English alumnus wins Lambda literary award

Bill Konigsberg, who earned an MFA in Creative Writing from ASU in 2005, is the recipient of the 21st Annual Lambda Literary Award in LGBT in the children/young adult fiction category. Konigsberg, a sports writer and editor for the Associated Press, earned the national recognition for his 2008 book, "Out of the Pocket," which was published by Penguin/Dutton.

The Lambda Literary Foundation, the nation's leading organization serving LGBT writers and readers, recognizes works in more than 20 categories of literature, including LGBT anthology, lesbian/gay memoir/biography, LGBT sci-fi/fantasy/horror, transgender fiction, and lesbian/gay poetry. More than 100 writers from across the United States were nominated for this year's Lambda Literary Awards.

"Out of the Pocket" is the story of Bobby Framingham, a star high school quarterback whose life changes dramatically as he grapples and eventually comes to terms with his sexuality and identity.

Konigsberg, an alumnus of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Department of English, visited ASU in fall 2008 and spoke about his new book as part of the annual "Come Home to English" homecoming events. The visit was coordinated by Konigsberg's friend and mentor, Jim Blasingame, ASU associate professor of English education and 2008 Parents Association Professor of the Year.

Ginger Hanson, Ginger.Hanson@asu.edu
480-965-7611
Department of English, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences