Writer / Teacher / Human

Author Sketch by Scott Drummond

Ottawa-based science fiction and fantasy writer, Gamemaster, and cautious optimist

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Writer / Teacher / Human

2021 Eligibility Post - Brandon Crilly - Author, Teacher, Human

2021 Eligibility Post

Right, I realize I just announced my debut friggin’ novel BUT there’s this thing we do in Writer Land called “talk about what’s eligible for awards” and … well, I’ve been busy.

There’s this automatic caveat that comes with that given, you know. Despite how chaotic and disruptive and downright horrible the past year has been sometimes (in my case, the school system is where I’ve experienced most of my woes) 2021 has also been the most successful year of my writing career, hands down. The fact that there were also periods where I was simply unable to create, sometimes barely able to think, almost makes this feel like an even greater accomplishment. Because despite everything I pulled off the following, and all of it is work I’m proud of. Thanks for indulging me in reading this post, and if you go on to read some of my work, I hope it makes your day a little better.

FOR PODCAST OR RELATED WORK CATEGORIES:

Broadcasts from the Wasteland: Season 3
I almost forgot that we released another full season of Broadcasts this year, settling into our not-so-metaphorical bunker to chat with creatives. Got the chance to hang out with some very cool people, including The Shale Project’s Sienna Tristen and Avi Silver, Hamilton‘s Marcus Choi, fantasy author Tracy Townsend, and former CBC journalist / author Waubgeshig Rice. Check out our episodes if you like eavesdropping in the con suite 😉

SHORT FICTION

“Synchronicity and Sonata,” Pulp Literature, issue 29 (January)
After her wife’s funeral, Eloise goes back to the factory floor where they met. Why? To track down what’s left of her wife’s spirit and find out why she gave up.

“Soulmark” published in Fusion Fragment #7 (July)
Vicky handles security for Garrison and the Matchsticks, one of the longest-running rock bands in North America – and one of the few where no one has ever sold their soul for a better career. When frontman Lee Garrison breaks his own rules and takes a Deal, Vicky wants to know why.

“A Novelty of Stars,” Underland Arcana #4 (September)
In this world, the only stars you can see are in the cinema. But which show do you want to watch?

“Best Impressions,” Sci Phi Journal (September)
An alien arkship en route. A clean-up crew scouring space debris. Humanity needs to make a good first impression. But what if the visitors don’t come in peace?

“Two More Days to Sydney,” Gaia Awakens: A Climate Crisis Anthology (November)
Bringing climate criminals to justice is a full-time job for Mikayla. Her latest job takes her to a sail-powered barge on the Pacific, and the realization that maybe it’s time for a proper break.