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“Sparrow” (Short Story) – 2018 Awards Eligibility

Hey everyone, here is my awards eligibility post for 2018. I have one short story eligible for nominations. Thank you so much for your consideration!

Short Story: “Sparrow”

The rooftop is quiet except for the hum of a plane passing overhead, heading to a faraway elsewhere. The sharp stench of ammonia rises from the bucket hanging from your window-cleaning belt. Running your fingers across the safety harness and clips that encircle your chest and back, you triple check all the safeguards to ensure they are all locked in place. You pull yourself over the icy metal railing and lean back. Safety ropes and the padding of your wooden bosun’s chair hold your weight. Chongqing sprawls out beneath your dangling feet and the hazy pollution. It’s a muted miniature world of glass and steel, encircled by snaking rivers that divide the city center from the satellite cities and the blue mountains beyond.

After three years of drifting down Chongqing’s skylines, this will be your last descent.

  • This story is listed on the 2018 Nebula Reading List. This story qualifies for nomination for awards such as the Hugo, Nebula, and World Fantasy Award.
  • This is the first year I’m eligible for the John W. Campbell Award for the Best New Writer.
  • I’m a permanent resident of Canada, so this story also qualifies for Canadian awards like the Aurora.

Thank you for reading and supporting my work over the past year. I have some new work and translations forthcoming soon, which I will share when released. 🙂 Wishing everyone a happy end of the year and the best in 2019!

Photo of Chongqing, China, where the story “Sparrow” is set.