It’s award season, and no I don’t mean the Academy Awards. I’m talking about the really important awards. At least to science fiction and fantasy writers: The Nebula and The Hugo Awards. This is rather a big year for me, not least of which because my fourth book comes out this summer but also because I have four works eligible for each award. Yes four. And yes, I am humbly asking (read: begging), if you’re able to nominate/vote for either of these awards, for your consideration.

The Forgotten is eligible for best novel.

In addition, each of the four stories in Three Promises is eligible in various categories.

A Promise of Three Parts: Past, Present, and Future for best Novelette.

The Legacy of Past Promises, The Promise of New Beginnings, and The Legion of Solomon are each eligible for best short story.

The Nebula awards are nominated and voted on by active members in the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America. This means not everyone can participate, though I’m thrilled to get to this year. The Hugo awards however only require that you buy a membership for Worldcon. If you don’t plan to attend, you can purchase a supporting membership for $50 here (which allows you to nominate and vote, just not attend the convention) or $185 if you do want to attend.

I can imagine someone out there asking: “isn’t this just shameless begging?”

Why yes, yes it is. But I’m okay with that. Part of being an author, especially a new one who’s trying to build a fan base, is getting out there and being shameless about self-promotion. Within reason of course; I never want to cross the line and become completely obnoxious. Besides, these are good stories, really good in my opinion, and I have no issue letting people know that they exist, and asking them to check the books out. So do I think my work is award worthy? Honestly, I don’t know. I won’t be nominating myself for any Nebula awards, mostly because that just doesn’t seem right, and also because I’m not entirely sure it’s allowed. But these awards, much like my stories themselves, aren’t about me, not after I publish them. They’re about you and everyone else who reads them. To some they might be the best thing. Others might think the only value my books possess is as kindling. Awards are ultimately subjective. Sure, some people might have more understanding of the technical side of things, but in the end it’s about what stories you loved so much that they stand above and apart from all the others. Who cares what anyone else thinks? If you’re able to vote, I urge you to do so. And while I’d be overjoyed to see any of my works make it on the nomination list of either award, and I might literally collapse from a heart attack* if I won, if my stories aren’t to your liking vote for something that is, something you loved. Just let your voice be heard.

*Please don’t let the fear of giving me a heart attack stop you from nominating me. I mean it. I have every faith in our medical system, and I have insurance for just this sort of thing. I specially looked for “nomination induced cardiac arrest” is the list of items covered, so you’re good.