| |

     
|
    Follow On
Message from Me to You
Hello! Isn't it funny how something as simple as introducing yourself can become so difficult? So I'm just going to skip it and talk about my writing.
So, where to start? I love science fiction and fantasy. I would describe my fantasy novels as "realistic epic fantasy." Magic is more subtle. The characters have doubts and everyday concerns, on top of the more traditional plot elements. As one podcaster put it, the characters are "living real lives, even though it's fantasy." The truth of the matter is, the best sci-fi and fantasy uses distortion and exaggeration to make the human condition that much more apparent. I like that.
Is that enough? Probably not, but there's more information about me below. However, if you wanted to join the Knights of Ril (click here). then we could have more of an ongoing (albeit passive) discourse. People have liked it so far. Maybe you will, too!
About
W.D. Kilpack III, MPC, PSMC, is an award-winning author specializing in epic fantasy and military science fiction, renowned for his emotionally intense storytelling and richly detailed mythic worlds. His acclaimed New Blood Saga, Native American sci-fi novella Pale Face, and Battle Calm Cycle trilogy have garnered 53 international awards, including prestigious honors such as Book of the Year and the International Impact Book Award.
Kilpack’s writing is characterized by vivid world-building, complex characters, and themes that explore duty, fate, and sacrifice. His work seamlessly blends mythic depth with gripping military sci-fi action, appealing to readers who crave both emotional resonance and thrilling narratives.
Beyond his literary achievements, Kilpack brings a diverse professional background that enriches his storytelling, including being a former college professor, writing coach, world-ranked athlete, and editor with a background in journalism, philosophy and communication. He has experience in screenwriting, film production, and professional media work. All of this contributes to the cinematic quality of his narratives.
Readers praise Kilpack for his ability to create unforgettable characters and immersive worlds that stay with them long after the last page. His stories have been endorsed by critics and fans alike, cementing his reputation as a leading voice in contemporary speculative fiction.
For those new to his work, the New Blood Saga offers a compelling entry point, weaving together epic battles, intricate politics, and profound emotional stakes.
Personal
Kilpack 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 later earned a Master of Professional Communication with a writing emphasis. As a high-performing athlete, he qualified to represent the USA in Greco-Roman wrestling. He is happily married to his high-school sweetheart and helped raise five children and five step-children.
Honors & Awards
Explore Kilpack’s award-winning universe and discover why his stories resonate deeply with a global audience seeking mythic storytelling with heart and intensity.
- Kilpack wrote his first novel at 12 years old .....
- 2026 Winner The BookFest Award: Rilari
- Top Author: BooksShelf.com, February 2026
- Editor's Choice: Battle Calm, BooksShelf.com, February 2026
-
2026 Winner International Firebird Book Award: Battle Calm
- 2026 Winner International Firebird Best Literary Merit Award: Battle Calm
- 2025 Fiction Book of the Year, Outstanding Creator Awards: Crown Prince
- Top Reads of 2025, No. 6: Bards & Books, Vengeance Borne
- Finalist, 2025 Literary Global Book Awards, Novella/Novelette: Pale Face
- Editor's Choice Award of Literary Excellence, Reader's House Magazine: Battle Calm, October 2025
- Featured Author: Dark Fantasy Books, September 2025
- 2025 Ultimate Championship Trophy, Outstanding Creator Awards: Crown Prince
- 2025 Super Champion Medal, Outstanding Creator Awards: Crown Prince
- 2025 Best Writing (Fiction), Outstanding Creator Awards: Crown Prince
- 2025 Best Fiction, Outstanding Creator Awards: Crown Prince
- 2025 Best Fantasy, Outstanding Creator Awards: Crown Prince
- 2025 Best Action/Adventure, Outstanding Creator Awards: Crown Prince
- 2025 Best Myths/Legends, Outstanding Creator Awards: Crown Prince
- 2025 Best Romance, Outstanding Creator Awards: Crown Prince
- 2025 Special Awards: Best World-Building, Best Character (Natharr), Coolest Character (Natharr), Hottest/Most Beautiful/Handsome Character (Darshelle), Best Couple (Natharr & Darshelle), Outstanding Creator Awards: Crown Prince
- 2025 Special Awards: Best Character: Honorable Mention (Darshelle, Nathan), Best Supporting Character: Honorable Mention (Ellis the True, King Valane), Best Villain: Honorable Mention (Brandt the Usurper), Outstanding Creator Awards
- Finalist, Speculative Fiction, 2025 Utah Book Awards: Battle Calm
- Author of the Week: Dark Fantasy Books, June 2025
- 2025 Winner The BookFest Award: Pale Face
- Top 10 Books & Series, No. 7: Bards & Books, The New Blood Saga, January 2025
- Book of the Day: Vengeance Borne, BooksShelf.com, January 2025
- 2025 Winner International Firebird Book Award: Rilari
- Top Author: BooksShelf.com, January 2025
- Editor's Choice: Vengeance Borne, BooksShelf.com, January 2025
- Nominee: Outstanding Creator Awards, Spring 2025
- Book of the Week: Crown Prince, LitLinks, December 2024
- Top Book, Rank #1: Order of Light, Amy's Bookshelf Reviews, May 2024
- Top 20 Author: Amy's Bookshelf Reviews, May 2024
- 2024 Winner International Firebird Book Award: Pale Face
- 2024 Winner The BookFest Award: Demon Seed
- International Impact Book Award: Crown Prince, April 2024
- Top Pick: Rilari, BooksShelf.com, April 2024
- Book Cover Contest Winner, Readers' Favorite, BooksShelf.com, April 2024: Rilari
- Top Author: BooksShelf.com, April 2024
- Finalist, Best Mentor Character, Indie Ink Awards: Crown Prince
- Top Author: BooksShelf.com, November 2023
- Editor's Choice: Rilari, BooksShelf.com, November 2023
- Writer of the Week: Words with Katty, July 2023
- 2023 Winner The BookFest Award: Order of Light
- Featured Author: Authors Symposium, March 2023
- Star of the Month: Book Review Club, February 2023
- 2023 Winner International Firebird Book Award: Demon Seed
- 2022 Sci-Fi/Fantasy Book of the Year Finalist: OnlineBookClub.org
- 2022 Winner The BookFest Award: Crown Prince
- Top Author: BooksShelf.com, April 2022
- Editor's Choice: Demon Seed, BooksShelf.com, April 2022
- 2022 Winner International Firebird Book Award: Order of Light
- 2021 Sci-Fi/Fantasy Book of the Year Runner-Up: OnlineBookClub.org
- Top Pick: Order of Light, BooksShelf.com, July 2021
- 2021 Winner International Firebird Book Award: Crown Prince
- Author of the Month: Sinister Soup Podcast, April 2021
- Book of the Month, "Let's Talk Books": Order of Light, February 2021
- 2020 Sci-Fi/Fantasy Book of the Year Runner-Up: OnlineBookClub.org
- Hot Emerging Author: BookTalk.org, August 2020
- Honorable Mention: L. Ron Hubbard's Writers of the Future
- Quarter Finalist: Screencraft Cinematic Book Writing Competition
- Editor's Choice x5: North American Open Poetry Competition, National Library of Poetry
- 3rd Place: North American Open Poetry Competition, National Library of Poetry
- Fun and Favorite Quotes
|
| |
|
|
|
|