And the winners are:

First Place – Zach Poulter from Utah
Second Place – S.J. Stevenson from Great Britain
Third Place – Kathleen Powell from Missouri

Finalists:

Danny Hankner from Iowa
Alea Henle from Ohio
Doris Rose Lanzkron-Tamarazo from Michigan
Matthew LaWall-Shane from Wisconsin
Vani Vaghela from California

Semi-Finalists:

Sadie Bunting from New York
Theo Carr from Great Britain
Brandon Case from Nevada
Gregory R. Hyde from Colorado
Dianne Lee from New York
Philip Peerce from Kentucky
Matt Athanasiou from Illinois
Cheyenne Mann from Rhode Island
Kain Massin from Australia
Gabriel Moseley from Washington

Silver Honorable Mentions:

Frasier Artmitage from Great Britain
Austin Baker from Arizona
Erica Balfour from Colorado
Andrew Barber from Virginia
Patrick Barry from Pennsylvania
Gary Battershell from Arkansas
Hannah Baumgardt from Minnesota
Christopher Baxter from Utah
Lou J Berger from Colorado
GL Bertram from Utah
Caitlin Carpenter from Canada
Jenny Perry Carr from Texas
Madeleine Chae from North Carolina
Rob Cornell from Michigan
Jason P. Crawford from California
Fabien Delorme from France
Michelle J. Diaz from Oregon
Nathan B. Dodge from Texas
Sam Everett from Texas
Grant Gaugush from Florida
Jeremy Giles from North Carolina
Jaime Gill from Great Britain
Tiina Giocada from Canada
Bill Hackenberger from California
Nora Hille from Germany
Jared A. Jackson from Florida
Angela Kayd from Massachusetts
Kevin Kepko from Florida
Eric Lard from California
J. Lennon from Pennsylvania
Kate Leon from Tennessee
Jennifer Lesh Fleck from Washington
Irene Liang from Texas
Karen Aria Lin from Washington
Darren Lipman from Wisconsin
Matthew C. Lucas from Florida
Anneli Marks from Denmark
Collin Masteller from California
Tara McKee from Washington
Rosa Meronek from Arizona
Devin Miller from North Carolina
Jared Nelson from Florida
Scott Newman from Great Britain
Cara O’Sullivan from Utah
B. A. Paul from Indiana
James H. Pickering from Pennsylvania
Brenda Posey from Alabama
Jeffrey Alan Rector from California
Charles Roberts from Ohio
Bud Robertson from Nevada
Daniel Rodrigues-Martin from Minnesota
A. R. Rowland from Kansas
Scott M. Sands from Australia
Duncan Shepard from Connecticut
Michael Simon from Canada
I.J. Sparks from Colorado
Melody Sundholm from Oregon
Amy Wethington from South Carolina
Walter Wiese from Montana
A. Wilkins from New Zealand
Mary Jerome Wolf from Illinois
Quinn Young from Iowa
Katie Young Seidemann from Oregon

Honorable Mentions:

Arian A.D. from Canada
A. M. Aikman from Florida
Rana Aldaw from Canada
S. D. Alisea from California
Van Allison from Texas
Alejandro Alvarez from Great Britain
Django Mathijsen & Ana Haen from Netherlands
Steve Anderson from Iowa
Kayla Armstrong from Montana
Alper Ates from Turkey
Stirling Avis from Oklahoma
Ali Barkat from Oklahoma
Alexandra Barnard from Romania
Eloy Bates from North Carolina
Scott Batson from South Carolina
Jason Battle from Illinois
SummerDale Beckstrand from Utah
Rick Bennett from Utah
Ryan Benson from Georgia
Ian Bentwood from Great Britain
Jeff Binkley from Alabama
Clayton Blackwelder from North Carolina
Samuel R. Blankenship from Arizona
Daniel Blatt from California
Bret Booher from Indiana
Blake Booth from Texas
Corey Branch from Texas
Maiya Belle Brock from New Mexico
Evelyn K. Brunswick from France
S.D. Bullard from Tennessee
TF Burk from Pennyslvania
Lawrence Caldwell from Japan
Vivienne Camille from Mexico
Nathan Campbell from Canada
Aaron Canton from Utah
A. Casper L. from Canada
Sarah Celiann from Illinois
Amin Chehelnabi from Australia
C E Chester from Montana
Kira Christensen from Utah
Marco Cian from Wisconsin
D. M. Cieran from Colorado
Whitney Clavin from California
Steven Corbin from Canada
Zaslow Crane from Washington
S. Donovan Croft from South Carolina
Adrian Croft from California
Jeffrey C. Cross from Canada
Rachael Cupp from Arizona
Matteo D’Aguiar from Brazil
Kate Dane from Minnesota
Rick Danforth from Great Britain
Edward Daschle from Maryland
Harper Dent from Australia
Victoria L Dixon from Kansas
O. L. Drake from North Carolina
Lilly Dreis from South Dakota
Joshua Dyer from West Virginia
Tim Emery from Great Britain
Mark English from New Zealand
Joshua Essoe from Maine
Sonya Ezdina from Russia
P. D. Fenton from Kansas
Sam Fletcher from Hawaii
Fallon Foster-Phoenix from Virginia
James Fritz from Illinois
Joshua C. Gaines from Oregon
Jack Gallegos from New Mexico
J. J. Galluzzo from Montana
Katherine Garrison from Great Britain
Russell Giles from Utah
Nate Givens from Virginia
Peter Glazebrook from Great Britain
J.C.G. Goelz from Louisiana
Ian Gonzales from Washington
Leigh Gorelik from Arizona
Stephen Michael Gousie from Massachusetts
Emma Grace from Illinois
George McClellan Grant from Connecticut
Robin Rose Graves from California
Peter Michael Gray from Great Britain
Theodora Gray from Utah
Chris Griffiths from New Zealand
Alex Hartford from Great Britain
T.A. Hicks from Kentucky
S.R. Jensen from Idaho
Carol Lee Craig & Jodi Lynn Threat from Oregon
Stephen Johnson from Illinois
R.A. Johnson from Pennyslvania
Jamiel Jones from Georgia
Eli Jones from Oregon
Douglas Jones from North Carolina
C.T. Jones from Australia
Chris Lee Jones from Great Britain
Toshiya Kamei from Missouri
Taria Karillion from Great Britain
Cat Karness from Montana
Janessa Keeling from Kentucky
Gavin Keon from Australia
John Kessler from Colorado
Ryan Kettle from Canada
Glenn Kimata from Colorado
Olivia Kolosna from Georgia
Spyridon Konstantopoulos from Greece
Renatka Kozlowska from Pennyslvania
E. G. V. Krombein from Idaho
Michael Kuester from Ohio
Michael La Ronn from Iowa
Daniel J. Lane from New Hampshire
Erin Langlinais from Louisiana
V. R. Lassmann from Poland
Pete Lead from Australia
Colt Leasure from California
Matthew Lebowitz from Massachusetts
R.J.K. Lee from Japan
Eva Leppard from Australia
Elizabeth Levin from Illinois
Philippa Ball Lewis from Great Britain
Leyelle from Dominican Republic
Antanya Lindsay from New York
Ian Ludington from Illinois
Ali A. Lunae from California
Z.A. Mackic from California
C.L. Mannarino from Massachusetts
Charley Marsh from Minnesota
Jeff Mason from Wisconsin
Mark McGrath from Maryland
Parker McIntosh from Oregon
Joshua Harley McKnight from California
Andrew Mcormick from California
Mark McWaters from Florida
Brittain Meadows from Georgia
Assaph Mehr from Tasmania
Tinsley Merriman from Missouri
Bogdan Mihai from Romania
Nate M. Miller from Idaho
Tristan and Blaise Miranda from California
A.M. Mischek from Wisconsin
George Mizel from Portugal
Mohit from India
Matt Mordecai from Great Britain
Andew Moses from New Hampshire
Kevin S. Moul from Arizona
Melanie Mulrooney from Canada
Ross Myers from Missouri
J. Autumn Needles from Washington
CL Nel from Tennessee
Addison Nevill from Texas
David Norling from Washington
Lucas T. Novick from Great Britain
Sarina Nushrat from New Jersey
Mandy Oaks from Tennessee
Mera Oberesk from Arizona
Maryann Ogbonnaya from Nigeria
Susan Oke from Great Britain
William A. Oliver from New Jersey
Al Onia from Canada
Isabel Osborne from Missouri
Ryan Owen from Massachusetts
Naveena Pandillapally from Canada
Geoff Parker from Michigan
Michael Pasotti from India
Aarti Patel from California
Jacob Perez from California
C.J. Persson from Sweden
Celeste A. Peters from Canada
Jason Pfister from New York
Fred Phillips from Louisiana
Juho Pohjalainen from Finland
M. Pontbriand from Alaska
Beth Powers from Indiana
Eliza Quentin from New Zealand
Maddy Rain from Florida
Susmita Ramani from California
S. Ramses from Hawaii
Esteban Raposo from California
Shawn J. Ratti from Pennyslvania
Adrian Rayner from Great Britain
K.M. Rebi from Japan
Robin Reed from California
Robbie Reilly from Japan
Raven Reynolds from Illinois
J.M. Roberts from Illinois
Treyson Robertson from Oklahoma
Mike Robinson from California
Kiley Robinson from Kentucky
Michael Rosenstein from Oregon
Johanna Rothman from Massachusetts
Michel Sabbagh from Canada
Manisha Sahoo from India
Matthew J. Salerno from New Jersey
H. E. Salian from Washington
Annmarie SanSevero from Arkansas
Michael Schultz from Alabama
M. Gamble See from Idaho
Anne Shimeki from Japan
Craig S. Shoemake from Massachusetts
Hank Shore from North Carolina
Joseph Sidari from Massachusetts
Sandra Siegienski from Oregon
Avery Simmons Chen from Virginia
Sheri Singerling from Germany
Pierre-Alexandre Sitcart from Taiwan
Eric R. Skinner from Idaho
Jasiah Smalls from North Carolina
Gideon P. Smith from Massachusetts
Bevin Sommer from Minnesota
Lucy Stauffer from California
Jeanna Mason Stay from Utah
Michael Strickland from Colorado
Les Taylor from Florida
A. S. Taylor from Nevada
Amor Tellus from Colorado
Daphne Therrien-Paquin from Canada
Niz Thomas from New Jersey
Joel Thomas from California
Chloe Townsend from Texas
Annie Tupek from Oregon
John Turner from Massachusetts
Kenneth Urban from Massachusetts
Marius van Bruggen from Sweden
Amber Velez from Massachusetts
Jillian Wahlquist from California
Hunter Kay Wallace from Montana
N. A. Walters from Ohio
Russell Weisfield from Colorado
B. K. Wellman from Montana
Hetty White from Georgia
C. Bennett Whitney from Indiana
William R.D. Wood from Virginia
Ai Lee Woods from Utah
Error Writes from Sweden
Shelly Yang from Great Britain
Brad Zeiger from Oregon
Albert Zhang from Massachusetts

The post Writers of the Future 1st Quarter Winners Announced for Volume 42 appeared first on Writers & Illustrators of the Future.

Writer winners from five different countries gathered in Los Angeles to kick off the first day of the annual Writers of the Future workshop week. Our international winners from the UK and China arrived a day early to adjust to the time difference, while today saw the arrival of winners from Canada and across the United States. At the hotel, they were warmly greeted by Joni Labaqui, Meliva Koch, Jody Lynn Nye, Tim Powers, and previous winners Dustin Adams (Vol 39), Leah Ning (Vol 36), and Kary English (Vol 31). After weeks—or even months—of connecting online, the lobby was filled with joyful first-time “reunions.”

Following dinner, the group came together for the official opening of the workshop and a round of formal introductions. Each writer received a copy of L. Ron Hubbard’s coffee-table book, filled with timeless advice on the craft—wisdom that laid the foundation for this very workshop.

John Goodwin welcomed everyone, offering an overview of the week’s schedule and events. He also underscored the Contest’s commitment to a respectful, inclusive environment, where critiques based on race, gender, nationality, politics, or any personal characteristic are not tolerated. The focus is on mutual respect and creative growth. Emily Goodwin then shared details about the upcoming gala and other highlights of the week, before introducing Meliva Koch, Jason Toth, and Claude Sandoz—the team capturing photo and video moments throughout the event.

Joni Labaqui, Contests Director, invited each winner to introduce themselves, giving everyone a chance to connect and break the ice. Afterward, she led a tour through the L. Ron Hubbard Library and the Writers of the Future Hall, sharing fascinating tidbits about Hubbard’s prolific writing career, as well as the origins and legacy of the Contests.

With that, the winners headed off to rest up for what promises to be a week of inspiration, learning, and community. Stay tuned!

The post Writers & Illustrators of the Future Workshop Week</br>2025 – Day 1 appeared first on Writers & Illustrators of the Future.

The Writers’ Workshop Begins!

Contributed by Leah Ning

The writers started off strong with judges Jody Lynn Nye and Tim Powers introducing the oft-discussed twenty-four-hour story. Each writer was given a random object, then tasked with meeting strangers and using that experience—along with some research—will create a brand-new short story within twenty-four hours. This exercise is designed to show writers what they’re creatively capable of under time constraints they may not be used to.

Tim and Jody then moved on to discuss story beginnings and choosing protagonists, as well as various methods for finding and developing a plot. They explained how to create complex characters and how they, along with other authors, use specific questions to build depth. Additionally, they talked about tone and the importance of fulfilling promises to maintain a reader’s trust.

The writers received advice on developing character voice and swimming through “murky middles.” They heard how ideas can be influenced by older works, and the many ways to conduct research—including speaking with experts in relevant fields. Tim and Jody emphasized how even small details uncovered through research can enrich a story.

Next, the writers dove into a more in-depth analysis of crafting three-dimensional characters, particularly villains and their motivations. They learned about dialogue—how it shifts between characters and how it can be used as a tool on multiple levels to enhance a story. Tim and Jody then addressed setting and atmosphere, offering tips on integrating description and worldbuilding naturally into a narrative.

After a lunch break, the group reconvened to explore speculative worldbuilding and how to ensure fantastical elements don’t become overly convenient. They discussed how closely speculative elements should adhere to real physical laws to maintain believability. This included a segment on different types of time travel stories and strategies for handling various aspects of time manipulation. They also touched on incorporating theme without becoming didactic, as well as writing effective denouements.

Before the final workshopping session of the day, the writers had professional portraits taken, recorded video interviews, and were fitted for tuxedos in preparation for the gala.

The day wrapped up with Tim and Jody discussing pacing, editing, and their approaches to creating protagonists. The writers were then released to grab dinner and socialize before heading to bed.

Illustrators of the Future Art Workshop: Day 1, Arrival

Illustrators from around the world have been arriving since yesterday, and today they finally came together in one room for the first time! Joni Labaqui gave each illustrator a warm welcome at the hotel, while the teams from Author Services and Galaxy Press made sure everyone arrived smoothly and got settled in.

Before wrapping up the evening, the illustrators joined Contest staff for a welcome meet and greet. John Goodwin introduced the workshop and gifted each artist a special art book filled with educational essays by L. Ron Hubbard. Organizers also shared a few encouraging words and helpful tips—including the official event hashtag: #WOTF41. Be sure to follow along for updates!

Each illustrator had a chance to introduce themselves, and Echo Chernik, Coordinating Judge and workshop leader, offered a quick preview of what’s in store for the week ahead.

Tomorrow, Echo will kick things off with a deep dive into the business side of illustration—covering the real-world skills most art schools don’t teach. Stay tuned for more highlights from this inspiring week!

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The Writers’ Workshop Continues and the 24-Hour Story Begins!

Contributed by Leah Ning

The writers began the morning with Contest Coordinating Judge Jody Lynn Nye and Contest Judge Tim Powers, who spoke about working as professional writers and networking with industry professionals at conventions. They discussed how to behave on panels, the best ways to network and socialize, as well as how to approach and collaborate with editors and agents. They also emphasized the importance of presenting professional-looking manuscripts and highlighted common formatting pitfalls to avoid.

Tim and Jody then covered how to obtain blurbs for novels, shared valuable advice on navigating film and television contracts, and explained the differences between options and shopping agreements.

Next came the most eagerly anticipated part of the week: the art reveal! Staff, judges, and winners gathered in the L. Ron Hubbard Theatre as the writers discovered the illustrations commissioned for their stories and met the artists for the first time. Emotions ran high as winners were interviewed, smiling, hugging, and even crying over the powerful connections formed through their art.

After a lunch break, the writers briefly reconvened to receive final words of encouragement and advice from Tim and Jody before being sent off to begin one of their biggest challenges of the week: the 24-hour story. This exercise is designed to build confidence, skill, and speed. When the writers return tomorrow, some of their stories will be workshopped by their peers and the judges.

The Illustrator Workshop Begins

Contributed by Martin L. Shoemaker

The first day of the illustrator workshop opened with Coordinating Judge Echo Chernik

She introduced her background and showcased her work, regaling students with stories of the challenges she faced while getting started in advertising art. She also discussed the impact of AI and emphasized the importance of adaptability.

Art Reveal!

Mid-morning, the writer winners gathered outside the workshop doors while staff bustled inside, arranging easels and artworks hidden under velvet drapes. Each artist had created a custom illustration for a writer winner’s story, and they were about to meet their writers in one of the Contest’s most beloved moments—the big art reveal. With the easels arranged in a semi-circle and the drapes pulled away, the writers filed in. The theater soon filled with a dozen excited conversations as Writers met their Illustrators for the first time.

Making a Living as an Artist and Illustrator

After lunch, Echo offered tips on making a living in the arts, covering fields like commercial design, typography, and animation. She also walked through the illustration process from contact to delivery, including how to interact with clients and representatives. She provided helpful resources for copyright, marketing, pricing, and promotion, and then discussed negotiation and getting paid.

Using Reference in Illustration

After tuxedo fittings and gown consultations, the illustrators returned for some artistic playtime as Contest staff handed over the keys to the prop closet. Emerging with armfuls of swords and pirate hats, the illustrators staged a sword fight—costumes and all—to shoot reference photos for the next day’s sketching assignment. Contest Judge Lazarus Chernik gave pointers on lighting, working with models, and building a reference library.

Tour of the L. Ron Hubbard Life Exhibition and Q&A

After a dinner break, the illustrators boarded shuttles for a trip to the L. Ron Hubbard Life Exhibition. The biographical museum explored Hubbard’s early life as he traveled the world and worked in a variety of high-adventure jobs. These experiences led him to believe that the best way to create was to live and learn authentically—to work alongside people and draw from a background of real-life experiences.

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Writers’ Workshop—Writers Complete 24-Hour Challenge and Explore Paths to Publishing Success

Contributed by Leah Ning

Today’s writing workshop began with a round of applause for the writers who had completed their twenty-four-hour stories. All arrived looking tired but satisfied after tackling such a daunting challenge. One writer even produced an incredible 11,000-word story! To randomly choose stories for workshopping, Coordinating Judge Jody Lynn Nye and Judge Tim Powers printed all the stories and threw them down the stairs to see which one flew the farthest.

Tim and Jody then spoke about editing, presenting your work to the public, and how to navigate relationships with publishers and editors. They also discussed the differences between traditional, indie, and self-publishing, highlighting the pros and cons of each, including what makes a compelling book cover. The writers also learned how to give and receive critiques effectively.

A Visit with Mark Leslie Lefebvre

Judge Mark Leslie Lefebvre then joined the workshop to speak about self-publishing. He shared his personal journey into the field, how he made it work for him, and how it compares to traditional publishing. He went on to outline the fundamentals of self-publishing, including where to publish and what steps are necessary to create and promote a professional-quality book.

A Visit with Todd McCaffrey

Next, the writers heard from Judge Todd McCaffrey, who discussed marketing through newsletters and the importance of writing for yourself rather than others. He covered the concept of the author as a brand, how to grow a fan base, and strategies for direct sales. He also talked about coauthoring and the potential roles AI could play in the industry. Todd then opened the floor for questions, addressing topics such as big vs. small press, the impact of social media on an author’s career, and how traditional publishers view series versus standalone novels.

Later, the illustrators and writers gathered in the theater, where John Goodwin spoke about preparing their speeches for the upcoming gala and answered related questions.

Tour of the L. Ron Hubbard Life Exhibition

After a dinner break, the writers were shuttled to the L. Ron Hubbard Life Exhibition. There, they watched videos about Hubbard and explored exhibits detailing many facets of his life. Following the visit, the writers returned to the hotel, where they read the two randomly selected twenty-four-hour stories to be workshopped tomorrow.

Illustrators’ Workshop—Guest Instructors from Across the Business

Contributed by Martin L. Shoemaker and Kary English

Day two opened with sketching based on the photos from the night before. Instructors Echo and Lazarus Chernik circulated among the illustrators, answering questions, reviewing portfolios, and sharing lessons from their careers.

A Visit from Ciruelo Cabral

The highlight of the morning was a Zoom conference with renowned dragon artist and Contest judge Ciruelo Cabral, joining from Barcelona, Spain. A traditional artist who works in oil on canvas, gouache, and inks, Ciruelo became a professional illustrator at age 18 and continued for 25 years. Today, he focuses on exhibitions, conventions, and creating personal works. His most recent projects have transitioned from canvas to a harder medium—actual rocks. Ciruelo spoke about studying the rocks until he could see figures emerging from within. “I wanted to see what the rock itself was showing me,” Ciruelo said.

A Visit from Joe Spencer and Tamra Meskimen

After lunch, sculptor and illustrator Joe Spencer joined actress Tamra Meskimen to speak to the artists about using art to communicate. Their reference text was Art by L. Ron Hubbard, in which he wrote, “Art is a word which summarizes the quality of communication.” The sooner you know what you want to communicate, the pair advised, the more focused you can be in your technical execution.

The illustrators finished this session with a sketching exercise and readings on how to communicate through their art.

Live Figure Drawing Studio

The illustrators put their new skills to immediate use when professional models arrived, clad in steampunk style with boots and goggles. The models struck poses on stage for the artists to sketch and photograph.

A Visit from Dan dos Santos

After the extensive life drawing sessions, Dan dos Santos joined the illustrators via Zoom. After touching on his education and background, dos Santos walked the winners through his creative process, using videos from a Marvel project as examples. He emphasized the importance of developing a reliable, repeatable process—and then sticking to it. Dos Santos rounded out his talk with tips on lighting and reference, showing how he sets up scenes using tiny artist mannequins, similar to action figures. “Lighting,” dos Santos said, “is everything.”

John Goodwin on Acceptance Speeches

In the final session before dinner, John Goodwin advised the winners on giving their acceptance speeches at Thursday’s Gala. He discussed speech etiquette and how to be comfortable and natural in front of a grand audience.

A Visit from Irvin Rodriguez

After dinner, Irvin Rodriguez joined the workshop to talk about his career since winning the Illustrators of the Future grand prize in Volume 27. Rodriguez, who has worked on several high-profile comic franchises and video games, stressed the importance of story and narrative in illustration. He also urged the winners to develop healthy work habits and to continue doing personal work alongside commercial projects. In art, “your mark-making is your handwriting,” Rodriguez said.

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Writers’ Workshop—Guest Instructors

Contributed by Leah Ning

This morning, the writers began by workshopping the two stories that flew farthest down the stairs yesterday. They received feedback from their fellow writers, as well as from Coordinating Judge Jody Lynn Nye and Judge Tim Powers, on both the strengths of their stories and areas for improvement.

A Visit with Nancy Kress

Next, the writers listened to Judge Nancy Kress speak about the things she wishes she had known when she first started writing. She covered story structure, scene structure, and the kinds of questions that, through characters, drive fiction. She then shared the personal practices that help her succeed as a writer, including routines and creating an environment that supports individual creativity.

Visits with Katherine Kurtz, Nina Kiriki Hoffman, Robert J. Sawyer, and Larry Niven

After a lunch break, the writers returned for several sessions with both judges and guest speakers. Katherine Kurtz was up first, answering questions about co-writing, cross-genre writing, and developing a series. Then Nina Kiriki Hoffman led her fun, annual class, where the writers rolled dice to generate prompts, build worlds, and create characters. Judge Robert J. Sawyer followed, discussing the difference between being an artist and a factory worker, whether doing IP (intellectual property) work is the right path, and offering encouragement about turning this experience into a career. Lastly, Judge Larry Niven spoke about the value of daydreaming, writing under pressure (like when rent is due), and revisiting old stories. He ended with a Q&A, answering questions about worldbuilding and collaboration.

Book Signing, Barbecue, and Entertainment

To wrap up the day, the writers and illustrators participated in their first mass book signing—on the roof! Together with the judges, they signed hundreds of books, stacking them between seats and helping each other open to the title pages. Afterwards, they headed downstairs for a barbecue, where they ate and socialized with judges they hadn’t yet met—making connections they’ll carry into future conventions. The night closed with a radio theater performance of L. Ron Hubbard’s story “Tough Old Man.”

Tomorrow brings another round of rapid-fire advice from judges and guests—as anticipation continues to build for the gala and the announcement of the Golden Pen and Golden Brush awards.

Illustrators’ Workshop—More Guest Instructors

Contributed by Martin L. Shoemaker and Kary English

A Visit from Bea Jackson

Past illustrator winner and Contest judge Bea Jackson opened the morning session by discussing the opportunities and pitfalls she encountered as her career progressed. She spoke about learning to put herself forward, connect with others, and create her own opportunities. She urged the artists to advocate for themselves, noting that networking often brought in more work than portfolios alone could.

Art Direction

Contest judge Lazarus Chernik spent part of the morning sharing insights from his dual experience as a commercial art director and working illustrator. An art director, Chernik explained, acts as the communication bridge between the commercial client and the artist, and is often the artist’s strongest ally in the client-artist relationship.

He described how the art director prepares a creative brief, which defines the client’s needs and expectations. This brief may include a mood board of examples and inspirations to help guide the artist in developing their pitch for the project.

A Career Journey with Tom Wood

Contest judge Tom Wood, best known for his work with Insane Clown Posse, began his career as a kid from small-town Arkansas drawing sports caricatures for T-shirts. Though his passion has always been fantasy art, he doesn’t regret his early work. “Any time that you’re doing art instead of some other job, you’re getting better,” he said. Since then, he has worked with major league sports teams, Disney, Reebok, and other large clients. Wood wrapped up his session by sharing videos of his techniques and answering a host of eager questions from the students.

A Visit to Rob Prior’s Studio

After lunch, the winners visited the local studio of Contest judge Rob Prior to experience the workspace of a professional artist. They explored his tools and processes, examined works in progress, spoke with his apprentices, and asked questions about setting up and running their own studios. Prior led the group in timed painting exercises to improve speed and efficiency, then invited each student to contribute to one of his studio pieces.

Book Signing and Barbecue

When the Illustrators returned to Author Services, they joined the Writers and judges for a mass signing of 210 copies of Volume 41 and enjoyed a delicious barbecue dinner with everyone involved in the Contest.

Bonus: “Tough Old Man”

The evening concluded in the theater with a live audio performance of the L. Ron Hubbard classic “Tough Old Man” featuring Jim and Taylor Meskimen (narrators on the Writers of the Future Vol 41 audiobook) and RF Daley.

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Writers’ Workshop—More Guest Instructors

Contributed by Leah Ning

A Visit from S.M. Stirling

This morning, the writers started off by hearing from Judge S.M. Stirling about research, historical fantasy, and worldbuilding, including useful resources for worldbuilding research. Stirling answered questions about incorporating history and coincidence in fiction, and how to know when it’s time to stop researching and start writing.

A Visit from Orson Scott Card

Next, the writers heard from Orson Scott Card. He spoke about tense and originality in fiction, as well as the importance of having a “why” behind your story. He spent a good deal of time focusing on character development before moving on to dialogue tags and formatting. While he emphasized that rules exist for a reason, he clarified that grammar rules are not always the ones that matter most in storytelling. Speaking about film adaptations, he remarked, “Great works of literature are defenseless against movies.”

A Visit from Kevin J. Anderson, Rebecca Moesta, and Marie Whittaker of WordFire Press

After lunch, Judges Kevin J. Anderson and Rebecca Moesta talked to the writers about building a sustainable writing career. They discussed knowing when to stop editing, keeping your work on the market, and following Heinlein’s rules for writing. They also gave professional advice on how to conduct yourself in the field.

Marie Whittaker followed with a talk on project management for writers, explaining how to use agile methods to manage time and achieve goals throughout a writing career.

A Visit with Martin Shoemaker, Eric James Stone, and Leah Ning

While the judges headed off to rehearse for tomorrow’s event, past winners Martin Shoemaker, Eric James Stone, and Leah Ning spoke to the writers about their career paths after Writers of the Future. They discussed submissions, working with agents, and fielded questions from the current winners.

A Visit from Bill Fawcett

Next, the writers learned about the gaming market from Bill Fawcett (detailed further in the Illustrators’ blog) before breaking for dinner.

Rehearsals

The writers’ final activity of the day was a rehearsal at the Taglyan Complex, where tomorrow’s gala will take place. This was their first real-life glimpse of the venue’s stunning blue ceiling and expansive stage area. By tomorrow, the building and grounds will be in full regalia—and so will the winners. Staff, judges, and winners alike are preparing for the red carpet!

Illustrators’ Workshop—More Guest Instructors

Contributed by Martin L. Shoemaker and Kary English

A Visit from Brian C. Hailes

The illustrators’ morning began with a visit from artist, judge, and past Illustrator winner Brian C. Hailes. He presented his work while speaking about the foundations of art and storytelling. He related the seven elements of art (line, shape, form, space, texture, value, color) to the four elements of story (character, setting, conflict, and problem), encouraging artists to think deeply about narrative as they work. Hailes also addressed fear and risk-taking: “You have to be ready to try, willing to fail, if you want to succeed.”

Laura Freas Beraha on Form in Illustration

In the next session, Judge Laura Freas Beraha spoke about the differences between illustration and fine art. She explained that the illustrator’s job is to raise questions that can only be answered by reading the story. She gave pointers on how to design illustrations that don’t contradict the narrative or spoil the ending.
Laura then led the winners through an illustration exercise based on Jerry Oltion’s story “Hit and Run.” After reviewing their results, she shared her own published illustration for the story.

Craig Elliott on Production Design

Before lunch, Judge Craig Elliott spoke about his work as a production designer for Marvel Studios Animation. He discussed the field of concept art as a career path and concluded with an overview of his personal work outside the studio.

Portfolio Review

The afternoon opened with portfolio reviews. Judges met with illustrator winners—both individually and in groups—to review their portfolios and offer suggestions on markets, promotion, methods, subjects, and more.

A Visit from Bob Eggleton and April Solomon

Next, Illustrator Judge Bob Eggleton and previous winner April Solomon joined for an in-depth conversation about the business of illustration, with a focus on networking at conventions.

Bill Fawcett on Conventions and the Gaming Market

Bill Fawcett, a veteran of both the gaming and publishing industries, spoke about the career benefits of attending conventions. He explained the various sizes and types of conventions, what to expect, and how to present yourself effectively. He also offered advice on what to avoid. Finally, Bill discussed creative opportunities outside of books and magazines—such as in games and software programs.

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The Gala!

Contributed by Leah Ning

The winners and judges spent the morning preparing for the evening’s festivities. They visited stylists and then donned their gowns and tuxedos, embracing the glamour of a Hollywood extravaganza. In the afternoon, they made their way to the beautiful Taglyan Complex, stepping onto a splendid red carpet and entering a fantastical scene inspired by Craig Elliott’s cover art—a floating castle ship.

On the red carpet, winners and judges gathered for photos, interviews, and lively conversations as they awaited the start of the grand event. When the doors finally opened, they were welcomed into the celebration, beginning with a sumptuous dinner shared with family, friends, and fellow creatives. It was a fitting capstone to a week of learning and discovery—but only the lead-in to the evening’s main event: the gala celebrating the 41st anniversary of L. Ron Hubbard’s Writers and Illustrators of the Future.

Following a dazzling magic performance by Naathan Phan, Gunhild Jacobs, Executive Director of Author Services, opened the ceremony with a look back at the incredible history of the Contests, including video highlights from previous years. John Goodwin, President of Galaxy Press, then took the stage to introduce and formally release L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future Volume 41.

Between the awards for writers and illustrators, guests enjoyed special presentations: director, screenwriter, and producer Ron Clements spoke on transforming ideas into unforgettable films; Contest Director Joni Labaqui presented the L. Ron Hubbard Lifetime Achievement Award to Tim Powers; and astronaut Dr. Sian Proctor delivered an inspiring talk on using your space to inspire others.

The climax of the ceremony was the presentation of the top honors: the Golden Brush Award went to Jordan Smjastrla for her illustration of “Kill Switch”, and the Golden Pen Award went to Randyn C. J. Bartholomew for his story “Ascii.” Gunhild Jacobs then brought the celebration to a close, wrapping up another amazing year.

The evening concluded with a joyous book signing, where winners and judges celebrated with everyone in attendance.

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Post-Gala Workshop: Promotion and Career Tools

Contributed by Leah Ning
Post-Gala Workshop: Promotion and Career Tools

After the excitement of last night’s gala, the winners got to sleep in before attending today’s workshop, which focused on self-promotion. A steady stream of judges and industry professionals shared their insights on building a successful public presence.

John and Emily Goodwin began the session by issuing checks to the winners for their publication in the anthology. They then spoke about public relations, communication strategies, and how to keep the conversation going during media interviews. Claude Sandoz followed with a presentation on effective social media usage, offering tips on which platforms to use and how to use them well.

Writers of the Future Coordinating Judge Jody Lynn Nye taught the winners how to craft compelling elevator pitches for their stories and art. She emphasized the importance of using language that’s both engaging and accessible—not too “highfalutin” for the average listener to understand. At the end of her talk, the winners wrote their own elevator pitches, and Jody gave feedback on as many as time allowed.

Emily Goodwin returned to discuss the Volume 41 release dates and promotion plans, including “book bombs” and bookstore signings. The winners also previewed the promotional kits they’ll be taking home, which include bookmarks, standees, posters, and printed copies of the illustrations.

Next, Carmen Bartolo shared how he promotes the winners in the media, offering examples of past winners he continues to support years after their debut.

Bill Fawcett and Lezli Robyn spoke about breaking into markets—both as writers and artists—and how to get noticed (and stay noticed) once you’re there.

DawnRay Ammon, co-founder of Fyrecon, gave a talk on SEO and how to use it effectively across websites, social media, and convention appearances. She stressed the importance of announcing events early so fans have time to plan.

Joe Montaldo then spoke further on interviews and social media. He emphasized researching anyone who invites you for an interview and how to establish and protect your boundaries when needed.

Finally, the winners were presented with certificates of recognition for their achievements and took a final group photo before heading into their last night in Hollywood.

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On the evening of Thursday, April 10, 2025, at the 41st Annual Writers of the Future and the 36th Annual Illustrators of the Future L. Ron Hubbard Achievement Awards Gala in the genres of Science Fiction and Fantasy, Randyn C. J. Bartholomew from Brooklyn, NY, was named the 2025 Grand Prize Writer Winner and Jordan Smajstrla of Boerne, TX, was named the 2025 Grand Prize Illustrator Winner. Emceed by Gunhild Jacobs, Executive Director of Author Services, Inc., the event was held in the Grand Ballroom of the Taglyan Cultural Complex in Hollywood, CA.

Jordan Smajstrla said, “I am so honored to have been chosen to hold this. I wouldn’t be here without my writer. His story is the foundation of my illustration. Art is one of the most important things in life. If you are driven to create, create. Don’t let anyone stop you or tell you aren’t good enough. Artistic expression brings people together and makes the world a better place. Never stop.”

Winners from this year’s competitions hail from all over the United States, as well as from Canada, China, Hungary, and the United Kingdom. In the week prior to the Awards Gala, all the winners of the 2025 contests were mentored in seminars led by contest judges in an effort to prepare them for their respective professions.

Joni Labaqui, Director of the Contests for Author Services, Inc. who oversaw the presentations of the Grand Prize Awards, said, “The theme for our awards show this year is Creature of the Storm magical, medieval, naval, ancient navigation as depicted on the cover of our Volume 41 Anthology created by Illustrators of the Future judge, Craig Elliott, to which Writers of the Future judge, Dr. Sean Williams has crafted the story, ‘Under False Colours,’ about a ship which emerges from the depths of a gas giant.”

A capacity crowd of 350 people attended the Black-Tie Gala, which was presented by Author Services, Inc. and Galaxy Press.

John Goodwin, President of Galaxy Press, unveiled Volume 41 of L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future, as well as the audiobook of Volume 41, which was recorded by Jim, Tamra, and Taylor Meskimen, and Kirby Heyborne.

Emily Goodwin, Vice President of Public Affairs for Author Services, Inc., served as Event Producer.

John Goodwin said, “This year, Galaxy Press and Author Services, Inc. are proud to bestow a Lifetime Achievement Award upon Tim Powers, a seminal figure in speculative fiction and a cherished member of the Writers of the Future family.” Powers’s own literary journey began with the publication of his first two novels in 1976. His works, including the award-winning The Anubis Gates and Last Call, are celebrated for their masterful blend of historical richness with the thrilling heart of fantasy. His distinctive voice in speculative fiction has earned him three World Fantasy Awards, among other accolades.

Goodwin added, “Since Powers’s initial role as a guest instructor at the first official Writers of the Future workshop in Sag Harbor in 1987, and his appointment as a Contest Judge in 1993, he has been an integral part of this community. Known for his wit and deep compassion, he has mentored countless aspiring writers, often enriching their experience with tales of little-known Hollywood history during workshop breaks. Powers’s unwavering commitment to the craft, his role in finding and nurturing new talent, and his genuine friendship embody the spirit of this award.” Powers’s Lifetime Award was presented by Contest Director Joni Labaqui, who said, “Our contests promote the arts, welcoming diversity, ethnicity, creativity, and equality, with no age limits, and blind judging. All are welcome to enter.

Upon receiving his Lifetime Achievement Award, Tim Powers said, “I’m truly very grateful for this award—after 50 years of writing all sorts of fiction, it’s reassuring to have my stories recognized. I’m very proud to have been involved with Writers of the Future since the first Workshop I co-taught with Algis Budrys and Orson Scott Card in 1987. I love the continuity of it—judges and winners alike, we’re all equally explorers. Thank you all again!”

During the Red Carpet Arrivals event at the Gala held on Thursday, April 10th, a Certificate of Recognition to Writers of the Future was presented to John and Emily Goodwin from Valerie Fong, Communications Deputy for The City of Los Angeles’s District 2 Councilmember Adrin Narzarian.

There were two event Keynote Speakers. The first was, Ron Clements, a renowned storyteller and filmmaker from the Walt Disney Animation Studios, where he has written and directed beloved classic movies like The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, The Princess and the Frog, and the Academy Award-nominated Moana, to name a few. The second Keynote Speaker was Dr. Sian “Leo” Proctor, the first African-American all-civilian commercial astronaut and pilot of Inspiration4’s SpaceX Crew Dragon space capsule, which launched on September 15, 2021.

During Clements’s address, he said, “In my old age, I can see more clearly now how the future isn’t just something that happens, it’s something you create. And the ripples from those creations go on and on—who knows how far? Maybe to infinity … and beyond. In the words of L. Ron Hubbard, ‘a culture is as rich and as capable of surviving as it has imaginative artists.’ Artists like the ones we are celebrating tonight. So good luck, and may all your dreams come true!”

During Proctor’s address, she said, “I am so honored to stand before a room filled with storytellers, illustrators, dream-weavers, and visionaries. You are not just creators—you are the architects of imagination. You are the propulsion system that launches us into worlds unknown. And tonight, we celebrate your voices, your visions, and your power to shape the future. Use Your Space to Inspire. And by space, I mean your unique perspective—your lived experience, your identity, your voice. I say this as an artist, a poet, and a scientist. As someone who became the first Black woman to pilot a spaceship, but more importantly, as the first artist selected to go to space. I know that when you bring your authentic self to the mission, you don’t just go to space—you expand beyond it to a new perspective. And that’s what you do when you write, when you illustrate, when you create. You expand the universe and make the impossible feel possible. I can’t wait to see the worlds you’ll build, the minds you’ll spark, and the future you’ll make real. Because the future belongs to those who dare to imagine it, so go out into the world and let your EarthLight shine!”

This year’s event, an invitation-only function, was streamed live via the website, www.writersofthefuture.com, from 7:00–10:00 p.m. PDT on Thursday evening, April 10, 2025. Goodwin added: “According to United Public Radio Network, this year’s awards show was seen by 366,488 viewers on Roku and Amazon and was heard by 1,701,423 listeners via the livestream broadcast.”

Writer’s Contest Coordinating Judge, Jody Lynn Nye, and Dr. Sian “Leo” Proctor, announced writer Randyn C. J. Bartholomew as the 2025 Golden Pen Award winner, presenting him a trophy and check for $5,000, for his story, “Ascii,” which was illustrated by Tremani Sutcliffe.

Coordinating Illustrator Contest Judge Echo Chernik and Ron Clements announced illustrator Jordan Smajstrla as the 2025 Golden Brush Award winner, presenting him a trophy and a check for $5,000. Jordan Smjstrla illustrated writer Robert F. Lowell’s story, “Kill Switch.”

The awards show was held in the Grand Ballroom of the Taglyan Cultural Complex nestled in the heart of Hollywood. Catered by Divine Food, the Gala began with tray-passed Hors D’oeuvres and Cocktails, followed by a delectable three-course meal including Filet Mignon and Salmon. The Awards Show was followed by a Book Signing and Reception in the plush Foyer of the Taglyan Cultural Complex. Magician Naathan Phan, a star of The CW’s “Masters of Illusion,” entertained guests.

The 12 Quarterly 2025 Writer Winners who were presented with trophies and cash prizes included: Sandra Skalski of Mullica, NJ; Jefferson Snow of Eagle Mountain, UT; Barlow Crassmont of Tieling, China; Randyn C. J. Bartholomew of Brooklyn, NY and Washington, D.C.; Lauren McGuire of Senoia, GA; Seth Atwater Jr. of Pierce City, MO; T. R. Naus of Alexandria, VA; Ian Keith of Mesa, AZ; Joel C. Scoberg of Swansea, Wales, United Kingdom; Patrick MacPhee of Binbrook, Ontario, Canada; Andrew Jackson of Leatherhead, Surrey, United Kingdom; and Robert F. Lowell of Marina, CA.

The 11 Quarterly Illustrator Winners who were presented with trophies and cash prizes included: Haileigh Enriguez of Rosemead, CA; CL Fors of Lancaster, CA; Daniel Montifar of Sarasota, FL by way of Cypress, TX; David Hoffrichter of Broomall, PA; Tremani Sutcliffe of Washington, UT; John Barlow of Minneapolis, MN; HeatherAnne Lee of Savannah, GA; Breanda Petsch of Englewood, CO; Cam Collins of Chicago, IL (Quarter Four Winner); Marianna Mester of Budapest, Hungary; and Jordan Smajstrla of Boerne, TX.

Celebrities and VIPS in attendance at the event included: Marisol Nichols (Awards Presenter), Jim Meskimen (Award Presenter), Timothy Woodward Jr., Brian Vibberts, Gay Blackstone, Gilbert Smith, Brad Thomas, Alfa Karina Arrué, Jorge Hercules, Taylor Meskimen, Mary Jane Popp, Natalie Burn, Jeff Rector, Tyrone DuBose, Valerie Fang, Darci Stone, Eric James Stone, Kary English, Martin Shoemaker, Leah Ning, Lezli Robyn, Olivia Li, and Evans Lam.

Distinguished and renowned Writer Contest Judges in attendance included: Kevin J. Anderson, Orson Scott Card, Nina Kiriki Hoffman, Nancy Kress, Katherine Kurtz, Mark Leslie Lefebvre, Todd McCaffrey, Rebecca Moesta, Larry Niven, Jody Lynn Nye, Dr. Nnedi Okorafor, Timothy Thomas “Tim” Powers, Dr. Robert J. Sawyer, and S.M. Stirling.

Other Distinguished Writer Judges who were not able to be in attendance include: Dr. Doug Beason, Dr. Gregory Benford, Brian Herbert, Hugh Howey, Dr. Nnedi Okorafor, Kristine Katherine Rusch, Brandon Sanderson, Robert Silverberg, and Dr. Sean Williams.

Distinguished and renowned Illustrator Contest Judges in attendance included: Echo Chernik, Lazarus Chernik, Craig Elliott, Dr. Laura Freas Beraha, Brian C. Hailes, Brittany “Bea” Jackson, Rob Prior, and Tom Woods.

Other Distinguished Illustrator Judges who were not able to be in attendance include: Ciruelo, Vincent Di Fate, Diane Dillon, Bob Eggleton, Larry Elmore, Val Lakey Lindahn, Stephan Martiniere, Mike Perkins, Sergey Poyarkov, Irvin Rodriguez, Dan dos Santos, Shaun Tan, and Stephen Youll.

About The Contests

Following the 1982 release of his internationally acclaimed bestselling Science Fiction novel, Battlefield Earth, written in celebration of 50 years as a professional writer, L. Ron Hubbard created the Writers of the Future Contest (www.writersofthefuture.com) in 1983 to provide a means for aspiring writers of speculative fiction to get that much-needed break. Due to the success of the Writing Contest, the companion Illustrators of the Future Contest was created in 1988.

The annual Contests draw entrants from around the globe and are free to enter. Winners retain full rights to their work, and each is given cash awards. Grand Prize Winners receive an additional $5,000. The Contest flies out all winners to Los Angeles for an expense-paid, weeklong workshop given by Contest judges and culminates in a Black-Tie Gala Awards event.

The 571 winners and published finalists of the Writing Contest have published over 8,000 novels and short stories, and their works have over 60 million copies.

The 406 past winners of the Illustrating Contest have created art for over 700 books, 500 comics, and 130 major motion pictures, gaming feature films, television shows, and documentaries.

The Writers of the Future Award is the genre’s most prestigious award of its kind and has now become the largest, most successful, and demonstrably most influential vehicle for budding creative talent in the world of speculative fiction. Since its inception, the Writers and Illustrators of the Future contests have produced 41 anthology volumes (with this event) and awarded upwards of $1 million in cash prizes and royalties. For more information, please visit www.writersofthefuture.com and www.galaxypress.com

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