By Rebecca Talley
Have you read an outstanding book by an LDS author this year? Why not nominate it for a Whitney Award?
The Whitney Awards, the brain-child of author Robison Wells, recognizes the best in LDS fiction. LDS authors whose books aren't specifically LDS are also eligible for awards.
I was pleased to attend the very first Whitney Awards Gala in March. It was a fun night with great food and even better company. It was wonderful to see people recognized for their contributions to literature in the LDS and national market. Our very own Joyce DiPastena's book Loyalty's Web was nominated. Since then, Joyce has been offered a contract to republish her book with Leatherwood Press. Congratulations, Joyce, on both accounts.
Some changes have been made to The Whitney Awards. More people will be able to vote this year and there are small juries for each category as well as changes to the categories. All of these changes will only make a great program even better. You can read all the details at the website.
As you read books through the year, don't forget to nominate those you feel should be recognized for excellence.
Thanks, Rebecca. And thanks for the reminder to start watching for books we enjoy to nominate for the next round of Whitneys!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the reminder. I went ahead and nominated a couple while I was thinking about it. My brain lets things like that slip unless I do it right away.
ReplyDeleteRebecca ~
ReplyDeleteGreat post. Because of it I went to the Whitney Awards website for the first time. I'll keep the awards in mind as I read new books this year. I know it's a lot of work and represents hours and hours of reading on the part of the judges. What a wonderful thing to do.
It's a great program. I hope to see it grow.
ReplyDeleteYes, thanks for the reminder, Rebecca! Hmmmm...I wonder how we find out who the LDS authors are...besides the obvious, of course. I know there are some out there that don't write for the LDS market, so we don't always see them in an LDS bookstore.
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