AN: This has been a long time coming and I am super excited about this chance to give back. Just needed to let you know that. Ok, here’s the professional stuff:

MEDIA RELEASE

22 MARCH 2016

AUSTRALIAN SCIENCE FICTION AUTHOR LAUNCHES CROWDFUNDING CAMPAIGN FOR LOCAL SCIENCE

Melbourne, Victoria. Science fiction and science have always had a mutually symbiotic relationship. Today, Melbournian science fiction author Lee S. Hawke continued that trend by launching a crowdfunding campaign with the Royal Society of Victoria (RSV), Victoria’s oldest learned society dedicated to promoting science, community outreach, and science education since 1854.

Here’s Hawke on the campaign:

“As a science fiction writer, I’ve always wanted to give back to both the science fiction and the science communities. After all, they’re so intertwined; in the same century the RSV was founded, Jules Verne imagined today’s nuclear submarine in 20,000 Leagues under the Sea. So in that same spirit, I’d like to ask you to join us in raising $4,000 for science and science fiction.”

 Here’s where the funds will go:

• 50% of the proceeds will go straight to the RSV and into their programs promoting science education, communication and learning;
• 27.8% will go toward printing and purchasing the rewards, supporting local Australian publishing and some of Australia’s top science fiction magazines;
• 12.7% will go toward Hawke’s next book, about the development of an android named Cinderella (and all the accompanying ethical issues); and
• 9.5% will cover the campaign costs of Pozible and the online payment system.

How can I support this?

Until April 20, people can show their support by donating online at the Australian crowdfunding platform Pozible. The rewards up for grabs include copies of Hawke’s science fiction books Division: A Collection of Science Fiction Fairytales and Dissolution, a dystopian novella about a city where people are auctioned off to corporations. Rewards also include issues of Australia’s top, award-winning science fiction and fantasy magazines: Aurealis, Andromeda Spaceways Inflight Magazine (ASIM), and Orb Magazine.

CONTACT: Erica Chan (aka Lee S. Hawke) on [email protected].

ABOUT:

Lee S. Hawke	You can find more information at www.leeshawke.com/about/.
The Royal Society of Victoria	The RSV convenes Victoria’s science community. It is the State’s oldest learned society and a part of Australia’s intellectual life since 1854. Located in a heritage-listed building at 8 La Trobe Street, Melbourne, the Society provides a dynamic program of lectures, symposia and forums about science.
Aurealis	Aurealis is Australia’s longest running science fiction and fantasy magazine, founded in 1990 to increase the profile of professional Australian Science Fiction.
Andromeda Spaceways Inflight Magazine	Affectionately known as “Australia’s pulpiest SF Magazine”, ASIM and its carefully selected stories has been nominated for (and won) multiple awards, including being shortlisted for the Hugo Semi-Professional Magazine 2015 award.
Orb Magazine	Orb Magazine is based out of Melbourne and collects Australian speculative fiction, including fantasy, science fiction, horror, and magical realism. Its latest issue features 29 stories by prominent, award-winning Australian authors.