Those of you who are following the Whitney Award Nominees will know that ALMA was nominated as a finalist in the Historical Fiction category. I'm very honored! I'm glad that I forgot about the pending announcement and slept in that morning (my kids were out of school on Friday). I checked my phone for emails and saw something about the finalists being announced, so I had to, of course, go on my computer to discover who had made the cut. The small screen on my phone wouldn't suffice. Since Historical was the second to last category, I very slowly scrolled down, reading over the other categories to see if any of my predictions had come true. I was probably 75% on my predictions.When I saw ALMA listed, I breathed a sigh of relief, then looked for several other books that I thought were excellent. Some made it, some didn't. It seemed every minute was a new revelation--what about this book or that book? I don't envy the judges in some of those categories. As you know, I've read quite a bit of fiction by LDS authors this year. Out of all the final nominees, there are only 9 that I haven't read.
Below, I've highlighted the books that I've read:
BEST ROMANCE: Counting the Cost, by Liz Adair; 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.
MYSTERY/SUSPENSE: Lockdown, by Traci Hunter Abramson; Methods of Madness, by Stephanie Black; Murder by the Book, by Betsy Brannon Green; Lemon Tart, by Josi Kilpack; Altered State, by Gregg Luke.
YOUTH FICTION: Princess of the Midnight Ball, by Jessica Day George; Fablehaven IV: Secrets of the Dragon Sanctuary, by Brandon Mull; My Fair Godmother, by Janette Rallison; Bright Blue Miracle, by Becca Wilhite; The Chosen One, by Carol Lynch Williams.
SPECULATIVE: Servant of a Dark God, by John Brown; The Maze Runner, by James Dashner; Wings, by Aprilynne Pike; Warbreaker, by Brandon Sanderson; I Am Not A Serial Killer, by Dan Wells.
HISTORICAL: Tribunal, by Sandra Grey; The Undaunted, by Gerald Lund; Alma, by H.B. Moore; The Last Waltz, by G.G. Vandagriff; In the Company of Angels, by David Farland (who is also Dave Wolverton).
GENERAL FICTION: Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet, by Jamie Ford; No Going Back, by Jonathon Langford; Gravity vs. The Girl, by Riley Noehren; The Route, by Gale Sears; Eyes Like Mine, by Julie Wright.
Winners of each category will be announced April 24th at the Whitney Award Gala. Also, the Whitney academy will vote in Best Novel and Best Novel by a New Author.
I already have my prediction, though that might change after I read the other nine books. I think these two books will be going neck and neck, although they are complete opposites, they are remarkable in their genres: Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet and The Chosen One.
Do you guys have any favorites going in?
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***************************Marketing Ideas for WOMEN OF THE BOOK OF MORMON:
Vote on whether or not you think I should do a blog tour for this book. It's a more serious, religious type book (although still quite entertaining, especially the chapters on Isabel and the daughter of Jared) . . . so I'm wondering what my fellow bloggers think. If you'd be interested in reading non-fiction (90 page book with PICTURES) and doing a blog review, let me know in the comments. If I find enough interest, then I can start putting a plan together.
14 comments:
I think a blog tour for your upcoming non-fiction book would be wonderful! I would be willing to do it. I do have lots of friends that prefer to read religious non-fiction. Congratulations on being a Whitney Nominee this year!
I think blog tours are always a good idea and I'd be willing to feature you on Inksplasher.
I would love to read it and host it on my blog for a tour. The topic is fascinating to me, and I can't wait to learn more about those women.
I think you should *always* do a blog tour. It doesn't take that much time and it can only bring good things to you!
I've already told you I'd review it on my blog and on the DB website. Since it is such a groundbreaking book I think I could also do an interview and review on Meridian. Thanks for the terrific review of David's book on LDS Readers. It was very specific and excellently done.
I think a blog tour would be great. There are so many people out there who prefer non-fiction. I can't wait to read it and would love to be part of the tour. I was so glad to hear that Alma was nominated. Congratulations!
Thanks, everyone. You have me convinced. Since this is my first non-fiction book, I wanted to make sure I'm doing things right.
Stay tuned. In the next couple of days, I'll be announcing specifics ;)
I'd be interested - and a book on the women of the BOM is something I've been interested in for a long time. (Perfect that you're doing one!)
Congrats on the Whitney nomination!
I've always loved and been inspired by stories of women in the scriptures.
I'd gladly participate in your blog tour.
Sorry for coming in so late--been editing. 'nuff said.
Blog tours are always a favorite, though if I could give one piece of advice, make sure to say something new every time you appear on another blog. This way the promo doesn't get stale.
I'd also suggest slanting it to the blog's core audience. For example, if you know a blog is geared toward stay at home moms, make your post resonate specifically to them.
Heather, congratulations on being nominated for the Whitney!
I'd love to do a review for you on your nonfiction book. Send me an email and let me know the particulars: when the book will be out and dates you have available. :)
Firstly, congrats & a big hug on the Whitney nomination!
Secondly, yes, do a blog tour!
Are you considering doing a book signing or chat/discussion group at the upcoming BYU Women's Conference (in April)?
Your most recent book being about women of the Book of Mormon, I think you'd get a very warm reception!! :)
Congratulations on the nomination! Woohoo!
I did not predict finalists as well as I thought I would. I was flabbergasted that neither of Shannon Hale's books made it (Forest Born and Actor and the Housewife)... and it surprised me that Tower of Strength, Land Keep, and 13th Reality 2 were not on the list either.
As far as winner predictions go, I don't know yet. I loved Hotel and The Chosen One and Warbreaker, but I haven't finished reading the other categories enough to pick any other early favorites.
Emily, I agree with you! There were definitely some good nominations missing, but I guess I need to read those who made it and see what I think of the finalists.
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