"Just To Be Nominated"

So, the Parsec Awards happened today (an awards show dedicated to Speculative Fiction podcasting, if you're unfamiliar with them). The Dunesteef did get nominated this year, for our production of Mike Resnick's "A Princess of Earth." Our show lost to Scott Sigler's "The Tank."

And you know how an actor will say that it's an honor just to be nominated? How you've heard it so many times, you roll your eyes or making wanking movements with your left hand?

Well, it really was enough just to be nominated. Honest.

I wasn't in Atlanta today anyway. Wouldn't it have been embarrassing to win the award and not be there?

Maybe, maybe not, but it really was cool to get a nomination.

Recently, somebody sent Big a letter (a real paper letter) with a nice donation in it, and telling him what a fan they were of the Dunesteef show, and how it helped keep her entertained during a terrible time in her life. He shared it with me, and dude, THAT was an honor.

I'm definitely a glass is half empty sort of guy (or a "Hey, I ordered a cheeseburger" kind of guy, if you've read this blog for years), so this may all sound a little out of character. But I'll always be the first to say that a single word of encouragement can make the difference between success and failure. It's important for a person to know that what they do out of passion or principal or self-expression (anything without a dollar value attached to it) matters to someone else.

So I'm happy about the nomination, and not in the least bit sad about losing the award. I didn't expect us to be in the running at all, let alone win it. If anything, the nod may help ensure we'll be around to qualify again next year.

Parsec Nominee Rish Outfield