Aurealis Awards prove that anything men can do, women can do just as well.
For those of you unfamiliar with the Aurealis Awards I suggest you check them out, they’re the premiere awards for the Australian Speculative Fiction crowd. A chance for Spec Fic writers to get recognized, connect, maintain a professional discourse, and to sink a few bevies. Or French Champagne for the more successful authors.
It was a fantastic event, organized by two women, Nicole Murphy and Tehani Wessley, and MCed by the talented, multi-award winning, Margo Lanagan. Those unfamiliar with her works, might I suggest Tender Morsels as a starting place. Her writing is spectacular, you will not be disappointed. Cat Sparks, demonstrated her multi-dimensional talents by, presenting, photographing, and if you check out twitter, also doing a spot of glamour modelling. On top of that, Kate Forsyth (if you haven’t heard of her… have you been living under a rock?) presented the Fantasy awards. I am pretty sure I was not the only one who had to pop on shades when she walked onto the stage to dim her radiance. She is truly amazing. And the cherry on top was Angela Slatter. Angela Slatter essentially won the Aurealis. Well, she won pretty much every category she was in. She even beat out internationally acclaimed, juggernaut, Garth Nix.
The Australian Women Writers Challenge was up for the Covenors’ Award for Excellence this year and although it didn’t win, I think it actually kind of did. The Australian Women Writers Challenge is about showcasing the enormous depth of talent that is demonstrated by Australian women who are writers. These Aurealis Awards certainly nailed that brief. So bravo Aurealis Awards, bravo Australian Women Writers Challenge and bravo all Australian women writers. If nothing else, you all get a vag badge from me.
So let’s have a ‘Clam Bake’ and celebrate these wonderful women of the Aurealis Awards and go check out their wares. Names listed below for your convenience.
Up and coming Australian women writers at the Aurealis Awards: @LisaFleetwood , @helen_petrovic , @RobinRiedstra (me!)
Write or Wrong 
Hi Robin, I chatted with Lisa and Helen at the after-party, but missed out on meeting you. Next time! Best wishes, Margo Lanagan.
I was very jealous when they told me the next morning that they had you as their new BFF. I have to admit that I went to bed early. A three year old little girl, and one year old twin boys, makes Robin a tired girl. I go a little ‘The Shining’ through lack of sleep these days, so retired before 10:30pm.
I did see you crossing the road the next morning but Lisa kindly ensured I kept my dignity and did not chase after you and wrap myself around you legs and begin crying, “I’m not worthy, I’m not worthy. I grew up in Newcastle too. I know Jan Cornall. Let’s be BFFs forever and ever.” Although, Helen did suggest that if I did it with one of those heart shaped-necklaces that breaks in half and presented you with half then that would all have been fine. She may have been joking, but I’m ducking off to ‘Diva’ just in case. 😉
I’d like to also throw in the names of Petra Elliott and Jackie Woodburne, who are both part of the team behind Night Terrace, winner of the Covenors’ Award for Excellence. Petra is co-creator and one of the leads in the series, and Jackie is the main lead (and also showing how brilliant a female Doctor Who would be!).
Thanks.
Reblogged this on High Fantasy Addict.
Sounds like a wonderful evening. Congratulations to all the winners.
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