Awards & Nominations
Literary Recognition
The publication of Inheritance of Silence marked the beginning of an extraordinary chapter in my writing journey. What began as a deeply personal story has grown into something far greater—earning recognition from readers, reviewers, literary organizations, and award programs around the world.
I am incredibly honored that my debut novel has received multiple literary awards, finalist recognition, and national and international award nominations. Every acknowledgment is a reminder that stories have the power to connect us, inspire empathy, and create meaningful conversations that extend far beyond the final page.
Most importantly, I am grateful to every reader, reviewer, book blogger, book club, literary judge, bookseller, and industry professional who has invested their time in my work. Your support has made this journey more meaningful than I could have imagined.
2026 Literary Awards
Shakespeare Global Prize for Literary Excellence - National Honor Alliance
🏆 Winner – Contemporary Fiction
🏆 Winner – Best Independent Press Title
Inheritance of Silence received two 2026 Shakespeare Global Prize Awards, recognizing excellence in contemporary fiction and honoring one of the year's most distinguished titles published by an independent press.
These awards represent the first major international recognition of my work and mark an unforgettable milestone in my writing career.
Finalist Recognition
International Impact Book Awards
🥈 Finalist – Author of the Year 2026 (Contemporary Fiction)
Inheritance of Silence was selected as a finalist for the prestigious International Impact Book Awards Author of the Year competition, recognizing authors whose work demonstrates exceptional literary excellence and meaningful cultural impact.
Storytrade Book Awards
Finalist – Contemporary Fiction
The Storytrade Book Awards recognize outstanding books and emerging voices whose work contributes meaningfully to today's literary landscape.
2026 Storytrade Awards First Look Prize
"I Sharted!" & "The House on Highland Avenue" both submitted. Results expected October 1, 2026
American Writing Awards
📖 Nominee – LGBTQ+ Fiction
📖 Nominee – Book of the Year
The American Writing Awards honor exceptional books and authors whose work exemplifies excellence in writing, storytelling, and literary craftsmanship.
Announcement Expected: November 2026
A Growing Literary Journey
While Inheritance of Silence introduced readers to my work, it represents only the beginning of a much larger body of stories.
My second novel, House of Windows, will be published on September 11, 2026, expanding my work into psychological gothic fiction while continuing my commitment to character-driven storytelling. Beyond that, several additional novels spanning contemporary fiction, psychological suspense, comedy, memoir, and inspirational nonfiction are currently in development.
Each new project challenges me to explore different genres, voices, and themes while remaining committed to writing stories that are emotionally honest and deeply human.
Looking Forward
Awards and recognition are deeply meaningful, but they have never been the destination.
The greatest honor will always be knowing that readers have found pieces of themselves within my stories—that a character felt familiar, a moment resonated, or a page reminded someone they were not alone.
Every nomination, every award, and every review serves as encouragement to continue writing the stories I feel called to tell.
As this journey continues, I remain profoundly grateful to everyone who has supported my work and look forward to sharing many more stories in the years ahead.
Thank you for being part of this incredible adventure.
John Erik Dunnam
Award-Winning Contemporary Fiction Author
2026 Shakespeare Global Prize Winner
2026 Storytrade Book Awards Finalist
2026 International Impact Book Awards Finalist