The University of Missouri-Kansas City‘s (UMKC) BkMk Press announces that Lorraine M. Lopez has won the 2010 Writers’ League of Texas Book Award for her story collection, “Homicide Survivor’s Picnic” (BkMk Press, 2009). Lopez will receive a $1,000 cash prize and a commemorative award. Winners will be recognized on Jan. 20, at the next meeting of the Writers’ League. The annual award recognizes outstanding published books in nonfiction, fiction, poetry and literary prose, children’s books (long or short works).

In 2010, “Homicide Survivor’s Picnic” was named a Pen Faulkner finalist.

“This award further confirms the national significance of ‘Homicide Survivors Picnic,’ its author and BkMk Press,” said Ben Furnish, managing editor of BkMk Press. “Lorraine M. Lopez is winning recognition as a major voice in American letters. BkMk Press is delighted to publish her work.”

To purchase a copy of “Homicide Survior’s Picnic” or other BkMk titles, call (816) 235-2558.

Founded in 1971, BkMk Press has been a part of UMKC since 1983. BkMk concentrates on publishing collections of poetry, short fiction and creative essays. Publishing roughly six titles a year, BkMk Press has more than 125 titles in print. BkMk Press established the G.S. Sharat Chandra Prize in 2002 to honor the memory of Chandra, a writer and longtime faculty member at UMKC. Financial assistance for BkMk Press is provided by the Missouri Arts Council, a state agency, by UMKC, and by private donations.

The University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC), one of four University of Missouri campuses, is a public university serving more than 15,000 undergraduate, graduate and professional students. UMKC engages with the community and economy based on a four-part mission: life and health sciences; visual and performing arts; urban issues and education; and a vibrant learning and campus life experience. For more information about UMKC, visit www.umkc.edu. You can also find us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and watch us on YouTube.