Albedo One co-editor Frank Ludlow announces the winners of the International Aeon Award 2009 short fiction contest. “The quality of entries was extremely high, with 27 stories shortlisted for the Award, submitted from countries as diverse as the USA and India. All stories were judged anonymously and we can now release the names of the shortlisted authors” (see this page).
Grand Judge Ian Watson chose the winners. First place went to “Frogs on My Doorstep” by Annette Reader. Watson described the story as “very intriguing and full of emotional impact. The alternate world concept is handled very convincingly, and is reminiscent of the recent work of Chris Beckett.” Reader receives the €1000 Grand Prize and publication in Albedo One.
Second place goes to “Bridges” by Nick Wood. Watson said the story, featuring a future South Africa in which apartheid never ended, is “politically acute and powerful, with its heart in the right place… and is in many ways a ‘textbook story’, because it’s so well done.” Second prize is €200 and publication in Albedo One.
Third place goes to “Canis Lupus, Rosa Canina” by Judith Brown. Watson said “the story is nasty, but brilliantly written, with masterly descriptions of landscape and powerful imagery.” Third prize is €100 and publication in Albedo One.
The Aeon Award 2010 is now open for entries, until 30 November. “This year, long-serving Grand Judge Ian Watson is joined by Hugo-winning SF author Anne McCaffrey, multiple Hugo Award-winning author Mike Resnick, and respected Irish horror author Sam Millar.” Full entry details can be found on this page.