This category was swept by the Sad and Rabid slates, and represents one of the weakest categories of all. There are only two substantial contributions (of dubious quality), a couple of dry essays, and one bad joke. The irony is that the second volume of William Patterson's Robert Heinlein biography has been denied recognition by the shenanigans.
I will be voting No Award in this category.
“The Hot Equations: Thermodynamics and Military SF”, Ken Burnside (Riding the Red Horse, Castalia House)
Ken Burnside’s well written, if dry article shows just why the exciting battles in space which have been a staple of MilSF and Space Opera since time immemorium are just as impossible as the rumble of the Empire battleships at the start of 'Star Wars'. Because Thermodynamics. But we knew that.
Letters from Gardner, Lou Antonelli (The Merry Blacksmith Press)
Lou Antonelli tells at some length the journey of an aspiring writer, from his first rejection slips, to becoming one of Brad Torgensen's cronies and being nominated for a Hugo award. There are worked examples.
Transhuman and Subhuman: Essays on Science Fiction and Awful Truth, John C. Wright (Castalia House)
In which John C Wright disproves Sturgeons Law. Way more than 90% of this selection of lengthy pontifications is crap. Though I did learn that Mr Wright gets his veal from lambs.
“Why Science is Never Settled”, Tedd Roberts (Baen.com)
In which Tedd Roberts teaches his grandmother to suck eggs.
Wisdom from My Internet, Michael Z. Williamson (Patriarchy Press)
None there.
I will be voting No Award in this category.
“The Hot Equations: Thermodynamics and Military SF”, Ken Burnside (Riding the Red Horse, Castalia House)
Ken Burnside’s well written, if dry article shows just why the exciting battles in space which have been a staple of MilSF and Space Opera since time immemorium are just as impossible as the rumble of the Empire battleships at the start of 'Star Wars'. Because Thermodynamics. But we knew that.
Letters from Gardner, Lou Antonelli (The Merry Blacksmith Press)
Lou Antonelli tells at some length the journey of an aspiring writer, from his first rejection slips, to becoming one of Brad Torgensen's cronies and being nominated for a Hugo award. There are worked examples.
Transhuman and Subhuman: Essays on Science Fiction and Awful Truth, John C. Wright (Castalia House)
In which John C Wright disproves Sturgeons Law. Way more than 90% of this selection of lengthy pontifications is crap. Though I did learn that Mr Wright gets his veal from lambs.
“Why Science is Never Settled”, Tedd Roberts (Baen.com)
In which Tedd Roberts teaches his grandmother to suck eggs.
Wisdom from My Internet, Michael Z. Williamson (Patriarchy Press)
None there.