Eugen Bacon, an Australian-Tanzanian author, has secured two finalist spots in the 2024 Foreword INDIES Book Awards.
Announced by Foreword Reviews, Eugen was nominated for A Place Between Waking and Forgetting and Afro-Centered Futurisms in Our Speculative Fiction in the Adult Fiction and Adult Nonfiction (History) respectfully.
A dark speculative fiction collection in which transformative stories of culture, diversity, climate change, unlimited futures, collisions of worlds, mythology, and more, inhabit, A Place Between Waking and Forgetting cases black people stories in bold and evocative text, at times deeply flawed but potentially redeemable protagonists in rich hues of blackness and light. Something beautiful, something dark in lyrical language packed with affection, dread, anguish and hope.
Afro-Centered Futurisms in Our Speculative Fiction, edited by Eugen Bacon, is a bold mix of essays, fiction excerpts, and reflections from award-winning Black speculative writers across Africa and its diaspora—like Suyi Okungbowa, Nuzo Onoh, and Dilman Dila—exploring Afrofuturism and African Futurism through a vibrant, Afro-centered lens. The book digs into African history, identity, and spirituality, reimagining the future while challenging colonial narratives, all wrapped in Bacon’s signature blend of scholarly insight and personal storytelling. It’s a living, breathing testament to Black imagination that’s as much about where we’ve been as where we’re going.
In his words, Christopher Nesbit, INDIES Award Director says:
“This year’s submissions have truly impressed me with their depth and diversity. Each finalist stands as a testament to the remarkable talent and vision within the independent publishing world. The INDIES not only celebrates these exceptional literary works but also plays a pivotal role in connecting them with librarians and booksellers, ensuring that a rich variety of voices continues to thrive in the world.”
The Foreword INDIES Book Awards is a prestigious annual program that celebrates the best in independent publishing, recognizing exceptional books from indie presses, university presses, and self-published authors. Established by Foreword Reviews in 1998, the awards aim to shine a spotlight on innovative, creative, and high-quality pieces that might otherwise be overlooked in the mainstream publishing world.
Each year, thousands of entries are submitted across 55 diverse categories, ranging from fiction and nonfiction to children’s literature and specialty genres like LGBTQ+ and environmental writing. A panel of over 100 librarians and booksellers meticulously judges the submissions, evaluating them for editorial excellence, professional production, originality, and genre contribution, ultimately selecting Gold, Silver, Bronze, and Honorable Mention winners.
With additional perks like cash prizes, foil seals for book covers, and extensive promotion to industry professionals and readers, the Foreword INDIES not only honor outstanding indie titles but also help connect them to a broader audience, solidifying their reputation as a vital champion of independent voices in literature.
Congratulations Eugen Bacon!
Bakare Oluwatobiloba
I write to educate, motivate and define history with literature. Just being me!
