Imperfect boys with their perfect ploys...

So, since I went to Anticipation last year, I'm eligible to nominate for the Hugos this year.

And since I'm often cranky about what's in the Hugos, I thought I should. But I haven't actually been reading all that much SF this year, especially in short fiction. So if there's stuff people think I should vote for, please let me know.

Here's my ballot so far. Any holes in here, I'm welcome to tossing on things that other people think should be +1 boosted.

Best Novel:
* Walter Jon Williams - This is not a game
* China Mieville - The City & The City
* Karl Schroeder - The Sunless Countries
* Catherynne Valente - Palimpsest

(I'm not entirely 100% sure about Palimpsest, but I'm not happy tossing in a best novel ballot that's all male authors, given last year's ballot where so many strong books by female authors were ignored. On the other hand, I've found this an unfortunately weak year for books by female authors. I've recently picked up Cherie Priest's Boneshaker, Justine Larbalestier's Liar, and Nancy Kress' To Steal The Sky, but I don't think I'll have time to read them by the submission deadline. What other great books came out this year that I'm missing? )

Best Novella:

I haven't yet read much of Robin Sloan's Annabel Scheme yet, but I love the premise and I love his work - so I'm going to try to read it, and even if I don't I'll probably toss it on the ballot anyways if I don't have other stuff to go there. And cause I'd love to see something crowd-funded on a Hugo ballot - and while I have some of Cat Valente's other stuff on my list, I don't think Fairyland is quite Hugo novel territory.

Best Novelette:
* Michael Bishop - Vinegar Peace, or the wrong-way used-adult orphanage

Only one, but it's brilliant. Searing, harsh, and Bishop at the height of his powers, writing out his demons. Probably the best thing Bishop's written since Unicorn Mountain or Count Geiger's Blues.

Best Short Story:
* Robin Sloan - Mr. Penumbra's Twenty-Four Hour Book Store
* Catherynne M. Valente - The radiant car thy sparrows drew

Campbell Award:
* Cecil Castellucci
* Seanan McGuire