Top Idaho Author and Book Awards 2013

It was a full house at Beside Bardenay for the 2013 Top Idaho Author and Book Awards. I chatted with authors I knew, met new authors, and even caught up with one of my junior high English teachers. This elegant evening included delicious food, cocktails, inspirational speeches, and a barrage of flashes from the cameras of proud spouses, family members, and friends.

I shared this magical celebration with my mom and husband. Believe me, they took their fair share of photos. My husband even embarrassed me a bit by repeatedly shouting, “Whoo-hoo!” when I received my award.

I was relieved when the professional photographer took over and started shooting group photos 🙂 Congrats to the 2013 winners of the Top Idaho Author and Book Awards!

Top 10 Idaho Books – Nonfiction
Nathan Barry, Authority
Dale Dixon, Sweating Bullets
Angela Young, Spoiled Milk
Catherine Owens, Be Your Own Hero
Michele de Reus, Daring to Choose
Jill Skeem, Comfort Food Gets a Vegan Makeover
A. K. Turner, This Little Piggy Went to the Liquor Store
Whit Mitchell, Working in Sync
Walt Hampton, Journeys on the Edge
Bob Faw, Energize

Top 10 Idaho Books – Fiction
Judith McConnell Steele, The Angel of Esperança
Joanne Pence, Ancient Echoes
Donna Cook, Gift of the Phoenix
Jack Patterson, Triple Cross
Russell Elkins, Sparks the Matchmaker
Joel Lund, The Temple of Kahrnahrgx
Kathy McIntosh, Mustard’s Last Stand
Kristine McCord, The Santa Society
Angela Ruth Strong, Lighten Up
Rebecca Carey Lyles, Winds of Freedom
Honorable Mention: Oliver Dahl, The Dreamers

Best New Idaho Author – Nonfiction
1st Place: Nathan Barry, Authority
2nd Place: Dale Dixon, Sweating Bullets
3rd Place: Angela Young, Spoiled Milk
Honorable Mentions: Jill Skeem, Comfort Food Gets a Vegan Makeover; Catherine Owens, Be Your Own Hero; Kurt Koontz, One Million Steps

Best New Idaho Author – Fiction
1st Place: Donna Cook, Gift of the Phoenix
2nd Place: B. D. Riehl, The Earth Is Full
3rd Place: Kathy McIntosh, Mustard’s Last Stand

Best Children’s Book:
1st Place: A.J. Irving, Mama’s Purse
2nd Place: Mike Sanders, Jabbers

Best Interior Design – Nonfiction
1st Place: Angela Young, Spoiled Milk, designed by Shiloh Schroeder, Fusion Creative Works
2nd Place: Catherine Owens, Be Your Own Hero, designed by Shiloh Schroeder, Fusion Creative Works
3rd Place: Whit Mitchell, Working in Sync, designed by Nick Zelinger, NZ Graphics
Honorable Mention: Jill Skeem, Comfort Food Gets a Vegan Makeover, designed by Jason Lugo

Best Interior Design – Fiction
1st Place: Judith McConnell Steele, The Angel of Esperança, designed by Sarah Tregay
2nd Place: Joel Lund, The Temple of Kahrnahrgx, designed by Shiloh Schroeder, Fusion Creative Works
3rd Place: B. D. Riehl, The Earth Is Full, designed by Mike Sloane; Russell Elkins, Sparks the Matchmaker, designed by Russell Elkins
Honorable Mention: Donna Cook, Gift of the Phoenix, designed by Donna Cook

Best Cover Design – Nonfiction
1st Place: Angela Young, Spoiled Milk, designed by Cari Campbell Design
2nd Place: Catherine Owens, Be Your Own Hero, designed by Cari Campbell Design
3rd Place: Dale Dixon, Sweating Bullets, designed by Cari Campbell Design
Honorable Mention: Cynthia Fackrell, Gravity’s Embrace, designed by Cari Campbell Design

Best Cover Design – Fiction
1st Place: Judith McConnell Steele, The Angel of Esperança, designed by Sarah Tregay
2nd Place: Elaine Ambrose and A. K. Turner, Drinking with Dead Women Writers, designed by Ward Hooper
3rd Place: B. D. Riehl, The Earth Is Full, designed by Mike Sloane
Honorable Mention: Donna Cook, Gift of the Phoenix, designed by Kevin McCain