Australians miss out at SF, fantasy awards
Despite a strong presence in the nominations, Australians didn't finish in the money at Loncon 3, the 72nd World Science Fiction Convention in London.
Set in the immense Excel Centre, more than 500m from end to end, Loncon 3 is officially the biggest world convention of all time. With 5000 people expected, more than 10,000 turned up, with 3000 of them sitting in the vast auditorium to witness the presentation of the Hugo awards, science fiction's top honour.
The ceremony was smooth and at times poignant, particularly when paying tribute to all those in the science-fiction community who had died since last year. There were many, including authors Jay Lake, who had been writing his blog until two days before his death from cancer, and WA's own Pippa Madden.
Best novel went to Ann Leckie for her debut work Ancillary Justice.
Locals Jonathan Strahan and Alisa Krasnostein were nominated for the best podcast category. But the award went to America's Patrick Hester for SF Signal.
Strahan was also nominated in the category of best editor — short form but lost to Ellen Datlow.
Krasnostein and Strahan both participated in the Snapshot 2014 profile of key Australians science fiction and fantasy players.
To read more about the #2014snapshot, see today's Talking Books column, check out the hashtag on Twitter on Twitter or view the full interview archive at SF Signal.
For book reviews and author profiles, visit thewest.com.au/books.
