In which we pore over the Ditmar ballot, Alex makes Tansy squirm about her nominations, Alisa makes Alex say 'sexytimes' more than once, and we take on the hard-hitting issues of the day: plagiarism, pirates and mommy porn.

News Ditmar shortlist

Shirley Jackson shortlist featuring Deborah B

Stephenie Meyer moves into film production and who can blame her?

Story Siren & Plagiarism: Smart Bitches presents the story. Kristi's apology.

MindMeld looks at great SF reads for teenage girls. But what KIND of teenage girls?

What Culture Have we Consumed? Alisa: Feed by Mira Grant Alex: By Light Alone, Adam Roberts; Lathe of Heaven, Ursula le Guin; In the Mouth of the Whale, Paul McAuley; Among Others, Jo Walton; Tansy: Womanthology, The Pirates! Band of Misfits

Feedback: Fifty Shades of Grey

Interview with the author

Mommy porn

COMPETITION - SHOWTIME - What’s your favourite vampire?

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