Spokane Authors Shine in Book Awards | Spokane News

Spokane’s literary stars Jess Walter and Leyna Krow are finalists for the 2026 Washington State Book Awards—marking a historic moment for the city’s vibrant writing scene. Walter’s “So Far Gone” and Krow’s “Sinkhole, and Other Inexplicable Voids” both shine in the fiction category, competing for top honors as part of the program’s 60th anniversary celebration. With forty-one finalists across seven categories, the awards spotlight Washington’s rich literary diversity—from poetry to YA fiction. Both authors expressed awe and gratitude, praising each other and their supportive community. Winners will be announced September 15, leaving one Spokane writer crowned champion. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/741370cced6fd89a