The Science Fiction and Fantasy Poetry Association has named its 13th Grand Master. The honor goes to the multi-talented Ruth Berman.
Ruth Berman's speculative poetry has appeared in Asimov’s SF, Amazing Stories, Analog, Aliens and Lovers, Burning With A Vision, Fungi, Tales of the Unanticipated, Weird Tales, Worlds of Fantasy and Horror, Star*Line, and other magazines and anthologies. As a translator from French, she has placed work in Space & Time, Tales of the Unanticipated, and Fantasy Macabre. Editing credits include working with Mythlore and Pandora, assembling a collection by past Rhysling winner Terry A. Garey, The Middle Earth Songbook, The Star Trek Songbook, and the in-house newsletter on the set of the original Star Trek.
Her impact in and out of the genre has been far-reaching. In 1973, she was a nominee for the John W. Campbell category Best New Writer. She won the first ever Dwarf Stars Award (2006), won the Rhysling Award twice (2003 & 2016) and placed twice (2nd in 2000 & 3rd in 2015). Her articles on genre writing appeared in Jabberwocky (from the Lewis Carroll Society), Extrapolation, and Children’s Literature in Education.
She was active in the performances and publications of the group the Lady Poetesses from Hell. Her imprint of crumbfairy press has published sf/fantasy poetry by herself, Terry A. Garey, Rebecca Marjesdatter, and Eleanor Arnason.
https://ruthberman.com
Congratulations!
A SFPA Grand Master designation may be conferred by the SFPA President with consensus of the membership to an individual living at the time of selection whose body of work shall reflect the highest artistic goals of the SFPA, who shall have been actively publishing within the target genres of Science Fiction and Fantasy for a period of no fewer than 20 years, and whose poetry has been noted to be exceptional in merit, scope, vision and innovation.
The other Grand Masters include:
F.J. Bergmann (2024)
Akua Lezli Hope (2022)
Mary Soon Lee (2022)
Linda D. Addison (2020)
Ann K. Schwader (2018)
David C. Kopaska-Merkel (2017)
Marge Simon & Steve Sneyd (2015)
Jane Yolen (2010)
Ray Bradbury (2008)
Robert Frazier (2005)
Bruce Boston (1999)
The Science Fiction and Fantasy Poetry Association was established in 1978 by Suzette Haden-Elgin and has an international membership representing over 19 nations and cultures including United States, Italy, Canada, Brazil, United Kingdom, Ireland, Romania, Poland, Denmark, Germany, France, Spain, Israel, South Africa, Singapore, Thailand, Laos, the Hmong, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand. The Science Fiction and Fantasy Poetry Association publishes two journals: Star*Line and Eye to the Telescope. It oversees three major literary awards for poetry: The Rhyslings, the Dwarf Stars, and the Elgin Awards. We also conduct an annual science fiction poetry contest and other special events and gatherings. Further, we also provide resources for emerging and established poets seeking professional publication and networking opportunities.
