Congratulations to all the winners – but especially to my co-editor Kirstyn.

I would have loved Deb to have won best short story (horror) for Pale Dark Soldier, It’s an amazing, disconcerting piece of writing, and one I’m proud to have in MIdnight Echo.

But, I’m more than happy to see my dear friend Kirstyn win.  From the moment I met Kirstyn, over a decade ago… actually more than that… near 15 years ago – I was struck how her fluid, near poetic but without being too flowery, writing style.  She has this knack of getting under the skin without using gore or pyrotechnics.  And Painlessness is a great example of that.

Painlessness, I think, is a short story that slipt under a number of people’s radar, including mine.  I only came across the story because Kirstyn sent it to me.  Once I’d read the story, I knew it was something special.  I said as much on this very LJ.  And I’m so very happy for Kirstyn that she, and the story, have recieved this recognition from the AA judges.

Hopefully, we’ll be seeing more stories from Kirstyn in the next few years.  I know she has one coming out soon in a Mark Deniz collection out later in the year. 

So once again, a big Huzzah! to all those who took home an Award tonight.  Well done to the lot of you.