There are moments in life that feel impossible to fully articulate β moments where gratitude, disbelief, emotion, and reflection all collide at once. Today is one of those moments.
I am deeply honored to announce that Inheritance of Silence has officially received two nominations from the American Writing Awards:
π³οΈβπ LGBTQ Fiction
π Book of the Year
When I first began writing Inheritance of Silence, I never imagined the journey this story would take. What started as an intensely personal and emotionally raw narrative evolved into something that has connected with readers in ways I could have never anticipated.
This novel was written from a place of vulnerability and truth. It explores silence β the kind inherited through trauma, expectation, identity, grief, fear, and survival β while also exploring what it means to reclaim your voice after years of feeling unheard. At its core, this story is about resilience, healing, and the courage required to become who you truly are.
To see those themes recognized by the American Writing Awards is both humbling and profoundly meaningful.
The LGBTQ Fiction nomination especially holds a special place in my heart. Stories centered around identity, authenticity, and lived experience matter deeply, and I believe literature has the power to create understanding, connection, and visibility for people who may have spent much of their lives feeling unseen.
The Book of the Year nomination represents something equally extraordinary: the acknowledgment that Inheritance of Silence is resonating beyond a single category and finding a broader audience of readers who connect with its emotional depth and humanity.
I want to extend my sincerest gratitude to every single person who has supported this journey:
- readers who took a chance on this debut novel,
- reviewers and bloggers who shared their thoughts,
- bookstores and literary communities,
- friends and family who encouraged me,
- and every person who helped amplify this story.
Your support has meant more than words can adequately express.
These nominations join an already unforgettable chapter in this journey, including finalist recognition for the 2026 International Impact Book Awards Author of the Year in Contemporary Fiction and additional literary honors that continue to open incredible new doors.
And yet, despite all of these milestones, I truly believe this is only the beginning.
Thank you for continuing to walk this journey with me.
β John Erik Dunnam
Author of Inheritance of Silence