Science Fiction Awards Watch

This year’s Tähtifantasia for fantasy works translated into Finnish has been won by Ellen Kushner’s Thomas Riiminiekka (Thomas the Rhymer). The book was translated by Johanna Vainikainen-Uusitalo and published by Vaskikirjat. Johanna was also the translator for Jeff VanderMeer’s City of Saints and Madmen, which won the Tähtifantasia in 2007, so fantasy writers looking for a good translator should seek her out. The award is given by the Helsinki Science Fiction Society and the jury consisted of critic Jukka Halme, critic Aleksi Kuutio, author and editor Anne Leinonen, and Risingshadow representative Osmo Määttä.

In addition the results of the Tähtivaeltaja short story competition have been announced. The winner is “Terveisiä älylliseltä elämältä” by Marika Riikonen. The top five stories are listed here. This year’s jury consisted of Irma Hirsjärvi, Anne Leinonen, Toni Jerrman, Jukka Halme, and Tiina Raevaara.

Thomas the Rhymer has clearly caused a stir in Finland, as Ellen Kushner has also been invited to be a Guest of Honor at Finncon 2010 in Jyväskylä.

Our thanks as ever to Tero Ykspetäjä who reports on award ceremonies at Finncon when Cheryl is busy being on panels.