschneider with supporters of the Award.
VCU undergraduate students discuss winning novels in their Creative Writing class.
VCU undergraduate students discuss winning novels in their Creative Writing class.
An appreciative audience listens to Victor Lodato describe his writing process.
An appreciative audience listens to Victor Lodato describe his writing process.
The Award honors the journey an author makes from original thought to published book.
The Award honors the journey an author makes from original thought to published book.
In VCU's year-long novel workshop, MFA students begin to write their own novels.
In VCU's year-long novel workshop, MFA students begin to write their own novels.
David Gordon, winner of the tenth annual Award for his novel, <em>The Serialist</em>.
2011 winner David Gordon describes his complex, genre-bending novel, The Serialist.
visit our blog » Visit our blog to get updates on the Award, recent news about publishing trends, and our special "500 Words" feature.