Orange bowing out of the women's prize for literature.

[wordfactory]

I wonder who'll take it over...

And how long before the press is full of men taking a pop at it. 'Why do we need a prize specifically for women?'

Taking bets...

Oh shame. Thanks for letting us know, wordfactory, I'll be following the story.

I am so disappointed to hear that. :( I've read some incredible books through the prize and I hope they manage to find a new sponsor.

Oh, what a shame!

:( Very disappointed by this.

I was on the old "bookhunt" today. Been trying to find a sci-fi/horror/fantasy novel, written by a woman, which doesn't revolve around a love interest who's a vampire. :( I gave up. As long as the male voice is sold as the norm to, not only the literary market, but every form of media, we need extra recommendation for the 52%.

Been trying to find a sci-fi/horror/fantasy novel, written by a woman, which doesn't revolve around a love interest who's a vampire. I gave up.

There are plenty of female fantasy (some veering towards darker fantasy) authors out there. Trudi Canavan, Diana Paxson, Marion Zimmer Bradley, Mercedes Lackey, Ursula Le Guin, Katharine Kerr, Robin McKinley, Julian May and Sarah Ash to name a few. I don't know about female horror authors but I'm sure there are some out there.

Frothy - try White Horse by Alex Adams. Am currently reading it and so far no love interest.

Frothy - have you come across Steph Swainston? IMO she's one of the best fantasy writers around at the moment, and there is nothing drippy or Twi-ish about her work at all.

Thanks for the recommendations.

Ironically, I've had a little rant about my degree today. English Lit, with another subject that takes precedence.

Over two semesters, for English Lit, we read two, maybe three pieces of work by women authors. I've just had an essay through today (reassessment) which requires me to base an essay on one of four artists; a poet, a playwright an author and a painter. All of which were male. It's depressing that, in 2012, women are still being "othered". We're the 52%, yet we're still invisible. :(

Also Emily Gee, Elizabeth Moon, Elizabeth Vaughan, Sherri Tepper, Rhiannon Frater and Madeleine Roux.

Frothy and anyone else who's into an Urban Fantasy that doesn't revolve around Tru Lub, the Fangs for the Fantasy blog is a good place to look too: www.fangsforthefantasy.com/?m=1