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Sacramento Attorney and Author Miles Whitney Wins 2025 New Feathers Award for “Artifact of Death, Artifact of Life”

  • Feb 15
  • 2 min read


Tahoe City, CA - Bootstrap Publications is proud to announce that author Miles Whitney has been named the first-place winner of the 2025 New Feathers Award. Selected by the editorial team at New Feathers Anthology, Whitney’s winning nonfiction piece, “Artifact of Death, Artifact of Life,” was honored for its profound emotional resonance and masterful use of historical imagery.


“Artifact of Death, Artifact of Life” provides a powerful exploration of identity and survival. A queer, trans, Jewish research attorney based in Sacramento, Whitney channels his passion for justice into both the legal field and his creative work. The winning piece weaves together the haunting history of "bone music"—clandestine Soviet-era records pressed onto discarded X-ray film—with a contemporary narrative of the trans experience. Drawing on his unique ability to connect personal vulnerability with global history, Whitney presents a compelling look at the search for safety and the "indestructible music" of the human spirit.


“This is such an honor. There were so many other great works this year. Here's to a year with lots of great creativity, reading, and appreciating art!” — Miles Whitney


Key Highlights of “Artifact of Death, Artifact of Life”:

  • 2025 First Place Winner: Distinguished as the premier entry in the annual New Feathers Award cycle, selected from a competitive field of nominees across fiction, poetry, and art.

  • The Symbolism of "Bone Music": A central exploration of how banned art survived on radiographic film—literally turning images of death into vessels for music.

  • A Timely Narrative: A poignant reflection on the Passover story, drawing parallels between ancient flight and the modern challenges facing the trans community.


Since its publication in the Summer 2025 issue of New Feathers Anthology, the piece has moved readers and critics alike. This milestone arrives as Whitney prepares for the 2026 release of his debut novel with Bootstrap Publications, Midlife Musical, a richly layered exploration of art, memory, and the courage it takes to live authentically.


About Miles Whitney: Miles Whitney is an attorney, author, and advocate. With his work in the legal field and the literary arts, Whitney explores themes of grief, identity, and resilience—themes he has championed since the loss of his daughter, Isabel, in 2022. His writing has appeared in Slate, Freedom Fiction Journal, and Homo Works. Outside of writing and law, he enjoys reading Torah and training dogs in Northern California, weaving together his love for storytelling, faith, and community.


Connect with [Author Name]:

For more information on Midlife Musical or to schedule an interview with Miles Whitney, please contact:info@bootstrappublications.com


Tags: Miles Whitney, New Feathers Award, Nonfiction, Trans Literature, Midlife Musical, Sacramento Authors, Bootstrap Publications

Industries: Publishing, Literature, Social Justice, Legal



Introducing Miles Whitney

  • Oct 8, 2024
  • 2 min read

Updated: Oct 29, 2024


Photo of Miles Whitney with their dog
Photo Credit: Brian Aghajani

Introducing Miles Whitney: A Voice of Resilience and Creativity


Miles Whitney is a queer, trans, Jewish attorney based in Sacramento, California, whose path is as unique as it is inspiring. Balancing his work as a research attorney for the trial court with his creative endeavors, Miles channels his passion for justice into both his legal work and his writing. His work is shaped by a deep commitment to equity and an enduring resilience cultivated after experiencing profound loss.


In 2022, Miles’ life took an unexpected turn with the heartbreaking death of his daughter, Isabel. This pivotal moment sparked a journey into creative writing, leading him to explore themes of grief, identity, and personal growth through fiction and nonfiction essays. His stories reach readers on an emotional level, offering narratives that reflect both personal healing and the broader challenges of being human.

Miles’ work has been published in several well-regarded publications, including Freedom Fiction Journal, Homo Works, and Discretionary Love. His essay topics range from the universal to the deeply personal, each offering insight into his experiences with grief, justice, and identity. Whether he's writing about the complexities of modern legal parentage or recounting his own spiritual journey, Miles brings a distinct perspective to his writing.


When he’s not immersed in law or writing, Miles enjoys reading Torah and training dogs, passions that speak to his love for tradition, faith, and fostering connection. His multifaceted approach to life—balancing the law, storytelling, and personal healing—makes him an inspiring figure in both his professional and creative communities.


Stay tuned for more of Miles Whitney’s powerful work, as he continues to push boundaries and share his story with the world.


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