ABOUT THE KATE WILHELM SOLSTICE AWARD

Among the changes SFWA made in 2016 was to rename the Solstice Award to the Kate Wilhelm Solstice Award. It was felt that doing so acknowledged the important role that Ms. Wilhelm has played not just in SFWA’s history, but overall in the field of speculative fiction.

This decision also brought the award’s name more in line with the naming of other SFWA awards, such as the Ray Bradbury Award for Outstanding Dramatic Presentation, the Andre Norton Award for Outstanding Young Adult Science Fiction, and the Kevin O’Donnell Jr. Service to SFWA Award.

Created in 2008 and given at the discretion of the SFWA President and Board, the award is for individuals who have had a significant impact on the science fiction or fantasy landscape, and is particularly intended for those who have consistently made a major positive difference within the speculative fiction field, much like its namesake.

Sir Terry Pratchett (28 April 1948–12 March 2015) has been named the recipient of the Kate Wilhelm Solstice Award. “In his long career, Sir Terry used humor and satire to entertain and educate, becoming one of the best-selling British authors of the twentieth century. His work has inspired numerous authors and readers. Pratchett has donated his time and money to orangutan conservation efforts and Alzheimer’s research. Pratchett was knighted by Queen Elizabeth for his service to Literature in 2009.” Kathryn Baker for SFWA.

SFWA President Cat Rambo wrote, “I deeply regret Sir Terry’s untimely passing, and my inability to give him the award in person. He’s shaped the genre in ways that will resonate for centuries.”