Friday, March 21, 2008

John W. Campbell Award for Best New Science Fiction Writer!

This year's list of finalists is out, and it includes me! Here's the gang...

Joe Abercrombie (2nd year of eligibility)
Jon Armstrong (1st year of eligibility)
David Anthony Durham (1st year of eligibility)
David Louis Edelman (2nd year of eligibility)
Mary Robinette Kowal (2nd year of eligibility)
Scott Lynch (2nd year of eligibility)

Just so you know, the Campbell is an award for the best new writer whose first work of science fiction or fantasy appeared during 2006 or 2007 in a professional publication. It's sponsored by Dell Magazines, but sort of managed and voted on along with the Hugo Awards. It's named after a prominent science fiction writer and editor of Astounding Science Fiction. He was a major figure in the "Golden Age" of Science Fiction, and he was a quirky character that seems to have riled some people with his opinions on several things. You can check his Wiki page for more information.

For my part, I'm thrilled by the nomination. I think it's quite a testament to the award and to science fiction readers that it's there to welcome such a broad range of writers into the community. (Click here for past winners.) I've got nothing but love for my fellow nominees - so check them out too, if you haven't already. Honestly. Winning would be great, but the nomination is reward enough...

Do you know what this means to me? It wasn't easy to shift from a pretty solid career as an historical novelist to try to break into another genre, seeking a largely new readership. It was risky - my agent and editors made that clear - and I didn't at all assume that I could just breeze in. So far, though, the reception has been terrific. And this award nomination makes me feel welcomed, part of the gang, and even invited to stay for a while. I love that. And, thank you, I will stay for a while. Maybe a long while.

The award winners will be announced at Denvention 3 this summer. Will I be there? You bet.

Oh, and I should mention that the entire Hugo Ballot has also been announced. Check it out here.

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18 Comments:

Blogger John Scalzi said...

Congratulations on the Campbell nod. And of course we want you in the club! We hear you make great salsa.

2:05 PM  
Blogger David Anthony Durham said...

Hi John,

Thanks so much. And congratulations yourself. Not content with being nominated for a Hugo for Best Novel you also manage to get on the Best Fan Writer... Very impressive.

My salsa isn't bad, but I'm also pretty good with the sushi, with curries, and my kids are partial to "Daddy's Special Beans".

Michael,

Thanks. I hope you and Lynne are well.

-David.

3:36 PM  
Blogger Tia Nevitt said...

Congratulations! I'll be pulling for you.

4:36 PM  
Blogger David Anthony Durham said...

Thanks, Tia. See, it really was a "Fantasy Debut"!

4:41 PM  
Blogger Constance Brewer said...

Awesome, David - Congrats! Here's hoping!
Since Denvention is right down the road, I might drag myself out of Wyoming and go to it. :)

7:44 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

David,

Congrats! You are in decidedly good company, as usual...

7:45 PM  
Blogger David Anthony Durham said...

Constance,

Why, yes, you should! Would you bring the Corgis?

Lynne,

Thank you. Yeah, it's a good list.

8:01 PM  
Blogger Meghan said...

This doesn't surprise me in the least. You totally deserve to win. Congrats!

9:29 PM  
Blogger David Louis Edelman said...

Hey David -- congrats to you, and thanks for the link. Guess I'll have an excuse now to shake your hand in Denver.

10:35 PM  
Blogger David Anthony Durham said...

Meghan,

Thank you. That vote of confidence much appreciated. (Although, watch out... I've got, like, competitors visiting here...)

Hello David,

Congrats to you. Honestly, I always assumed you'd be on the list. Did my bit to help make that happen, actually. I'm sorry we didn't hang out at the last World Fantasy. Didn't we have readings at the same time? I remember thinking, "Drat that Edelman, though he is a good writer..."

Anyway, no excuse needed to shake hands in Denver. You will, however, need an excuse if you choose NOT to have a sit down and a drink with me.

Cat,

Thank you.

11:54 PM  
Blogger David Louis Edelman said...

You said: "You will, however, need an excuse if you choose NOT to have a sit down and a drink with me."

If I can somehow push my way through the throngs of David Anthony Durham groupies, admirers, and well-wishers in Denver, you're on. :-)

12:01 AM  
Blogger Mary Robinette Kowal said...

Congratulations on achieving such a clear sign of a successful cross-over. I'm seriously looking forward to reading your books.

12:34 AM  
Blogger Laughton and Patricia Johnston said...

Did you think you were still travelling on the Fantasy Train ... you've arrived! Our congratulations to add to those celebrities.

6:38 AM  
Blogger Constance Brewer said...

Sorry, David, no Corgis. My brother would never let me live it down. :P

10:43 AM  
Blogger Larry Nolen said...

Belated congrats here, David. You were well-deserving of a nod :D

12:30 PM  
Blogger David Anthony Durham said...

David,

"If I can somehow push my way through the throngs of David Anthony Durham groupies, admirers, and well-wishers in Denver, you're on. :-)"

For a minute after reading that I'm giddy with thoughts of admiring fans. And then reality comes back... We'll have no problem connecting.

Mary,

Thank you. See you in Denver, too!

Laughton and Patricia,

The train may have arrived, but I'm finding the platform rather crowded - with friendly people, fortunately.

Constance,

Oh well. I'm thinking you'd bring pictures, though...

Larry,

Thank you, sir.

4:53 PM  
Blogger Constance Brewer said...

I have tons of corgi pics on my iPod... but I'm thinking an 'autographed' Corgi pic from the Celtic Festival for Maya and Sage would be nice. That is if I can make my way through the "groupies, admirers, and well-wishers". Hmm, maybe I'll just follow DLE in sort of tackle-runningback move...

2:59 PM  
Blogger David Anthony Durham said...

Constance,

Okay. I'll look alert.

5:27 PM  

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