Celebrate SFWA Excellence at Seattle Worldcon!

Official SFWA Events at Seattle Worldcon

We look forward to seeing you out at Worldcon in Seattle this August 13-17. Remember to review our Safety Resources, lovingly composed by SFWA’s Safety Committee, before venturing into any convention space, be it in-person or online. You deserve to have a safe and welcoming experience this weekend. Please also refer to on-site signage and official Worldcon guidance to contribute to that wonderful community spirit we know and love so much in SFF!

SFWA Member Breakfast – Friday, August 15 & Saturday, August 16

Join SFWA for a breakfast meetup before your weekend of Worldcon events! We can’t wait to hang out and hear where your Worldcon weekend will take you.

The SFWA Suite | 8-10am | RSVP for Friday and/or Saturday

SFWA Pre-Hugo Awards Networking Reception – Saturday, August 16

The Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Association invites members and guests to a pre-Hugo Awards networking event. Connect with your next writing partner, editor, or agent with structured speed networking facilitated with fun and engaging ice breaker questions and prompts. We recommend downloading Blinq ahead of time for sharing contact information!

Marie Brennan | Room 429 | 5-7pm | RSVP

Fireside Chat with SFWA Leadership – Sunday, August 17

In this intimate conversation with Kate Ristau and Isis Asare, board president and executive director of the Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers Association, attendees will have a unique opportunity to learn more about the future direction of SFWA and ask questions. The session is open to all science fiction and fantasy creators, from lifelong SFWA members to aspiring writers.

Isis Asare, Kate Ristau | Terrace Suite 4F | 3-4pm | RSVP

SFWA Member Events at Seattle Worldcon

Please remember to check the official Seattle Worldcon calendar for full room and time listings. The following list of events was submitted via our SFWA Discord by SFWA members who look forward to seeing you out.

Also, drop by the Authors Against Book Bans table, co-coordinated by SFWA member Clara Ward, throughout the weekend!

  • 9:00am – 10:00am: Virtual Poetry Reading
    Join Michael H. Payne in a reading with Angela Acosta, ilin Wang, and Edwardson Ukata.
  • 10:30am – 11:30am: The Rising Tide of Climate Change Fiction
    It’s often been said that the past is a different country. With the world now beset by rising oceans, increasing wildfires, and chaotic weather patterns, the past is a different planet altogether. This panel will look at older works of science fiction that predicted climate change, modern works that explore the subject, and some works of more dubious merit that engage in climate denialism. Join Misha Grifka Wander, Remy Nakamura, Somto Ihezue, and Stephen W. Potts, in conversation with Russ Colson.
  • 10:30am – 11:30am: Prop Up That Costume with a Prop
    Props can often make or break a costume. Learn what works and how to make those little special items, hopefully without breaking the bank. Join A. L. Kaplan in conversation with Selena A. Naumoff and Pierre E. Pettinger, Jr.
  • 11:00am – 11:30am: Reading by Steven D. Brewer
    A Familiar Problem. Becoming a powerful demon’s familiar might just be the best thing ever. But what’s the catch? Rory Soletsa is supposed to find his magical familiar, but he doesn’t want something trite, like a cat; or stupid, like a bird; or ugly, like a toad. Amazed when he is captured and becomes the familiar to a powerful demon who presents as a voluptuous, beautiful woman, Rory discovers how much more powerful his magic is with her. And he’s ecstatic when the demon tells him she will train him in advanced offensive and defensive magic. But just what is she training him for?
  • 12:00pm – 1:00pm. Can Biogical Research Ever Be Independent?
    Let’s face it, we conduct science in an inherently for-profit environment, which leads to all sorts of biases. How do we work around these built-in barriers to create truly independent science? Without breaking too many laws, of course. Join Steven D. Brewer at this event, in conversation with Kristina Palmer, J.S. Fields, and Kaitlyn Casimo, PhD, MEd.
  • 12:00pm – 12:30pm: Reading by A. L. Kaplan
    Star Touched. It’s hard to be who you are meant to be. Especially when your powers can get you killed. Eighteen-year-old Tatiana is running from her past and her star-touched powers eight years after a meteor devastates earth’s population. Fleeing the persecution of those like her, Tatiana seeks refuge in a small town she once visited. But this civil haven, in a world where society has broken down, is beginning to crumble. Only by harnessing the very forces that haunt her can Tatiana save her friends—and herself.
  • 1:30pm – 2:30pm: Diagnosing Your Characters
    From Sherlock Holmes to Dexter, neurodiversity in characters has not often been treated with respect or realism. Come join the conversation about giving your character a neurospiciness that deepens their complexity while avoiding becoming a disrespectful trope. Join Alex Kingsley and Clara Ward in conversation with Sophia Babai, Marilyn S. Mauer, and Terilee Edwards-Hewitt.
  • 3:00pm – 4:00pm: An Hour of the Strange, Unusual, Creepy
    Ewww! Gross! WTF? Yep, all of this stuff is real… and some is common in your back yard. Join Steven D. Brewer as moderator of a conversation between Erin Barbeau, Leigh Harlen, Paul Price, and Susan Weiner.
  • 7:30pm – 8:30pm: They Said WHAT?
    Criticism is hard. How do you avoid reading reviews? What happens when you do read reviews and must pick yourself up after a harsh one and still continue writing? Especially if the reviewer had a point? Authors will share their worst reviews and what they did to overcome them. This panel is focused on vulnerability, frustration, and how to maintain creativity when down in the dumps. Note: This is not intended to bash reviewers. Readers have the right to critique and give books one-star reviews. Join Raven Oak and Rosemary Claire Smith in conversation with Gwendolyn N. Nix, Nicholas Binge, and Sarah Chorn.
  • 10:30am – 11:30am: MG Secrets & YA Twists. The Role of Mystery
    From hidden identities and long-buried family histories to strange happenings and jaw-dropping twists, mystery is often at the heart of middle grade and young adult speculative fiction. Join us as we explore how secrets can fuel tension, shape characters, and reveal the deeper layers of fantastical worlds. Join Michelle Knudsen, Michael Stearns/Carter Roy, and Shana Targosz in conversation with CJ Hosack and Jenna Lee-Yun.
  • 10:30am – 11:30am: Self-Publishing for Poets
    From chapbooks to zines, poetry has a rich history of self-publishing. Whether your goal is merely to get your poems into more hands or to craft an online presence as a poet, this workshop will help you learn how to market, sell, and self-publish your poetry. From blogging to Instagram to Amazon, we’ll dive into the important details of crafting a bestselling poetry collection. Learn how to format poetry, how to find the best distribution sites for poetry books, and how to market a collection from advertising to book reviews. Join Steven D. Brewer and Holly Lyn Walrath in conversation with F. J. Bergmann, Rath Mercury, and Sumiko Saulson.
  • 12:00pm – 1:00pm: And I’m All Out of Spoons
    Whether you live with chronic illness, physical disability, or neurodivergence, creating is an extra struggle. Join a panel of creators who, like you, only have so many spell slots in their day to get stuff done. What are their coping strategies? How do they find the time and energy to create? Hot tip: Make sure to schedule some short rests this convention! Join Ben Francisco and Brandon Ketchum in conversation with Courtney Floyd, Annie Carl, and Rebecca Matte.
    12:00pm – 2:30pm: SWFF C – Science Fiction That Makes You Think
    These films will expand your mind. Feature Film: Rewind, directed by Morgan Szymanski. Shorts: Eximo, Please Don’t Send Help (Grigory Lukin), Project Alpha: Terminal Embrace, Stream of Consciousness.
  • 1:30pm – 2:30pm: Beyond The Torment Nexus
    Warnings provided by science fiction are often misunderstood and willfully misinterpreted by those who can profit from creating dystopias. Let’s talk about science fiction’s most misunderstood works. (We may end up casting aspersions at tech oligarchs who are intent on creating the next Torment Nexus.) Join Rachel A. Rosen at this event, in a panel with Jon Lasser, Abigail Nussbaum, Jake Casella Brookins, and John Scalzi.
  • 1:30pm – 2:30pm: Life as We Know It
    Nothing in fantasy or sci fi is original (no, don’t rage-quit); it is all amalgamations of things we have seen or heard of. So would we recognize life that is truly alien? Join Steven D. Brewer in conversation with Sue Burke, Coral Alejandra Moore, and Frank Wu.
  • 1:30pm – 2:30pm: Meet the Authors – YA and Middle Grade
    Come meet the writers who are crafting the stories for you! A selection of YA and middle grade authors are available to answer questions and talk about stories. Join A. L. Kaplan and Kate Ristau in conversation with Marta Murvosh, CJ Hosack, L.J. Melvin, and Shana Targosz.
  • 3:00pm – 4:00pm: Human Evolution and Our Influence on It
    Just because we’re at the top of the food chain doesn’t mean that humans are done evolving. Can we predict what is in the future for our bodies? Which creators’ visions are realistic? Join Steven D. Brewer in conversation with Dr. Ricky, Anne Harlan Prather, and Kathryn Michels, PhD.
  • 3:00pm – 4:00pm: Too Close to Home: Writing the Near-Future
    Let’s tackle the big, near-future scenarios in science fiction: climate change, automation, internet privacy. How do we write speculative stories that are relevant to our current reality while still engaging readers? How can fiction help us address new, alarming technologies such as cryptocurrency and AI? Join RM Ambrose and Misha Grifka Wander in conversation with David Snyder, P.E., Michael Nayak, and Silvia Park.
  • 3:00pm – 4:00pm: A Welcome Reprieve
    In challenging times, fantasy stories offer solace. Join our panelists in a discussion on the qualities of escapism and how fantasy stories can comfort, support, and inspire their audiences. Join Caitlin Rozakis in conversation with Case Blair, Wes Rist, and Jim Zub.
  • 4:30pm – 5:30pm: Discussion Group: Hispanic and Latino Creators for Hispanic and Latino Creators
    Join Ben Francisco for a panel and discussion group for Hispanic and Latino creators to address challenges faced specifically by Hispanic and Latino creators of all types.
  • 4:30pm – 5:30pm: MoPOP: Seattle’s Museum of Pop Culture
    Opened in 2000, MoPOP, a.k.a. the Science Fiction Museum and the Experience Music Project, has dedicated space to numerous exhibits and interactive activities. In 2004 it incorporated the Science Fiction and Fantasy Hall of Fame. And since 2006 it has been home to the Science Fiction Fantasy Short Film Festival (SFFSFF). Join Frank Catalano as he explores the archives with Brooks Peck, Pat Booze, Robert L. Slater, and Jacob McMurray.
  • 4:30pm – 5:00pm: Reading by Lauren C. Teffeau
    A Hunger with No Name. Her whole life, Thurava’s been warned to stay away from the Glass City. Her destiny, written in the stars, is to find out why. This story is a coming-of-age tale with an environmental focus featuring an immersive fantasy setting inspired in part by the high desert of New Mexico. It is the second entry in the University of Tampa Press’s new Pomme imprint focused on literary speculative novellas. Nebula Award-winning author Fran Wilde calls it “a powerful story of survival—personal, ecological, and cultural—in the presence of overwhelming technological power.”
  • 7:00pm – 9:00pm: Human-Kind: Offsite Worldcon Reading with Interstellar Flight Press
    Join Adria Bailton, among other authors of Interstellar Flight Press, for a reading in the heart of downtown Seattle, celebrating the human heart of SFFH.
  • 7:·30pm – 8:30pm: Lifting All Boats – Building an Indie Community (Streaming for Virtual)
    Rather than viewing each other as competition, the indie author community is organically banding together to support each other, improve the level of quality in their work, and raise awareness of indie authors and titles. In this panel, we will discuss strategies and tactics for building community and lifting all boats. Join Cody Sisco in conversation with Palmer Pickering, A.J. Calvin, Deleyna Marr, and Johanna Wittenberg.
  • 8pm until everyone passes out: Canadians in Space: CSSFA x Wizards & Spaceships Room Party at the Sheradon Grande.
    Come enjoy snacks from the Great White North and chat about Canadian sci-fi, fantasy, and horror. Join Rachel A. Rosen at this event!
  • 10:30am – 11:30am: Big Brother Is Watching: Science Fiction and Surveillance
    From Captain Janeway endorsing illegal surveillance of her crew to Philip K. Dick’s surveillance dystopia in A Scanner Darkly, the sci-fi genre has an ambiguous relationship with privacy. As real-world technology (and social media) bring a panopticon to the real world, how has science fiction grappled with surveillance? Join Ray Nayler and Lauren C. Teffeau in conversation with David Brin, K.C. Aegis, and P.L. Stuart.
  • 10:30am – 11:30am: Getting into Game Writing
    What does it take to write for games? How does TTRPG writing differ from video game writing, and how do these differ from “traditional writing?” Panelists discuss some game writing principles, and the ways best practices from other writing can apply to this subgenre. Join Whitney Beltrán and Misha Grifka Wander in conversation with Meagan Maricle and Alex Shvartsman.
  • 10:30am – 11:30am: The Future of Education Technology
    Adaptive online learning, AI-assisted classrooms, virtual reality schools… things that used to be just science fiction are now science fact. How is education changing, and what does it mean for students? Join Frank Catalano in conversation with Dr. Corey Frazier, Lia Holland, Mason A. Porter, and Elizabeth Cobbe.
  • 10:30am – 11:·30am: Workshops: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
    Do workshops really improve writing, teach writing-related skills, or lead to publication? If so, how? What benefit does a workshop have over a convention panel or a critique group? What are their drawbacks? Who benefits most from workshops? Join Mur Lafferty and Rosemary Claire Smith in conversation with F.E. Choe, Amy Wolf, and Dale Ivan Smith.
  • 12:00pm – 1:00pm: Autograph Sessions
    Join Anthony W. Eichenlaub, Ai Jiang, and Sara Rees Brennan, along with Dale Ray Deforest, David Gerrold, Heather Rose Jones, Marshall Ryan Maresca, P. H. Low, Paz Pardo, Sharon Shinn, Weyodi OldBear, and Yasser Bahjatt.
  • 12:00pm – 1:00pm: Table Talks
    Sign up to have an intimate discussion (up to six participants) with one of the creators who is participating in the room this hour. Space is limited, advance sign-up required. Join JCM Berne, along with Ramiro Sanchiz, Alina Pete, Andrew Penn Romine, David Ian Salter, and Megan Lloyd.
  • 3:00pm – 4:00pm: Middle Grade and YA Writers Meetup
    Calling all middle grade and YA authors! Whether you’re a seasoned writer or just starting out, join Michelle Knudsen to connect with fellow authors, share experiences, and build lasting connections within the SFF community.
  • 4:30pm – 5:30pm: Autograph Sessions
    Join Lauren C. Teffeau, along with Becky Chambers, Claire E. Jones, Ellen Datlow, Gideon Marcus, Gwendolyn N. Nix, Holly Black, Jack Skillingstead, Stephen R. Donaldson, and Amy Wolf.
  • 4:30pm – 5:30pm: When Everything Has Rights
    There are movements afoot to give rights to ecosystems, non-human species, and even AIs. How will expanded rights impact our future? Mary G. Thompson (M), Alex Kingsley, Annalee Newitz, Avani Vaghela, and Clara Ward are in a stacked SFWA-member conversation on the theme!
  • 6:00pm – 7:00pm: Alternate Histories of the Space Program
    More than 50 years after the race to the moon, how might space exploration have gone differently? Which contemporary writers are giving us more hopeful, or more distressing, versions of what might have been? Where might we be today? (The Sidewise Award for Alternate History will be presented at this panel.) Join Elektra Hammond, Mary Robinette Kowal, and Rosemary Claire Smith in conversation with Olav Rokne and Dr. Laura Woodney.
  • 7:30pm – 8:30pm: Why Does the Alt-Right Love Science Fiction?
    Over the past few decades, there have been attempts to co-opt science fiction in support of racist, sexist, and classist political movements. Even works such as Star Trek, Neuromancer, and the Dispossessed have been claimed by alt-right leaders as foundational texts for their awful worldviews. Why does the alt-right love science fiction, and what problematic assumptions are coded into the genre that cause it to be open to these interpretations? Join Rachel A. Rosen, as moderator for a panel including Jordan S. Carroll, Joseph Malik, Naomi Kritzer, and Sam Asher.
  • 7:30pm – 8:30pm: The Power of BookTube and Long-Form Video Content
    In this world of short attention spans, people still like deep dives on content that interests them—and content creators on YouTube have emerged as an influential force for readers, authors, and publishers. There are many BookTubers with vastly different styles, and the phenomenon is only growing. Come learn what makes a good BookTube channel and how this format lends itself to book promotions for publishers and indie authors. Join JCM Berne in conversation with Palmer Pickering, Bookburn, and John Minton.
  • 9:00am – 10:00am: Advice I Would Give My Past Writer Self
    A panelist discussion on all the things authors would tell their past selves to smooth out the bumpy road to publication. Equal parts inspiration, sage wisdom, and hilarious missteps that we still shake our heads about, this event will either fortify your resolve to be a writer, or leave you looking for the nearest exit ramp. Join Lauren C. Teffeau in conversation with Gwendolyn N. Nix (M), Alexandra Nica, C.N. Kuster, and Guy Morpuss.
  • 9:00am – 10:00am: Biology and Evolution of the Dog
    Human’s best friend, best creation, and best companion: What was the evolutionary path of the household dog? Was humanity the worst thing to happen to wolves? Join Steven D. Brewer in conversation with Angela Hughes, Kathryn Michels, PhD, Sam Scheiner, and Tegan Moore.
  • 9:00am – 10:00am: Seattle: An Industry Incubation Nexus
    The greater Seattle area has a long history of innovation across numerous fields. Who got their start here? Who’s headquartered here now? What’s just over the horizon, and will it continue this trend? Join Frank Catalano in conversation with Jon Lasser and Larry Lewis.
  • 10:30am – 11:30am: Puerto Rican Speculative Fiction
    For Puerto Rican writers living in the archipelago or the diaspora, fiction is a vehicle for time travel. Our stories imagine alternate pasts and novel futures, drawing inspiration from the beauty and tragedy of the Boricua experience. In this panel, writers discuss how Puerto Rico (Borikén) influences their speculative imagination and writing practice. From Bad Bunny to Bomba; Carnival and Cimarrones; Taínos and Tostones, the writers on the panel draw from the rich and painful tapestry of Puerto Rican heritage to remix and remake pasts and futures. Join Ben Francisco in conversation with E.G. Condé, Carolina Cardona, and Karlo Yeager Rodriguez.
  • 10:30am – 11:30am. Where Are Your Parents?
    Middle grade and YA books often suffer from the parent problem: If the protagonist had a responsible adult in their lives, they might not go on an adventure in the first place. Authors discuss their favorite ways to solve this problem, the narrative purpose adults serve when they are present, and how to strike a balance that empowers young protagonists while keeping adult characters meaningful. Join Michelle Knudsen, Naomi Kritzer, and Shana Targosz in conversation with Nino Cipri and Cassidy Ellis Salter.
  • 12:00pm – 1:00pm: Autograph Sessions
    Join Catherine Asaro, Leigh Bardugo, Mary Robinette Kowal, Mary Turzillo, Matthew S. Rotundo, Naomi Kritzer, Palmer Pickering, Paul A. Dixon, Randee Dawn, Raven Oak, Rhiannon/R. Z. Held, Rosemary Claire Smith, and Sandra Rosner.
  • 1:30pm – 2:30pm: You’re Looking at It: The Future of Phones
    You are likely reading this on a device with more computing power than existed in the state of Washington in the 1960s. It has a better photo camera, movie camera, and clock than were readily available. And it is a better phone than the president had. So what more is left? Where do personal electronics go from here? Our panelists will answer the call on the future of phones. Lauren C. Teffeau moderates a conversation between Alon Newton, Dave O’Neill, Gregory Gadow, Tim Chawaga.
  • 1:30pm – 2:30pm: Your Novel Became a Movie/Show. How Did It Go?
    Science fiction and fantasy authors talk about the experience of having their novels made into movies or other visual media. What parts translated best (or worst) into film? How much input did the author have with the screenwriter? What did the author learn from the process? How did the experience influence their subsequent or future writings? More importantly, would they do it again? Join Caitlin Rozakis in conversation with Luke Elliott, Holly Black, Matt Ruff, Nicholas Binge, and Leigh Bardugo.
  • 3:00pm – 4:00pm: Who Would Win?
    Join A. L. Kaplan in a spot of fun! Decide who will win each contest from our bracket of various characters and determin who will take home the crown!
  • 3:00pm – 7:00pm: Edmonton in 2030 Virtual Bid Party: Celebrating Science Fiction and Fantasy from Canada. (Virtual Event)
    Join Rachel A. Rosen at the “Many Ways to Publishing” panel at 4 pm.
  • 6:00pm – 7:00pm: Makerspaces: For When You Can’t Own All the Tools
    A makerspace is shared workshop or group of workshops where people can use the tools and facilities to work on their own projects. Some are membership-based, and some are in public libraries. Assume that any major city will have at least one. Our panelists will discuss their involvement with makerspaces, what they recommend, and how the user can get the best experience from a makerspace. Join Steven D. Brewer in conversation with Wm Salt Hale, Agathon McGeachy, and Vandy H. Hall.
  • 6:00pm – 7:00pm: Making It Gay…or Trans, Neurodivergent, Ethnic and More
    In a media world that too often does not represent women, queerness, BIPOC identities, neurodivergence, or people with disabilities, it’s no wonder we choose to represent ourselves and/or our desires in the fanfic we write. This panel isn’t about why we take cishet characters and make them gay, trans, or a dozen other things; it’s about why we should and the freedom and joy that goes with knowing we can. Join Clara Ward and Sarah Rees Brennan in conversation with Atlin Merrick, Hana Lee, and Maeve MacLysaght.
  • 7:30pm – 8:30pm: Creating Alternative History
    How, why, and when do you change history to tell your story? Verisimilitude isn’t possible, but what makes the story believable? Join Rosemary Claire Smith in conversation with Van Hoang, Eric G. Swedin, Nick Fraser, and Jan Kotouč.
  • 7:30pm – 8:30pm: He, Her, Them, Xem, Hir, Vir, Tem, Fire
    We’ve all been there: What was that pronoun, and who did it refer to again? As your fictional species multiply, so do the possible genders and pronouns necessary to keep things straight. Or queer; you do you. But how do we handle genders in a way that is respectful of those who use alternative pronouns in their daily lives and do so in a way that is still clear for readers of all generations and cultural backgrounds? Join Ben Francisco and Jo Miles in conversation with Rath Mercury, Cassidy Ellis Salter, and Moriko Handford.
  • 9:00am – 10:00am: When Low Tech Is the Right Tech
    In both the real world and in writing, there are times when high tech isn’t right for the job. How do you see when low and/or alternative tech is a better choice, and how do you add it to your life and/or writing? Join Lauren C. Teffeau in conversation with Claire McCague, Mike Brennan, and Steven Saltman.
  • 10:30am – 11:30am: Building Community as a Middle Grade/YA Author
    Do we belong with the kid-lit crowd or the SFF orgs? Authors will discuss the challenges of finding a sense of belonging as an SFF middle grade or YA author, talk about how to get the most out of author organizations when you’re on the margins, and explore strategies for creating connections in spaces that often feel divided by genre or audience. Join Christine Taylor-Butler and Michelle Knudsen in conversation with Cassidy Ellis Salter, Dr. Rachael Kuintzle, and M.T. Zimny.
  • 12:00pm – 1.00pm: Editing as An Art Form
    Most authors know—and many quickly learn—that an editor is more than a simple curator of stories. A good editor can be the difference between a flawed gem and a brilliant masterpiece. What can we gain from viewing the work of editing as an art in its own right? Join Rachel A. Rosen at this event, in conversation with Josh Wilson, Ellen Datlow, Rachel Sobel, and Kaitlin Schmidt.
  • 12:00pm – 1:00pm: Shakka When the Walls Fell: Language in Science Fiction
    Language and culture are inseparably linked, but the complexities of this subject are often overlooked in science fiction. Why is there only one language spoken by Klingons? What meaning gets lost through universal translators? Which works have shown linguistic diversity well? Join Ben Francisco in conversation with Sue Burke, Frauke Uhlenbruch, and Olav Rokne.
  • 3:00pm – 4:00pm: The Importance of Navigation
    If you can’t find the enemy, you can’t conquer them. Or trade with them. How did improvements in maritime technology change trade between nations? What similarities are there, if any, from the Phoenicians, Minoans, and other early sailors to the Vikings, the Pacific Islanders, and Asian and Indonesian sailors? How has that continued to change through the Industrial Age, and how will this possibly affect navigation to the stars and galaxies beyond? Join Rosemary Claire Smith in conversation with Eric G. Swedin, Gina Saucier, Keith Gremban, and Mike Brennan.
  • 4:·00pm – 5:30pm: Animal Companions in Middle Grade/YA
    It’s dangerous to go alone! The loyal animal (or monster) companion is a common feature of kids’ stories. These companions do more than tag along—they reveal character, deepen world-building, offer emotional support (or challenge), and sometimes even steal the show. Let’s discuss our favorites and find out what makes these furry (or scaly) friends so great. Join A. L. Kaplan in conversation with Deva Fagan, Jenna Lee-Yun, Kathryn Sullivan, and Maya Prasad.

SFWA Members as Hugo Finalists!

Congratulations to all the Hugo Finalists, and the Active SFWA Members among them. Shoot us a line at communications@sfwa.org if we’re missing anyone!

  • Alien Clay by Adrian Tchaikovsky (Orbit US, Tor UK)
  • The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley (Avid Reader Press, Sceptre)
  • Service Model by Adrian Tchaikovsky (Tordotcom)
  • Someone You Can Build a Nest In by John Wiswell (DAW)
  • A Sorceress Comes to Call by T. Kingfisher (Tor)
  • The Tainted Cup by Robert Jackson Bennett (Del Rey, Hodderscape UK)
  • The Brides of High Hill by Nghi Vo (Tordotcom)
  • The Butcher of the Forest by Premee Mohamed (Tordotcom)
  • Navigational Entanglements by Aliette de Bodard (Tordotcom)
  • The Practice, the Horizon, and the Chain by Sofia Samatar (Tordotcom)
  • The Tusks of Extinction by Ray Nayler (Tordotcom)
  • What Feasts at Night, T. Kingfisher (Nightfire)
  • “The Brotherhood of Montague St. Video” by Thomas Ha (Clarkesworld, May 2024)
  • “By Salt, By Sea, By Light of Stars” by Premee Mohamed (Strange Horizons, Fund Drive 2024)
  • “The Four Sisters Overlooking the Sea” by Naomi Kritzer (Asimov’s, September/October 2024)
  • “Lake of Souls” by Ann Leckie in Lake of Souls (Orbit)
  • “Loneliness Universe” by Eugenia Triantafyllou (Uncanny Magazine, Issue 58)
  • “Signs of Life” by Sarah Pinsker (Uncanny Magazine, Issue 59)
  • “Five Views of the Planet Tartarus” by Rachael K. Jones (Lightspeed Magazine, Jan 2024 (Issue 164))
  • “Marginalia” by Mary Robinette Kowal (Uncanny Magazine, Issue 56)
  • “Stitched to Skin Like Family Is” by Nghi Vo (Uncanny Magazine, Issue 57)
  • “Three Faces of a Beheading” by Arkady Martine (Uncanny Magazine, Issue 58)
  • “We Will Teach You How to Read | We Will Teach You How to Read” by Caroline M. Yoachim (Lightspeed Magazine, May 2024 (Issue 168))
  • “Why Don’t We Just Kill the Kid in the Omelas Hole” by Isabel J. Kim (Clarkesworld, February 2024)
  • Between Earth and Sky by Rebecca Roanhorse (Saga Press)
  • The Burning Kingdoms by Tasha Suri (Orbit)
  • InCryptid by Seanan McGuire (DAW)
  • Southern Reach by Jeff VanderMeer (Farrar, Straus and Giroux)
  • The Stormlight Archive by Brandon Sanderson (Tor Books)
  • The Tyrant Philosophers by Adrian Tchaikovsky (Ad Astra)
  • The Deep Dark by Molly Knox Ostertag (Graphix)
  • The Hunger and the Dusk: Vol. 1 written by G. Willow Wilson, art by Chris Wildgoose (IDW Publishing)
  • Monstress, Vol. 9: The Possessed written by Marjorie Liu, art by Sana Takeda (Image)
  • My Favorite Thing Is Monsters, Book 2 by Emil Ferris (Fantagraphics)
  • Star Trek: Lower Decks: Warp Your Own Way written by Ryan North, art by Chris Fenoglio (IDW Publishing)
  • We Called Them Giants written by Kieron Gillen, art by Stephanie Hans, lettering by Clayton Cowles (Image)
  • Charting the Cliff: An Investigation into the 2023 Hugo Nomination Statistics” by Camestros Felapton and Heather Rose Jones (File 770, February 22, 2024)
  • r/Fantasy’s 2024 Bingo Reading Challenge (r/Fantasy on Reddit), presented by the r/Fantasy Bingo team: Alexandra Forrest (happy_book_bee), Lisa Richardson, Amanda E. (Lyrrael), Arka (RuinEleint), Ashley Rollins (oboist73), Christine Sandquist (eriophora), David H. (FarragutCircle), Diana Hufnagl, Pia Matei (Dianthaa), Dylan H. (RAAAImmaSunGod), Dylan Kilby (an_altar_of_plagues), Elsa (ullsi), Emma Surridge (PlantLady32), Gillian Gray (thequeensownfool), Kahlia (cubansombrero), Kevin James, Kopratic, Kristina (Cassandra_sanguine), Lauren Mulcahy (Valkhyrie), Megan, Megan Creemers (Megan_Dawn), Melissa S. (wishforagiraffe), Mike De Palatis (MikeOfThePalace), Para (improperly_paranoid), Sham, The_Real_JS, Abdellah L. (messi1045), AnnTickwittee, Chad Z. (shift_shaper), Emma Smiley (Merle), Rebecca (toughschmidt22), smartflutist661
  • “The Spectacular Failure of the Star Wars Hotel” by Jenny Nicholson (YouTube)
  • Speculative Whiteness: Science Fiction and the Alt-Right by Jordan S. Carroll (University of Minnesota Press)
  • Track Changes by Abigail Nussbaum (Briardene Books)
  • “The 2023 Hugo Awards: A Report on Censorship and Exclusion” by Chris M. Barkley and Jason Sanford (Genre Grapevine and File770, February 14, 2024)
  • Dune: Part Two, screenplay by Denis Villeneuve and Jon Spaihts, directed by Denis Villeneuve (Legendary Pictures / Warner Bros. Pictures)
  • Flow, screenplay by Gints Zilbalodis and Matīss Kaža, directed by Gints Zilbalodis (Dream Well Studio)
  • Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, screenplay by George Miller and Nick Lathouris, directed by George Miller (Warner Bros. Pictures)
  • I Saw the TV Glow, screenplay by Jane Schoenbrun, directed by Jane Schoenbrun (Fruit Tree / Smudge Films / A24)
  • Wicked, screenplay by Winnie Holzman and Dana Fox, directed by Jon M. Chu (Universal Pictures)
  • The Wild Robot, screenplay by Chris Sanders and Peter Brown, directed by Chris Sanders (DreamWorks Animation)
  • Fallout: “The Beginning” written by Gursimran Sandhu, directed by Wayne Che Yip (Amazon Prime Video)
  • Agatha All Along: “Death’s Hand in Mine” written by Gia King & Cameron Squires, directed by Jac Schaeffer (Marvel, Disney+)
  • Doctor Who: “Dot and Bubble” written by Russell T Davies, directed by Dylan Holmes Williams (BBC, Disney+)
  • Star Trek: Lower Decks: “Fissure Quest” created by Mike McMahan and written by Lauren McGuire based on Star Trek created by Gene Roddenberry, directed by Brandon Williams (CBS Eye Animation Productions for Paramount+)
  • Star Trek: Lower Decks: “The New Next Generation” created and written by Mike McMahan, based on Star Trek created by Gene Roddenberry, directed by Megan Lloyd (CBS Eye Animation Productions for Paramount+)
  • Doctor Who: “73 Yards” written by Russell T Davies, directed by Dylan Holmes Williams (BBC, Disney+)
  • Caves of Qud, co-creators Brian Bucklew and Jason Grinblat; contributors Nick DeCapua, Corey Frang, Craig Hamilton, Autumn McDonell, Bastia Rosen, Caelyn Sandel, Samuel Wilson (Freehold Games); sound design A Shell in the Pit; publisher Kitfox Games
  • Dragon Age: The Veilguard produced by BioWare
  • The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom produced by Nintendo
  • Lorelei and the Laser Eyes produced by Simogo
  • Tactical Breach Wizards developed by Suspicious Developments
  • 1000xRESIST developed by sunset visitor 斜陽過客, published by Fellow Traveller
  • Scott H. Andrews
  • Jennifer Brozek
  • Neil Clarke
  • Jonathan Strahan
  • Lynne M. Thomas and Michael Damian Thomas
  • Sheila Williams
  • Carl Engle-Laird
  • Ali Fisher
  • Lee Harris
  • David Thomas Moore
  • Diana M. Pho
  • Stephanie Stein
  • Micaela Alcaino
  • Audrey Benjaminsen
  • Rovina Cai
  • Maurizio Manzieri
  • Tran Nguyen
  • Alyssa Winans
  • The Deadlands, publisher Sean Markey; editors E. Catherine Tobler, Nicasio Andres Reed, David Gilmore, Laura Blackwell, Annika Barranti Klein; proofreader Josephine Stewart; columnist Amanda Downum; art and design Cory Skerry, Christine M. Scott; social media Felicia Martínez; assistant Shana Du Bois.
  • Escape Pod, editors Mur Lafferty and Valerie Valdes, assistant editors Premee Mohamed and Kevin Wabaunsee, hosts Tina Connolly and Alasdair Stuart, producers Summer Brooks and Adam Pracht; and the entire Escape Pod team.
  • FIYAH Magazine of Black Speculative Fiction, publisher and executive editor DaVaun Sanders, poetry editor B. Sharise Moore, art director Christian Ivey, acquiring editors Rebecca McGee, Kerine Wint, Egbiameje Omole, Emmalia Harrington, Genine Tyson, Tonya R. Moore, sponsor coordinator Nelson Rolon
  • khōréō, produced by Zhui Ning Chang, Aleksandra Hill, Danai Christopoulou, Isabella Kestermann, Kanika Agrawal, Sachiko Ragosta, Lian Xia Rose, Jenelle DeCosta, Melissa Ren, Elaine Ho, Ambi Sun, Cyrus Chin, Nivair H. Gabriel, Jeané Ridges, Lilivette Domínguez, Isaree Thatchaichawalit, Jei D. Marcade, M. L. Krishnan, Ysabella Maglanque, Aaron Voigt, Adialyz Del Valle Berríos, Adil Mian, Akilah White, Alexandra Millatmal, Anselma Widha Prihandita, E. Broderick, K. S. Walker, Katarzyna Nowacka, Katie McIvor, Kelsea Yu, Lynn D. Jung, Madeleine Vigneron, Marie Croke, Merulai Femi, Phoebe Low, S. R. Westvik, Sanjna Bhartiya, Sara Messenger, Sophia Uy, Tina Zhu, Yuvashri Harish, Zohar Jacobs
  • Strange Horizons, by the Strange Horizons Editorial Collective
  • Uncanny Magazine, publishers and editors-in-chief: Lynne M. Thomas and Michael Damian Thomas; managing editor Monte Lin; poetry editor Betsy Aoki, podcast producers Erika Ensign and Steven Schapansky
  • Ancillary Review of Books, editors Jake Casella Brookins, Zachary Gillan, Lane Gillespie, Misha Grifka Wander, Gareth A. Reeves, Bianca Skrinyár, Cynthia Zhang
  • Black Nerd Problems, editors William Evans and Omar Holmon
  • The Full Lid, written by Alasdair Stuart and edited by Marguerite Kenner
  • Galactic Journey, founder Gideon Marcus, editor Janice L. Newman, associate writers Cora Buhlert, Jessica Holmes, Kerrie Dougherty, Kris Vyas-Myall, and Natalie Devitt, and the rest of the Journey team
  • Journey Planet, edited by Allison Hartman Adams, Amanda Wakaruk, Ann Gry, Jean Martin, Sara Felix, Sarah Gulde, Chuck Serface, David Ferguson, Olav Rokne, Paul Weimer, Steven H Silver, Christopher J. Garcia and James Bacon
  • Unofficial Hugo Book Club Blog, editors Olav Rokne and Amanda Wakaruk
  • The Coode Street Podcast, presented by Jonathan Strahan and Gary K. Wolfe, producer Jonathan Strahan
  • Eight Days of Diana Wynne Jones, presented by Emily Tesh and Rebecca Fraimow
  • Hugo, Girl!, presented by Haley Zapal, Amy Salley, Lori Anderson, and Kevin Anderson
  • Hugos There, presented by Seth Heasley
  • A Meal of Thorns, presented by Jake Casella Brookins
  • Worldbuilding for Masochists, presented by Marshall Ryan Maresca, Cass Morris and Natania Barron
  • Camestros Felapton
  • Abigail Nussbaum
  • Roseanna Pendlebury
  • Jason Sanford
  • Alasdair Stuart
  • Örjan Westin
  • Calypso by Oliver K. Langmead (Titan)
  • “Ever Noir” by Mari Ness (Haven Spec Magazine, Issue 16, July 2024)
  • “there are no taxis for the dead” by Angela Liu (Uncanny Magazine, Issue 58)
  • “A War of Words” by Marie Brennan (Strange Horizons, September 2024)
  • “We Drink Lava” by Ai Jiang (Uncanny Magazine, Issue 56)
  • “Your Visiting Dragon” by Devan Barlow (Strange Horizons, Fund Drive 2024)
  • The Feast Makers by H.A. Clarke (Erewhon)
  • Heavenly Tyrant by Xiran Jay Zhao (Tundra Books)
  • The Maid and the Crocodile by Jordan Ifueko (Amulet)
  • Moonstorm by Yoon Ha Lee (Delacorte Press) (Lee withdrew Moonstorm after the finalists were announced.)
  • Sheine Lende by Darcie Little Badger (Levine Querido)
  • So Let Them Burn by Kamilah Cole (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers)
  • Moniquill Blackgoose (2nd year of eligibility)
  • Bethany Jacobs (2nd year of eligibility)
  • Hannah Kaner (2nd year of eligibility)
  • Angela Liu (2nd year of eligibility)
  • Jared Pechaček (1st year of eligibility)
  • Tia Tashiro (2nd year of eligibility)

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