New York State Author

New York State Author is a prestigious literary designation established to honor a distinguished writer whose body of work reflects a deep connection to New York State. The position, alongside the New York State Poet, is administered by the New York State Writers Institute at the University at Albany in partnership with the New York State Council on the Arts. The author serves a two-year term, acting as a literary ambassador to promote the written word and engage with communities across the state, from Buffalo to Long Island.

History and establishment

The position was formally created by an act of the New York State Legislature in 2018, building upon the long-standing tradition of the New York State Poet Laureate, which was established in 1985. The legislation was championed to recognize the complementary and vital role of prose writers in the state's rich cultural heritage. The initiative was supported by literary organizations across New York, including the New York Public Library and the Poets & Writers organization. The establishment followed a model used by other states, such as the California Poet Laureate and Texas Poet Laureate programs, but with a unique focus on prose achievement. The program is overseen by the New York State Writers Institute, founded by the renowned novelist William Kennedy, which has been a central force in the state's literary scene since its creation in 1984.

List of New York State Authors

The inaugural author, appointed in 2018, was the Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist Colson Whitehead, acclaimed for works like *The Underground Railroad* and *The Nickel Boys*. His term was followed by the appointment of the celebrated historian and journalist Jill Lepore in 2021, known for her books such as *These Truths*. The current author, appointed in 2023, is the acclaimed writer and musician James McBride, author of the National Book Award-winning *The Good Lord Bird* and the bestselling memoir *The Color of Water*. Their appointments highlight the program's commitment to recognizing diverse literary voices that explore the complex tapestry of American literature.

Selection process and criteria

The selection is conducted by a panel of literary experts convened by the New York State Writers Institute. The panel typically includes distinguished figures such as authors, editors, professors from institutions like Columbia University or New York University, and representatives from major publishing houses. Candidates must be current residents of New York State and possess a substantial and critically acclaimed body of published work that demonstrates literary excellence. The work should, in some meaningful way, reflect or engage with the life, people, or history of New York, similar to how Walt Whitman captured Brooklyn or E. B. White wrote of Manhattan. The final recommendation is submitted to the Governor for a ceremonial appointment.

Role and responsibilities

The primary role of the author is to serve as a public advocate for literature and literacy throughout New York. This involves a schedule of public engagements, including readings, lectures, and workshops at venues such as public libraries, schools, community centers, and literary festivals like the Brooklyn Book Festival. The author is encouraged to undertake a specific project or initiative to broaden the reach of literature, potentially focusing on underserved communities or particular regions like the Adirondack Mountains or Western New York. While the position is largely honorary and does not involve formal governmental duties, the author is expected to participate in select state-sponsored cultural events alongside institutions like the New York State Museum.

Impact and recognition

The designation confers significant prestige, placing the author in a lineage of official state literary artists and increasing public visibility for their work. It amplifies the author's platform to discuss important social and cultural issues, much as U.S. Poet Laureate positions have done for poets like Joy Harjo and Ada Limón. The program strengthens the infrastructure of the state's literary community by fostering connections between writers, educators, and readers. It also highlights New York's enduring status as a global publishing capital, home to historic houses like Random House and Farrar, Straus and Giroux, and a muse for generations of writers from Edith Wharton to Toni Morrison.

Category:New York (state) culture Category:American literary awards Category:Writers from New York (state)