Novel Monthly Report 4th Baihua Award Nominated Works Collection

Author: Novel Monthly Editorial Department
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2002-01-01
Features: Now, before the readers, the "Novel Monthly 4th Baihua Award Nominated Works Collection," can be said to be a sister volume to the "Novel Monthly Past Baihua Award Winning Works Collection." As is well known, any award must specify the items, types, levels, and quantities of awards to be granted, otherwise it cannot be implemented in a concrete manner. And for this very reason, no award is without its share of missed gems, and the "Novel Monthly Baihua Award" is no exception. During each vote count to determine the winning works, there are several nominated works that were just a few votes short of winning—sometimes dozens, sometimes even just two or three votes away from the prize. These works, whether in terms of ideology or artistry, are no less outstanding than the winning works. It is the limitation on the number of awards that has led to this regrettable outcome. Therefore, many enthusiastic readers have written or called to suggest that after publishing the "Novel Monthly Baihua Award Winning Works Collection," we should also compile and publish the outstanding nominated works, thus addressing the missed gems of the "Baihua Award" and making this series of books more complete and representative. When we carefully considered these suggestions, we were not only moved by the deep care and affection of the readers for "Novel Monthly" but also inspired to work even harder in the future, so as not to disappoint the enduring love and expectations of the readers for "Novel Monthly." In January 1980, as the Chinese people basked in the spring breeze of ideological liberation and reform, "Novel Monthly" entered the homes of the people, instantly becoming a literary read that was eagerly shared. This was a prominent manifestation of literature stepping into a new era; it was one of the important signs of literature returning to the embrace of the people and the people embracing literature. The editorial philosophy of "Novel Monthly" to allow readers to spend less money to read the latest outstanding short and medium-length fiction from across the country has not only been a pioneering achievement in the history of Chinese literary journal publishing but has also consistently won widespread praise from readers. In 1984, "Novel Monthly" also launched the "Baihua Award," a competition where winning works were determined entirely by readers' votes, and it has remained steadfast in this commitment to date, successfully holding nine award ceremonies. This award has garnered attention from readers and is highly regarded by many novelists. It is readers' praise for the hard work of novelists and an evaluation of their works, while we, as editors, are merely the bridge connecting authors (works) and readers. For this very reason, we have compiled and published the "Novel Monthly 1st to 9th Baihua Award Winning Works," both as a review and summary of the achievements of short and medium-length fiction since the new era, as a way to repay the unwavering care readers have shown for "Novel Monthly," and also to further promote the development and prosperity of Chinese fiction in the 21st century and better meet the growing cultural needs of readers.