Winner of the Jim Baen Memorial Short Story Award
Aimee Ogden took home the top prize for her short story “Dear Ammi.”
Riverdale, New York, May 2016—Baen Books is pleased to announce Aimee Ogden as the grand prize winner of the 2016 Jim Baen Memorial Award for short fiction. Ogden’s story “Dear Ammi” was selected by Baen editorial staff and this year’s guest judge, best-selling science fiction author David Drake. Second place was awarded to Jennifer Brozek for her story “To Lose the Stars.” The third place winner was Ronald D. Ferguson for his story “Cylinders.”
Since its inception in 2007, the Jim Baen Memorial Award, which is cosponsored by Baen Books and the National Space Society, has honored superlative storytelling, focusing on science fiction that strives to uplift and show a way forward into the future for humanity. Entries have come from writers across the globe.
In his remarks before handing out the award at this year’s International Space Development Conference in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Baen editor Tony Daniel explained what makes a winning story. “Every reader knows it’s the story that counts. That’s what pulls you in. But the trappings of the story, the setting of the story, can define the problems that the characters must face and the kind of hope and willpower that will carry them through to a solution. The Jim Baen Memorial Award judges look for a plausible and positive future for humanity in space.”
Daniel also praised William Ledbetter, who has served as administrative editor of the award since its inception. “Bill is the heart and soul of what we do,” Daniel said. “It is Bill’s energy and abiding commitment that have made this award uniquely valuable.”
As the grand prize winner, Ogden, who was on hand in Puerto Rico, received an engraved award, free entry into the 2016 International Space Development Conference, a year’s membership in the National Space Society, and a prize package containing various Baen Books and National Space Society merchandise. Her story “Dear Ammi” will be a featured story on Baen.com main page June 15 to July 15, and available at the Baen Free Library after that.
For more information email info@baen.com, or call 1-800-488-2236.
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