1) The 2012 Arthur C. Clarke Award Shortlist: The Arthur C. Clarke Award is Britain’s most prestigious science fiction award. It’s given annually to the year’s best SF novel. This years list includes the FanLit favorite Embassytown by China Miéville. The winner will be announced at a ceremony in London on May 2.
2) Dear Science Fiction Writers: Stop Being So Pessimistic!: At the Smithsonian Magazine, Neal Stephenson is feeling nostalgic for old science fiction that’s full of big new ideas. Hey, SF authors, we’re counting on you to save the world!
3) Helen Lowe loves epic fantasy: In her guest post at SFSignal, Helen Lowe talks about why she loves epic fantasy and gives away a copy of her latest book.
4) Suvudu Cage Match, Round 4: Brandon Sanderson narrates a match between his character Kelsier and his adopted character Moiraine Damodred. Very funny.
There is a rather breathtaking analysis of the Clarke short list out there on the web, written by Christopher Priest: http://www.christopher-priest.co.uk/journal/1077/hull-0-scunthorpe-3/ Despite the scathing nature of Priest’s remarks (especially about Charles Stross), I’ve added the only book he consider worthy of the award to my Amazon cart: The Testament of Jesse Lamb, by Jane Rogers. I’d be curious as to what you think of Priest’s polemic, Justin.
Yes, that shortlist has caused a lot of discussion today!!