The Whitney Awards

In 1888, Orson F. Whitney, a member of the twelve and the grandson of Newell K. Whitney, said the following: “We shall yet have Miltons and Shakespeares of our own. God’s ammunition is not exhausted . . . In God’s name and by His help we will build up a literature whose tops will touch the heaven, though its foundation may now be low on the earth.”

We at LDStorymakers believe that day has arrived and we are THRILLED to introduce The Whitney Awards, celebrating the excellence in LDS fiction. Basically, readers nominate; at five nominations a work becomes an official candidate and after the year is over a committee made up of industry professionals will cast a final vote. Though this is sponsored by LDStorymakers, and we are both the manpower and the financial base for this endevor, it is open to all LDS writers, and the committee is made of a wide range of professionals.

Nominations are being taken now, and though they don't have one specifically for "Gripping LDS novel about a family whose daughter is communicating with an internet preditor," They do have Mystery/Suspense which would be a good fit too :-) . . . oh, and Best Novel of the Year is also an option. Vote here.

Here's the official press release that hit the internet by storm yesterday--
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PROVO, UT—JUNE 18, 2007

WRITING GROUP ANNOUNCES PRESTIGIOUS NEW LDS FICTION AWARD

“We shall yet have Miltons and Shakespeares of our own. . . . In God’s name and by His help we will build up a literature whose tops will touch the heaven, though its foundation may now be low on the earth.”

When Latter-day Saint Apostle Orson F. Whitney first spoke these words, the literary canon of his people didn’t contain many works. Fast forward over a hundred years, and literally thousands of novels are published, enjoyed by readers each year.

The quality of fiction has significantly increased in recent times. New writers are finding it harder to break into the industry each year. This is hard for upstart writers, but great for readers.

While LDStorymakers began several years ago to serve only as a support group and opportunity for networking for LDS writers, it has morphed into a powerful force into LDS market.

Today they unveil their newest project, the brainchild of LDStorymaker and novelist Robison Wells: an annual fiction award named after Orson F. Whitney, honoring his vision of having LDS “Miltons and Shakespeares.”

“The Whitney Award will be given annually in conjunction with the LDStorymaker writing conference each March,” Wells, the author of three novels published through Covenant, explains. “This is an exciting time to be part of the LDS fiction industry, and we hope the Whitney will become a prestigious and sought-after award.”

Anyone can nominate a novel published during the previous calendar year in any of six categories, and a final academy of industry professionals will vote on the final ballot. Nominations are being taken for books published in 2007 by LDS authors at the Whitney Awards website: www.whitneyawards.com

Did you vote yet? If not Vote here.