The Aurealis Awards shortlist was announced this week, which are the Australian Sci-fi and Fantasy Awards.  I wasn't among the nominees, but that's hardly surprising, because I didn't actually have an Australian release this year to get nominated.

In fact, the only way my name was ever going to wind up on this year's list, was if I sent photos of the judges' children to them anonymously, with big red crosses on the kids' faces and "I know where you live" scrawled in red crayon across the back...

Hmmm... wonder if that will work the next time I get shortlisted.... muwahahahaha....

But I digress... the nominees are out and if you want to read the full list you can go here. You'd think the Aurealis Website would the be place to look, but they haven't updated their site yet. The source of this link is pretty reliable, so I'm hoping it's the right list. Gonna be a few people who've already cracked the champagne rather put out if it ain't. LOL

Congratulations to all the nominees. Being shortlisted is a great honour, recognition of your talent by your peers and - best of all - you get a cool little sticker for your book covers announcing you're a finalist:) That way everyone else knows how brilliant and talented you are, too:)

It's always a good thing to be shortlisted for any award. In fact, Stephen Higgins, who wrote a cutting series of artlicles a few years ago on how to write fantasy for the Aurealis Magazine, summed up the whole awards scenario in his golden rules.

Rule Number 4, in fact, quite clearly states...

(You can read the whole article here. I recommend it highly. It's a crack up)

And while I wish all the nominees well, personally, I hope Glenda Larke finally gets a nod. She's been nominated three years in a row ('cause she really is brilliant and talented), and deserves a win.

In the meantime, I might have to ring the printers. I'm wondering if I should get some stickers printed of my own. How does, "Winner of the NLS Award, 2006" sound?

No need for anybody to know NLS stand for Nicest Looking Sticker, is there?

Thank you for the best wishes...but I'm not holding my breath.

Merry Xmas!

You're dead to rights about it being Glenda's turn! My fingers and toes are crossed to breaking point and my eyes are almost turned inside out. She's a fabulous writer, The Mirage Makers is a wonderful trilogy and Heart of the Mirage is a riveting read. Go Glenda!!!!!!