It's been a fab year for Australian spec-fic writers - who are some of the best in the business. Just take a look at some of the names published this year in the Aurealis Fantasy Short Story category alone (sorry if I've missed any): Joanne Anderton (2), Peter M Ball (5), Lee Battersby, Lynn Battersby, Alan Baxter (3), Deborah Biancotti (5), Sara Douglas (2 - one with Angela Slatter), Felicity Dowker (2), Terry Dowling, Thoraia Dyer (2), Lisa L Hannett (12), Shona Husk (2), Patty Jansen, Margo Lanagan (2), Ian McHugh (2), Andrew J McKiernan, Nicole Murphy, Garth Nix (3), Tansy Rayner Roberts (4), Angela Slatter (3), Cat Sparks (2), Lucy Sussex (2), Kaaron Warren.
I'm sure you'll recognise more than a few (not all listed). Stories are apparently ranked out of ten and then averaged by three judges (may be wrong - read it off a blog) and the 4 finalist authors for the Aurealis Short Story Award 2011 are: Anthony Panegyres (or Panegyris?), Margo Lanagan (twice for our wonder girl), DC White and another fave of mine Thoraiya Dyer.
Thoughts. Well I just love Margo Lanagan. 'Tender Morsels' was incredible and Thoraia Dyer (whose won it before) is also a great story teller. DC White I can't comment on as I haven't read him but I'm sure it's a great story if Ticonderoga published it.
But my pick is 'Reading Coffee' - I fell in love with this mix of history and folklore and it's so beautifully written. It's at a good pace but not overly racey and the language is divine. It may be because I have a daughter but I just loved this one.
I think that Margo Lanagan will eventually win over a newbie. And I don't mind if she does. So Anthony Panegyres for me but I won't be surprised if Margo Lanagan pips him.
I think our fantasy writers - all of them- are winners in the end. And thanks to the Aurealis Awards for giving Australian speculative fiction readers a guide.
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