lucky 20

[adelaidesean]

Huge congrats to all the nominees of this year's Aurealis Awards, among which I'm pleased as punch to be numbered. Saturn Returns is in the running for Best SF Novel, making it my sixth consecutive appearance in that category and giving me my twentieth nomination all-up. I'm excited but not holding my breath. The short-list is very strong, and I haven't had a win in this category since 2001 (which is a bit of a worry :-).

Anyway, it's wonderful to be part such a fine line-up. What an amazing pool of talent we have here in Australia! I'm sure there were many, many other fine stories that didn't make it over the line, and my commiserations go to those who might be feeling disappointed.

Ultimately it's about celebrating the community we're all part of, and in that spirit I'm really looking forward to the bash in Brisbane next year--which will be co-hosted by Kim Wilkins and some big loser from Adelaide... :-)

Comments

[satimaflavell.livejournal.com]

Congrats not only on the Aurealis (it's got so we *expect* you to be shortlisted in one category or another!) but also on your most excellent discussion on the ABC site. You're right: at heart, it's all about community. Awards are, if nothing else, a means of sparking and maintaining interest and allowing the community to honour its best. Number yourself among them.

[karenmiller.livejournal.com]

Many congrats!!!!!

Also, track 12 of the season 3 soundtrack???? Is it da bomb, or what?????

[ladnews.livejournal.com]

Thanks, Karen. And yes, re the bomb. I love BSG's music one whole lot!

[ladnews.livejournal.com]

Hey, thanks. I really am honoured to be among such excellent people. I don't know how I ever survived without them.

[aliettedb.livejournal.com]

Pretty nice shortlist. (I don't know every story, but those I do know were pretty strong)

Fingers and toes crossed ;)

[ladnews.livejournal.com]

Yes indeed! But I'll genuinely not be fussed if I lose. Being part of this particular moment is all that matters. That's partly why I love being involved in the WOTF so much. Getting excited about the community we're in and the work we're doing can be hard sometimes. I need every fix I can get my hands on. :-)

[richardjones.livejournal.com]

FWIW I loved Saturn Returns and can't wait for more :)

[ladnews.livejournal.com]

Hey, thanks! That's great to hear.

The date for the second book is under review at the moment, and I'll report on that here when I know for sure. On the other hand, the sequel novella should be available any day now, so that should whet your appetite.

Here's the opening:

Part One: "The Maddening Dance"

Imre Bergamasc comes to visit me in my cold, stone cell. We sit on the floor with the bars between us, almost close enough to touch. He is tired, and so am I. Neither of us needs to eat, but he brings food anyway: aged cheese, olive oil and fresh bread, accompanied by a jug of pink wine; simple fare seemingly at odds with men of our era. Humanity is old. Our habits are ingrained. We indulge them in times of crisis.

"Anachronism," says the man who would rule the world.

[millisynth.livejournal.com]

It's a great line up of nominations once again this year.
Jason and I are looking forward to catching up with all our writer friends and colleagues, both locally and from interstate, on the awards night.

I believe it's being held at the Judith Wright Centre again; an excellent venue for the AAs.

Congrats to you, Sean, and all the nominees! It's quite an achievement to be nominated for this special event.
:-)

[richardjones.livejournal.com]

oooo :)

thanks!