EXCITING NEWS! about James Gunn

[mckitterick]

During lunch at the University of Kansas student union today, SFWA President Robin Wayne Bailey surprised James Gunn and a small group of friends with the news that Jim will be honored this Spring at the Nebula Awards as the next Grand Master of science fiction.

You are the first to see this news - Jim only learned of it at lunch today. I'm so pleased and excited, and I had to share the excitement!

EDIT: I just got this note from Brad Denton, and I think it's important to share:

"With the recent loss of Jack Williamson and all the talent and history he embodied, it's an important and wonderful thing to remind ourselves that such masters are still with us - still working, still inspiring. Masters like Jim."

Yes, it's important to remember that the masters are still with us - some if not all of them. I came to KU 15 years ago because of Jim, and I returned 4 years ago because of him, too. He is truly a great man; he is my hero and inspiration.

Best,
Chris

Comments

[kalimeg.livejournal.com]

Good for Jim! He's been such a force for making SF a real academic pursuit.

[mckitterick.livejournal.com]

Absolutely. He is one of the ground-breakers for getting SF accepted at the university level. Without this acceptance, it's difficult to know how SF would turned out.

[holyoutlaw.livejournal.com]

That's great news. Yeah!

[mckitterick.livejournal.com]

Indeed!

[arian1.livejournal.com]

Grand Mastah!

His kung-fu is strong?

[mckitterick.livejournal.com]

Damned staight, grasshopper.

[jeanineers.livejournal.com]

How very exciting!

[mckitterick.livejournal.com]

Yes, and yes it was (to your other comment)!

[jeanineers.livejournal.com]

Which I apparently didn't remove as quickly as I hoped...

[jaylake.livejournal.com]

Excellent. Please convey my congratulations and good wishes to Dr. Gunn!

[mckitterick.livejournal.com]

Will do. I can't imagine anyone more deserving: He has affected so many people and has influenced SF so broadly - academic, author, teacher, volunteer - this is the most-accurate term for him.

Grand Master.

Yes indeed.

[weaselmom.livejournal.com]

How wonderful that your friend and mentor is being honored in this way! I'm so glad you got this good news.

YL
WM

[mckitterick.livejournal.com]

Yes! I'm so pleased and proud.

[rougewench.livejournal.com]

That truly is wonderful news!


D.

[mckitterick.livejournal.com]

Yes! *big grin*

[kijjohnson.livejournal.com]

I am so glad. He deserves it so much.

[mckitterick.livejournal.com]

He's one of the Great Ones, and we can call him "friend."

[kansas-dave.livejournal.com]

What book or short story would make a good introduction to Gunn?

[kalimeg.livejournal.com]

Jim and Jack Williamson collaborated on a book called Star Bridge -- and the NY Times Book Review was very nice to it. I'd say read _The Immortals_ or _The Magicians_ -- and I like _The Witching Hour_, too. You also should go to a library and get a look at _Alternate Worlds_, the large art-filled book he edited.

[mckitterick.livejournal.com]

It depends on what you like best. What got me started on him was his Road to Science Fiction series, particularly Volume 3 (though not chronological, it's a good place to start). The Listeners is a great novel and was a best-seller. Check out his bio for his full bibliography.

[ianmcdonald.livejournal.com]

congratulations to Jim. He richly deserves it, for all aspects of his career in the genre.

[mckitterick.livejournal.com]

Indeed - I'm still grinning about it.

Say, I'm teaching an SFnal class in the spring and would like to use "Tendeleo's Story," but I can't recall if it was published in a magazine. Help me out here!

[ianmcdonald.livejournal.com]

It was originally published as a chapbook from PS Publishing. 2000, I think it was.

[http://users.livejournal.com/_starlady_/]

I think I'm to be congratulated on not spilling the beans early even though I was around Thomas for a good bit of the week. I'm thrilled with the decision. It's voted on by the SFWA Board and all the past presidents of the organization (with the exception of the people being voted on, of course). So, so, so very happy for Jim. Does this jiggle your plans for attending the Nebulas this May? May 11, 12, 13 (Mother's Day Weekend) in NYC.

I'll be in town for SMOFcon starting on the 30th of Nov--hope we get a chance to see each other.

Diane

[mckitterick.livejournal.com]

Oh, yes, I'm planning on being there - I couldn't miss that! I'll adjust my Spring syllabi as needed. Thanks for supporting Jim on this (and for ensuring it would be Robin's surprise).

I don't know if I'll make it over to SMOFcon; will you be in Lawrence during that time?

Best,
Chris

[http://users.livejournal.com/_starlady_/]

I'll be in Lawrence for a little bit on Thursday night (Nov. 30th). Maybe we'll get a chance to say hi.

I'm so happy for Jim. The announcement is up:
http://www.sfwa.org/news/2006/07grandmaster.htm