Loose-leaf Links is a feature where I gather together the interesting bits and pieces on sci-fi, fantasy and romance I’ve come across and share them with you over tea. Today’s tea is Lapsang Souchong by Lupicia. I bought this while in Melbourne for Continuum and I’ve been drinking it non-stop ever since. The tea itself isn’t strong, but has a powerful smoky flavour that’s perfect for winter.

Awards News

The winners of the 2018 Locus Awards were announced last month.

The Science Fiction and Fantasy Poetry Society has released the winners of the 2018 Rhysling Awards.

The winners of Mark Lawrence’s third annual Self Published Fantasy Blog-off and have been announced and a new round is already underway.

The nominees of the 2018 ENnie Awards have been released. The awards recognise excellence in RPGs and related items.

Kate Forsyth was awarded the AFTS Annual Award for Inspiration and Contribution to Australian Fairy Tale Culture by the Australian Fairy Tale Society.

There was some discussion (rounded up by File 770) of the need for a Best Translated Work category for the Hugos. This could potentially be a good way of adding more World back into Worldcon.

On a related note, Paul Weimer points out the US government’s new travel ban may have a chilling effect on Worldcons hosted in that country.

Community and Conventions

Donna Maree Hanson’s GUFF report on Worldcon 75 is now for sale.

Shimmer Magazine has announced it will be publishing its last issue in November.

Conflux are looking for volunteers and programming suggestions for their convention in September.

Kate Bullock discusses tabletop RPGs, trauma, and why your GM is not your therapist.

On Equity

Kate Aidley writes the truth about sexual harassment and board gaming.

Mary Robinette Kowal discusses the power of narrative and the responsibilities that come with creating narratives.

Sam Hawke writes about using SFF to break the through cultural norms.

Over on her YouTube channel, Claire Rousseau explains how not to do a SFF recommendation list.

Jen takes a look at how many romance novels by authors of colour or featuring LGBTQIA characters are reviewed by professional romance outlets.

Rebecca Roanhorse recommends five indigenous speculative fiction authors.

Sarah Gailey discusses how a sensitivity read changed her life.

For Writers

Submissions are open for an Ursula K. Le Guin tribute poetry anthology. Published by Aqueduct Press and edited by Rose Lemberg, submissions close 15 October.

Tor.com are opening for novella submissions from 30 July. Max word count 40K.

Twelfth Planet Press are also opening for novella submissions from 1 August. Submissions should be festive-themed.

Fireside Magazine are looking for novels and novellas. They’ll be open to manuscripts up to 120K beginning 1 August.

Over at Tor.com Leah Schnelback looks at how Ann Leckie’s Ancillary Justice avoids infodumping.

Brenda W. Clough lists some things to deal with after you’ve written your first draft.

Peter Ball has a short rant about submission guidelines.

Rachel Thompson at BadRedhead Media discusses the importance of author branding.

For Readers

Amanda Bridgeman has a new sci-fi thriller out with Angry Robot Books. The Subjugate will be out 6 November.

Readers looking for cosy stories exploring demisexual/allosexual romantic relationships may be interested in checking out Among the Glimmering Flowers just released by Lynn O’Connacht.

Twelfth Planet Press have unveiled the cover for Mother of Invention edited by Rivqa Rafael and Tansy Rayner Roberts. The artwork is by Likhain and is a thing of beauty.

The cover for S.A. Chakraborty’s The Kingdom of Copper, sequel to The City of Brass, has been revealed over on Tor.com.

And if you’re looking for help with shrinking your Mt TBR, Dewey’s Read-a-thon are having a surprise bout. It will begin on 28 July, 10 AM (AEST).