I was unfortunately engaged to a British SF author a couple of decades ago; back then I was very aware of the existence of the British Fantasy Awards. Given out by the British Fantasy Society (BFS), the British Fantasy Awards (BFAs) are the longest running fantasy awards in the UK. I didn’t know much more than that—honestly, I thought a writer had to be from the UK to be nominated (apparently, this is not the case) so I didn’t really consider them back when my writing was out collecting award nominations.
So you can imagine my surprise when I woke one morning last week to find my name being tagged around the internet in the same sentence as the 2025 British Fantasy Award shortlist.
Of course, in true Alethea fashion, this was absolutely not in the way anyone would normally suspect.
Yes, Pseudopod—the podcast I frequently narrate stories for is up for Best Audio, but this was no great surprise to me. In the twelve years I’ve performed narrations for the Escape Artists podcasts (Pseudopod, EscapePod, Podcastle, Cast of Wonders & CatsCast), they have all won a myriad of awards. I’m excessively proud of them—and honored that they keep inviting me back to perform—I don’t keep track of every award.
No…this mention was much more specific. Turns out, “Jinx” by Carlie St. George is on the shortlist for Best Short Story.
“Jinx” is a Pseudopod original story.
Narrated by ME.
I performed “Jinx” and turned it in at the end of 2023, because Pseudopod had very specific plans to release it on Groundhog Day (Feb 2) 2024. I had just returned from Seattle and just gotten my rights back for the Woodcutter Sisters series. I had so much work to do (I still have so much work to do) but the story looked creepy and fun and short enough, so I told them I would do it.
I’m sure I’ve mentioned before, every story I narrate I perform cold. I mean, I sort of skim the first page or so to get a sense of tone and character, but I am technically discovering the story in real time, same as the readers. There is a certain unique quality in unrehearsed emotion, especially when it comes to narration, and I trust myself enough as a performer to embrace that, mistakes and all. (I can always edit out any mistakes later.)
This technique served me well in particular with Carlie’s story, as it is written in second person present tense…and contains a bit of a twist that should come as a surprise to the narrator. And boy, did it.
I took some time out that morning to listen to “Jinx” once again all the way though. I wanted to hear what those judges heard—because you know they listened to my voice as that was the the proper format in which Pseudopod meant for Carlie’s story to be presented to the world. I laughed and got goosebumps and felt sick and surprised all over again. I had to give myself kudos—I truly did give an excellent performance.
Now, you will not find my name on the BFS website. The only reason I had been mentioned so much on social media the morning of the BFAs shortlist announcement was because both Pseudopod and Carlie herself made sure to tag me and thank me for my fantastic performance. Alex Hofelich, co-editor of Pseudopod, chimed in to say “Alethea is so damn good. And when she gets a killer story… *Chef’s kiss*”.
I must admit, I teared up a little bit.
I get almost no feedback on these short story narrations. None. Ever. Which is fine—that’s not why I do them. I just really love doing them. I miss performing. And every time I get invited back to do another story, I assume I’m still doing well enough to keep going. So I keep going. No matter what.
Once in a while, an author will tag me on social media and thank me for my performance, which I always take as a compliment. Sometimes, we become friends (looking at you, Amelinda Bérubé). Only once have I encountered someone in the wild who made sure to tell me that he regularly enjoys listening to my narrations. I think about that a lot. (Thank you, Juan!)
I didn’t get nominated for this award. Carlie and Pseudopod did (and of course I hope they win). But between me and you, deep in my heart of hearts, I’m going to go ahead and take a little bit of credit for that very excellent performance.
I assume I’m still doing well enough to keep going.
So I’m going to keep going.
No matter what.
Love you, Squad!
xox
~Alethea
✨🖤✨🖤✨🖤✨🖤✨🖤✨🖤✨🖤✨
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