It was my pleasure to attend this years Worldcon where I was able to meet friends who traveled from other cities to listen to our favorite authors speak on panels or read from upcoming books to soon be published. Some of my friends were also presenters on panels where they shared their personal experiences with writing and publishing.
I heard stories about what happened after hours at the hotels, but I didn’t stay for those festivities. There were costume parties, games and other meetings of clever minds. I did have some afternoon lunch dates with authors I’d only meet on Zoom. And it was lovely to get to know them better.
Worldcon was held at the wonderful new convention center in Seattle Washington this year and hosted a number of famous writers. The guests of honor for Seattle Worldcon 2025 included noted science fiction and fantasy author Martha Wells, , folk musician Alexander James Adams, writer Brandon O’Brien, author K. Tempest Bradford, author Nisi Shawl, and artist Donato Giancola. Other participants from the science fiction and fantasy community included novelist A.J. Calvin, editor Francesca Myman, artists John Picacio, Lee Moyer, and Galen Dara, and writer Ursula Vernon (T. Kingfisher).
Rocket scientist Bridget Landry with over thirty five years of experience in robotic spacecraft operations, including for the Hubble Space Telescope and the Curiosity and Perseverance rovers and another notable guest. She is also a master-level costumer.
George R.R. Martin: The acclaimed author of the A Song of Ice and Fire series, which inspired Game of Thrones, was among more than 800 panelists.
- Tempest Bradford: An award-winning author, teacher, and critic of fantasy and science fiction, she served as a convention host.
Nisi Shawl: An award-winning author and editor of speculative fiction, and co-author of the influential book Writing the Other. They also served as a convention host.
Gail Carriger: The author of the Parasol Protectorate series had a packed schedule of appearances at the event.
Brandon O’Brien: A writer, poet, and tabletop game designer whose debut poetry collection won the 2022 Elgin Award.
A.J. Calvin: The novelist behind The Caein Legacy and The Relics of War series, who is also a microbiologist.
Frank Catalano: A journalist and “minor science-fiction author” who participated in several panels.
Among the 800 panelists was Matt Dinniman, famous for his Dungeon Crawler Carl series, A. J. Hackwith, Ada Palmer, Adam-Troy Castro, and Nancy Kress.
In addition to the panels the exhibition hall offered merchandise and books that appeal to those specific genres of speculative fiction. There was an art show where artists sold original art and prints.
At the far end was a free book area, where publishers offloaded stacks of books for the taking, and local authors attending could give away copies of their books as well. Each day there were new offerings. More than you would expect.
This event is also the home of the Hugo Awards, which are annual awards for excellence in science fiction and fantasy literature and media, given by the members of the World Science Fiction Society (WSFS) at the annual Worldcon convention. They were first presented in 1953 and are considered one of the most prestigious awards in the genre. The Hugo Award winners for the 83rd Worldcon in Seattle are:
- Astounding Award for Best New Writer: Moniquill Blackgoose
- Best Series: Between Earth and Sky by Rebecca Roanhorse
- Best Dramatic Presentation, Long Form: Dune: Part Two
- Best Dramatic Presentation, Short Form: Star Trek: Lower Decks: “The New Next Generation”
- Best Game or Interactive Work: Caves of Qud
- Best Editor, Short Form: Neil Clarke
- Best Editor, Long Form: Diana M. Pho
- Best Professional Artist: Alyssa Winans
- Best Semiprozine: Uncanny
- Best Fanzine: Black Nerd Problems
- Best Fancast: Eight Days of Diana Wynne Jones
- Best Fan Writer: Abigail Nussbaum
- Best Fan Artist: Sara Felix
- Best Poem: “A War of Words” by Marie Brennan
- Best Young Adult Book (Lodestar Award): “Sheine Lende” by Darcie Little Badger
- Best Novel: “The Tainted Cup” by Robert Jackson Bennett
- Best Novella: “The Tusks of Extinction” by Ray Nayler
- Best Short Story: “Stitched to Skin Like Family Is” by Nghi Vo