Cory Doctorow's Little Brother makes VOYA's list of best SF, fantasy and horror for 2007

Cory Doctorow's Little Brother (Tor) has made VOYA's list of the best science fiction, fantasy and horror for teens for 2007. Writes VOYA:

Think “Dumbledore’s Army,” with serious technology, contemporary villains, and a jarringly predictable future, and the result is this exhilarating page-turner and cautionary tale that will motivate readers to contemplate free speech and political activism with new insights.

New Archonate novel from Matthew Hughes out in May

Matthew Hughes has a new, stand-alone Archonate novel coming out in May: Template, from PS Publishing, in two limited-edition hardcover versions.

Matt has announced that he will send an RTF version of the book to anyone who reviews, blogs, posts on discussion boards, puts out a newsletter or just talks about books a lot. If you qualify, just send him an email.

Matt will also have a Henghis Hapthorn story, "Fullbrim's Finding," in the July F&SF, and a Luff Imbry story, "The Eye of Vann," in Postscripts 15.

Several Dave Duncan readings scheduled

Dave Duncan has several readings coming up. He'll be reading from his next book, Ill Met in the Arena, at KeyCon in Winnipeg on May 19, and will also be reading from his latest book, The Alchemist's Code, three times in Toronto as part of the Toronto Public Library's Foresight series: on May 20 at 7 p.m. at the Oakwood Village Branch, 341 Oakwood Ave., , on May 21 at 7 p.m. at the Lillian H. Smith Branch, 239 College St., with Nalo Hopkinson (they'll also be discussing writing fantasy that evening) , and at the Centennial Branch, 578 Finch Ave. W., on May 22 at 5 p.m.

Cory Doctorow finalist twice-over for Locus Awards

Cory Doctorow is a finalist in two different categories of the 2008 Locus Awards.

In the Collection category, his Overclocked (Thunder's Mouth) is a finalist alongide The Dog Said Bow-Wow by Michael Swanwick (Tachyon), The Jack Vance Treasury by Jack Vance (Subterranean), Things Will Never Be the Same by Howard Waldrop (Old Earth) , and The Winds of Marble Arch and Other Stories by Connie Willis (Subterranean).

As well, Cory's "After the Siege" (The Infinite Matrix, January 2007) is a finalist in the novella category along with "All Seated on the Ground" by Connie Willis (Asimov's, December 2007), "Memorare" by Gene Wolfe (F&SF, April 2007), "Muse of Fire" by Dan Simmons (The New Space Opera), and "Stars Seen through Stone" byLucius Shepard (F&SF, July 2007).

Winners will be announced in June at the Locus Awards Ceremony in Seattle on June 21.

Starship Sofa podcasts Spider Robinson story

The SF audio podcast Starship Sofa currently features "Distraction" by Spider Robinson. (Via SF Signal.)

At SF Signal, Julie Czerneda lists Douglas Smith as one of SF's most underrated authors

For its regular "Mind Meld" feature, SF Signal recently asked several authors the question, "Which author, living or otherwise, do you believe deserves more recognition than they currently receive and why?"

Julie Czerneda's answer? Douglas Smith. Czerneda wrote:

"With every new story, the more impressed I am with his subtlety and vision. I've yet to read a work of his that wasn't beautifully written, but more than that, his stories resonate with a deep understanding of the human condition as well as a characteristic wry wonder. Reminds me of James Alan Gardner, actually. Stories you can't forget, even years later. Doug's published extensively, though only in short fiction to date, but I believe he's also working on a novel. Thank goodness! When that's published, it will be on my must-read pile for sure."

Alison Lohans YA historical novel out in New Zealand

Alison Lohans has some non-SF writing news to report: her young adult historical novel This Land We Call Home is now out from Raupo/Pearson Education (NZ) Ltd. - but not yet available in North America, as a corporate takeover resulted in the loss of the Canadian distributor.

"This dual p.o.v. novel addresses the issue of the World War II Japanese American relocation camps, and is set partially in rural California where I grew up, as well as in Poston (Arizona) Camp III where my mother taught elementary school," Alison says.

Alison is also awaiting author copies of the anthology Crossing Lines, Poets Who Came to Canada in the Vietnam War Era, edited by Allan Briesmaster and Steven Michael Berzensky and released by Seraphim Editions this week.

New novel, novella out from Stephanie Bedwell-Grime

Stephanie Bedwell-Grime's novel Witch Island is now available from Cerridwen Press and her novella "Timeslide" has just been released by New Concepts Publishing.

Claire Eamer, Marcelle Dube in award-winning anthology

Polaris: A Celebration of Polar Science (Star Ink Books), an anthology edited by Julie Czerneda which boasts stories by Claire Eamer and Marcelle Dubé, has won the Canadian Science Writers' Association's Science in Society Book Award in the Youth category.

Steve Vernon's Wicked Woods hits bookstands, media

Steve Vernon's new book Wicked Woods: Ghost Stories From Old New Brunswick (Nimbus), has hit book stands in the Maritimes.

Steve will be appearing on CTV's Live At Five on May 5, then launching Wicked Woods on Wednesday, May 7, in Fredericton. (Call 454-1442 for location, time and details. )

Between May 7 to May 10 he'll be taking part in the Canterbury Tales Literary Festival in Saint John, New Brunswick. On May 8 he'll be reading from Wicked Woods at the Saint John Free Public Library Market Square. He'll also be there Thursday, March 7, to take part in the opening ceremonies along with the Lieutenant-Governor of New Brunswick, Honourable Herménégilde Chiasson, and the Mayor of Saint John, Norman McFarlane.

Throughout those few days he will be making several New Brunswick school appearances and will hopefully be making several so-far unnanounced media appearances. He also expects to sign at quite a few Nova Scotia bookstores, but those haven't been finalized yet.

Los Angeles Times reviews Cory Doctorow's Little Brother

The Los Angeles Times has a review of Cory Doctorow's new YA novel Little Brother. (Via Locus Online.)

Lynda Williams interviewed by Over the EDGE

There's an interview with Lynda Williams, conducted by Marie Bilodeau, in this week's On the EDGE podcast. Says Lynda, "In this interview I talk about the origins of Okal Rel in my disgust at the cold war mentality, the character Horth Nersal, and the theme of opportunism vs. integrity in Righteous Anger."

ActuSF interviews Karl Schroeder

ActuSF has an online interview with Karl Schroeder. (Via Locus Online.)

IROSF interviews Spider Robinson

The latest issue of The Internet Review of Science Fiction features a review with Spider Robinson, entitled "Channel Surfing with the Folksinger of the Gods." (Via SF Signal.)

Jonathan Strahan interviews Cory Doctorow

Jonathan Strahan has an interview up with Cory Doctorow regarding Cory's contribution to The Starry Rift, an anthology of YA science fiction Strahan edited for Viking Children's. (Via SF Signal.)

Douglas Smith interviewed on Facebook

The series of interviews with the nominees for the Aurora Award for best short-form work in English continues in the Canadian Science Fiction and Fantasy group on Facebook. Up right now: Mark Leslie Lefebvre is interviewing Douglas Smith.

Nina Munteanu short story online

Nina Munteanu has posted her short story "A Butterfly in Peking" online.

Hayden Trenholm interviewed on Facebook

An interview with Aurora Award nominee Hayden Trenholm is now underway in the Canadian Science Fiction and Fantasy group on Facebook. Edward Willett is asking the questions.

Several SF Canada members among readers during Toronto Public Library's spring Canada Council Heritage Series

The Toronto Public Library's spring Canada Council Heritage Series, entitled Foresight: Speculative Fiction in Canada, will highlight work by some of Canada's best science fiction, fantasy and horror authors, many SF Canada members among them, over a six-week period filled with readings, discussions, signings and talks.

At the kickoff event at the Lillian H. Smith branch, 239 College St., at 7 p.m. on April 21, Michael Skeet will host a discussion on the quest for foresight in Canadian science fiction. He'll be joined by Karl Schroeder, James Alan Gardner and Peter Watts, discussing Canadian science fiction, and how it is influenced by Canada's unique position in the world. There'll be refreshments, a question and answer period, and a book signing.

The rest of the schedule looks like this (events with an asterisk * include a booksale and signing, organized by Bakka-Phoenix books).

Tuesday, April 22
Reading
Kelley Armstrong (the Otherworld series)
7 p.m., Eatonville Branch
430 Burnhamthorpe Rd., 416-394-5270

Wednesday, April 23*
Reading
Guy Gavriel Kay (Ysabel)
7 p.m., Beaches Branch
2161 Queen St. E, 416-393-7703

Thursday, April 24*
Reading
Peter Watts (Blindsight)
7 p.m., Beaches Branch
2161 Queen St. E, 416-393-7703

Monday, April 28
French-language reading
Jean-Louis Trudel (Le maitre des bourrasques)
7 p.m., Beaches Branch
2161 Queen St. E., 416-393-7703

Tuesday, April 29
Discussion: writing genre fiction – for teens and young adults
Jim Munroe (Therefore Repent!), moderator; Emily Pohl-Weary (Strange Times at Western High), Kristyn Dunnion (Big Big Sky) and Paul Hong (Your Love is Murder, or The Case of the Mangled Pie)
7 p.m., Eatonville Branch
430 Burnhamthorpe Rd., 416-394-5270

Wednesday, April 30
Reading
Kelley Armstrong (the Otherworld series)
7 p.m., Cedarbrae Branch
545 Markham Rd., 416-396-8850

Thursday, May 1*
Book launch!
Cory Doctorow launches his new novel, Little Brother
7 p.m., Merril Collection, Lillian H. Smith Branch
239 College St., 416-393-7746

Date TBA
Karl Schroeder (Ventus)
7 p.m., location TBA

Tuesday, May 6
Reading
Nalo Hopkinson (The New Moon's Arms)
7 p.m., Eatonville Branch
430 Burnhamthorpe Rd., 416-394-5270

Wednesday, May 7
Reading
Terence Green (Sailing Time's Ocean), Phyllis Gotlieb (Birthstones)
7 p.m., Cedarbrae Branch
545 Markham Rd., 416-396-8850

Thursday, May 8
Reading - for teens
Emily Pohl-Weary and Willow Dawson (Violet Miranda: Girl Pirate)
5 p.m., Centennial Branch
578 Finch Ave. W., 416-395-5490

Monday, May 12*
Reading: The Horror!
Brett Savory (In and Down) Sandra Kasturi (The Animal Bridegroom) and Séphèra Giron, (Mistress of the Dark)
7 p.m., Oakwood Village Branch
341 Oakwood Ave., 416-394-1040

Wednesday, May 14*
Reading
Julie E. Czerneda (Trade Pact Universe series )
7 p.m., Beaches Branch
2161 Queen St. E, 416-393-7703

Thursday, May 15
Reading - for teens
Terence Green (Sailing Time's Ocean) and Paula Johanson (The Tower in the Crooked Wood)
5 p.m., Centennial Branch
578 Finch Ave. W., 416-395-5490

Tuesday, May 20*
Reading
Dave Duncan, (King's Blades series, Venice Trilogy)
7 p.m., Oakwood Village Branch
341 Oakwood Ave., 416-394-1040

Wednesday, May 21*
Reading/Discussion: Writing Fantasy
Dave Duncan and Nalo Hopkinson
7 p.m., Lillian H. Smith Branch
239 College St., 416-393-7746

Thursday, May 22
Reading
Dave Duncan
5 p.m., Centennial Branch
578 Finch Ave. W., 416-395-5490

Monday, May 26*
Poetry reading
Paula Johanson, Candas Jane Dorsey, Phyllis Gotlieb, Sandra Kasturi
7 p.m., Oakwood Village Branch
341 Oakwood Ave., 416-394-1040

Wednesday, May 28*
Reading/Discussion
Candas Jane Dorsey (A Paradigm of Earth), Edward Willett (Marseguro)
7 p.m., Beaches Branch
2161 Queen St. E, 416-393-7703

Thursday, May 29
Reading - for teens
Edward Willett (Marseguro) and Alison Baird (Dragon Throne series)
5 p.m., Centennial Branch
578 Finch Ave. W., 416-395-5490

Tony Pi interviewed on Facebook

An interview with Aurora Award-nominated writer Tony Pi is currently underway in the Canadian Science Fiction and Fantasy group on Facebook. Suzanne Church is asking the questions.

Claire Eamer, Marcelle Dube stories in anthology short-listed for two national awards

Claire Eamer and Marcelle Dubé both have stories in Polaris: A Celebration of Polar Science (Star Ink Books, edited by Julie Czerneda), which has been shortlisted not only for the Aurora Award in the English (Other) category, but for the Science in Society Book Award in the Youth category, awarded by the Canadian Science Writers' Association.

Michael R. Colangelo wins Bloody Quill Award, has story in anthology Help

Michael R. Colangelo's story "Motion Sickness" has won the 2007 Bloody Quill Award for best story from horror magazine Black Ink.

Michael's short story "Children of the White Star" will appear in HELP, an anthology to help Preditors and Editors.

Good review for Simon Rose's The Emerald Curse

Simon Rose's The Emerald Curse (Tradewind Books) has received an excellent review from Canadian Children's Literature, which calls it "very well written and appealing" and rates it "highly recommended.".

Michael R. Colangelo publishing short novel online

Michael R. Colangelo is publishing his short novel This Waking Sleep online over the month of April in a series of installments.

David Nickle sells story collection to ChiZine Publications

David Nickle has sold a story collection to ChiZine Publications, to be published in 2009.

Cory Doctorow guest of honor at Pi Con

Cory Doctorow will be one of the guests of honor at this summer’s Pi Con, the annual science fiction convention held August 22 to 24 in West Springfield, MA, alongsideRandall Munroe, the creator of the webcomic XKCD.

Cory Doctorow works available through DailyLit

Cory Doctorow reports that DailyLit, a free ebook-by-email service, has been putting a ton of his Creative Commons-licensed works online. DailyLit lets you subscribe to receive books in small, quickly-readable chunks every day. They've got his all his novels and short story collections and a couple of his uncollected stories, too.

Alison Sinclair sells trilogy to ROC

Alison Sinclair has sold a new fantasy trilogy to ROC, via agent Caitlin Blasdell at Liza Dawson Associates. Darkborn, Lightborn and Shadowborn are described as "a fantasy trilogy of magic and manners, espionage and romance in the tradition of Sarah Monette and Ellen Kushner."

Colleen Anderson now senior fantasy editor for Aberrant Dreams

Colleen Anderson has become senior fantasy editor for Aberrant Dreams.

Steve Vernon sells short-short to zombie anthology

Steve Vernon has sold short-short "Whistling in the Graveyard" to Bits of the Dead (An Illustrated Flash Fiction Zombie Anthology), due out later this year from Coscom Entertainment.

First book from ChiZine Publications now available for pre-order

ChiZine Publications, the publishing venture of Brett Alexander Savory and Sandra Kasturi, has announced that its first title, Brent Hayward's Filaria, is now available for pre-order.

Simon Rose launches new blog

Simon Rose now has a blog, which you can find here.

Several SF Canada members on Aurora Awards final ballot

Several members of SF Canada are on the final ballot for the Canadian national science fiction and fantasy awards, the Auroras. Here's the complete list of nominees, with SF Canada members indicated in bold:

Best Long-Form Work in English:
As Fate Decrees by Denysé Bridger (published by EDGE Publishing)
New Moon's Arms by Nalo Hopkinson (Grand Central Publishing)
The Moon Under Her Feet by Derwin Mak (Windstorm Creative)
Rollback by Robert J. Sawyer (Tor/Analog)
Cry Wolf by Edo van Belkom (McClelland & Stewart)

Best Long-Form Work in French:
Alegracia et les Xayiris by Dominic Bellavance (Les Six Brumes)
La-haut sur la Colline by Claude Bolduc (Solaris)
Cimetière du musée by Diane Boudreau (du Phoenix)
Le Parasite by Georges LaFontaine (Guy Saint-Jean)
Arielle Queen by Michel J. Lévesque (Les Intouchables)

Best Short-Form Work in English:
"Falling" by David Clink (On Spec)
"Saturn in G Minor" by Stephen Kotowych (Writers of the Future XXIII)
"Metamorphoses in Amber" by Tony Pi (Abyss & Apex)
"The Dancer at the Red Door" by Douglas Smith (Under Cover of Darkness)
"Like Water in the Desert" by Hayden Trenholm (Challenging Destiny)

Best Short-Form Work in French:
"Le Luthier" by Mathieu Fortin (Solaris)
"Les Lucioles d'Alliante" by Michèle Laframboise (QUAD9)
"L'Ancienne famille" by Michel J. Lévesque (Les Six Brumes)
"Le sang noir" by Michel J. Lévesque (Solaris)
"Sur la plage des Èpaves" by Laurent MacAllister (Yves Meynard et Jean-Louis Trudel)(Solaris)

Best Work in English (Other):
Polaris: A Celebration of Polar Science edited by Julie E. Czerneda (Star Ink)
Under Cover of Darkness edited by Julie E. Czerneda & Jana Paniccia (DAW)
Tesseracts Eleven edited by Cory Doctorow and Holly Phillips (Edge)
Neo-opsis edited by Karl Johanson
On Spec Magazine edited by Diane Walton

Best Work in French (Other):
No nominations.

Artistic Achievement:
Lar deSouza (for On Spec Winter 2000; Parsec Spring/Summer 2007)
Stephanie Ann Johanson (for Neo-opsis #11 interior illustrations)
Jean-Pierre Normand
Martin Springett
Ronn Sutton (for Elvira: Mistress of the Dark #165-166)

Fan Achievement (Fanzine):
Dale Spiers for Opuntia

Fan Achievement (Organizational):
Debbie Hodgins (KAG)
Penny Lipman (Masquerades)
Roy Miles (IDIC)
Joan Sherman (IDIC)
Geoffrey Toop (DWIN)

Fan Achievement (Other):
Paul Bobbitt (editor of The Voyageur)
Judith Hayman (filk performances)
Peggy Warner LaLonde (filk performances)
Martin Springett (filk performances)
Larry Stewart (MC)