YARMOUTH, Maine - Yarmouth author Lily King says she was "completely surprised, and thrilled, and extremely honored" by her nomination for the prestigious National Book Critics Circle award.
"Some of my very favorite writers are on that list," she says, "so it's truly thrilling to be a part of it."
Those writers include Chang-rae Lee for "Such a Full Sea," Marlon James for "A Brief History of Seven Killings," Rabih Alameddine for "An Unnecessary Woman," and Marilynne Robinson for "Lila."
King's nomination came for her 2014 novel "Euphoria," based on the life and work of anthropologist Margaret Mead.
She says she has Maine to thank, in part, for the nomination: When she moved to Maine in 2002, she says, "I never expected to find such an incredible community of writers in Maine; it is so strong, so supportive, and so loving. There are so many talented writers in Maine, and I am inspired by them all the time."
King also says Maine's long winters helped her focus on writing.
The nomination was announced on Monday. and the award will be presented on March 12.