Other Strong Contenders for the Fan Writer Hugo

[cathschaffstump]

Here are some other interesting blogs that you should check out for the fan writer Hugo. Remember, there are five spots for nominations. These are noted in no specific order of preference. I've included some newcomer blogs to mix it up with the old chestnuts.

Tobias Buckell: Buckell gets this year's guts move. He disabled his comments, because he felt they were affecting the quality of his work, and the sharpness and sincerity of his writing has picked up. Buckell comments on books, life, and science.

Jay Lake: Jay blogs about many things, but he's been remarkably blogging about his cancer since 2008. His writing is an authentic look into the mind, body, and spirit of a cancer fighter. Of course, he posts about social and political items, his writing life, and his family too. But damn, that's some brave writing.

John Scalzi: John has already won the fan writer Hugo once. John is paid to write about science fiction in columns. He posts a lot of pictures of his cats and the sun going down. He writes thoughtful posts about politics. One of my favorites this year was when he invited Republican readers to talk about this year's slate of candidates. Even though John's work at Whatever has won a Hugo, it's still worth mentioning.

Chuck Wendig: The persona is cruder than the reality, methinks, but Chuck Wendig has been amusing folks with his penmonkey portrayal of his writing and his personal life. Wendig is best known for his writer lists, usually 25 ____ about writers doing ____. Still, the writing is funny, sometimes in a Three Stooges kind of way I shouldn't like. Hey, I guess I'm not proud.

Ferrett Steinmetz: Ferrett is a writer, and a good one, but I read Watchtower of Destruction for the geek factor. Recently Ferrett did a rewatch of Deep Space Nine, and he's also talking a lot about Skyrim these days. Be warned that Ferrett also talks about alternative lifestyles like polygamous relationships and FetLife. Just so you're prepared if you go over there.

Amy Sundberg: Practical Free Spirit is an optimistic look at writing life from a neo-pro writer. Amy thinks about thorny issues in interesting ways. These include life issues as well as writing issues. I find her voice refreshing, and I am inspired every time I visit.

Sean Craven: Renaissance Oaf is a picture of one man versus creativity. Sean struggles with his art and the resultant mental imbalances in his temperament, and produces a frank portrayal of a struggle with mental health as he grows, both in terms of art and being involved in a community. It's fascinating stuff, if a little arcane on occasion.

Miranda Suri: At Comedy or Tragedy, Miranda Suri focuses on her writing life. We get a little bit about her life as a professor too, but I really like reading Miranda because she gets me think about larger writing issues. It makes me feel like I have to make my blog smarter. And there's cooking, book reviews, and interesting links. We are also treated to pictures of Mr. Ramses, the site's official overseer mascot.

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If you visit any of these fine writers today, take some time to appreciate the contribution they're making to the Internet. There's a lot of so-so stuff out there, and these writers are going above and beyond.

Catherine

Mirrored from Writer Tamago.