Workshop alumni, Claire Lombardo (MFA, 2017) and Ann Patchett (MFA, 1987) are on the longlist for the 2020 Women's Prize for Fiction.

Patchett is nominated for her acclaimed newest novel, The Dutch House, and Lombardo for her celebrated debut, The Most Fun We Ever Had.

Started in 1996, the Women's Prize for Fiction (formerly known as the Orange Prize) was set up to celebrate originality, accessibility & excellence in writing by women and to connect world-class writers with readers everywhere. The winner receives a cheque for £30,000, anonymously endowed, and a limited edition bronze statuette known as the ‘Bessie’, created and donated by the artist Grizel Niven.