The Whitney Awards are awards given annually for novels by LDS authors. Established in 2007, they are named after Orson F. Whitney , a prominent early member of the LDS Church. There are several categories for which novels may be nominated. The Whitney Awards are a semi-independent non-profit organization affiliated with the LDStorymakers, a guild for LDS authors .[ 1]
Categories
Due to the limited number of titles released by LDS authors, several of the genre awards have been combined (such as romance and women's fiction).[ 2]
As of 2014[update] , there are eight genre categories:[ 3]
There are also two special awards:
Best Novel by a New Author
Novel of the Year
The Whitney Committee states that it is unlikely that other areas of LDS art—such as music, poetry, or non-fiction books—will be added to the categories.[ 4]
Process
To be eligible, a novel must be written by an LDS author during the award year, and be at least 50,000 words long. Any reader can nominate a book. Once a book has received five or more nominations, it becomes an official nominee. The official nominees are presented to the Whitney Awards Committee which checks for eligibility and acts as a preliminary judging panel, reducing the number of nominees to no more than five per category.
Finally, ballots are sent to the Whitney Awards Academy, an invitation-only group consisting of authors, bookstore owners/managers, distributors, critics, and other industry professionals. By a popular vote, they decide on the winners.[ 5] The awards are presented at a dinner held at the conclusion of the annual LDStorymakers conference and writing "boot camp."[ 6]
Until the 2010 awards (presented 2011), books were not allowed to win in more than one category.
Name
The awards are named after Orson F. Whitney , a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as a poet and writer. In 1888, Elder Whitney delivered a speech entitled "Home Literature " in which he stated:
We will yet have Miltons and Shakespeares of our own. God's ammunition is not exhausted. His brightest spirits are held in reserve for the latter times. In God's name and by his help we will build up a literature whose top shall touch heaven, though its foundations may now be low in earth.[ 7]
The phrase "We will yet have Miltons and Shakespeares of our own" has been adopted as the slogan of the Whitney Awards, and is printed on the trophy.
Winners and finalists 2007 - present
2007 (presented March 22, 2008) [ 8] [ 9]
Best Novel of the Year
Best Y/A Children's
Winner: On the Road to Heaven , by Coke Newell — Zarahemla Books
Other finalists
Dragonskin Slippers , by Jessica Day George — Bloomsbury
Out of Jerusalem: Land of Inheritance , by H.B. Moore — Covenant Communications
The Operative , by Willard Boyd Gardner — Covenant Communications
Upon the Mountains , by Gale Sears — Covenant Communications
Winner: Fablehaven 2: Rise of the Evening Star , by Brandon Mull — Shadow Mountain
Other finalists
Best Novel by a New Author
Best Speculative
Winner: Dragonskin Slippers , by Jessica Day George — Bloomsbury
Other finalists
Wet Desert , by Gary Hansen — Holeshot Press
Counting Stars , by Michele Paige Holmes — Covenant Communications
Beyond the Horizon , by Judy C. Olsen — Covenant Communications
On the Road to Heaven , by Coke Newell — Zarahemla Books
Winner: Book of a Thousand Days , by Shannon Hale — Bloomsbury
Other finalists
Best Romance/Women's Fiction
Best Historical
Winner: Counting Stars , by Michele Paige Holmes — Covenant Communications
Other finalists
Winner: Out of Jerusalem: Land of Inheritance , by H.B. Moore — Covenant Communications
Other finalists
Beyond the Horizon , by Judy C. Olsen — Covenant Communications
On the Road to Heaven , by Coke Newell — Zarahemla Books
Spires of Stone , by Annette Lyon — Covenant Communications
Upon the Mountains , by Gale Sears — Covenant Communications
Best Mystery/Suspense
Lifetime Achievement
Winner: Sheep's Clothing , by Josi S. Kilpack — Deseret Book
Other finalists
The Deep End , by Traci Hunter Abramson — Covenant Communications
Grave Secrets , by Marlene Austin — Covenant Communications
The Operative , by Willard Boyd Gardner — Covenant Communications
Hazardous Duty , by Betsy Brannon Green — Covenant Communications
2008 (presented April, 2009) [ 10] [ 11] [ 12] [ 13]
Best Novel of the Year
Best Youth Fiction
Winner: Traitor , by Sandra Grey
Other finalists
Winner: The 13th Reality , by James Dashner
Other finalists
Best Novel by a New Author
Best Speculative Fiction
Winner: Bound on Earth , by Angela Hallstrom
Other finalists
The Reckoning , by Tanya Parker Mills
Spare Change , by Aubrey Mace
Traitor , by Sandra Grey
Waiting For the Light to Change , by Annette Hawes
Winner: The Hero of Ages , by Brandon Sanderson
Other finalists
Best Romance
Best Historical
Winner: Spare Change , by Aubrey Mace
Other finalists
Seeking Persephone , by Sarah Eden
Servant to a King , by Sariah Wilson
The Sound of Rain , by Anita Stansfield
Taking Chances , by Shannon Guymon
Winner: Abinadi , by H. B. Moore
Other finalists
Isabelle Webb, Legend of the Jewel , by N. C. Allen
Master , by Toni Sorenson
The Ruby , by Jennie Hansen
Traitor , by Sandra Grey
Best Mystery/Suspense
Best General Fiction
Winner: Fool Me Twice , by Stephanie Black
Other finalists
Winner: Waiting For the Light to Change , by Annette Hawes
Other finalists
Bound on Earth , by Angela Hallstrom
The Reckoning , by Tanya Parker Mills
Fields of Home , by Rachel Ann Nunes
Keeping Keller , by Tracy Winegar
Lifetime Achievement Awards
2009 (presented April, 2010) [ 14] [ 15]
Best Novel of the Year
Best Youth Fiction
In the Company of Angels , by David Farland
Winner: The Chosen One , by Carol Lynch Williams
Other finalists
Best Novel by a New Author (tie)
Best Speculative Fiction
Winner: Servant of a Dark God , by John Brown
Other finalists
Best Romance
Best Historical
Winner: Counting the Cost , by Liz Adair
Other finalists
Illuminations of the Heart , by Joyce DiPastena
All The Stars in Heaven , by Michele Paige Holmes
Santa Maybe , by Aubrey Mace
Previously Engaged , by Elodia Strain
Winner: The Last Waltz , by G.G. Vandagriff
Other finalists
Best Mystery/Suspense
Best General Fiction
Winner: Methods of Madness , by Stephanie Black
Other finalists
Winner: Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet , by Jamie Ford
Other finalists
No Going Back , by Jonathan Langford
Gravity vs. The Girl , by Riley Noehren
The Route , by Gale Sears
Eyes Like Mine , by Julie Wright
Lifetime Achievement Award
Outstanding Achievement Award
Gerald Lund
Dave Wolverton
2010 (presented May 7, 2011) [ 16] [ 17] [ 18]
Best Novel of the Year (tie)
Best Youth Fiction – General
Winner: The Healing Spell , by Kimberley Griffiths Little
Other finalists
Glimpse , by Carol Lynch Williams
Missing In Action , by Dean Hughes
My Double Life , by Janette Rallison
Wolves, Boys, and Other Things That Might Kill Me , by Kristen Chandler
Best Novel by a New Author
Best Youth Fiction – Speculative
Paranormalcy , by Kiersten White
Winner: Matched , by Ally Condie
Other finalists
Best Romance
Best Speculative Fiction
Winner: Cross My Heart , by Julie Wright
Other finalists
Courting Miss Lancaster , by Sarah M. Eden
The Legend of Shannonderry , by Carol Warburton
Luck of the Draw , by Rachael Renee Anderson
Meg's Melody , by Kaylee Baldwin
Winner: The Way of Kings , by Brandon Sanderson
Other finalists
Best Mystery/Suspense
Best Historical
Winner: Cold As Ice , by Stephanie Black
Other finalists
Winner: Trespass , by Sandra Grey
Other finalists
Alma The Younger , by H.B. Moore
Oh Say Can You See? , by L.C. Lewis
The Sheen on the Silk , by Anne Perry
The Silence of God , by Gale Sears
Best General Fiction
Winner: Band of Sisters , by Annette Lyon
Other finalists
2011 (presented May 5, 2012) [ 19] [ 20] [ 21]
Best Novel of the Year
Best Novel by a New Author
I Don't Want to Kill You , by Dan Wells
With a Name Like Love , by Tess Hilmo
Outstanding Achievement Award
Lifetime Achievement Award
Jack Weyland
Doug Thayer
Best Romance
Best Speculative Fiction
Winner: Borrowed Light , by Carla Kelly
Other finalists
Count Down to Love , by Julie N. Ford
Captive Heart , by Michele Paige Holmes
The List , by Melanie Jacobson
Not My Type , by Melanie Jacobson
Winner: The Alloy of Law: A Mistborn Novel , by Brandon Sanderson
Other finalists
Best Mystery/Suspense
Best Historical
Winner: Rearview Mirror , by Stephanie Black
Other finalists
Winner: Letters in the Jade Dragon Box by Gale Sears
Other finalists
Daughter of Helaman , by Misty Moncur
Fires of Jerusalem , by Marilyn Brown
Isabelle Webb: The Pharaoh's Daughter , by N.C. Allen
Miss Delacourt Has Her Day , by Heidi Ashworth
Best Youth Fiction – General
Best General Fiction
Winner: With a Name like Love , by Tess Hilmo
Other finalists
Winner: Before I Say Goodbye , by Rachel Ann Nunes
Other finalists
Best Youth Fiction – Speculative
Winner: Variant , by Robison Wells
Other finalists
Tuesdays at the Castle , by Jessica Day George
Slayers , by C.J. Hill
My Unfair Godmother , by Janette Rallison
Shifting , by Bethany Wiggins
2012 (presented May 11, 2013) [ 22] [ 23] [ 24]
General
Young Adult – Speculative
Winner:The Rent Collector by Camron Wright
Other finalists
Winner: Everneath by Brodi Ashton
Other finalists
Historical
Young Adult – General
Winner: My Loving Vigil Keeping by Carla Kelly
Other finalists
Espionage by A. L. Sowards
Within the Dark Hills by Sian Ann Bessey
Spinster's Folly by Marsha Ward
The Five Books of Jesus by James Goldberg
Winner: After Hello by Lisa Mangum
Other finalists
Finding June by Shannen Crane Camp
The Space Between Us by Jessica Martinez
The Ugly Stepsister Strikes Back by Sariah Wilson
V is for Virgin by Kelly Oram
Romance
Middle Grade
Winner: Edenbrooke by Julianne Donaldson
Other finalists
Lady Outlaw by Stacy Henrie
Of Grace and Chocolate by Krista Lynne Jensen
Smart Move by Melanie Jacobson
Twitterpated by Melanie Jacobson
Winner: The False Prince by Jennifer A. Nielsen
Other finalists
Best Mystery/Suspense
Best Novel by New Author
Winner: Code Word by Traci Hunter Abramson
Other finalists
Winner: Edenbrooke by Julianne Donaldson
Other finalists
Dancing on Broken Glass by Ka Hancock
The Five Books of Jesus by James Goldberg
Lady Outlaw by Stacy Henrie
Edenbrooke by Julianne Donaldson
Everneath by Brodi Ashton
Espionage by A.L. Sowards
Freakling by Lana Krumwiede
The Epic Tales of a Misfit Hero by Matt Peterson
Of Grace and Chocolate by Krista Lynne Jensen
Speculative
Best Novel of the Year
Winner: The Hollow City by Dan Wells
Other finalists
City of the Saints by D. J. Butler
Flight From Blithmore by Jacob Gowans
Earthbound by Theresa Sneed
The Penitent by C. David Belt
The Rent Collector by Camron Wright
Best Novel in Youth Fiction
The False Prince by Jennifer A. Nielsen
Outstanding Achievement Award
Lifetime Achievement Award
Carol Lynch Williams
Lael Littke
2013
General
Young Adult – General
Winner: Mile 21 by Sarah Dunster
Other finalists
Love Letters of the Angels of Death by Jennifer Quist
Road to Bountiful by Donald Smurthwaite
Ruby's Secret by Heather B. Moore
The House at Rose Creek by Jenny Proctor
Winner: All the Truth That's in Me by Julie Berry
Other finalists
Chasing June by Shannen Crane Camp
Dead Girls Don't Lie by Jennifer Shaw Wolf
Going Vintage by Lindsey Leavitt
The Distance Between Us by Kasie West
Historical
Middle Grade
Winner: Esther the Queen by Heather B. Moore
Other finalists
Belonging to Heaven by Gale Sears
Safe Passage by Carla Kelly
The Mounds Anomaly by Phyllis Gunderson
Where the River Once Flowed by Jennie Hansen
Winner: The Runaway King by Jennifer A. Nielsen
Other finalists
Cragbridge Hall: The Inventor's Secret by Chad Morris
RUMP: The True Story of Rumplestilskin by Liesel Shurtliff
Sky Jumpers by Peggy Eddleman
Wednesdays in the Tower by Jessica Day George
Romance
Best Novel by New Author
Winner: Blackmoore by Julianne Donaldson
Other finalists
Hearth Fires by Dorothy Keddington
Longing for Home by Sarah M. Eden
Second Chances by Melanie Jacobson
The Orchard by Krista Lynne Jensen
Winner: Pivot Point by Kasie West
Other finalists
The House at Rose Creek by Jenny Proctor
I, Spy by Jordan McCollum
Insomnia by J. R. Johansson
Cragbridge Hall: The Inventor's Secret by Chad Morris
RUMP: The True Story of Rumplestilskin by Liesel Shurtliff
Sky Jumpers by Peggy Eddleman
Mystery/Suspense
Best Novel of the Year
Winner: Deep Cover by Traci Hunter Abramson
Other finalists
Rocky Road by Josi S. Kilpack
I, Spy by Jordan McCollum
Finding Sheba by Heather B. Moore
Spy for a Spy by Jordan McCollum
Blackmoore by Julianne Donaldson
Speculative
Best Novel in Youth Fiction
Winner: Dark Memories by Jeffrey Scott Savage
Other finalists
Echo in Time by C. J. Hill
Heart of the Ocean by Heather B. Moore
The Witnesses by Stephanie Black
Winter Queen by Amber Argyle
Steelheart by Brandon Sanderson
Young Adult – Speculative
Outstanding Achievement
Winner: Steelheart by Brandon Sanderson
Other finalists
Friends and Traitors: Slayers 2 by C. J. Hill
Insomnia by J. R. Johansson
Pivot Point by Kasie West
Blackout by Robison Wells
Rachel Ann Nunes
Lifetime Achievement
Blaine Yorgason
2014
General
Young Adult – General
Winner: The Law of Moses by Amy Harmon
Other finalists
A Plentiful Rain by Elizabeth Petty Bentley
My Name is Bryan by Stacy Lynn Carrol
Still Time by Maria Hoagland
Walking on Water by Richard Paul Evans
Winner: Death Coming up the Hill by Christopher E. Crowe
Other finalists
Forbidden by Kimberley Griffiths Little
Kiss Kill Vanish by Jessica Martinez
Not in the Script by Amy Finnegan
On the Fence by Kasie West
Historical
Middle Grade
Winner: Softly Falling by Carla Kelly
Other finalists
An Ocean atween Us by Angela Morrison
Deadly Alliance by A.L. Sowards
Eve: In the Beginning by H. B. Moore
Gone for a Soldier by Marsha Ward
Winner: Almost Super by Marion Jensen
Other finalists
Sky Jumpers: The Forbidden Flats by Peggy Eddleman
The Scandalous Sisterhood of Prickwillow Place by Julie Berry
The Shadow Throne by Jennifer A. Nielsen
The Time of the Fireflies by Kimberley Griffiths Little
Romance
Best Novel by New Author
Winner: Longing for Home: Hope Springs by Sarah M. Eden
Other finalists
Becoming Lady Lockwood by Jennifer Moore
Lady Emma's Campaign by Jennifer Moore
Painting Kisses by Melanie Jacobson
Spy by Night by Jordan McCollum
Winner: Becoming Lady Lockwood by Jennifer Moore
Other finalists
Nameless: The Darkness Comes by Mercedes M. Yardley
Not in the Script by Amy Finnegan
Remake by Ilima Todd
The Accidental Apprentice by Anika Arrington
Mystery/Suspense
Best Novel of the Year
Winner: Wedding Cake by Josi S. Kilpack
Other finalists
Longing for Home: Hope Springs by Sarah M. Eden
Speculative
Best Novel in Youth Fiction
Winner: Words of Radiance by Brandon Sanderson
Other finalists
Nameless: The Darkness Comes by Mercedes M. Yardley
Pretty Little Dead Girls by Mercedes M. Yardley
The Accidental Apprentice by Anika Arrington
This Darkness Light by Michaelbrent Collings
The Scandalous Sisterhood of Prickwillow Place by Julie Berry
Young Adult – Speculative
Outstanding Achievement
Winner: Illusions of Fate by Kiersten White
Other finalists
Cured by Bethany Wiggins
Dangerous by Shannon Hale
Remake by Ilima Todd
The Glass Magician by Charlie N. Holmberg
Andrew Hall
Lifetime Achievement
Margaret Blair Young
2015 [ 25]
General
Historical
Winner: The Other Side of Quiet by Tara C. Allred
Other finalists
The McCarran Collection by Liz Adair
Wreckage by Emily Bleeker
The Healer by Gregg Luke
Shattered Hearts by Stacy Lynn Carroll
Winner: The Rules in Rome by A.L. Sowards
Other Finalists
Light of the Candle by Carol Pratt Bradley
A Hope Remembered by Stacy Henrie
Doing No Harm by Carla Kelly
The Moses Chronicles: Bondage by H.B. Moore
Mystery/Suspense
Romance
Winner: Failsafe by Traci Hunter Abramson
Other Finalists
Played for a Fool by Stephanie Black
Lie Catchers by Paul Bishop
Lost King by H.B. Moore
The Angel Court Affair by Anne Perry
Winner: Lord Fenton's Folly by Josi S. Kilpack
Other Finalists
Always Will by Melanie Jacobson
Eleanor and the Iron King by Julie Daines
Miss Burton Unmasks a Prince by Jennifer Moore
Kisses in the Rain by Krista Lynne Jensen
Speculative
Middle Grade
Winner: The Devil's Only Friend by Dan Wells
Other Finalists
Winner: A Night Divided by Jennifer Nielsen
Other Finalists
Fires of Invention by J. Scott Savage
Mark of the Thief by Jennifer Nielsen
Far World: Fire Keep by J. Scott Savage
Mothman's Curse by Christine Hayes
General Young Adult Fiction
Speculative Young Adult Fiction
Winner: Calvin by Martine Leavitt
Other Finalists
Never Said by Carol Lynch Williams
The Fill-In Boyfriend by Kasie West
Has to Be Love by Jolene Perry
Ink and Ashes by Valynne E. Maetani
Winner: Firefight by Brandon Sanderson
Other Finalists
Followed by Frost by Charlie N. Holmberg
This Monstrous Thing by Mackenzi Lee
Airships of Camelot by Robison Wells
A Thousand Faces by Janci Patterson
Best Novel by a New Author
Winner: Ink and Ashes by Valynne E. Maetani
Finalists
Light of the Candle by Carol Pratt Bradley
This Monstrous Thing by Mackenzi Lee
Wreckage by Emily Bleeker
Caretaker by Josi Russell
Mothman's Curse by Christine Hayes
Outstanding Achievement Award
Lifetime Achievement Award
Tracy Hickman and Laura Hickman
Marsha Ward
2016
General
Historical
Winner: The Orphan Keeper by Camron Wright
Other finalists
When I’m Gone by Emily Bleeker
The Dragons of Alsace Farm by Laurie Lewis
The {Re}Model Marriage by Maria Hoagland
The Soldier’s Bride by Rachelle J. Christensen
Winner: From Sand and Ash by Amy Harmon
Other Finalists
A Place for Miss Snow by Jennifer Moore
Exodus by H.B. Moore
Born to Treason by E.B. Wheeler
Deliverance by H.B. Moore
Mystery/Suspense
Contemporary Romance
Winner: Pimpernel by Sheralyn Pratt
Other Finalists
Winner: Love at First Note by Jenny Proctor
Other Finalists
Southern Charmed by Melanie Jacobson
How I Met Your Brother by Janette Rallison
A Date with Danger by Kari Iroz
Love’s Shadow by Nichole Van
Historical Romance
Speculative
Winner: My Fair Gentleman by Nancy Campbell Allen
Other Finalists
The Sheriffs of Savage Wells by Sarah M. Eden
Lady Helen Finds Her Song by Jennifer Moore
The Fall of Lord Drayson by Rachael Anderson
Willowkeep by Julie Daines
Winner: The Bands of Mourning by Brandon Sanderson
Other Finalists
Over Your Dead Body by Dan Wells
Extreme Makeover by Dan Wells
The Bird and the Sword by Amy Harmon
The Longest Con by Michaelbrent Collings
Middle Grade
General Young Adult Fiction
Winner: Summerlost by Ally Condie
Other Finalists
The Wrong Side of Magic by Janette Rallison
Gears of Revolution by J. Scott Savage
Red: The True Story of Red Riding Hood by Liesl Shurtliff
Ghostsitter by Shelly Brown
Winner: The Passion of Dolssa by Julie Berry
Other Finalists
The Serpent King by Jeff Zentner
P.S. I Like You by Kasie West
Blackhearts by Nicole Castroman
The Truth About Fragile Things by Regina Sirois
Speculative Young Adult Fiction
Best Debut Novel
Winner: Calamity by Brandon Sanderson
Other Finalists
Bluescreen by Dan Wells
The Girl Who Heard Demons by Janette Rallison
Death Thieves by Julie Wright
Beyond the Rising Tide by Sarah Beard
Winner: The Serpent King by Jeff Zentner
Finalists
Blackhearts by Nicole Castroman
Ghostsitter by Shelly Brown
Novel of the Year (Adult)
Novel of the Year (Youth)
From Sand and Ash by Amy Harmon
Summerlost by Ally Condie
Outstanding Achievement Award
Liz Adair
Marilyn Brown
2017
General
Historical
Winner: The Fattest Mormon by Tyson Abaroa
Other finalists
Carve Me a Melody by Rachelle J. Christensen
The Book of Laman by Mette Harrison
Flight of the Wounded Falcon by Trish Mercer
Gilda Trillim: Shepherdess of Rats by Steven L. Peck
Winner: Condemn Me Not by Heather B. Moore
Other Finalists
Waiting for the Light by Carol Pratt Bradley
Courting Carrie in Wonderland by Carla Kelly
The Proud Shall Stumble by Gerald N. Lund
Defiance by A.L. Sowards
Mystery/Suspense
Romance
Winner: Safe House by Traci Hunter Abramson
Other Finalists
The Capture by Julie Coulter Bellon
The Killing Curse by H.B. Moore
Deadly Inheritance by Clair M. Poulson
Clear Expectations by Terri Reid
Winner: Lies Jane Austen Told Me by Julie Wright
Other Finalists
Mormon Girl Incognito by Kari Iroz
Brush with Love by Lisa McKendrick
Wrong for You by Jenny Proctor
Outshine by Nichole Van
Historical Romance
Speculative
Winner: Love Remains by Sarah M. Eden
Other Finalists
The Secret of the India Orchid by Nancy Campbell Allen
Havencross by Julie Daines
Ruth by H.B. Moore
Petticoat Spy by Carol Warburton
Winner: The Fifth Doll by Charlie N. Holmberg
Other Finalists
Fallen Stone by Jana S. Brown
The Queen and the Cure by Amy Harmon
Abounding Might by Melissa McShane
Pretender to the Crown by Melissa McShane
Middle Grade
General Young Adult Fiction
Winner: Paper Chains by Elaine Vickers
Other Finalists
The Emperor’s Ostrich by Julie Berry
Mustaches for Maddie by Chad Morris and Shelly Brown
Wrath of the Storm by Jennifer A. Nielsen
Embers of Destruction by J. Scott Savage
Winner: By Your Side by Kasie West
Other Finalists
Remember Me Always by Renee Collins
The Duke of Bannerman Prep by Katie A. Nelson
All the Forever Things by Jolene Perry
Love, Life, and the List by Kasie West
Goodbye Days by Jeff Zentner
Speculative Young Adult Fiction
Fantasy Young Adult Fiction
Winner: Ones and Zeroes by Dan Wells
Other Finalists
The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl by Shannon Hale and Dean Hale
Beyond by Catina Haverlock and Angela Larkin
The Hundredth Queen by Emily R. King
Last Star Burning by Caitlin Sangster
Winner: Blood Rose Rebellion by Rosalyn Eves
Finalists
Dark Breaks the Dawn by Sara B. Larson
Daughter of the Pirate King by Tricia Levenseller
Crystal Blade by Kathryn Purdie
Poison’s Kiss by Breeana Shields
Novel of the Year (Adult)
Novel of the Year (Youth)
Safe House by Traci Hunter Abramson
The Hundredth Queen by Emily R. King
Best Debut Novel
Winner: The Hundredth Queen by Emily R. King
Finalists
The Fattest Mormon by Tyson Abaroa
Blood Rose Rebellion by Rosalyn Eves
Beyond by CatinaHaverlock and Angela Larkin
Daughter of the Pirate King by Tricia Levenseller
The Duke of Bannerman Prep by Katie A. Nelson
Last Star Burning Caitlin Sangster
Poison’s Kiss by Breeana Shields
Outstanding Achievement Award
Robison Wells
2018
General
Mystery/Suspense
Winner: As Wide as the Sky by Jessica Pack
Other finalists
The Unlikely Master Genius by Carla Kelly
Anna the Prophetess by H.B. Moore
One Candle by Gale Sears
The Other Side of the Bridge by Camron Wright
Winner: A Familiar Fear by Kathi Oram Peterson
Other Finalists
Tripwire by Traci Hunter Abramson
The Darkling Bride by Laura Andersen
Second Look by Julie Coulter Bellon
Conviction by Robbin J. Peterson
Romance
Historical Romance
Winner: Perfect Set by Melanie Jacobson
Other Finalists
Love at Lakeview Med by T. J. Amberson
Match Me if You Can by Lindzee Armstrong
Until We Kissed by Heather B. Moore
Silver Star by Lisa Swinton
Winner: Seeing Miss Heartstone by Nichole Van
Other Finalists
My Sister’s Intended by Rachael Anderson
The Truth About Miss Ashbourne by Joanna Barker
Promises and Primroses by Josi S. Kilpack
Flame and Ember by M. A. Nichols
Speculative
Middle Grade
Winner: Witchy Winter by D. J. Butler
Other Finalists
The Arawn Prophecy by C. David Belt
Veins of Gold by Charlie N. Holmberg
Blood Requiem by Christopher Husberg
Aether Spark by Nicholas Petrarch
Winner: Resistance by Jennifer A. Nielsen
Other Finalists
The Three Rules of Everyday Magic by Amanda Rawson Hill
Squint by Chad Morris and Shelly Brown
Grump by Liesl Shurtliff
Passage to Avalon by Mike Thayer
General Young Adult Fiction
Fantasy Young Adult Fiction
Winner: Girl at the Grave by Teri Bailey Black
Other Finalists
Good Girls Stay Quiet by Jo Cassidy
The Awful Wonderful Story of Us by Jolene Perry
Shoot The Moon by Kate Watson
Once I Was a Beehive by Carole Lynch Williams
Winner: 'The Traitor’s Game by Jennifer A. Nielsen
Other Finalists
Stolen Enchantress by Amber Argyle
The Plastic Magician by Charlie N. Holmberg
Frozen Reign by Kathryn Purdie
Iron Garland by Jeff Wheeler
Speculative Young Adult Fiction
Best Debut Novel
Winner: First Kisses Suck by Ali Cross
Other Finalists
Blood Creek Witch by Jay Barnson
Willow Marsh by Jo Cassidy
In Her Dreams by Joanna Reeder
Shatter the Suns by Caitlin Sangster
Winner: Girl at the Grave by Teri Bailey Black
Finalists
The Truth About Miss Ashbourne by Joanna Barker
Blood Creek Witch by Jay Barnson
The Three Rules of Everyday Magic by Amanda Rawson Hill
Aether Spark by Nicholas Petrarch
Novel of the Year (Adult)
Novel of the Year (Youth)
As Wide as the Sky by Jessica Pack
Resistance by Jennifer A. Nielsen
Outstanding Achievement Award
Elana Johnson
Lisa Mangum
2019
General
Mystery/Suspense
Winner: Muddy: Where Faith and Polygamy Collide by Dean Hughes
Other finalists
The Book of Abish by Mette Harrison
Whatever it Takes by Jessica Pack
The Girl in Gray by Annette Lyon
Deborah: Prophetess of God by H.B. Moore
Winner: Mistaken Reality by Traci Hunter Abramson
Other Finalists
Sanctuary by Traci Hunter Abramson
Nest Egg by Josi Avari
Robin and Marian by Stephanie Fowers
Death in Focus by Anne Perry
Romance
Historical Romance
Winner: Finding Jack by Melanie Jacobson
Other Finalists
Hitching the Pitcher by Connolly, Summers, Moore
Love Again at the Heart of Main Street by Meg Easton
Dreaming of the Next Door Doc by Brenna Jacobs
Missed Kiss by Cassie Mae
Winner: What the Wind Knows by Amy Harmon
Other Finalists
Miss Adeline's Match by Joanna Barker
The Paradox of Love by Teri Harman
A Song of the Stars by Ilima Todd
Suffering the Scot by Nichole Van
Speculative
Middle Grade
Winner: The First Girl Child by Amy Harmon
Other Finalists
House of Assassins by Larry Correia
to Kill a Curse by Jennifer Jenkins
The View From Castle Always by Melissa McShane
A Dragon's Fate by Daniel Swenson
Winner: Dragonwatch: Master of the Phantom Isle by Brandon Mull
Other Finalists
Kazu Jones and the Denver Dognappers by Shauna Holyoak
The Obsidian Compass by Liesl Shurtliff
A Monster Like Me by Wendy S. Swore
The Vacant Realm by Mike Thayer
General Young Adult Fiction
Fantasy Young Adult Fiction
Winner: Lovely War by Julie Berry
Other Finalists
Just for Clicks by Kara McDowell
Paul, Big and Small by David Glen Robb
Scars Like Wings by Erin Stewart
Rayne and Delilah's Midnite Matinee by Jeff Zentner
Winner: 'The Bone Charmer by Breeana Shields
Other Finalists
Smoke and Summons by Charlie Holmberg
Before the Broken Star by Emily R. King
Warrior of the Wild by Tricia Levenseller
An Affair of Poisons by Addie Thorley
Speculative Young Adult Fiction
Best Debut Novel
Winner: The Last Voyage of Poe Blythe by Ally Condie
Other Finalists
Displaced by Bridget E. Baker
Harper by Jo Cassidy
Shattered Snow by Rachel Huffmire
Lovestruck by Kate Watson
Winner: Scars Like Wings by Erin Stewart
Finalists
Kazu Jones and the Denver Dognappers by Shauna Holyoak
Shattered Snow by Rachel Huffmire
Just For Clicks by Kara McDowell
A Monster Like Me by Wendy S. Swore
An Affair of Poisons by Addie Thorley
Novel of the Year (Adult)
Novel of the Year (Youth)
Sanctuary by Tracy Hunter Abramson
Lovely War by Julie Berry
Committee
The Whitney Awards Committee acts as both the organizers and the preliminary judges of the Whitney Awards. Rules stipulate that the committee be made up of at least four members of LDStorymakers. Their positions are temporary, by invitation of the Whitney Awards Committee president (who is appointed by the LDStorymakers executive committee).
The 2009 committee included:[ 1]
Robison Wells , president
Julie Coulter Bellon
Danyelle Ferguson
John Ferguson
Crystal Leichty
Sheila Staley
Jaime Theler
The 2011 committee included:
The 2015 committee were:
Jaime Theler, president
Kaylee Baldwin
Marion Jensen
Nancy Campbell Allen
Heather Justesen
Deborah Talmadge-Bickmore
Kimberly Vanderhorst
The 2017 committee:
Peggy Eddleman, president
Janet Sumner Johnson
Josi S. Kilpack
Monique Luetkemeyer
Jeremy Maughan
E.B. Wheeler
Michelle Wilson
Jared Garrett
Although Kerry Blair had been a member of the Whitney Awards Committee for two years, the other members of the committee "went behind her back" to name her the winner of a Lifetime Achievement Award for 2008.[ 13]
Reception
One Mormon literature critic initially raised concerns with the heavy involvement of authors published by Covenant Communications in the awards process.[ 26] However, when the finalists for 2007 were announced, this same commenter noted both that there was a wide spectrum of publishers represented, and that "Covenant publishes the lion's share of Mormon market fiction."[ 9] This same critic later described the awards as "at best a reductive form of validation and criticism. Although let's be honest: The Whitneys have way more credibility than the Grammys."[ 27]
After the 2011 nominations, criticism of the nomination process was common, though appreciation of the Whitney Awards themselves was also common.[ 28] [ 29] [ 30] [ 31]
See also
Notes
^ a b "About the Whitney Awards" . whitneyawards.com . Whitney Awards. Retrieved 19 May 2014 .
^ Robison Wells (19 June 2007). "Whitney Awards Q&A" . Six LDS Writers and A Frog . Blogspot . Retrieved 30 July 2009 .
^ "Archived copy" . Archived from the original on 2014-11-07. Retrieved 2014-11-12 .{{cite web }}
: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link )
^ "Frequently Asked Questions" . Whitney Awards. Archived from the original on 19 May 2019. Retrieved 19 May 2019 .
^ "Official Rules" . whitneyawards.com . Whitney Awards. Retrieved 30 July 2009 .
^ De Groote, Michael (25 April 2009). "LDS writers attend a novel boot camp" . MormonTimes.com . Retrieved 30 July 2009 .
^ Whitney, Orson F. (July 1888). "Home Literature" . The Contributor (Transcription). Retrieved 2014-09-18 – via Mormon Literature , Association for Mormon Letters .
^ "Whitney Awards honor LDS fiction writers" . MormonTimes.com. 27 March 2008. Retrieved 30 July 2009 .
^ a b William Morris (19 January 2008). "The Whitney Awards — publishers tally" . A Motley Vision . Retrieved 30 July 2009 .
^ Card, Orson Scott (27 April 2009). "Orson Scott Card's Whitney Award speech" . MormonTimes.com. Retrieved 30 July 2009 . I feel deeply the honor of being given an award named for Orson F. Whitney ... I have long and proudly borne Elder Whitney's first name; now you have given me an award that bears his last name, too.
^ De Groote, Michael (23 April 2009). "Best LDS novel of '08? Whitney Awards to weigh in" . MormonTimes.com. Retrieved 30 July 2009 .
^ De Groote, Michael (26 April 2009). "Best LDS fiction named at Whitney Awards" . MormonTimes.com. Retrieved 30 July 2009 .
^ a b De Groote, Michael (30 April 2009). " '08 Whitney Awards honor best LDS fiction" . Deseret News . Retrieved 30 July 2009 .
^ "Whitney Award finalists announced" . MormonTimes. 10 February 2010. Retrieved 12 May 2010 .
^ "Whitney Awards Honor Wolverton, Lund" . MormonTimes . 25 April 2010. Retrieved 7 May 2010 .
^ "Finalists Have Been Announced!" . whitneyawards.com. Retrieved 2010-06-01 .
^ "2010 Winners" . whitneyawards.com. Retrieved 2010-06-01 .
^ "Whitney Awards honor best in Mormon fiction" . MormonTimes. 12 May 2011. Retrieved 2010-06-01 .
^ Finalists announcement on Whitney Awards website , accessed March 29, 2012
^ Announcement of winners on Whitney Awards website , accessed May 6, 2012
^ "Achievement Award Winners on Whitney Awards website , accessed May 9, 2012
^ 2012 Finalists announcement on Whitney Awards website, accessed January 14, 2013
^ Announcement of 2012 winners on Whitney Awards website, accessed January 14, 2013
^ "Achievement Award Winners on Whitney Awards website, accessed January 14, 2013
^ "2015 Finalists – The Whitney Awards" . Whitneyawards.com . Retrieved 2017-01-21 .
^ William Morris (8 August 2007). "Diversity or dilution? The Whitneys and BYU Studies Review" . A Motley Vision . Retrieved 30 July 2009 .
^ William Morris (9 February 2009). "Whitney Awards 2008 Finalists announced (yep, that's what I thought)" . A Motley Vision . Retrieved 30 July 2009 .
^ Jessie Christensen (2 May 2012). "Mormon Authors writing Non-Mormon Inspirational Fiction (and accompanying comments)" . Dawning of a Brighter Day, the Association for Mormon Letters blog. Retrieved 6 May 2012 .
^ Jonathan Langford (16 April 2012). "Whitney Youth Speculative Fiction Finalists 2011 (and accompanying comments)" . A Motley Vision . Retrieved 6 May 2012 .
^ Jonathan Langford (8 March 2012). "Whitney General Fiction Finalists 2011" . A Motley Vision . Retrieved 6 May 2012 .
^ Jonathan Langford (30 March 2012). "Whitney Youth Fiction General Finalists 2011" . A Motley Vision . Retrieved 6 May 2012 .
References
External links