Octothorpe

John was at the business meeting, Alison was at the cricket, and Tammy is Liz. An uncorrected transcript of this episode is available here. Please email your letters of comment to comment@octothorpecast.uk, join our Facebook group, and tag @OctothorpeCast (on Bluesky or on Mastodon) when you post about the show on social media. Content warnings this episode: None Find Tammy at her podcast, my tiny bottles Letters of comment Chris Garcia (email) Colette Reap (email) Farah Mendlesohn (email) Ivan Sinha (Facebook) Mike Glyer (email) Niall Harrison (email) Here are Niall’s 10 recommendations for you, listeners! [Interestingly, Niall did not mention any of the translators except for one, and so I had to go and look them all up—John] A Thousand Blues by Cheon Seon-ran, translated by Chi-Young Kim Vanishing World by Sayaka Murata, translated by Ginny Tapley Takemori Under the Eye of the Big Bird by Hiromi Kawakami, translated by Asa Yoneda Dengue Boy by Michel Nieva, translated by Rahul Bery Sea Now by Eva Meijer, translated by Anne Thompson Melo House of Day, House of Night by Olga Tokarczuk, translated by Antonia Lloyd-Jones The Place of Shells by Mai Ishizawa, translated by Polly Barton Sympathy Tower Tokyo by Rie Qudan, translated by Jesse Kirkwood Blood for the Undying Throne by Sung-Il Kim, translated by Anton Hur Ice by Jacek Dukaj, translated by Ursula Phillips Raj (Mastodon) We also heard from Ali Baker Brooks, Brian Nisbet, Fredrik Coulter, Neil Ottenstein, and Sandra Bond 2027 Worldcon: Montreal bid The timeline so far: Terry Fong steps down, replaced by Darin Briskman CanSMOF adds Bruce Farr as bid co-chair Tammy writes “The Worldcon is in Trouble” on File 770 Site selection 2025 Worldcon: Seattle Business Meeting, part 1 Business Meeting, part 2: this was entirely in executive session and so none of it ended up on YouTube. Sorry, listeners! You had to be there… Further meetings will occur on 19 July and 25 July at 17:00 BST/09:00 PDT 2023 Worldcon: Chengdu Chris Barkley’s 100th column Picks John: DIE by Kieron Gillen, Stephanie Hans and Clayton Cowles Read the first issue free! Future issues will eventually be available on Sweet Shop My First Dungeon Alison: After Us, the Flood and We Are Aliens Tammy: The Nine Worlds by Victoria Goddard The Hands of the Emperor by Victoria Goddard The Goblin Emperor by Katherine Addison Credits Cover art: “Our Tiny Bottles” by Alison Scott Alt text: The words “Octothorpe 139” appear at the top and the words “…our tiny bottles…” appear at the bottom. Three bottles are drawn in the middle. The left-hand bottle is a Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge Coca-Cola bottle. The middle bottle is a bottle that looks a bit like a moose. The right-hand bottle is Bottle #18, “The Original Canton Delicate Ginger Liqueur”. Theme music: “Surf Shimmy” by Kevin MacLeod (CC BY 4.0)

John chaired, Alison is off on holiday, and Liz has the agenda. An uncorrected transcript of this episode is available here. Please email your letters of comment to comment@octothorpecast.uk, join our Facebook group, and tag @OctothorpeCast (on Bluesky or on Mastodon) when you post about the show on social media. Content warnings this episode: None Letters of comment Ang Rosin (Facebook) Andrea Bell and Derek Hockridge Bridget Bradshaw (Facebook) Chris Garcia (email) Farah Mendlesohn (email, Facebook) Jake Casella Brookins (Bluesky) Louise Hughes (Bluesky) Neil Ottenstein (Facebook) Paul Weimer (email) Roseanna Pendlebury (Bluesky) Shi Lala (Facebook) Worldcon 2027: Montreal bid Terry Fong has stepped down There has been some news since, but we’ll discuss it next episode… Worldcon 2025: Seattle The results of the consultative votes The Business Meeting agenda Instructions on how to attend the virtual Business Meeting Kate Secor’s annotated Business Meeting agenda Picks John: All the Ghosts in the Forest by Lorraine Wilson Alison: A Midsummer Night’s Dream by William Shakespeare Liz: Old Soul by Susan Barker Credits Cover art: “Whizz-Fizz Agenda Time” by Alison Scott Alt text: A famous photograph of Margaret Hamilton standing beside printed outputs of the code that took the Apollo spacecraft to the Moon, overlaid with the words “Octothorpe 138” and “Whizz-Fizz Agenda Time!”. Theme music: “Fanfare for Space” by Kevin MacLeod (CC BY 4.0)

John is well-read, Alison played a game, and Liz needs an Allen key. An uncorrected transcript of this episode is available here. Please email your letters of comment to comment@octothorpecast.uk, join our Facebook group, and tag @OctothorpeCast (on Bluesky or on Mastodon) when you post about the show on social media. Content warnings this episode: None One hour of Mon Mothma dancing Letters of comment Andreas Davour (Mastodon and Mastodon) Andy Openshaw Jez Lowe Ang Rosin David Bamford (Bluesky) Ed Morland (Bluesky) Farah Mendlesohn (Facebook) Jake Casella Brookins Nuala Fahey (Bluesky) Raj (Mastodon) Roseanna Pendlebury (Bluesky) and replies by Niall Harrison Shi Lala (Facebook) Tammy Coxen (Facebook) “The Evolution of the Art Hugo Categories” on File 770 British Fantasy Society One-day convention called “BFS Online: World Fantasy Convention 2025” Saturday 21 June, 10:00–18:00 BST Free for BFS members, £5 otherwise World Fantasy Convention 2025: Brighton British Science Fiction Association/Science Fiction Foundation AGM Sunday 22 June SFF’s “Latest News” page has some details It’s also in the BSFA newsletter if you are a member Jake Casella Brookins suggests a Hugo Award for Best Translated Work at Ancillary Review of Books Hugo Award statistics from LAcon IV in 2006 William Weaver Richard Pevear and Larissa Volokhonsky Picks John: A Letter to the Luminous Deep by Sylvie Cathrall Sylvie Cathrall’s website Alison: Sci-Fi London Blue Prince Liz: Wylding Hall by Elizabeth Hand Credits Cover art: “Ahmon Kwasson Incorporates” by Alison Scott Alt text: An image of the well-known fantasy hero Ahmon Kwasson, holding his trusty croissant-shaped sword and his trusty croissant-adorned shield, with his trusty croissant-coloured hair, which obscures the words “Octothorpe 137”. At the bottom is text: “Ahmon’s Quest: Your perfect cosy breakfast listen”. Theme music: “Fanfare for Space” by Kevin MacLeod (CC BY 4.0)

John is ambivalent, Alison is against, and Liz is hangry. An uncorrected transcript of this episode is available here. Please email your letters of comment to comment@octothorpecast.uk, join our Facebook group, and tag @OctothorpeCast (on X or on Mastodon or on Bluesky) when you post about the show on social media. Content warnings this episode: None Letters of comment Ali Baker Brooks (Facebook) Chris Garcia (email) 2008 Worldcon site selection Farah Mendlesohn (email) Dream Foundry The original announcement of the Carole Goldman Fund Con or Bust “If you are Palestinian, or identify as a member of the Palestinian diaspora … you may qualify for a larger grant from the [Carole] Goldman Fund.” The deadline for the 2025 round seems to have been October 2024, so it might be worth checking before October 2025 if you’re interested in the 2026 round 2026 Eurocon: Metropol Con in Berlin Jan Harley (Facebook) Kin-Ming Looi (Facebook) Looi Raj (Mastodon) Tammy Coxen (Bluesky) We also heard from Lynelle Howell, Peter Sullivan, Sam Skipsey, Sandra Bond, and Shi Lala Eastercon 2025: Reconnect in Belfast Rattlebag has won Best Bar in Northern Ireland at the CLASS Awards Worldcon 2025: Seattle Consultative votes on Retro Hugo Awards and Best Professional/Fan Artist New Business Meeting business had to have been submitted by 4 June 2025 Apparently WSFS is pronounced “whiz-fizz”?! “About Choosing Convention Program Participants” by Erin Underwood “Genre Grapevine’s Deep Dive into the Use of ChatGPT by Seattle Worldcon” by Jason Sanford Picks John: Welcome to Forever by Nathan Tavares Alison: Andor J Michael Straczynski is moving to the UK to write British TV shows Liz: The Incandescent by Emily Tesh Novacon 54 Credits Cover art: “Liz Hits the Smörgåsbord” by Alison Scott Alt text: Liz, depicted as the Incredible Hulk, comes across a table on which lie many items of food (sketched in black and white) including John (a sausage roll) and Alison (an almond croissant), rendered in colour. The words “Octothorpe 136” appear at the top and “You won’t like Liz when she’s hangry” appear at the bottom. Theme music: “Fanfare for Space” by Kevin MacLeod (CC BY 4.0)

Alison describes her perfect almond croissant. An uncorrected transcript of this episode is available here. Please email your letters of comment to comment@octothorpecast.uk, join our Facebook group, and tag @OctothorpeCast (on X or on Mastodon or on Bluesky) when you post about the show on social media. Content warnings this episode: None Idea, ed. Geri Sullivan Lune Croissanterie Chocolatine Blondies Ado Campeol died in 2021 Pink Lane Bakery Credits Cover art: “Almond Croissant Engineering” by Alison Scott Alt text: A blueprint of an almond croissant with “Octothorpe 135” written at the top and “almond croissant engineering” at the bottom. Theme music: “Fanfare for Space” by Kevin MacLeod (CC BY 4.0)

John has shortlisted, Alison has worked in large organisations, and Liz has done a spot-the-difference. An uncorrected transcript of this episode is available here. Please email your letters of comment to comment@octothorpecast.uk, join our Facebook group, and tag @OctothorpeCast (on X or on Mastodon or on Bluesky) when you post about the show on social media. Content warnings this episode: LLMs Letters of comment Chris Garcia Clarrie Maguire Colette Reap Roseanna Pendlebury Her Death of Stalin review Tobes Valois We also heard from Ali Baker Brooks, Ang Rosin, Brian Nisbet, Caroline Mullan, DC, Doug Faunt, Ed Morland, Esther MacCallum-Stewart, Farah Mendlesohn, Gareth Kavanagh, Ivan Sinha, Jonathan Baddeley, Jonathan Cowie, Kin-Ming Looi, Lilian Edwards, Meg MacDonald, Neil Ottenstein, Phil Dyson, Raj, Sandra Bond, Shi Lala, Tammy Coxen, Tony Keen, TrishEM, ‪Zoë O’Connell‬ Corflu FAAn Award Winners Ada Palmer runs a class called “The Italian Renaissance: Dante, Machiavelli, and the Wars of Popes and Kings,” better known by students as “pope class” or “pope LARP” Archive.is Chris Barkley has sued Dave McCarty Shot Chaser Locus 2025 fundraiser Revenue is flat and costs are up 21% Clarke Award The shortlist has been announced Worldcon 2025: Seattle “Statement from the Worldcon Chair” “Apology and Response From Chair” “May 6th Statement From Chair and Program Division Head” Resignation statement from WSFS division Picks John: The Mark by Frìða Ìsberg Alison: Sinners Liz: Blue Prince Credits Cover art: “Sample FAAn Award” by Alison Scott Alt text: A photograph of a yellow square on a mantlepiece. On the yellow square is black text and a red shape with yellow text. The text reads “Corflu 42. 2025 FAAn Awards. Best Immutable Object: Octothorpe”. Text overlaid on the photograph reads ‘Octothorpe 134. “Don’t believe everything you read on ChatGPT.”’ Theme music: “Fanfare for Space” by Kevin MacLeod (CC BY 4.0)

John, Alison, and Liz are live from the Belfast Eastercon! An uncorrected transcript of this episode is available here. Please email your letters of comment to comment@octothorpecast.uk, join our Facebook group, and tag @OctothorpeCast (on X or on Mastodon or on Bluesky) when you post about the show on social media. Content warnings this episode: It’s a live recording! Eastercon 2026: Iridescence in Birmingham Guests of Honour R J Barker Karen Lord Emma Newman John Wilson and Serena Culfeather Prices Adult: £80 Low income: £50 Child/teen: £20 Supporting: £40 Eastercon 2027: Unconfined in Glasgow Guests of Honour P Djeli Clark L R Lam Mark Meenan Tamsyn Muir Prices Adult £85 Discounted adult: £60 Young person: £20 Child: £5 No supporting rate has yet been announced Eastercon 2028: BSFA v Marcus Streets Eastercon 2029 and 2030: Rumours abound Picks John: Pan-Galactic Gargle Blaster Alison: Er. Steak? Spending too much? Unclear Liz: Karaoke and ThinkBox Belfast Credits Cover art: “Octothorpe at Reconnect” by Andrew Hogg Alt text: John, Alison and Liz are sat behind a table at Reconnect doing a live podcast. The words “Octothorpe 133” appear at the bottom. Theme music: “Fanfare for Space” by Kevin MacLeod (CC BY 4.0)

Dive into the excitement of the Hugo Awards finalists, where nominated works span from novels to novellas. The hosts share personal connections to literary gems, blending humor with community spirit. They explore the impact of fan artistry and anticipated TV adaptations, highlighting favorites like Fallout and comparisons to Doctor Who. The discussion expands to the dynamics of film awards and regional influences on nominations, all while presenting a lively critique on the evolving landscape of science fiction and its vibrant community.

John is moderating, Alison is auctioning, and Liz is lecturing. An uncorrected transcript of this episode is available here. Please email your letters of comment to comment@octothorpecast.uk, join our Facebook group, and tag @OctothorpeCast (on X or on Mastodon or on Bluesky) when you post about the show on social media. Content warnings this episode: The situation in the USA Letters of comment Handwriting guesses! John, Alison, Liz: Ed Morland Alison, John, Liz: Chris Garcia Alison, Liz, John: Tammy Coxen Liz, John, Alison: Tammy has another go Liz, Alison, John: Ang Rosin, Niall Harrison John is the top one: Doug Faunt John is in the middle: Roseanna Pendlebury Alison is in the middle: Mike Scott (who is cheating) Liz is the top one: Bridget Bradshaw All handwriting fonts: Bridget Bradshaw You all have nice handwriting: Shi Lala [But mine’s nicest—John] Roseanna Pendlebury (email) Farah Mendlesohn (email) Chris Garcia (email) Ivan Sinha (Facebook) Renay (email) The 2026 Hugo spreadsheet is open Fredrik Coulter (Facebook) We also heard from Lilian Edwards Worldcon 2025: Seattle “Statement from Worldcon Chair” The SMOFcon bid in the USA has stopped bidding, and Seattle has filled its room blocks, reports File 770 Eastercon 2025: Belfast We have provisional programme schedules! John, Alison, and Liz: Monday 12:30: Octothorpe Live John and Liz: Sunday 17:00: Fandom, Politics, and Boycotts: What is the line and where do we draw it? John: Sunday 12:30: Is The Force With You? Sunday 15:30: “What does this card really mean?”: History in Board Games Alison: Sunday 20:00: Fan Fund Auction Liz: Saturday 15:30: Hay Lecture [SO EXCITED—John] Colourfields by Paul Kincaid This will be launched at the convention Adam Roberts reviews the collection Peter Mabey has passed away BSFA Awards File 770 reports the finalists Fan funds European Fan Fund Picks John: The Power Fantasy by Kieron Gillen, Caspar Wijngaard, Clayton Cowles, and Rian Hughes Roseanna Pendlebury’s review at NoaF Alison: The Death of Stalin [I’m off to represent the entire Red Army at the buffet—Liz] Tobes de Valois as played by Jason Isaacs Liz: The Tomb of Dragons by Katherine Addison [I also like Roseanna’s review at NoaF—Liz] Credits Cover art: “Happy Birthday to Us” by Alison Scott Alt text: A birthday cake with six layers, from purple to a dark orange, and then a red 5 and five red candles on top, with fireworks overhead. The words “Octothorpe 131” are at the top. Theme music: “Fanfare for Space” by Kevin MacLeod (CC BY 4.0)

John is working, Alison is plugging and Liz is ghosting. An uncorrected transcript of this episode is available here. Please email your letters of comment to comment@octothorpecast.uk, join our Facebook group, and tag @OctothorpeCast (on Mastodon or on Bluesky) when you post about the show on social media. Content warnings this episode: Capitalism, death (Chapter 8: Picks) Please remember that we have recused from consideration for the 2025 Hugo Awards Letters of comment Ali Baker Brooks (Facebook) Ang Rosin (Facebook) Christopher J Garcia Dave Langford Please do report issues in transcripts and we will fix them! DC (skeet, requires sign-in) Farah Mendlesohn (Facebook) “Know your rail rights” from the Office of Rail and Road Ivan Sinha (Facebook) Pat McMurray (Facebook) Shi Lala (Facebook) Simon Bubb BSFA If you attended please let us know what happened! Awards Hugo Award nominations close the day after this podcast drops (14 March 2025) Locus Award nominations are open until 15 April 2025 Oxford–Bloomsbury Fantasy Summer School Free to apply with limited in-person spaces Or, wait for the streaming link! (FAQ) GUFF: The Incomplete Chronicles Liz previously described a Pepper’s Ghost at Tokyo Disneyland “Disney’s Best Illusion Explained” by Zach Wally Picks John: Shroud by Gravity Well Brewing Shroud by Adrian Tchaikovsky “Sins of the Children” by Adrian Tchaikovsky in Asterisk Alison: Mickey 17 Liz: Hacks (Amazon Prime) Credits Cover art: “Handwriting Analysis Special” Alt text: The words “Octothorpe 130: Handwriting Analysis Special” appear three times in the three hosts’ handwriting. Theme music: “Fanfare for Space” by Kevin MacLeod (CC BY 4.0)