Aurealis Awards - reasons to party

[adelaidesean]

You probably know that the Aurealis Awards have moved to Sydney. You might also know who the nominees are and that this year's round of awards will be presented on May 21 (details here). You might be coming--in which case, awesome! You don't need to read any further.

This post is for those on the fence.

Here's why you should be there.

Being a writer is a whole lot more than just words. It's about people and the connections between them. In this context, I like to bander one particular word around a lot: community. Oh, and celebration, which is a whole lot more than tossing back champagnes and scoffing pizza at two in the morning. Events like the Aurealis bash give writers a chance to celebrate the community that welcomes, guides and supports them (us) through what can, honestly, be a pretty shitty career path. They provide opportunities to bond, to form networks, and to share info. Cons do the same thing, but this is just one night. It's cheaper. Why wouldn't you go?

Besides, this is the night of the year on which we, the speculative fiction crowd of Australia, really truly frocks up. You know that cliche about fans wearing Star Trek costumes? Well, anyone who's been to an AA night knows just how stupid that is. We are one hot looking bunch. And the spotlight's on everyone, not just the nominees and winners. We bask in each other's brilliance.

I'm assuming that every Sydneysider who can physically make it has already bought a ticket and will be coming along. (I'll be there--I'll notice if you're not!) I understand that for everyone else it's a long way to go and money is tight. Just think seriously about it. I've lost count of the number of AA bashes I attended in Brisbane and elsewhere, sometimes in very lean times indeed, and I regard it as money well spent. An investment in my vocation--hell, even the ATO agrees with me on that.

Without you, celebrations like this aren't possible. Community isn't possible. So come along and clink glasses with your best mates and your worst enemies. We're all in the same boat, after all, and the journey is so much more enjoyable in good company.

Comments

[glenda larke noramly (from livejournal.com)]

Sadly, not even your eloquence can get me there financially...though I agree with everything you say! Never mind, next year when I move to Australia.

Glenda L.

[seanwilliams.livejournal.com]

You are of course excused, Glenda. :-)

Really looking forward to you being a whole lot closer on a regular basis!

[cassiphone.livejournal.com]

I'll be there!

[seanwilliams.livejournal.com]

Excellent! It'll be great to see you again. :-)

[patchworkkid.livejournal.com]

I'd be there if it was even remotely possible financially, but it just isn't. Not this year. But *next* year definitely - especially if the things in the pipeline even go half as well as I hope.

[seanwilliams.livejournal.com]

Fingers crossed!

[seanwilliams.livejournal.com]

Brilliant! The little fellow too? :-)

[seanwilliams.livejournal.com]

Excellent plan. :-)

[editormum.livejournal.com]

I'll be there! Flying visit (not even 24 hours!). I shall have child in tow but grandma will be babysitting for the night (SHE'S flying in from QLD to do the job - that's dedication!) :)

[seanwilliams.livejournal.com]

That sure is. Bravo!

Is your mum's username "editorgrandma"?

[seandblogonaut (from livejournal.com)]

Alas even with your impassioned plea I shall be living vicariously through the scant twitterings and the after awards blog postings.

I'd love to support it, just as a fan.

[seanwilliams.livejournal.com]

By being a fan you are supporting it already.

But you could nag friends to come, if you wanted. :-)

The more the merrier!

[tallaudrey.livejournal.com]

Now I have to go and buy a damned dress.

[tooticky.livejournal.com]

I've just lay-by'd mine. :)

[seanwilliams.livejournal.com]

Fantastic!

[aidandoyle.livejournal.com]

I've just sent my Star Fleet uniform to the dry cleaners'.

[tooticky.livejournal.com]

:) Which colour? Blue, I assume.

[aidandoyle.livejournal.com]

Green. My starship is certified eco-friendly.

[seanwilliams.livejournal.com]

Aidan, you are a big tease.

I assumed you'd be coming as a ninja--but then we wouldn't see you, so this is probably better.

[aidandoyle.livejournal.com]

Shaun Tan talked about not being noticed and he won an Oscar. So maybe a ninja costume would be a good idea after all.

[seanwilliams.livejournal.com]

Yes. You do.

[murasaki-1966.livejournal.com]

We shall be there. I think I owe you a drink.

[seanwilliams.livejournal.com]

Maybe. I've lost track. Great you'll be there!

[murasaki-1966.livejournal.com]

So have I. If you buy me one, and I buy you one, then we should be even. :)

[seanwilliams.livejournal.com]

As long as we don't lose count, we'll be fine. :-)

[kaelajael.livejournal.com]

And for those in Perth that can't attend to Ceremony proper, we are having a Cocktail Party to celebrate and follow the tweets, or possibly watch the event if we can get it Skyped!.

Details here: http://watchingnascence.wordpress.com/2011/05/05/aurealis-awards-cocktail-party/

[seanwilliams.livejournal.com]

That's a terrific idea. Wish I could be at that, too. :-)

[http://users.livejournal.com/doctor_k_/]

By some happy coincidence, I'll be in Sydney for the weekend, with a spare evening!

[seanwilliams.livejournal.com]

It is your destiny. Will be great to see you there!

[thiefofcamorr.livejournal.com]

Hi Sean,

I was wondering, would I be able to interview you sometime about writing? It wouldn’t have to be too long - unless I can steal some more of your time, of course :D

It would be for the National Youth Writers Month (aimed at those under 25 years), which is in June. I’m one of the ambassadors and I’m going to be running a few workshops and things. It would be awesome to have writing advice, tales, or any information at all for the participants, so they understand what it’s like to be an actual author.

If you’re interested, it could be done over email – Icould come up with a few questions and you can reply, or add any extra things you’d like to share with everyone? Or if you have a different way you’d like to do this then by all means :D

Would this be possible? It’s totally okay if it’s not as it’s getting to be a busy season ^^

[seanwilliams.livejournal.com]

Sure! Do you have my email address? I'm on tour at the moment and my RSI is playing up, so you might have to nag, but I'd be happy to help out any way I can.

[thiefofcamorr.livejournal.com]

Is it the one on your website? mail@ and such? :)

That would be so fantastic, thank you! I hope your RSI clears up, it can be so painful and bothersome.

[seanwilliams.livejournal.com]

That's the one.

RSI is manageable at home, a bit iffy on the road. I need robot hands!

[thiefofcamorr.livejournal.com]

Yay, thanks, I'll try have something out to you tonight so you have longer to muse over it :)

The idea of robot hands scares me a bit. Imagine how handy they'd be in the kitchen though! And for engineers. And lightsaber duels.


ETA: Email with the questions is sent! Please let me know if you didn't get it :) Sometimes my gmail account loses emails, it seems.

[seanwilliams.livejournal.com]

Got it! I'll get to it ASAP. Don't hesitate to nag if I lose track. :-)

[thiefofcamorr.livejournal.com]

Friendly nag and offer of lindt chocolate ^^ Would it be possible to have the interview by the end of the month? If not, that's totally okay :)

[seanwilliams.livejournal.com]

Eep. Apologies for not getting to it sooner. Will try to do it this weekend. Thanks for the reminder!

[thiefofcamorr.livejournal.com]

No worries ^^ End of financial year is a busy time for everyone for loads of reasons ^^ No rush :)

[seanwilliams.livejournal.com]

Just sent them to you via email. Sorry to be so tardy!