“Amplifying Women’s Voices” at the 2024 Printers Row Lit Fest in Chicago

Kim Coleman Foote, Janika Oza, Claudia Dey, and Emily Kellogg. Photo by Julie Jacobson.

"We all felt tremendous gratitude for the adventure and the community the Carol Shields Prize has offered to us—and how inspired and necessary the Prize's mandate continues to be—increasingly so in such an uncertain world wherein art is a counterpoint of hope."

—Claudia Dey

The Carol Shields Prize for Fiction panel, “Amplifying Women’s Voices,” was a highlight of the 2024 Printers Row Lit Fest in Chicago. Program and Operations Manager, Emily Kellogg, moderated a packed-house session with a rapt and engaged audience who were eager to hear from three of our extraordinary 2024 Shortlisted authors. Kim Coleman Foote (Coleman Hill), Janika Oza (A History of Burning), and Claudia Dey (Daughter) each read a brief passage from their unforgettable novels, and provided thoughtful responses to questions from Emily.  

Board chair Julie Jacobson was present and highlighted that she was filled with pride at the high caliber of the conversation, of the work created by our shortlisted authors, and by their impressive poise.  

Kim Coleman Foote remarked that she started writing Coleman Hill in Chicago while pursuing an MFA at Chicago State University. At the time, she had dreamed of returning as a published author. We’re so thrilled she was able to return this year to celebrate her remarkable novel. Of the experience, she said: "I'm grateful for the continued support of the Carol Shields Prize Foundation … and for the chance to connect again with my fellow finalists."

Claudia Dey shared: “Collectively, we spoke about visibility, the act of becoming, of channeling our work and the voices of our ancestors, our indebtedness to matriarchal lines–seismic, urgent topics that aligned brilliantly with the Prize and all that it stands for and supports.” The author of Daughter concluded that "we all felt tremendous gratitude for the adventure and the community the Carol Shields Prize has offered to us—and how inspired and necessary the Prize's mandate continues to be—increasingly so in such an uncertain world wherein art is a counterpoint of hope."

The well-attended session is evidence that book lovers value opportunities to hear from trailblazing women writers, and to learn more about issues The Carol Shields Prize Foundation is working to address such as access, recognition, and economic stability for women and non-binary authors. It was a wonderful opportunity to publicize and promote both the exciting work we have been doing and some of the exceptional works of fiction selected by the 2024 Jury.

Click here to see our event round-up and more pictures on Instagram. 

We can't wait to be back in Chicago for our 2025 Prize ceremony in May! 

Know of a Chicago-based brand that is aligned with our mission that would like to partner up with us for the 2025 event? Emails us at info@carolshieldsprizeforfiction.com