The short lists for this year’s World Fantasy Awards were released last night. Locus has the lists. There’s nothing from Clarkesworld on the ballot, but I’m still very pleased with the choices.

In Best Novel I am, of course, keeping my fingers crossed for Caitlín R. Kiernan and The Drowning Girl, but it is a great ballot. I’m particularly keen to read Anna Tambour’s book, as I have very much enjoyed her previous work.

I’m not hugely familiar with the Novella list, but I note that Kaaron Warren’s “Sky” has been winning awards hand over fist this year. Also it makes up the bulk of the collection, Through Splintered Walls, which is available in the bookstore.

The Short Story list is all new to me, but huge congratulations to Beneath Ceaseless Skies, who are clearly becoming a force to be reckoned with.

My friend Jonathan Strahan has two books in Anthology, but I confess that I’m hoping the prize goes to Three Messages and a Warning, which contains stories by Mexican fantasy writers, translated from Spanish.

Collection is perhaps the toughest category. I’m delighted to see Karin Tidbeck’s Jagannath in there, but she’s up against superb work by Rob Shearman, Kij Johnson and Ursula K. Le Guin. My sympathy to Joel Lane for getting on the ballot and then finding himself in that company.

Both Jagannath and Remember Why You Fear Me are available in the bookstore.

Lots of unfamiliar names in the Artist category, so I need to educate myself there.

I’m delighted to see Carlos Ruiz Zafón’s translator getting a nod in Special Award: Professional, but I’m hoping that one goes to Brett and Sandra because ChiZine is awesome company.

And finally Special Award: Non-Professional, which sees another nod for the fabulous Charles A. Tan, but which I think I’d most like to see go to Timmi Duchamp for Aqueduct Press.

I am so looking forward to Brighton.