SF Site News » SFWA

Damon Knight Grandmaster Recipient Announced

Steven H Silver — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 19:51:42 +0000

SFWA has announced that the recipient of the Damon Knight Grandmaster Award will be Connie Willis. Willis will be honored during the 2012 Nebula Award Weekend in Arlington, Virginia the weekend of May 17-20, 2012. Willis is the author of Remake, Bellwether, Passage, and other novels and short stories. She has won 11 Hugos and 7 Nebulas, including both awards for her novels Doomsday Book, All Clear, Blackout, and the short story “Even the Queen.”

For more information…

Dorchester Probation Extended

Steven H Silver — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 23:08:47 +0000

The SFWA Board has voted to extend the probationary period for Dorchester Books until January 31 with a vote of 6-0 with two abstentions. The board determined that with the probationary period coming to an end with the close of 2011, holiday, family, and other end-of-year obligations kept them from reviewing the situation in a complete manner and voted to extend the period. Dorchester was placed on probation in December, 2010.

Night Shade Probation Lifted

Steven H Silver — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 19:14:46 +0000

SFWA has announced the lifting of the probation period for Night Shade Books. Night Shade was placed on probation on July 8, 2010 after irregularities surfaced in Night Shade’s contractual fulfillment and rights. Night Shade has worked closely with SFWA during the intervening period to ensure that the infractions were rectified. Fiction contracted during that probationary term is acceptable for qualification for SFWA membership.

SFWA Officers

Steven H Silver — Mon, 23 May 2011 18:16:22 +0000

The results of the SFWA election were announced at the SFWA business meeting held at the Nebula Awards Weekend.

President: John Scalzi
Vice President: Mary Robinette Kowal
Secretary: Robert J. Howe
Treasurer: Bud Sparhawk
Eastern Regional Director: Catherynne M. Valente

Nebula Awards Presented

Steven H Silver — Sun, 22 May 2011 05:32:49 +0000

The Nebula Awards were presented on the evening of May 21 at the Washington Hilton in Washington, D.C. as part of the Nebula Award Weekend. The Ceremony also included the presentation of the Service to SFWA Award, the Solstice Awards, the Bradbury Award, and the Andre Norton Award.

Service to SFWA: John Johnston, III
Solstice Award: James Tiptree, Jr./Alice B. Sheldon
Solstice Award: Michael Whelan
Ray Bradbury Award: Inception, written and directed by Christopher Nolan
Andre Norton Award: I Shall Wear Midnight, by Terry Pratchett
Best Short Story: (tie) “How Interesting: A Tiny Man,” Harlan Ellison; “Ponies,” by Kij Johnson
Best Novelette: “That Leviathan, Whom Thou Hast Made,” by Eric James Stone
Best Novella: “The Lady Who Plucked Flowers beneath the Queen’s Window,” by Rachel Swirsky
Best Novel: Blackout and All Clear, by Connie Willis

For more information…

Mass Autographings at Nebulas

Steven H Silver — Sat, 07 May 2011 23:43:58 +0000

A mass signing, featuring more than 40 science fiction and fantasy writers including Connie Willis, John Scalzi, Joe Haldeman, Allen Steele, James Morrow, Michael Whelan, Michael Swanwick, and Laura Anne Gilman will take place as part of the Nebula Award Weekend on Friday, May 20 from 5:30 to 7:00 at the Washington Hilton, 1919 Connecticut NW, Washington, DC. The signing is open to the public.

For more information…

Change at SFWA

Steven H Silver — Mon, 25 Apr 2011 20:14:36 +0000

SFWA President John Scalzi has announced that Executive Director Jane Jewell will step down after nine years in her position. Jewell will continue to act as a Special Advisor to the 2011 Nebula Award weekend next month. Kate Baker has been hired as Interim Office Manager and will handle administrative tasks, including membership services following Jewell’s departure.

Nebula Nominations

Steven H Silver — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 15:15:48 +0000

SFWA has announced this year’s nominees for the Nebula Awards. The Nebulas are selected by members of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America. This year’s winners will be announced during the Nebula Award Weekend in Washington, D.C, the weekend of May 19-22.

Short Story

“Arvies,” by Adam-Troy Castro
“How Interesting: A Tiny Man,” by Harlan Ellison^®
“Ponies,” by Kij Johnson
“I’m Alive, I Love You, I’ll See You in Reno,” by Vylar Kaftan
“The Green Book,” by Amal El-Mohtar
“Ghosts of New York,” by Jennifer Pelland
“Conditional Love,” by Felicity Shoulders

Novelette

“Map of Seventeen,” by Christopher Barzak
“The Jaguar House, in Shadow,” by Aliette de Bodard
“The Fortuitous Meeting of Gerard van Oost and Oludara,” by Christopher Kastensmidt
“Plus or Minus,” by James Patrick Kelly
“Pishaach,” by Shweta Narayan
“That Leviathan, Whom Thou Hast Made,” by Eric James Stone
“Stone Wall Truth,” by Caroline M. Yoachim

Novella

The Alchemist, by Paolo Bacigalupi
“Iron Shoes,” by J. Kathleen Cheney
The Lifecycle of Software Objects, by Ted Chiang
“The Sultan of the Clouds,” by Geoffrey A. Landis
“Ghosts Doing the Orange Dance,” by Paul Park
“The Lady Who Plucked Red Flowers beneath the Queen’s Window,” by Rachel Swirsky

Novel

The Native Star, by M.K. Hobson
The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms, by N.K. Jemisin
Shades of Milk and Honey, by Mary Robinette Kowal
Echo, by Jack McDevitt
Who Fears Death, by Nnedi Okorafor
Blackout/All Clear, by Connie Willis

Ray Bradbury Award

Despicable Me, directed by Pierre Coffin & Chris Renaud, screenplay by Ken Daurio & Cinco Paul, story by Sergio Pablos
Doctor Who: ‘‘Vincent and the Doctor,” by Richard Curtis
How to Train Your Dragon, directed by Dean DeBlois & Chris Sanders, screenplay by William Davies, Dean DeBlois, & Chris Sanders
Inception, directed by Christopher Nolan, screenplay by Christopher Nolan
Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, directed by Edgar Wright, screenplay by Michael Bacall & Edgar Wright
Toy Story 3, directed by Lee Unkrich, screenplay by Michael Arndt, story by John Lasseter, Andrew Stanton, & Lee Unkrich

Andre Norton Award

Ship Breaker, by Paolo Bacigalupi
White Cat, by Holly Black
Mockingjay, by Suzanne Collins
Hereville: How Mirka Got Her Sword, by Barry Deutsch
I Shall Wear Midnight, by Terry Pratchett
The Boy from Ilysies, by Pearl North
A Conspiracy of Kings, by Megan Whalen Turner
Behemoth, by Scott Westerfield

For more information…

Atlanta Nights Optioned

Steven H Silver — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 04:28:13 +0000

Atlanta Nights, by Travis Tea, has been optioned for a film. The book was created in 2004 as part of a sting operation by members of SFWA against the publisher PublishAmerica. After the book was accepted the the hoax revealed, PublishAmerica canceled the contract. Each chapter of the work was written by a different author with no regard for plot, continuity, spelling, or grammar. According to one of the authors, the film would take the form of a joint documentary and partial dramatic presentation. As with the money raised through past sales of the book, the option money will be used for the SFWA Emergency Medical Fund. The project is being crowdfunded.

For more information…

SFWA Puts Dorchester on Probation

Steven H Silver — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 19:42:50 +0000

Following complaints by authors about Dorchester Publishing’ practices and discussions between SFWA and Dorchester to correct their mistakes, SFWA has placed Dorchester on a one-year probation as a qualifying market for SFWA Membership. During that time, fiction contracted by Dorchester will not be considered qualifying (although it may be retroactively if Dorchester completes the terms of its probation).

For more information…

SFWA Appoints Ombudsman

Steven H Silver — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 13:46:07 +0000

John Scalzi, the President of SFWA, has announced the appointment of Cynthia Felice as the organization’s ombudsman. The ombudsman serves as the members’ advocate to the board of directors, on any issue of concern to the organization or its individual members. The position was created in 2008 by Russell Davis and was previously filled by Lee Martindale.

SFWA Puts Night Shade on Probation

Steven H Silver — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 13:50:52 +0000

Following complaints by authors about Night Shade Books’ practices and an apology from Night Shade with promises to correct their mistakes, SFWA has placed Night Shade on a one-year probation as a qualifying market for SFWA Membership. During that time, fiction contracted by Night Shade will not be considered qualifying (although it may be retroactively if Night Shade completes the terms of its probation).

For more information…
Night Shade Books’ apology…

SFWA Board Elections

Steven H Silver — Mon, 17 May 2010 13:53:54 +0000

The results of the SFWA Board elections were announced at the SFWA Business meeting in Cocoa Beach, Florida on May 16. The new board will officially take office on July 1.

President: John Scalzi
Vice-President: Mary Robinette Kowal
Secretary: Robert Howe
Treasurer: Amy Sterling Casil
South Central Regional Director: Lee Martindale
Overseas Regional Director: Sean Williams (Australia)

Nebula Awards

Steven H Silver — Mon, 17 May 2010 13:46:38 +0000

The Nebula Awards were presented on Saturday May 15 in Cocoa Beach. The weekend was scheduled to coincide with the final launch of the space shuttle Atlantis and many of the attendees watched the launch from the Causeway, with many of the nominees watching from NASA’s Banana River Viewing Area. Winners (including previously announced honorees) are listed below.

Solstice Awards: Tom Doherty, Terri Windling, Donald A. Wollheim
Service to SFWA: Vonda McIntyre, Keith Stokes
Author Emeritus: Neal Barrett, Jr.
Damon Knight Grand Master: Joe W. Haldeman
Andre Norton Award: The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making, Catherynne M. Valente
Ray Bradbury Award: Neill Blomkamp and Terri Tatchell for District 9
Short Story: “Spar,” by Kij Johnson
Novelette: “Sinner, Baker, Fabulist, Priest; Red Mask, Black Mask, Gentleman, Beast,” by Eugie Foster
Novella: The Women of Nell Gwynne’s, Kage Baker
Novel: The Windup Girl, by Paolo Bacigalupi

For more information…

Streaming Nebulas

Steven H Silver — Wed, 12 May 2010 20:17:47 +0000

For the first time, this year’s Nebula Awards will be streamed live on the web. The webcast will begin at 7:00 Eastern Time, to coincide with the start of the Nebula banquet. The Awards ceremony is scheduled to begin at 8:15 Eastern Time.

To watch the Nebula Awards…

SFWA Names Author Emeritus

Steven H Silver — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 16:38:12 +0000

SFWA has named Neil Barrett, Jr. as this year’s Author Emeritus. Barrett is the author of more than 50 novels, including The Hereafter Gang, Through Darkest America and The Prince of Christler-Coke. He has published nearly 70 short stories, many of which are collected in A Different Vintage and Perpetuity Blues. Barrett will be honored at this year’s Nebula Award weekend in Cocoa Beach, Florida on the weekend of May 14-15.

For more information…

Service to SFWA Awards

Steven H Silver — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 21:53:37 +0000

Two recipients for this year’s Service to SFWA Awards have been announced. Vonda N. McIntyre will receive a service award for her years maintaining various SFWA member websites. Keith Stokes will be honored for his service on multiple committees and management of SFWA news alerts. The presentations will be made during the Nebula Awards weekend in Cocoa Beach, Florida the weekend of May 14-16.

For more information…

SFWA Board Ballot

Steven H Silver — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 12:31:53 +0000

The Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America (SFWA) has announced the ballot for this year’s Board of Directors. Members will be receiving ballots in the mail soon and all ballots must be received by April 23. The winners will be announced at the Nebula Awards Weekend in Cocoa Beach, FL and will serve out a term from this year’s Nebula Weekend until Nebula Weekend 2011.

President: John Scalzi (unopposed)
Vice-President: Mary Robinette Kowal (unopposed)
Secretary: Isamu Fukui and Robert J. Howe
Treasurer: Amy Sterling Casil and Eric Fullilove
Overseas Regional Director: Sean Williams (unopposed)
Canadian Regional Director: No candidates declared
South/Central Regional Director: Lee Martindale and Diana Rowland

Nebula Nominees

Steven H Silver — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 15:02:24 +0000

The SFWA has announced the nominees for this year’s Nebula, Norton, and Bradbury Awards. The Nebula recognizes excellence in fiction, the Norton in Young Adult novels, and the Bradbury in screenwriting. This year’s awards will be presented at a banquet in Cocoa Beach, Florida on May 15.

Short story
“Hooves and the Hovel of Abdel Jameela,” Saladin Ahmed (Clockwork Phoenix 2, Norilana Books, Jul09)
“I Remember the Future,” Michael A. Burstein (I Remember the Future, Apex Publications, Nov08)
“Non-Zero Probabilities,” N. K. Jemisin (Clarkesworld, Nov09)
“Spar,” Kij Johnson (Clarkesworld, Oct09)
“Going Deep,” James Patrick Kelly (Asimov’s Science Fiction, Jun09)
“Bridesicle,” Will McIntosh (Asimov’s Science Fiction, Jan09)

Novelette
“The Gambler,” Paolo Bacigalupi (Fast Forward 2, Pyr Books, Oct08)
“Vinegar Peace, or the Wrong-Way Used-Adult Orphanage,” Michael Bishop (Asimov’s Science Fiction, Jul08)
“I Needs Must Part, The Policeman Said,” Richard Bowes (The Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction, Dec09)
“Sinner, Baker, Fabulist, Priest; Red Mask, Black Mask, Gentleman, Beast,” Eugie Foster (Interzone, Jan/Feb09)
“Divining Light,” Ted Kosmatka (Asimov’s Science Fiction, Aug08)
“A Memory of Wind,” Rachel Swirsky (Tor.com, Nov09)

Novella
The Women of Nell Gwynne’s, by Kage Baker (Subterranean Press, Jun09)
“Arkfall,” Carolyn Ives Gilman (The Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction, Sep09)
“Act One,” Nancy Kress (Asimov’s Science Fiction, Mar09)
Shambling Towards Hiroshima, by James Morrow (Tachyon Publications, Feb09)
“Sublimation Angels,” Jason Sanford (Interzone, Sep/Oct09)
The God Engines, by John Scalzi (Subterranean Press, Dec09)

Novel
The Windup Girl, by Paolo Bacigalupi (Night Shade Books, Sep09)
The Love We Share Without Knowing, by Christopher Barzak (Bantam, Nov08)
Flesh and Fire, by Laura Anne Gilman (Pocket, Oct09)
The City & The City, by China Miéville (Del Rey, May09)
Boneshaker, by Cherie Priest (Tor, Sep09)
Finch, by Jeff VanderMeer (Underland Press, Oct09)

Bradbury Award
Star Trek, JJ Abrams, Roberto Orci, and Alex Kurtzman (Paramount, May09)
District 9, Neill Blomkamp and Terri Tatchell (Tri-Star, Aug09)
Avatar, James Cameron (Fox, Dec 09)
Moon, Duncan Jones and Nathan Parker (Sony, Jun09)
Up, Bob Peterson and Pete Docter (Disney/Pixar, May09)
Coraline, Henry Selick (Laika/Focus Feb09)

Andre Norton Award
Hotel Under the Sand, by Kage Baker (Tachyon, Jul09)
Ice, by Sarah Beth Durst (Simon and Schuster, Oct09)
Ash, by by Malinda Lo (Little, Brown & Company, Sep09)
Eyes Like Stars, by Lisa Mantchev (Feiwel and Friends, Jul09)
Zoe’s Tale, by John Scalzi (Tor Aug08)
When You Reach Me, by by Rebecca Stead (Wendy Lamb Books, 2009)
The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland In A Ship Of Her Own Making, by Catherynne M. Valente (Catherynne M. Valente, Jun09)
Leviathan, by Scott Westerfeld (Simon, Oct09)

For more information…

Moon Resigns as SFWA VP

Steven H Silver — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 21:07:25 +0000

Elizabeth Moon has announced her resignation from the Board of Directors of SFWA effective immediately. Moon has stated that her resignation is due to issues external to SFWA and in no way due to any conflicts with SFWA, the other officers, or any members. President Russell Davis has announced Michael Capobianco, who has previously served the organization as Treasurer, Vice President, and President, to fill out Moon’s term.

Nebula Award Weekend

Steven H Silver — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 15:05:39 +0000

This year’s Nebula Award weekend will take place the weekend of May 14-15 at the Hilton Cocoa Beach Oceanfront in Cocoa Beach, Florida. The date coincides with a scheduled launch of the space shuttle Atlantis. The Nebula Award weekend is the annual business meeting for SFWA and includes a banquet and the Nebula Award ceremony. It is open to SFWA and non-SFWA members. At this year’s weekend, Joe Haldeman will be named the Damon Knight Grand Master.

For more information…

Google Book Settlement Workshop

Steven H Silver — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 18:56:41 +0000

On January 20, from 2-4:30, the American Society of Journalists and Authors, ASJA, the National Writers Union, NWU, and the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America are sponsoring a workshop to examine what the Google Book Settlement means to authors. James Grimmelmann and Lynn Chu are both scheduled to speak, and additional speakers will be announced. The event is scheduled to take place at the New York NWU office, 256 w. 38th St., 12th floor, between 7th and 8th. Attendees should RSVP by calling 212-997-0947 or sending an e-mail to asjaoffice AT asja.org. (Put “Google settlement” in the subject line)

Haldeman Named Grand Master

Steven H Silver — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 03:13:17 +0000

Joe Haldeman has been named the next SFWA Damon Knight Grand Master. Haldeman, whose novels include The Forever War, Forever Peace, Camouflage, and many others, will receive the honor at the Nebula Award Weekend Florida, from May 21-23, 2010. Haldeman will be the 27th Grand Master. He is also a former President of SFWA.

For more information…

Nebula Awards Commissioner

Steven H Silver — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 23:14:02 +0000

SFWA President Russell Davis has announced that Madeleine Robins will be taking over as the Nebula Awards Commissioner as the new rules governing the Nebula Awards take effect. Robins takes over from Brook West, who has been administering the Nebula Awards for several years.

For more information…
For the new Nebula rules

Valada in Jeopardy!

Steven H Silver — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 01:36:53 +0000

SFWA member and photographer Christine Valada made her Jeopardy! debut on Monday, October 26. She has won her first two games and continues as champion. Valada, who suffered a major house fire earlier this year, chaired the Nebula Awards in Los Angeles in April.

MWA Joins SFWA in Writer Beware

Steven H Silver — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 20:10:38 +0000

The Mystery Writers of America has announced that they will join in sponsorship of Writer Beware, a writer advocate service which exposes publishing scams, educates writers on how to protect themselves from fraud, and maintains a massive database on their website of questionable literary agents, publishers, editorial services, and literary contests. SFWA has been running Writer Beware since 1998.

For more information…
Writers Beware

Norton Award Seeks Submissions

Steven H Silver — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 17:10:17 +0000

The Andre Norton Award is one of the few awards presented by SFWA to still make use of a jury. The award is presented to works of excellence in young adult science fiction and fantasy. This year’s jury, comprised of James Bassett, Aliette de Bodard, Patrick Lundrigan, Michael Payne, Lawrence Schoen, Sherwood Smith, and Lindalee Stuckey, has called for publishers and authors to submit works which the jury may otherwise overlook. Publishers and authors may contact nebulanortonjury @ sfwa.org for submission information.

For more information…

SFWA Annual Meeting

Steven H Silver — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 17:05:38 +0000

SFWA has announced that is will hold its annual business meeting on October 31 at 8:30 am at the Fairmont Hotel at 170 South Market Street in San Jose. The meeting will coincide with this year’s World Fantasy Con. Normally, SFWA holds this annual meeting in conjunction with Worldcon, but since SFWA’s current incorporation requires the business meeting to be held in the United States, World Fantasy Con was selected as an alternate venue.

For more information…

SFWA Dues Increase

Steven H Silver — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 14:33:27 +0000

The Board of Directors for the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America (SFWA) has announced a dues increase. The increase will go into effect on August 1, with members who renew or join before that date still receiving the current dues schedule.

The new rates are:

Active $80 ($10 increase)
Associate $70 (no change)
Affiliate $60 ($5 increase)
Estate $70 (no change)
Institutional $100 ($20 increase)
Family Membership $120 ($10 increase)

For more information…

SFWA Election Results

Steven H Silver — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 14:27:56 +0000

SFWA has announced the results of this year’s officer elections. All of last year’s officers were running for reelection and were unopposed, so the results are less than surprising. Nobody ran for the office of Overseas Regional Director, which is currently vacant. All officer positions are filled with one year terms while regional director terms are for three years.

President: Russell Davis
Vice-President: Elizabeth Moon
Secretary: Mary Robinette Kowal
Treasurer: Amy Casil
SFWA Western Regional Director: Jim Fiscus
SFWA Overseas Regional Director: Vacant

For more information…

Suit Against SFWA Volunteers Dismissed

Steven H Silver — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 17:18:12 +0000

A lawsuit filed by Robert Fletcher against SF authors Ann Crispin and Victoria Strauss claiming defamation, loss of business and emotional distress has been dismissed with prejudice by a Massachusetts judge. Crispin and Strauss were sued in line with their volunteer work for SFWA’s “Writers Beware” site pointing out questionable agencies and business practices. The suit was dismissed because of Fletcher’s failure to respond to discovery or otherwise prosecute the lawsuit. Fletcher and his companies are currently under investigation by the Florida Attorney General’s Office. Crispin and Strauss intend to file suit against Fletcher and his companies in an attempt to recoup legal fees.

For more information…

Mantchev Chairs SFWA YA

Steven H Silver — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 00:47:30 +0000

Lisa Mantchev has been named the chair of the SFWA Young Adult Committee. She takes over the role from Sherwood Smith. Mantchev has been an SFWA member since 2002 and her fiction has appeared in Clarkesworld, Weird Tales, Fantasy Magazine and Strange Horizons. Beginning in 2009, she will be publishing a young adult trilogy, The Théâtre Illuminata.

SFWA Griefcom Chair Appointed

Steven H Silver — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 15:36:54 +0000

John E. Johnston III has been appointed to chair SFWA’s Griefcom Committee. Johnston has already spent five years on the Grievance Committee focusing on television and movies. Johnston replaces Paul Melko, who stepped down from the position and has been working with Johnston for a smooth transition.

Nebula Overhaul

Steven H Silver — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 12:47:45 +0000

The Nebula Awards have had their rules changed by SFWA. Rolling eligibility is gone and the number of recommendations required has been decreased from ten to five and nominations must be made during a set nomination period from November 15 to February 15. Active and Associate members will be allowed to nominate. Beginning with works published in 2009, there are no more Nebula juries. The Best Script award has been replaced by the Ray Bradbury Award for Outstanding Dramatic Presentation, and, like the Andre Norton Award for Outstanding Young Adult Science Fiction or Fantasy Book is not a Nebula. Although not confirmed, Associate members may be allowed to vote on the final ballot.

For More Information…