I just came back from the LDS Storymakers 2016 conference in Provo. Once again, I came back realizing I need to change the plan for my current writing project. I have a lot of work ahead of me.

As usual, after the conference, the Whitney Awards Gala took place, and the 2015 winners were announced.

Here’s the list of all the winners for the 2015 Whitney Awards:

Best Novel of the Year—  Josi S. Kilpack for LORD FENTON’S FOLLY
Best Youth Novel of the Year—  Jennifer A. Nielsen for A NIGHT DIVIDED
Best Novel by a New Author— Valynne E. Maetani for INK AND ASHES
Best Middle Grade Fiction— Jennifer A. Nielsen for A NIGHT DIVIDED
Best Speculative Youth Fiction— Brandon Sanderson for FIREFIGHT
Best General Youth Fiction—  Martine Leavitt for CALVIN
Best Speculative Fiction—  Dan Wells for THE DEVIL’S ONLY FRIEND
Best Mystery/Suspense— Traci Hunter Abramson for FAILSAFE
Best Romance Novel—   Josi S. Kilpack for LORD FENTON’S FOLLY
Best Historical— A.L. Sowards for THE RULES IN ROME
Best General Fiction— Tara C. Allred for THE OTHER SIDE OF QUIET
Outstanding Achievement Award for 2015— Traci and Laura Hickman
Lifetime Achievement Award for 2015—  Marsha Ward

 

I had the chance to read and vote for the finalists in the Historical, Mystery/Suspense, and Romance categories, and these were my favorites:

 

(If you’re wondering what the Whitneys are, come read this post and then go nominate a book for next year’s awards. My book is eligible this year. If you read it and liked it, go vote for it too!)