Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America (SFWA) President Russell Davis announced the three recipients of the organization’s inaugural Solstice Awards: Kate Wilhelm, Martin H. Greenberg, and Algis Budrys (1931-2008). The actual presentations will be part of the Nebula Awards Weekend in Los Angeles, California, (24-26 April).
The SFWA Solstice Award is given by the Board of Directors, “to any person, living or deceased, with the exception of an individual who has already received either a Damon Knight Memorial Grand Master Award or named Author Emeritus, who has had a significant impact on the science fiction or fantasy landscape, and is particularly intended for those who have consistently made a major, positive difference within the speculative fiction field.”
Announcing the awards, Davis noted that Wilhelm’s writings span a wide range of genres and media. With her husband, the late Damon Knight, Wilhelm helped establish the Clarion Writer’s Workshop and the Milford Writer’s Conference.
Wilhelm responded the announcement, saying “As a new writer many years ago, I was met with a generosity of advice, help, and encouragement that I’ve never forgotten. I assumed wrongly that it was general to all writing groups. It isn’t. It is a unique spirit within the speculative fiction field for which all members can take pride. I am honored by this award, and thank those who have granted it, but with the awareness that at long last that generous sharing of knowledge and experience by the community as a whole is being recognized. Thank you very much.”
Davis commented on Greenberg, that he published his first anthology in 1974, and since then has gone on to shepherd hundreds of anthologies of both new and reprint material as president of Tekno Books. Greenberg’s anthology projects have long provided a valuable outlet for short fiction, an importance that is only enhanced as the periodical market continues to contract.
Greenberg said “It’s a great honor to receive this award. Short fiction is close to my heart but this recognition also belongs to my professional colleagues, the editors and writers that I’ve been privileged to work with over the last 30 years.”
Davis said that Budrys wrote, reviewed, and edited a wide array of science fiction, beginning with his first sale in 1952 until his death in 2008 at the age of 77. Budrys’ career took him behind the editorial desk at Gnome Press, Galaxy, Regency Books, and Playboy Press. He was the long-time coordinating judge for the L. Ron Hubbard’s Writers of the Future competition, organizing workshops for the participants and offering advice and assistance to countless aspiring authors.
Budrys’s widow, Edna, said of the award: “A.J. felt strongly about helping and encouraging new writers. In a workshop he would critique a story in a way that showed what was wrong, but never in a cruel way. He did it with kindness, and never diminished the person. He enjoyed helping aspiring writers improve and become successful.”
Talking about the Solstice Award generally—which is not reserved to members of SFWA, nor just to writers, but is intended as a broad spectrum award to recognize a wide variety of individuals—Davis said “The creation of the Solstice Award is, I think, a great opportunity for SFWA to be able to recognize the many valuable people that have made the entire field of speculative fiction what it is today, and who have contributed to a mindset of paying forward. Our first recipients exemplify the spirit of this new award.
Previously announced honorees during this year’s Nebula Awards Weekend include Grand Master Harry Harrison, Author Emerita M.J. Engh, Toastmistress Janis Ian, and Service Award recipient Victoria Strauss. The actual Nebula Award winners will not be announced until the award ceremony.