Lifetime Achievement -- Dean Hughes

Kerry Blair is presenting the award to Dean Hughes - and took a moment to thank Rob for all he's done. She also took public credit for writing the silly jokes, which, are of course, now charming and funny. Everyone gave Rob a well-deserved standing ovation for his hard work and dedication.

Dean Hughes is a legend in our market, and in the national market, as well. His mother read to him regularly as a child, and he credits a school teacher for helping him get on the path he's on now, living out his life-long dream of being a full-time author. He's been publishing since 1979, and his first book was the first novel ever published by Deseret Book. He started this whole market we know enjoy.

We all know how I feel about Dean Hughes -- it's so great to see a room full of people who feel the same way.

Lifetime Achievement Award -- Anita Stansfield

Rachel Ann Nunes is reading a great tribute to Anita Stansfield, a true pioneer in the LDS market. Anita has made such tremendous inroads in women's fiction -- the things we accomplish today are largely thanks to her. She has received numerous awards for her writing, including one from her publisher. She has taken the road less taken, in fact, creating the roads.

Rachel is obviously touched as she presents this award to Anita as the crowd rises to its feet, hands growing sore from all the clapping.

First Lifetime Achievement Award

Michele Ashman Bell, lovely as a brunette, gave a nice tribute to Jennie Hansen, the first recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award. We already knew how amazing Jennie is, but she has been involved in politics, winning awards for her work in media, and the list just goes on and on. She's always been someone I've admired, and I'm just getting more and more evidence of my well-placed admiration.

As an LDS novelist, she's one of the most well-known. She's written in many LDS genres, from westerns to suspense to historicals. She reads nearly every LDS novel published, and reviews her favorites on Meridian. She is read by over one million readers. Her opinion is respected by book readers and buyers the world over.

Everyone is on their feet in respect for this incredible woman.