Wednesday 24 March 2010

Orwell Prize: Madam Miaow makes the longlist


May I just say, "Blimey!"?

I've just heard from the organisers of The Orwell Prize that I've made the longlist in the Blog category. "They are awarded to the book, the journalism and the blogposts which are judged to have best achieved George Orwell’s aim to ‘make political writing into an art’."

When I submitted my entry a few months back I didn't dream I'd get anywhere in this prestigious award so I am delighted to have made the final fourteen.

"This year’s shortlists, of six in each category, will be announced at Thomson Reuters, Canary Wharf on Thursday 15th April at 7pm. The announcement will be followed by a debate entitled ‘have the political classes been fatally weakened?’"

Commiserations to my comrades who also submitted their blogs for consideration. A special mention for Splintered Sunrise who I was convinced would lead the pack and at least get this far as his writing style, wicked wit, and sharp incisive analysis outshine us all in the left. Also for Harpy Marx whose knowledge of the political landscape teaches me much.

Congratulations to the others on the list. You may recognise some of them. Well done.

David Osler Dave's Part
David Smith Letter from Africa
Gideon Rachman rachmanblog
Hopi Sen Hopi Sen
Iain Dale Iain Dale's Diary
Jack of Kent Jack of Kent
Laurie Penny Penny Red and others
Madam Miaow Madam Miaow Says
Mary Beard A Don’s Life
Morus PoliticalBetting.com; Daily Kos
PC Ellie Bloggs A Twenty-First Century Police Officer
ray The Bad Old Days Will End
Tim Marshall Foreign Matters
Winston Smith Working with the Underclass

More about this year's prize here

PS: Ha! I can't believe this news came in just after I succumbed and posted a funny pet video. George must be spinning. Or maybe not. He did, after all, own a poodle called Marx, thus proving a fondness for mutts combined with a sense of humour. Hey, perhaps the pet pooch video is the perfect Orwell blog item. Judges, please note.

EDIT: Other left blogs submitted and worth checking out include: Andy Newman Socialist Unity, Phil BC A Very Public Sociologist, Lenin's Tomb, Kevin Blowe Random Blowe, Jim Jepps The Daily (Maybe), Sunny Hundal Liberal Conspiracy, and Neil Clark

My essay on George Orwell here. Written as a review of John Newsinger's insightful biography.

16 comments:

Anonymous said...

Well Done Madam Miaow.... Fantastic news!!!!!

luna17 said...

Congrats!! Also pleased to see Laurie Penny on there.

Anonymous said...

Oh. My. God. That is brilliant, and very well deserved. Quite a good field, too - I see three or four more of my regular reads there. Congrats and good luck!

claude said...

Excellent news !!!!!
Congratulations now it's time to show'em what you're made of :-)

Madam Miaow said...

Thanks all. Much appreciated.

Claude, sugar and spice and all things nice, of course. With a soupçon of garlic and soy sauce.

Anonymous said...

congratulations!

Penny Red said...

Many many congratulations. Although I agree, SplinteredSunrise should have made the longlist. Long time lurker, by the way, hello! *waves*

Nevin said...

Congratulations! I am very happy for you. :) Keep up the good work...

Madam Miaow said...

Thank you very much, everyone. And hi, Laurie, fellow longlister. *waves back*. (Can't wait for our brag badges.)

It is quite an awesome honour to make the longlist, especially when you look at the event's history and see some of the others you're up against.

It also makes me realise that all the times I thought I was a lone voice yelling into empty space, some people were hearing it. That's one reason why those of you who comment here play a major part in keeping my pecker up. It is great the way the blogosphere creates supportive communities for those with progressive views.

I hope George would be pleased that we are trying to uphold his ideals and principles.

VenerableSage said...

This calls for champagne ...

Well-earned, richly-deserved ...

Success to your ventures, Ma'am, and confusion to your enemies.

Gregor said...

Good news; all the best!

Jerry said...

All the luck of the Irish.

Frank Partisan said...

Good news.

I always thought your blog was terrific.

Madam Miaow said...

Thanks again, all. And do visit the other lefty blogs on the list.

Jack of Kent said...

Congratulations - I hadn't read your blog before the longlist was published. I am enjoying back through the archives :-)

Madam Miaow said...

Cheers, Jack. Likewise, I didn't know about yours but I'm pleased to have made your acquaintance. Glad to see you fighting the good fight over the libel laws. Best of luck.

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