Press Kit
John Erik Dunnam is an internationally recognized, award-winning author whose work spans contemporary fiction, LGBTQ+ fiction, psychological fiction, memoir, spirituality, comedy, and inspirational nonfiction. Celebrated for emotionally resonant storytelling, richly developed characters, and an unwavering commitment to authenticity, his writing explores identity, resilience, healing, chosen family, and the transformative moments that define what it means to be human. Whether crafting deeply moving literary fiction or sharp, irreverent comedy, Dunnam's work is united by its compassion, honesty, and enduring sense of hope.
His published novels, Inheritance of Silence and House of Windows, have established him as a distinctive literary voice. His debut novel, Inheritance of Silence, earned international acclaim after receiving the 2026 Shakespeare Global Prize for Contemporary Fiction and Best Independent Press Title from the National Honor Alliance, while also being named a Finalist for Author of the Year (Contemporary Fiction) in the 2026 International Impact Book Awards, and a Finalist in Contemporary Fiction from the Storytrade Book Awards. The novel has also received nominations from the American Writing Awards, further establishing Dunnam as one of today's emerging voices in contemporary fiction.
Born in Semmes, Alabama, raised in Birmingham, and now residing in Fort Worth, Texas, Dunnam believes stories have the power to foster empathy, challenge perspectives, and remind readers that they are never alone in their struggles or triumphs. Through every book, he seeks to create characters who linger in readers' hearts long after the final page has been turned.
As my literary journey continues to grow, I am excited to share several new additions to my Media Coverage page. These appearances and discussions have provided wonderful opportunities to connect with readers, fellow authors, and members of the literary community while sharing the story behind Inheritance of Silence and my experiences as an emerging contemporary fiction author.
Featured Interview: Your BookTube Bestie with Koda
One of the highlights of this year has been my candid interview with Your BookTube Bestie, Koda. During our conversation, we explored the inspiration behind Inheritance of Silence, the challenges and triumphs of the publishing process, and the deeply personal experiences that influenced my writing. The interview offered viewers a behind-the-scenes look at my journey from aspiring author to award-nominated novelist and provided an opportunity to discuss the themes of resilience, identity, and self-discovery that are woven throughout my work.
Guest Host Appearances on Reading Sprints
In addition to traditional interviews, I have had the privilege of serving as a guest host during several reading sprint sessions. These interactive events brought together readers, authors, and book enthusiasts from around the world to celebrate literature and encourage dedicated reading time within a supportive community.
As a guest host, I had the opportunity to discuss books, connect with readers, share insights into my own work, and participate in engaging conversations about storytelling and the impact literature can have on our lives. These experiences have allowed me to build meaningful connections within the reading community while introducing new audiences to Inheritance of Silence and my journey as an author.
Participating in these reading sprints has reinforced my belief that books have the power to bring people together, spark important conversations, and create lasting connections among readers from all walks of life.
First Live Stream: From Silence to Recognition – My Author Journey
I am also proud to have hosted my very first YouTube live stream, "From Silence to Recognition: My Author Journey." During this special event, I reflected on the path that led to the publication of Inheritance of Silence, discussed the recognition the novel has received through various literary awards and nominations, and answered questions from viewers about writing, publishing, and perseverance.
The live stream represented an important milestone in my career—not only as an author but also as someone willing to openly share the challenges, setbacks, and victories that have shaped my story. It was an opportunity to celebrate how far this journey has come and to thank the readers, supporters, reviewers, and fellow writers who have been part of it.
2026 Literary Award Season
Award-winning author John Erik Dunnam and his debut novel, Inheritance of Silence, have earned multiple honors during the 2026 literary award season, receiving recognition across international and independent literary award programs.
2026 Shakespeare Global Prize Awards
Inheritance of Silence received two prestigious honors at the 2026 Shakespeare Global Prize Awards:
🏆 Winner — Contemporary Fiction
🏆 Winner — Best Independent Press Title
Presented by the Shakespeare Global Prize, these honors recognize literary achievement among authors whose work demonstrates excellence in storytelling, originality, emotional impact, and artistic merit.
2026 Storytrade Book Awards
Inheritance of Silence was officially named a:
🏅 Finalist — Contemporary Fiction
The 2026 Storytrade Book Awards recognition adds another distinction to the novel's growing awards record and places Dunnam's debut among the contemporary fiction titles selected for recognition in Storytrade's international awards program.
2026 International Impact Book Awards
Dunnam has also received recognition from the International Impact Book Awards, earning:
🏅 Finalist — Author of the Year, Contemporary Fiction
The Author of the Year recognition honors Dunnam's work and growing impact as a contemporary fiction author, adding an author-level distinction to the individual honors received by Inheritance of Silence.
Published by Austin Macauley Publishers, Inheritance of Silence has been recognized for its emotionally authentic exploration of grief, healing, identity, resilience, belonging, and the courage required to reclaim one's voice.
Through richly developed characters and compassionate storytelling, the novel examines the transformative power of human connection, chosen family, hope, and personal renewal.
Together, Dunnam's two Shakespeare Global Prize wins, Storytrade Book Awards finalist recognition, and International Impact Book Awards Author of the Year finalist recognition represent a significant milestone in his emerging literary career and an exceptional awards season for a debut novel.
These honors continue to expand the national and international recognition surrounding Inheritance of Silence while establishing John Erik Dunnam as an award-winning voice in contemporary fiction.
Looking Ahead
As media opportunities continue to expand, I look forward to participating in more interviews, podcasts, livestreams, literary discussions, and community events. Every conversation provides another chance to connect with readers and share the message at the heart of my work: that our stories matter, our voices deserve to be heard, and even the deepest silence can eventually give way to recognition.
Thank you for following along on this incredible journey. More appearances, interviews, and exciting announcements are on the horizon.
About Inheritance of Silence
An internationally acclaimed contemporary novel about grief, healing, identity, and the courage to reclaim your voice.
Inheritance of Silence is the award-winning debut novel from internationally recognized author John Erik Dunnam. Through emotionally resonant storytelling, richly drawn characters, and an unwavering commitment to authenticity, the novel explores how love, loss, resilience, and the search for belonging shape the lives we inherit—and the lives we choose to create.
At its heart, Inheritance of Silence is a story of healing. It examines the enduring impact of family, the strength found in chosen relationships, and the quiet courage required to embrace one's authentic self. While the novel features meaningful LGBTQ+ representation, its themes transcend any single community, offering a deeply human story about hope, forgiveness, and the universal desire to be seen, understood, and loved.
Praised for its emotional depth and compassionate storytelling, Inheritance of Silence has established Dunnam as a compelling new voice in contemporary literary fiction and has earned recognition on the international stage.
Quick Facts
Title: Inheritance of Silence
Author: John Erik Dunnam
Genres: Contemporary Fiction • LGBTQ+ Literary Fiction • Literary Drama
Publisher: Austin Macauley Publishers
Publication Date: April 24, 2026
Formats: Paperback • eBook
Awards & Recognition:
- Winner, 2026 Shakespeare Global Prize – Contemporary Fiction (National Honor Alliance)
- Winner, 2026 Shakespeare Global Prize - Best Independent Press Title (National Honor Alliance)
- Finalist, 2026 International Impact Book Awards - Author of the Year - Contemporary Fiction
- Finalist, 2026 Storytrade Book Awards - Contemporary Fiction
- Nominated for the American Writing Awards
Why This Story Matters
At its heart, Inheritance of Silence is a novel about discovering hope after unimaginable loss.
It explores the emotional realities of grief, trauma, identity, and self-acceptance while celebrating the transformative power of compassion, vulnerability, and chosen family. Readers from diverse backgrounds have connected with its honest portrayal of healing and the courage required to embrace one's authentic self.
Interview Topics
John Erik Dunnam is available for interviews, podcast appearances, keynote presentations, book clubs, and literary discussions on topics including:
Writing & Storytelling
- Creating emotionally authentic contemporary fiction
- Building believable, character-driven narratives
- Writing stories that balance heartbreak with hope
- Developing emotionally resonant dialogue
Publishing Journey
- Becoming a debut novelist
- Building an author platform from the ground up
- Marketing books in today's publishing landscape
- Navigating traditional publishing
Identity & Representation
- LGBTQ+ representation in contemporary fiction
- The importance of authentic storytelling
- Finding your voice through literature
- Why emotionally honest stories matter
Personal Growth
- Healing through storytelling
- Resilience and transformation
- Creativity born from lived experience
- Building meaningful human connection through fiction
Suggested Interview Questions
- What inspired you to write Inheritance of Silence?
- Why did you choose healing and identity as the emotional core of the novel?
- What does the title Inheritance of Silence represent?
- How do you create characters that feel emotionally authentic?
- Why is LGBTQ+ representation important in contemporary fiction?
- What do you hope readers carry with them after finishing the book?
- How has becoming a published author changed your perspective?
- What advice would you offer aspiring writers pursuing publication?
- What can readers look forward to next?
Perfect For Conversations About
- Contemporary fiction
- LGBTQ+ literature
- Mental health and emotional healing
- Grief and resilience
- Character-driven storytelling
- Creativity and the writing process
- Independent author branding
- The publishing journey
For interview requests, speaking engagements, podcast appearances, media inquiries, or event invitations, please visit:
About House of Windows
A moving contemporary novel exploring memory, forgiveness, identity, and the windows through which we choose to view our lives.
House of Windows is the highly anticipated second novel from award-winning author John Erik Dunnam.
Blending emotional realism with compelling literary storytelling, the novel examines how our past shapes us, how relationships transform us, and how hope often appears in unexpected places. Through layered characters and emotionally rich prose, House of Windows explores the difficult yet beautiful process of confronting old wounds while building a future defined not by fear, but by possibility.
Like Dunnam's debut, the novel centers on authentic human experiences and reminds readers that healing is rarely a destination—it is a lifelong journey.
Quick Facts
Title: House of Windows
Author: John Erik Dunnam
Genre: Contemporary Fiction • LGBTQ+ Literary Fiction • Emotional Contemporary Drama
Publisher: Austin Macauley Publishers
Publication Date: September 11, 2026
Formats: Paperback • eBook
Website: johnerikdunnam.com
Why This Story Matters
Every life is shaped by the windows through which we view ourselves and others.
House of Windows explores forgiveness, identity, resilience, family, and the courage to embrace change. It asks readers to consider how memories influence the present, how vulnerability can become strength, and how hope often begins with the simple decision to keep moving forward.
The novel continues John Erik Dunnam's commitment to creating emotionally honest stories that foster empathy, connection, and meaningful conversation.
Interview Topics
John Erik Dunnam is available for interviews, podcast appearances, literary festivals, book clubs, and speaking engagements on topics including:
Writing & Creativity
- Crafting emotionally driven contemporary fiction
- Character development and emotional realism
- Building immersive literary worlds
- Writing authentic dialogue
Publishing
- Following a successful debut novel
- Sustaining creative momentum
- Growing an author brand
- Marketing books through authentic reader engagement
Representation
- LGBTQ+ voices in literature
- Writing inclusive stories
- Authenticity in contemporary fiction
- Building empathy through storytelling
Inspiration
- Memory and identity
- Hope after hardship
- Resilience through change
- The transformative power of literature
Suggested Interview Questions
- What inspired House of Windows?
- Why did you choose this title?
- How does this novel differ from Inheritance of Silence?
- What themes were most important for you to explore?
- What challenges come with writing a second novel?
- How has your writing evolved since your debut?
- What do you hope readers feel when they finish the story?
- What role does hope play in your work?
- What can readers expect from your future projects?
Perfect For Conversations About
- Contemporary literary fiction
- Identity and belonging
- Family relationships
- Emotional resilience
- Character-driven novels
- LGBTQ+ representation
- The creative process
- Life after a successful debut
For interview requests, speaking engagements, podcast appearances, media inquiries, or event invitations, please visit:
Current & Upcoming Literary Appearances
📍 2026 International Impact Book Awards Grand Gala — Hollywood, CA
Additional appearances and speaking engagements are continuously being added.
Media Assets
Available upon request:
📸 Author headshots and promotional photography
📚 Book cover artwork
📰 Author bios (short & extended versions)
🎤 Interview and podcast availability
✨ Event and appearance information
Media & Booking Inquiries
For interviews, speaking engagements, podcasts, bookstore events, literary festivals, Pride events, media opportunities, or collaboration inquiries, please contact through the official website: