This weekend marks a significant milestone in my journey as an author, and I am excited to share it with all of you.
After writing, revising, dreaming, and refusing to give up, Inheritance of Silence has found its way into the hands of readers across the world. What began as an idea, has now become a published novel, and this weekend offers an opportunity not only to celebrate the book itself but also the incredible community that has supported me along the way.
On Saturday, June 13, I will be hosting my official Inheritance of Silence Author Launch Reception at B&A Warehouse in Birmingham, Alabama from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM in the glorious Bottle Room. This event is a chance to gather with friends, readers, supporters, and members of the literary community as we celebrate the release of my debut novel and the beginning of what I hope will be a long and meaningful writing career.
The celebration continues on Saturday, June 13th, when I will be attending the Central Alabama Pride Parade along 7th Ave South from 32nd Street South to 22nd Street South at 7:00pm.
Then, the fun continues on Sunday, June 14th when I will be appearing at Central Alabama PrideFest in Linn Park in downtown Birmingham from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Pride has always represented visibility, authenticity, resilience, and community—values that are deeply woven into both my personal story and my writing. I will make a main stage appearance, & I am honored to spend the day connecting with readers, meeting new people, signing books, and celebrating the vibrant LGBTQ+ community that has helped shape my life.
This weekend comes at an especially exciting time. Inheritance of Silence has recently received recognition through multiple national and international literary award programs, including finalist and nominee honors from the International Impact Book Awards, American Fiction Awards, Storytrade Book Awards, and American Writing Awards. While the results are still ahead, these recognitions have been both humbling and encouraging.
More than anything, however, this weekend is about gratitude.
To everyone who has purchased a copy of Inheritance of Silence, attended an event, shared a social media post, left a review, listened to an interview, or simply offered words of encouragement—thank you. Your support has meant more than I can adequately express.
I often say that stories have the power to connect us, heal us, and remind us that we are not alone. This weekend, I look forward to celebrating those connections with all of you.
If you are in the Birmingham area, I hope you will stop by, say hello, and join me as we celebrate this exciting chapter together.
The journey is only beginning, and I cannot wait to see where it leads next.
With gratitude,
John Erik Dunnam
Author of Inheritance of Silence
Author of House of Windows