There’s a bit over 24 hours left before the window closes for submitting nominations for this year’s Hugo (and Campbell) Awards.

Depending on how cynical you are, you can see this reminder as one of two things.

It could be a selfless public service announcement exhorting you to participate in the process, because seriously, while the number of Worldcon members who vote has increased significantly in the last few years (due in no small part I suspect to the success of the electronic packet of free books that is worth several times the cost of a membership), far fewer people bother to involve themselves in the nomination process. This is your chance to help shape what we will all look back on as the Hugo-winners, so please take the time to let your voice be heard.

Oh, wait, I said this post could be two things, didn’t I? Well, the other thing would be yet another shameless reminder that my novella, “Barry’s Tale” is eligible for nomination. You may have heard of it, it’s already been nominated for the Nebula Award. And, as you know, Bob, the infinite worlds hypothesis assures us that there exists (or will exist) a future in which my novella wins both awards and I get to walk around insufferably with a big lucite bookend and a shiny metal rocket. All the while Barry (that’s him in the photo) rides triumphantly on my shoulder, chortling like a very satisfied plushie. But to guide us toward that one shining future amidst all the myriad realities, I would need your nominational help.

Yeah… I’m going to officially say I’m posting this because of the first reason. Really. Of course, that infinite worlds things also means there’s a place where the second reason holds sway. But that’s not this reality, right?

It has been brought to my attention that there are some people out there in the world (and by “world” I of course mean the population of genre fans and pros who are responsible for all that’s good and just) who, due to my weekly blog feature, Eating Authors, insist that I am eligible, and should be considered for, nomination in the Best Fan Writer category for this year’s Hugo Awards.

My reaction was, “Huh!”

To elaborate: while I would certainly not turn down such a nomination, and would be exceedingly chuffed to receive it, there is no doubt in my mind that folks can do much better than to put my name on such a list.

Those of you who aren’t as stunned by the notion as I was, thank you for your kind thoughts. I’m flattered, honored, and all those other emotions associated with people who typically have far less ego than me. Truly.

But speaking of ego, if you’re still enamored of my blog series, take that good will in hand and carry it over to the Novella section of the Hugo nomination ballot. There’s a spot there where my name (and the title “Barry’s Tale”) might actually have a shot. Maybe. If bunches of other people die (horribly or otherwise, and no, I have nothing to do with it if it happens, just sayin’).

Thanks.