Reading for the Hugos

As a member of the Worldcon in Chicago I get to vote for the Hugos this year. Now in the "Best Related Work" category I've got it covered, but there are several other categories ranging from best novel to best artist to best graphic novel. Sometime in May all eligible voters will have access to the Hugo voter's packet which will include most of the nominees (including Jar Jar Binks Must Die... and Other Observations about Science Fiction Movies) and I will attempt to go through most of the nominees.

I'm currently reading Leviathan Wakes and will read most of the short fiction from the packet. For members of the World Science Fiction Convention -- attending or supporting -- it's a good deal even if, for the author, it's giving away potential sales in the hopes that it might lead to a Hugo and future sales.

It's a lot to go through before the balloting closes on July 31 which is why I've started reading before the packet has gone up. No one is expected to read everything or vote in every category. Frankly some of the categories are things I don't feel I have sufficient knowledge to have an informed opinion. Still, I will go through as much as I can, hopeful that other voters will take a look at my book and consider it in their own balloting.

I've been voting for the Hugos for some time now but this is the first time I'm also on the ballot. I find myself thinking as both a voter and as a nominee. If you're voting, I hope you'll take a look at Jar Jar Binks Must Die... and Other Observations about Science Fiction Movies but, to be fair, I hope you'll take a look at the nominees in whatever categories you choose to include on your ballot. Don't just vote for names you know. Be an informed voter.

That's good advice for any ballot you might cast.