Imagine discovering what author Robert Sawyer calls “the best of the best culled for you, curated and selected in a single volume every year.”
This is what you get with the annual Writers of the Future anthology.
This year’s collection is my favourite so far (details below).
The writing competition was started by the L Ron Hubbard 40 years ago with these words: “A culture is as rich and as capable of surviving as it has imaginative artists. The artist is looked upon to start things. The artist injects the spirit of life into a culture. And through his creative endeavors, the writer works continually to give tomorrow a new form.
“It is with this in mind that I initiated a means for new and budding writers to have a chance for their creative efforts to be seen and acknowledged.”
Galaxy Press publishes the annual anthology of winning stories, all illustrated. I have been following the Contest and publication for several years and love to see what’s hot. I have entered the competition myself!
How the Contest Works
The contest runs for four quarters each year. Without doubt it is a valuable opportunity for new and aspiring writers of science fiction and fantasy to enter this free competition and have their work judged by some of the very best writers in this specialised field. The judges include bestselling authors like Brandon Sanderson, Hugh Howey, Orson Scott Card, Nnedi Okorafor, Nancy Kress, Jody Lynn Nye and even hard sci-fi masters like Larry Niven. In fact, many of the legends in the genre have been part of this program helping discover and nurture new authors into the field, like Anne Mc Caffrey and Frank Herbert.
The contest is limited to authors who have no, or few, professional publications. The contest rules state that entrants cannot have had published ‘a novel, short novel or more than one novelette, more than three stories in any medium. Stories of up to 17,000 words in length can be submitted to the contest.’
Manuscripts are judged with the authors names deleted and are separated out in quarter final and semi final award rounds by the Coordinating Judge. The eight finalists selected are sent to a panel of professional science fiction writers, who determine the top three awards.
Prizes awarded every three months are $1000, $750, and $500. At the end of the contest year, the four quarterly first place stories compete for a separate annual grand prize, the Gold Award, which includes an additional $5000. The first, second and third-place winners for each quarter are published annually in the latest anthology edition currently Volume 40 of Writers of the Future available in Paperback, Kindle, and audiobook editions.
Illustrators of the Future followed in 1988 with the Writers of the Future competition and continues to grow in strength. Similar to the writers contest, the illustrators contest is only open to amateur artists. The rules follow along the same lines and state the following ‘The Contest is open to those who have not previously published more than three black-and-white story illustrations, or more than one process-colour painting, in media distributed nationally to the general public, such as magazines or books sold at newsstands, or books sold in stores merchandising to the general public. The submitted entry shall not have been previously published in professional media as exampled above.’
Artists submit a portfolio of three pieces of artwork, which are circulated among the judges. Up to three winners are selected every quarter, each given a prize of $500. After the completion of the contest year, each of the twelve illustration winners is assigned to one of the twelve winning stories the artists have a month to return the finished illustration. A single grand prize, also called the Gold Award, is accompanied by a prize of $5000. Judging is based only on the final illustration, not the initial portfolio. Of course the illustrations are also included in the annual anthology of Writers of the future in both colour and black and white.
All winners from both categories are invited to attend the annual week-long writers and artists workshops and the stunning awards gala at the invitation and expense of the Galaxy Press the contest administration. Here you may come across famous actors from Hollywood and mingle with well-known science fiction authors and illustrators.
Writers of the Future is Volume 40
The latest edition is Writers of the Future is Volume 40, and is currently available in all media formats including audio (the paperback hits the UK, Australia and South Africa on July 9).
My review:
Twelve hypnotising, innovative and creative brand-new winning stories from Writers of the Future Contest each illustrated by the winners of The Illustrators of the Future Contest. Each of the winning stories includes a brief biography of the author and the illustrator. Included with this stunning volume are short stories by L. Ron Hubbard, Nancy Kress, S.M. Stirling. Each being accompanied by a full-colour illustration. Essays and writing tips are also included by Gregory Benford, Bob Eggleton, L. Ron Hubbard, Dean Wesley Smith. Their contribution provides guidance and inspiration for aspiring writers.
All of the stories are most definitely a worthy read, and one of my favourites amongst many is The Last Drop, a humorous tale by L Ron Hubbard and L Sprague de Camp, illustrated by Chris Arias, that had me smiling on nearly every page. There are also valuable informative essays on writing and illustrations and instructions as to how you can enter the free competition. These wonderful stories vary from time travel to dystopia and so much more, science fiction and fantasy stories that are inventive, creative and engaging reading that will keep you turning page after page.
Truthfully, there was not one single story that I did not thoroughly enjoy reading from start to finish. There is no doubt whatsoever that Volume 40 contains something for every reader of speculative fiction. No other book has ever brought to the fore such imaginative writing and illustrations that are a joy to read and admire.
International writing contest I was pleased to see that three UK writers featured in Volume 40. Two sisters, using the pen name Rosalyn Robilliard – “The Wall Isn’t a Circle,” and Steve Bentley, an artist – “Five Days Until Sunset.” Rosalyn’s story is narrated by English Actress Victoria Summer, who is currently in the Indie Film Vindication Swim.
Also of note is an excerpted interview with L Ron Hubbard as printed in the Rocky Mountain News.
Another favourite of mine is “Butter Side Down” which apart from making me laugh occasionally was such an inventive and engaging science fiction short story by author Kal M, illustrated by Selena Meraki.
There is without a doubt powerful prose contained within these pages of twelve winning entries that will stimulate, inspire and excite created by new aspiring science fiction authors.
The Judges have as usual done an excellent job in the selection of the twelve winning entries along with the winning illustration of each story contained within this marvellous compilation. There is no doubt that these twelve new speculative fiction short stories will make you reflect, smile, enjoy and see different worlds and ideas you have never come across before.
Writers of the Future Vol 40 has received amazing editorial reviews this year from imminent authors and literary critics alike.
“This is where the next stars are born.” — Hugh Howey
“These are the people who are going to be creating trends.” — Brandon Sanderson
“Some of the most excellent speculative fiction that you can find anywhere. They’re cutting edge. They’re new.” — Nnedi Okorafor
“An explosion of color and life in amazing variety.” — Kevin J. Anderson
“There’s only one reason to pick up Writers of the Future, and that’s because the stories are wonderful.” — Orson Scott Card
Literary Critics Loved It:
“Hot new talent.” — Locus Magazine
“Writers of the Future collection is exciting and engrossing, with stories that range across the spectrum of SF and fantasy. Tried-and-true space opera and epic fantasy, these stories explore new mysteries and ideas.” — Publishers Weekly
“12 outstanding new voices in fantasy and science fiction. Something for every SF and fantasy reader, from the blackness of space to the power of magic and all of the places and planes in between.” —Library Journal
“Inventive collection of Writers of the Future Contest-winning science fiction and fantasy short stories.” — AudioFile
“A testament to the innovation and imagination within the speculative fiction genre. With its compelling narratives, insightful reflections, and stunning artwork, this anthology is sure to captivate readers.” — International Review of Books
“It’s an incredibly moving story. I cried so much that I could barely see the last few paragraphs, and it has stayed in my mind since. Full of meaning and emotions. The stories have come alive through the incredible illustrations that accompany them. They are very, very good. They are bite-sized pieces packed with great writing and incredibly addicting stories. I highly recommend it!” — International Review of Books 2nd review
“A major force in the genre of science fiction. Outstanding. The gang buster of science fiction short story collections continues to excel with the newest instalment of Volume 40.” — Midwest Book Review
“Entertaining and informative. Vivid. Themes like self-awareness, decision-making, and morality in these thought-provoking and creative stories of science fiction, fantasy, and speculative horror.” — OnlineBookClub.org
“Fresh. Highly recommended for speculative fiction fans seeking to be transported to worlds beyond imagination.” — Readers Favorite
“Helped me rediscover my love of anthologies—it was such a pleasure to read. Intelligent, lively, and warm. Each story includes a beautiful illustration, each by a different artist.” — Tangent Online
Conclusion:
Writers of the Future Competition gets better year by year and I firmly believe that Volume 40 is the most inspiring, imaginative, original and artistic Writers of the Future anthology published to date and a must buy for readers of fantasy and science fiction.
Another stunning winner from Galaxy Press.
Grant Bremner
Writers of the Future Quick links
