The Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Association (SFWA) has announced Eugen Bacon as the recipient of the 2025 Kate Wilhelm Solstice Award, honoring her exceptional contributions to speculative fiction.
Named in honor of renowned author Kate Wilhelm, the Solstice Award recognizes individuals who have significantly impacted the science fiction and fantasy community. First introduced in 2008, past recipients include Cerece Rennie Murphy, Greg Bear, Petra Mayer, Arley Sorg, Troy L. Wiggins, Ben Bova, Rachel Caine, and Jennell Jaquays.
Tanzanian-born and now based in Australia, Bacon is an acclaimed African Australian writer whose works have garnered international recognition. She is a British Fantasy and Foreword Indies Award winner, twice a World Fantasy Award finalist, and has been shortlisted for numerous awards, including three nominations in the British Science Fiction Association (BSFA) Awards, the Shirley Jackson Award, the Philip K. Dick Award, the Victorian Premier’s Literary Award, and the Nommo Awards for speculative fiction by Africans.
Bacon’s writing, often weaving Afro-Surrealist themes, has earned high praise for its originality and depth. Notable works include Danged Black Thing, which was featured in the Otherwise Award Honor List, as well as her latest publications, A Place Between Waking and Forgetting and Afro-Centered Futurisms in Our Speculative Fiction, a groundbreaking anthology featuring insights from award-winning African writers on speculative storytelling.
Beyond her writing, Bacon actively mentors and supports emerging voices in speculative fiction through workshops, competitions, and editorial guidance.
Expressing her gratitude, Bacon shared:
“I am beyond words—we don’t always feel visible. Deepest thanks to SFWA for this amazing recognition! I see the work you do, and can only stay earnest in the hope that science fiction and fantasy writers, globally, will continue to make a difference in these particularly challenging times. My heart is glowing.”
SFWA President Kate Ristau acknowledged Bacon’s influence, stating:
“We are proud to celebrate Eugen for her continued work in the community, challenging us to create and contextualize our own creative practice. In her Bloomsbury Academic book Writing Speculative Fiction, Eugen tells us there’s a story in you. With her curiosity, playfulness, and keen eye for storytelling, Eugen continues to inspire and motivate the speculative fiction community to write that story.”
Children’s book author Christine Taylor-Butler echoed these sentiments saying:
“In today’s environment, it is more important than ever that we recognize the voices and contributions of creative people all over the world. Eugen is an award-winning author/editor who shows that holding science and art backgrounds are not mutually exclusive. She pays her success forward by expanding opportunities for others through writing clinics, award competitions, and mentorship opportunities in Australia. She represents the best of us both through her writing and by encouraging others in the pursuit of their own.”
Bacon’s win will be celebrated at the 60th Annual Nebula Awards Conference, scheduled to take place both online and in-person from June 5–8, 2025, in Kansas City, Missouri.
The award will be presented during the ceremony on June 7, 2025.
Register for the conference here and join us in commemorating Bacon’s milestone and SFWA’s ongoing commitment to the speculative fiction community.
Congratulations, Eugen Bacon!
Bakare Oluwatobiloba
I write to educate, motivate and define history with literature. Just being me!
