The magazine for people who enjoy good writing

WINNERS OF THE 2011 MARY WOLLSTONECRAFT SHELLEY AWARD

The winning stories have been selected! Our judge, the distinguished sci-fi author and editor Kij Johnson acknowledges that making the final choices was difficult . “I was really impressed by the quality of the stories,” she confessed, “and it was hard to winnow it down to just five. You have so many different types of storytelling here, and it was sometimes very hard to compare them.” Nevertheless, the pieces she picked are excellent.

FIRST PRIZE: $1000

DESSICATED
by Andrew Bourelle

"‘Dessicated’ stood out for me because of the nuanced characterizations and the truly beautiful detail and description,” explains judge Johnson “There is no wrong step in the story, and it shows clear mastery without being at all flashy. I look forward to seeing more of Andrew Bourelle's work in the future.”

FOUR RUNNERS-UP: $100 each

STILLBORN
by Sheldon Gleisser

“I found ‘Stillborn’ a terrific splattery sort of tale, sustained by the narrator's voice and a clever storyline,” Kij Johnson declares. “ I kept being creeped out and surprised, often simultaneously. Sheldon Gleisser's specificity of detail really sets the nail for me.”

HOME
by Beth Franks

“This is the sweetest of the finalists, moving and heartfelt,” says Kij. “It's not at all a complicated story, but Beth Franks did an amazing job of engaging me with these characters, and I found myself deeply invested in how things were going to work out.”

FOAM
by Debra Lynn Turner

Kij Johnson says: “‘Foam’ is gorgeous and delicate, so carefully and beautifully observed. I was particularly impressed with her descriptions of setting, and how natural the characters seemed. She straddles the line between the real and the numinous with confidence here.”

BENEATH SOLUNGAWA
by Paul Weidknecht

“Paul Weidknecht is doing a wonderful job of developing his many-faceted story through the voice of his engaging narrator,” Ms. Johnson observes. The story is full of mysteries but anchored with strong descriptions and completely convincing interactions, real or otherwise.”

Those who would like to learn more about our talented and insightful judge can find out more about her at www.kijjohnson.com.

Queries about our next Shelley Award, to be judged in 2013, can be directed to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .