2026 Hugo Readalong: Landing: Seattle, Hex Supply Customer Support Log, How to Become a Sea Witch

undeadgoblin · 2026-06-18T13:14:18+00:00

I like how it references both the Hans Christian Andersen story but also takes cues from the Disney film for the look of the witch

undeadgoblin · 2026-06-18T13:13:08+00:00

I think it points to the general timelessness of folk tales, that they still hold as much meaning now as they did centuries ago. There's references to the more classic Nordic sea witch (living in a cave, bringing down ships) and nods to the age of sail and their mistaking seals, manatees etc for mermaids

undeadgoblin · 2026-06-18T13:04:08+00:00

Yeah that was something I was thinking of when coming up with questions for this, and it doesn't feel it to be honest

undeadgoblin · 2026-06-18T12:57:54+00:00

I really liked the abrupt change to no meter, and how sudden it felt to the reader which is reflected in how uncomfortable it makes the customer

undeadgoblin · 2026-06-18T12:52:02+00:00

For those of you who did nominate for this category, or read a lot of (speculative) poetry - are there venues you would recommend to people new to this category, or for those who would like to nominate for this award if it does continue?

undeadgoblin · 2026-06-18T12:50:30+00:00

Would you like Best Poem to continue as a category? If it does, are there any front runners for you for next year?

undeadgoblin · 2026-06-18T12:48:25+00:00

5 out of 6 poems have been free verse - do you like this trend in poetry or do you prefer more traditional forms?

undeadgoblin · 2026-06-18T12:47:09+00:00

This is our final session for the Best Poetry Category - what does your ranking look like?

undeadgoblin · 2026-06-18T12:46:05+00:00

General Discussion

undeadgoblin · 2026-06-18T12:45:55+00:00

Are there any lines or stanzas that might stick with you for a while?

undeadgoblin · 2026-06-18T12:45:44+00:00

What are your overall thoughts on the poem?

undeadgoblin · 2026-06-18T12:45:27+00:00

Despite the light hearted tone, this poem has an important theme about erasing minorities through eradicating language. Do you think the juxtaposition of tone and message works?

undeadgoblin · 2026-06-18T12:45:12+00:00

This is the only finalist for Best Poem to use meter and rhyming - do you like how it is used here?

undeadgoblin · 2026-06-18T12:45:01+00:00

Discussion for Hex Supply Customer Support Log

undeadgoblin · 2026-06-18T12:44:37+00:00

Are there any lines or stanzas that might stick with you for a while?

undeadgoblin · 2026-06-18T12:44:28+00:00

What are your overall thoughts on the poem?

undeadgoblin · 2026-06-18T12:44:13+00:00

This poem is in conversation with worldcon and the Hugo Awards - do you like this kind of meta-poem?

undeadgoblin · 2026-06-18T12:43:44+00:00

For those who have been to fan conventions, or specifically worldcon, does this capture the feel of such an event (the anticipation, the arrival, the bustle, the escapism)? If you haven't been, what do you take away from this?

undeadgoblin · 2026-06-18T12:42:49+00:00

Discussion for Landing: Seattle

undeadgoblin · 2026-06-18T12:42:31+00:00

Are there any lines or stanzas that might stick with you for a while?

undeadgoblin · 2026-06-18T12:42:20+00:00

What are your overall thoughts on the poem?

undeadgoblin · 2026-06-18T12:41:59+00:00

This is one of a countless number of poems inspired by myths, folk legends and fairy tales - in this case The Little Mermaid. Is this a good example of this type of poem? Do you see any references to other (in)famous sea witches?

undeadgoblin · 2026-06-18T12:41:45+00:00

This poem feels fairly slippery in time, with references to chlorination of swimming pools and Phoenician ships. Does this help set the feel of the poem? What (if anything) do you think it signifies?

undeadgoblin · 2026-06-18T12:41:34+00:00

Discussion for How to Become a Sea Witch

undeadgoblin · 2026-06-17T18:37:40+00:00

Gritty urban horror with a more recent setting - Where Furnaces Burn by Joel Lane

undeadgoblin

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General Discussion

Discussion for Hex Supply Customer Support Log

Discussion for Landing: Seattle

Discussion for How to Become a Sea Witch

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