Aurealis and Ditmar Awards

The short lists for both Aurealis and Ditmars are out, and very nice they are, too. 2010 was a splendid year for Australian spec fic, and it shows.

My personal piece of chuffdom is that Baggage has been shortlisted under two categories for Ditmars. Tessa's dark and evil story (it ruins Melbourne!) has been shortlisted for best novella, and the volume as a whole is in the best collected work shortlist.

What happens next?

Well, the Aurealis decisions (decided by panels of judges) are being announced at the Aurealis award ceremony in May, so all that remains is for people to buy their tickets. It's going to be a great evening, and absolutely worth a trip to Sydney to attend. (I would love to be there, but still need money to get to the UK, so I can't go, which is a pity - lots of amazing writers and editors being celebrated!).

The Ditmars are decided by fans. I think that everyone who paid for DudCon or is going to this year's NatCon in Perth (or is a supporting member for either - it's not too late to take out supporting membership for this year's NatCon) has a vote, but you might want to check up. Then vote! It's very easy - the online form is here: http://ditmars.sf.org.au/voting/index.html

Vote early, so you don't forget. And thank you, everyone who nominated Baggage and Tessa's story in Baggage. Eneit Press is going out in style!!!


PS I just discovered that, if you voted online last year, your details ought to be stored in the system ie you will need your code. If you've lost it (like me) there's an email address to contact. Or you could use the paper version of the form.

Women's History Month: Anna Tambour

A talking point?


A well-read reader (an American male) wrote to me a few months ago, saying:
"This is sort of a literary marketplace observation. Most fiction is written by women for women."

You can find Anna Tambour here.

Women's History Month: Mary Victoria

When Gillian first asked me to contribute a post for her series celebrating Women's History Month, I was thrilled, because I love the idea of celebrating the lives of ‘remarkable women’, commemorating their achievements and examining their legacy. Initially, I had thought to share a few stories about members of my own family, as some other participants have done. But although those women certainly deserve to be made the subjects of blog posts without end, I found – after receiving troublesome news about friends in Iran – that I could not concentrate on the exploits of my great-grandmothers, however colourful. Another, more urgent story cried out to be told.

I apologise in advance to those who do not want to hear this tale, who find a preoccupation with ‘causes’ distasteful. You do not have to read on. I want the story of Mahvash Sabet to find sympathetic ears, because she deserves it. ( To find out more about Mahvash Sabet, click here. )