“Hooves and the Hovel of Abdel Jameela,” my story of medieval Islam, magic, and surgery gone wrong, is officially on the final ballot for the 2009 Nebula Awards.

Whoa.  I mean…WHOA.

The Nebula Awards are, along with the Hugos, the biggest awards in genre fiction.  They are voted on by the membership of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America.  I published my first genre story only 10 months ago.  “Hooves” was the second.  To be honored in this way by writers who’ve been at this for years — in some cases, decades — is a powerful shot in the arm.  Thanks to any and all who voted for the story.  As a geeky book-buying teen I can remember looking at countless covers that had “Nebula Winner” or “Nebula Finalist” splashed across them.   And now I’m on that list!

I haven’t a chance in hell of winning the award, of course.  But just being a finalist…

“Whoa,” he says again.

“Hooves” has had an incredible life already.  Huge thanks to editor Mike Allen and publisher Norilana Books for including it in the second volume of the provocative Clockwork Phoenix anthology series.  Thanks also to Fantasy Book Critic for putting it online and to PodCastle, who have picked it up for an upcoming podcast.

Speaking of awards, I am also eligible for the 2010  John W. Campbell Award for best new science fiction or fantasy writer.  My profile is here.  If you are voting for the Hugos, please do take a gander!

Now please excuse me as I pass out in ecstatic delirium.