SHF Producer Partner's Sci-Fi Novella Pale Face Wins The BookFest Award

The BookFest announced the winners of the recent BookFest Awards competition at their semiannual virtual event this month. Receiving a BookFest Award in the Novella category was SHF producer partner Bill Kilpack (writing as W.D. Kilpack III) for his science-fiction novella, Pale Face.

Kilpack said, "Being selected to receive an award is always an honor. It's incredibly gratifying to have someone recognize for the hard work that went into creating Pale Face. It makes it feel that much more worthwhile." 

Desireé Duffy, Founder of The BookFest, said, "The BookFest honors authors who create outstanding works of fiction and nonfiction. The BookFest's mission is rooted in the belief that literature has transformative power and, in a desire to support and celebrate those who create it. Now more than ever, it's essential to honor authors and creatives for their crucial role in shaping the stories that define our humanity. Books transport us to different worlds, offer new adventures, and allow us to reflect on our own lives while fostering empathy. By celebrating the accomplishments of authors, we elevate literature and, in turn, elevate ourselves."

Pale Face centers around Hector Whitehorse, who did not belong — not here, not anywhere. Born on a New Mexico reservation, but educated in the white-man’s school, Hector was part of two worlds, but at home in neither. It only got worse when his entrapment went from a feeling to a reality: trapped between Earth and someplace else. Hector’s close encounter nearly cost him his life. The repercussions could make him wish that he had not been so lucky.

The BookFest Founder Desiree Duffy said, "It is important to recognize authors for the role they play in creating and sharing stories that entertain, educate, and inspire readers. Books transport us to new worlds, broaden perspectives, and foster empathy. As the Founder of The BookFest, I believe that by saluting authors and their literary achievements we elevate the importance of literature in our society."

This is the third award Kilpack has received for Pale Face. The other two include the 2024 International Firebird Book Award and receiving Honorable Mention in L. Ron Hubbard's Writers of the Future Contest. It is the twenty-seventh book award he has received. Pale Face is also currently in movie development.

SHF President Tony A. Angelo said, "We couldn't be prouder of Bill! I knew when I read Pale Face a long time ago that it was special. That's why we started developing it for a movie. This is just one more reason to stay on course!"

According to international best-selling author Dave Wolverton, Pale Face is "pretty darned good. I like it. I love how [Hector] sees the aliens and the white men in the same light. A nice, brutal, ironic twist ... this is good stuff."

V.J. Garske, author of The Raven Moonstone, said, "Pale Face pulled me in immediately. I loved the descriptive writing and the original plot. Hector grew up on the Navajo Reservation in New Mexico, where UFO sitings are common, although not readily believed. But his experience changes his life in ways one wouldn't imagine. I enjoyed the fast pace and believable struggle as he deals with trying to make sense of his life-changing experience. Close encounters of an original kind!"

Author and screenwriter Jeff Bailey said that Kilpack "is an active author of novels, TV screenwriter, producer, and partner in a movie production company. I consider him to be one of the new breed of fast rising influencers in the publishing, television, and movie industries."

About Kilpack

Kilpack is an award-winning science fiction and fantasy author recognized for his works across various media, including print, online, radio, and television. His writing journey began at the age of nine when he won an award for a poem. He holds both a bachelor’s and master’s degree from Westminster University, where he double-majored in communication and philosophy and completed the Honors Program. He went on to earn a Master of Professional Communication with a writing emphasis. As a high-performing athlete, he also qualified for international competition in Greco-Roman wrestling. For 25 years, he was a communication professor and a nationally recognized wrestling coach. Outside of his professional accomplishments, he is an accomplished cook. He resides in Salt Lake City, Utah, where he is happily married to his high-school sweetheart and is father to five children, as well as helping to raise five step-children. For more information go to www.Kilpack.net.

About The BookFest

The BookFest is the leader in virtual literary events, producing vital conversations on the world’s stage for those who love to read and those who love to write. It launched in May 2020, at a time when many live events were canceled. Free to attend, the biannual event takes place in the spring and fall, streaming panel discussions, conversations, and live interactive sessions. As an award-winning event, The BookFest has received recognition from the Webby Awards with a nomination in 2021, a gold award from the Muse Creative Awards in 2020, and a silver award from the w3 Awards in 2020. The BookFest features an array of literary speakers, experts, and authors, including: Mitch Albom; Kevin J. Anderson; Angela Bole; Mark Coker; James Dashner; Robert G. Diforio; Dr. Michael Greger; Cheryl Willis Hudson; Wade Hudson; Sarah Kendzior; Jonathan Maberry; Josh Malerman; Lisa Morton; Karla Olson; Deborah M. Pratt; James Rollins; Connie Schultz; Michael Shermer; Mark K. Shriver; Danny Trejo; Helene Wecker; Dr. Chanda Prescod-Weinstein, and many others. The BookFest is presented by Books That Make You and produced by Black Château Enterprises. The BookFest is a registered trademark of Desireé Duffy, founder of all three. For more information, visit TheBookFest.com.

About Safe Harbor Films, LLC

The name of the company, Safe Harbor Films, is not just a catchy turn of phrase: it is a mission, a mantra, a way of doing business, a way of life. A primary goal at Safe Harbor Films is not just to produce quality entertainment, but to do it in an atmosphere that is safe and secure to let creativity flourish and people to realize their potential. Whether a veteran of the industry or a rookie, we believe in the power of opportunity and generosity. For more information, go to www.SafeHarborFilms.com.