1455’s Storyteller of the Year Award Recognizes Outstanding Craft and Work Relevant to Current Events at Live Event Featuring Local Artists Discussing the Art of Storytelling
1455 Literary Arts, an organization committed to advancing the art and craft of storytelling, today announced that it will award book reviewer, literary and publishing critic Ron Charles with its third annual 1455 Storyteller of the Year Award. The selection committee unanimously chose Charles as the recipient for his demonstrated excellence as a passionate book critic and advocate for storytelling. Charles will be the featured speaker in conversation with Sean Murphy during 1455’s StoryFestLive at Above ALX in Old Town Alexandria, October 14, 2022.
The 1455 Storyteller of the Year Award is given to a writer for storytelling that epitomizes not only outstanding narrative skills, but is particularly relevant to current events (In previous years 1455 has honored Jean Case and Lisa Ling). Ron Charles writes about books and publishing for The Washington Post. For a dozen years, he enjoyed teaching American literature and critical theory in the Midwest. Before moving to the District, he edited the books section of the Christian Science Monitor in Boston. His wife is an English teacher and the cinematographer of their satirical series, “The Totally Hip Video Book Review.” Ron’s honors and awards include the 2008 National Book Critics Circle Award, 1st Place for A&E Coverage from the Society for Features Journalism (2011), the Louis Shores Award for reviewing, American Library Association, and the Veritas Media Award, Romance Writers of America. In addition, he was one of three jurors for the 2014 Pulitzer Prize in Fiction.
“I’ve always tried to remember my ancillary place relative to the writers I have the honor of reviewing each week. The job, as I see it, is to point to greatness without getting in the way. So I’m deeply humbled by your decision to stretch the boundaries of Storyteller of the Year to include someone who tells stories about our real storytellers.”
— RON CHARLES
Ron has developed a large, loyal following who count on his regular insights, recommendations, and always-relevant take on both the literary and cultural scenes in America—and beyond. Beyond celebrating books and writers (as well as teachers and librarians, and the myriad forces that make our literary community viable), Ron ceaselessly connects the threads that run through our artistic and political discourse (banned books, to name only one example), a service that has seldom been more vital.
“We are thrilled and honored to present this year’s 1455 Storytelling Award to Ron Charles. He is a ceaseless and reliable advocate for storytelling, and during a year where disruption and uncertainty seem to be default settings, he is a champion for awareness and engagement,” said Sean Murphy, Executive Director of 1455. “Ron dedicates so much of his time celebrating our most important (and often underappreciated) artists, it seems appropriate to acknowledge this dedication, but also his considerable talents. 1455 remains committed to presenting truly inclusive events that celebrate the vital art of storytelling as a force for good in this world.”
1455’s StoryFestLive will focus on the power of storytelling and the crucial role it plays not only in creative and academic fields, but far beyond. The gathering is a rare opportunity for participants to learn from some of today’s most celebrated, diverse, and inspiring storytellers, who bring their unique perspectives to timely issues affecting our culture such as politics, race relations, sexual equality, and the environment. This free event will also include local best-selling author Lou Bayard, a performance from D.C.’s DROOM Theatre Company, and a special discussion between local poet laureates Holly Karapetkova, Zeina Azzam, and Kim B. Miller. The programming will be followed by a cocktail and appetizer reception.
ABOUT RON CHARLES
Ron Charles writes about books and publishing for The Washington Post. For a dozen years, he enjoyed teaching American literature and critical theory in the Midwest. Before moving to the District, he edited the books section of the Christian Science Monitor in Boston. His wife is an English teacher and the cinematographer of their satirical series, “The Totally Hip Video Book Review.”
Website: washingtonpost.com/people/ron-charles
Facebook: @roncharles
Twitter: @roncharles
ABOUT STORYFESTLIVE
Join us for an evening of LIVE storytelling, music, dance, and more celebrating VA, DC, and MD creatives. Authors, poets, artists, and storytellers from all walks of life are joining us LIVE for an evening of creativity, celebration and fun. Enjoy cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and a full lineup of storytellers, poets, artists and more.
Learn more & register at: 1455litarts.org/storyfestlive
