Poetry book takes state honor

Beer

University of Colorado Denver Professor Nicky Beer’s first book, “The Diminishing House” (Carnegie Mellon University Press, 2010), has won the Colorado Book Award for poetry. The award is the latest of several recognitions Beer has received for her writing.

The Colorado Book Awards is an annual program that honors the best books in a variety of categories with Colorado writers as primary contributors. This year, a total of 146 entries across the different categories were submitted. Judges from around the state gathered with writers and others at the Aspen Summer Words writing retreat and literary festival in Aspen on June 24, where “The Diminishing House” was announced as the winner for poetry books.

“While much of the book centers around the death of my father, it’s also a product of the talented literary teachers, mentors and peers I’ve been surrounded by as the poems were written, and the great fortune I’ve had to benefit from their advice, guidance and example,” Beer said.

Beer teaches courses in creative writing and co-edits the school’s literary journal, Copper Nickel, with her husband and fellow poet, Brian Barker.