The news that the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Association (SFWA) is honouring the writer Roger Zelazny with an Infinity Award has me feeling all sorts of emotions.

Zelazny was the first writer to really make an impact on me as a writer, way back when I was still in elementary school. I still remember reading Nine Princes in Amber for the first time and being completely blown away — and completely changed by the experience. For the first time I saw how poetic and lyrical writing could be, how different genres could be mixed together to make something completely new, and just how creative and fun a story could be. Zelazny was one of the first writers to make me want to become a writer, and you can see his influence in almost everything I’ve written. I’ll forever be grateful for encountering his works at such a young age.

Here’s what SFWA has to say about the award:

The SFWA Infinity Award was created to highlight the life and work of creators who achieved a distinct and tremendous legacy in science fiction and fantasy. Although they are no longer with us to celebrate this honor, these writers helped to lay the foundation for today’s science fiction, fantasy, and related genres. Their memory abides not only in the works they published, but also in the worlds they inspired fellow and future writers to dream up in their wake.

SFWA President Kate Ristau reflects fondly on the power of Zelazny’s worlds:

“One of my first deep dives into science fiction was the Chronicles of Amber. Zelazny drew me right into the story with his world-building and world-breaking. Characters could manipulate their reality, walking between worlds, and they didn’t always make the decisions you wanted. There were heartbreaking moments and series-wide challenges that were epic and unforgettable; they lingered with you. Zelazny’s impact lingers on with us, shaping how we think about multiverses and how we create characters that are complicated, nuanced, and sometimes deeply flawed. I am honored to present him with this year’s Infinity Award.”

I talked to the Re-Creative podcast about my love of Zelazny a while back, so check it out if you haven’t heard it already.