L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future Volume 38

by L. Ron Hubbard, J.A. Becker, Michael Panter

For almost four decades, L. Ron Hubbard’s Writers and Illustrators of the Future Contests have discovered and nurtured the new stars of science fiction and fantasy, publishing their works and artwork in the annual anthology. Presenting 25 Award-winning Authors and Illustrators. Brilliant new worlds. Captivating new ideas. Powerful new stories of action, adventure, and fantasy

Just imagine…It’s game on, the fate of the universe is on the line, and you’re about to go all in. Saving the mammoths is in your hands, can you conjure the magic to make it happen? You’ve got a monster BFF, whom you’re hiding from your own monster-hunting family. You’re part of a sting, out to catch some bar hoppers who are not only bending their elbows, but bending time as well. And much more!

Think you’ve seen it all? Think again. Prepare for alien contact. Explore the darkest alleyways of urban fantasy. Rise to the dizzying heights of magical realism. These award-winning writers provide a diverse array of stories that will transport you and reshape your reality. Plus 3 Bonus Short Stories by David Farland • Frank Herbert • L. Ron Hubbard

Contents:
* Introduction by David Farland
* The Illustrators of the Future Contest and the Importance of Art Direction by Echo Chernik
* Art Gallery
* Agatha’s Monster, by Azure Arther; Illustrated by Zaine Lodhi
* The Magic Book of Accidental City Destruction: A Book Wizard’s Guide by Z. T. Bright; Illustrated by Ari Zaritsky
* The Squid Is My Brother by Mike Jack Stoumbos; Illustrated by Natalia Salvador
* Gallows by Desmond Astaire; Illustrated by Nick Jizba
* Boos and Taboos by L. Ron Hubbard
* The Professor Was a Thief by L. Ron Hubbard; Illustrated by Michael Talbot
* Lilt of a Lark by Michael Panter; Illustrated by Brett Stump
* The Mystical Farrago by N. V. Haskell; Illustrated by Annalee Wu
* Tsuu, Tsuu, Kasva Suuremasse by Rebecca E. Treasure; Illustrated by Natalia Salvador
* The Single Most Important Piece of Advice by Frank Herbert
* The Daddy Box by Frank Herbert; Illustrated by André Mata
* Teamwork: Getting the Best out of Two Writers by Brian Herbert & Kevin J. Anderson
* The Island on the Lake by John Coming; Illustrated by Majid Saberinejad
* The Phantom Carnival by M. Elizabeth Ticknor; Illustrated by Xiaomeng Zhang
* The Last Dying Season by Brittany Rainsdon; Illustrated by Jerome Tieh
* The Third Artist by Diane Dillon
* A Word of Power by David Farland , Inspired by Bob Eggleton’s The Mammoth Leaders
* The Greater Good by Em Dupre; Illustrated by Jim Zaccaria
* For the Federation by J. A. Becker; Illustrated by Arthur M. Doweyko
* Psychic Poker by Lazarus Black; Illustrated by Tenzin Rangdol
* The Year in the Contests

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Genres: Fantasy, Science Fiction, Short Stories, Anthologies, Fiction, Science Fiction Fantasy, Speculative Fiction

496 pages, Paperback

Published June 28, 2022

About the author

L. Ron Hubbard is universally acclaimed as the single most influential author and humanitarian of this modern age. His definitive works on the mind and spirit—comprising over 350 million copies in circulation and more than 40 international bestsellers—have resulted in a legacy benefiting millions and a movement spanning all cultures.

Reviews

[Tim Emery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Guilt, responsibility and love are perhaps the emotions figuring most prominently in V38’s fine short story mix of speculative short stories. Typical of the Dave Farland edited editions of WotF I’ve read, each story ends on a note of optimism, hope or friendship. It saddens me that DF’s introduction begins Dave Farland was…
The Island on the Lake was my favourite. It’s a story which draws the reader in with gentle hooks – what’s the secret? the responsibility? what can be seen in the pool? who is the caretaker lady? As the protagonist grows older, so the hooks grow sinister, sharper and won’t let go – what will he see in seasons other than summer? why can’t he visit in winter? what does dad write in his journal? And the tension between father and son rises. The island satisfies Frank Herbert’s single most important piece of advice – it keeps the reader following the narrative. Even though this story will stick with me, I’ll re-read it many times. It also had my favourite piece of art.
The stakes are high in the Last Dying Season. This is a story with great concepts, a plot with surprise twists, and a protagonist with emotions that readers can’t help but share. What’s not to love? On a dying planet, the indigenous species have been suppressed and enslaved. Humanity has a lot to answer for, but instead develops ways to avoid suffering suffer guilt. The human settlers can abandon their home but cannot take 200 children with them. Can the protagonist find a solution to save both, and what will it cost?
In The Phantoms Carnival, Liz captures some of the despair of people riding boxcars in an economic depression, and a lot more of the fight to stay out of the hands of carnies. I’d like to have learnt more about the carnival and for a couple of things to be more difficult for the protag. However, Al’s determination and, finally, her sacrifice for a friend makes for an engrossing tale with a good climax and a satisfying denouement.
In Azure’s imaginatively-realised world of Agatha’s Monster, I get the impression Normies are against Mages but for their reliance on them to destroy monsters; monsters who develop from traumas and feed on fear. Agatha comes from the top monster-killing family where her apparent lack of magical talent adds to the household tension. The reader is let in one of Agatha’s secrets from the start. The more painful secret – of her twin’s death - is left to a well-built climax. This is a nicely-written story developed around a great idea.
Clever and slick writing make Psychic Poker a smooth easy read while unpredictable but believable events make for an entertaining and hugely enjoyable story. Shame it was so short.
Set in a school on Earth, The Squid is My Brother is about a boy who has only lived on Neptune Station and depends on a squid-like symbiote. He stands out and is picked on by kids and adults. Squid is a tale of stoicism in the face of adversity. It is an easy and interesting read, one that illustrates the variety of story types and styles than win WotF. For me, the parasite symbiote variation in Vol 32. - ‘A Glamour in Black’, has more emotion and twist - yet finished 3rd. I’ll have to read the WotF course transcripts to work out why the judges liked this one more.
The Greater Good squeezes a lot into a short story – perhaps a little too much in places. An alien counsellor helps humans on a voyage that’s already taken 38 years by ‘eating their sins’. The ‘cure’ leaves its own damage and inevitably the dark side of humanity proves too complex.
J.A. wrote that he likes to give the readers a thrilling ride. In For the Federation, he does that with his protagonist fighting anyone and doing anything to save her son. A supreme soldier, already revered at military college gets raised to an unbelievable level of power.
N.V.’s Mystical Farrago centres on the rescue of an exotic creature from something akin to a circus. The crysallix is a well-conceived creature - ¬ an avian equivalent to a mermaid that attracts by pheromone rather than song. As the story develops, so the Lieutenant’s secret emerges. Perhaps I missed it despite multiple reads, but I would have liked to have known the protagonist by something more than Lieutenant/boss/sir and I would have liked Judeth’s death to be more than a mystery. Nevertheless, a very enjoyable read.
Gallows has the twists and turns a reader expects in a time travel story. Desmond successfully captures the feel of a venture involving an FBI agent who had lost his partner with his ‘dead man walking’ protagonist.
A clever tale around magic books and ‘guided’ information. Though set in a land where travel is by donkey, Book Wizard’s Guide parallels aspects of current times nicely. I love the concept of a book wizard and of books having a character of their own.
Michael sets the tone to ‘Lilt of a Lark’ with the way he humorously introduces words used in his world, (I can see myself using raggle) and that no one knows the difference between a cannotina and a lute. With a wytch, an evil count and a musician with magic songs, Lark is a light-hearted fantasy venture with unexpected twists.
Tsuu, Tsuu… has a great opening. The setting of a Napoleonic war in a Russian winter is one I haven’t seen in WotF before and works really well. The atmosphere of a ravaged post-battle countryside feeds in throughout. Rebecca also captures the harsh reality of women attached to/following the troops. I remained on the side of Emily, the protagonist - even after she wills vengeance on the French soldier. A number of lines in this story grabbed me while ‘vaeloom’ and other Russian words add to the spice of the story. Good writing.
As every year, V38 provides valuable articles and wonderful stories by famous authors. I’m glad Dave Farland wrote a new short story to go with the cover art (though Frank Herbert’s ferosslk’s story is my favourite.)

[Cat Girczyc · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review for Writers of the Future #38
I was pleased to be an ARC reader for WOTF #38. This is the last volume to be edited by Dave Wolverton, who sadly passed away this year. Fortunately, they have also included his last short story, "A Word of Power," an uplifting and sweet flash fiction story accompanied by the cover artist Bob Eggleton fantastic image of mastodons and space ships.

As usual with the Writers of the Future anthologies, an impressive and scintillating breadth of story, illustration, and great advice is offered.

From the intricate gambler story of Lazarus Black to the sweet, hopeful flash fiction of Dave Wolverton, these stories never disappoint.

There are beautiful illustrations for each story, which I love to see. They enrich my understanding of the stories. In addition, there are advice articles from both illustration and writing points of view. The articles are full of great advice for both writers and illustrators.

"Agatha's Monster" by Azure Arther is a deep family story with depth about confronting your own monster.

"The Magic Book of Accidental City Instruction: A Book Wizards Guide" by Z. T. Bright is a metaphorical and insightful fantasy romp illustrating the consequences of certain types of knowledge.

I particularly enjoyed "The Squid Is My Brother" by Mike Jack Stoumbos. This was a spacefaring civilization's classroom drama that hit home and addressed significant issues of inclusion and bullying.

The story "Gallows" by Desmond Astaire is a fascinating portal-in-time concept with an exciting time-traveling lead character and a complex plot.

I enjoyed the article "Booze and Taboos by L. Ron Hubbard, originally written in 1936. There were several salient points regarding writing short stories that still apply today.

"The Professor Was a Thief" by L. Ron Hubbard (1940) was a rollicking newspaperman story that features a unique take on 'downsizing.'

"Lilt of a Lark" by Michael Pantere featured a unique fantasy setting with a satisfying turnabout in the plot. I admired the concept of the Larks and the other avian fantasy powers.

"The Mystical Farrago" by N. V. Haskell is an engaging tale of two species who inhabit and interbreed the same world and care for each other despite those who seek to enslave one of the species.

"Tsuu, Tsuu, Kasva Suuremasse" by Rebecca E. Treasure is a moving Napoleanic era fantasy set in old Russia. It is a profoundly engaging piece about true love.

"The Single Most Important Piece of Advice" by Frank Herbert (1986) still provides excellent notes to authors. He says to concentrate on the story, and always help others. I particularly loved the quote, "the more good writers there are, the more good readers there will be."

"The Daddy Box" by Frank Herbert is a great story about a special box that can affect behavior and character.

"Teamwork: getting the best out of two writers" by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson is a fascinating deep dive into these world-class collaborators and their work.

"The Island on the Lake" by John Coming is a Stephen King type of modern horror fantasy that felt very real.

"The Phantom Carnival" by M. Elizabeth Tichnor is very evocative of the dirty 30s when riding the rails could lead to dark outcomes.

"The Last Dying Season" by Brittany Rainsdon is a moving reexamination of colonization and what it means to inhabit a new world. This was a surprising and evocative story.

I was particularly interested in the article "The Third Artist" by Diane Dillon, who explained her early career and how she collaborated with Leo Dillon, her partner. I still treasure a print by Leo and Diane Dillon, which was also the cover of the ConText '89 Convention book (Edmonton, AB). It takes pride of place above my working desk.

"A Word of Power" by Dave Wolverton is gritty but has a kindly and uplifting point of view. It ends with a worthy quote: “To the stars, my friends. Lay down your weapons and come.”

"The Greater Good" by Em Dupre is a fascinating spacefaring psychologist turned detective yarn. It posits what could happen if a civilization meddles too much with human behavior and guilt.

"For the Federation" by J.A. Becker is a story of death and rebirth on an alien planet. This is an action story that keeps you guessing until the end.

"Psychic Poker" by Lazarus Black is a remarkable modern gambler story with a very clever twist ending that kept me wanting more.

All in all, another excellent anthology by Writers of the Future.

[Udy Kumra · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/3/23: 4 stars. Very good collection of stories from new writers. A handful even made me cry, which surprised me. I really enjoyed the depth of worldbuilding on display in all of these. I'm definitely going to read more WotF anthologies in the future.

[Meagan Shelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was honored to be an ARC reader in this release, and I don’t exaggerate when I say this is my favorite WotF collection in the past five years. There’s a little something for everyone, from satirical fiction to hard sci-fi. I’m particularly blown away by the art collection this year, which pairs nicely with each story’s flavor and genre.

While I certainly don’t want to spoil anything about individual stories, I’d love to highlight the strengths of each (in my very humble opinion):

• Agatha’s Monster tackles childhood experiences in a really unique way. The dialogue is quick, efficient, and natural sounding; a rare feat in sci-fi.
• The Magic Book of Accidental City Destruction is very accessible, and a great read for folks who prefer high fantasy undertones. I liked the B-plot with familial undertones.
• The Squid is My Brother is in my top ten for the anthology. I really loved the first-person approach – and the twist ending!
• Gallows combines a complex storyline with a very relatable setting. Great for Looper fans!
• The Professor Was a Thief is fast-paced, direct, and oh-so engaging. I loved the witty dialog.
• Lilt of a Lark combines high fantasy with a plot that takes its time. I enjoyed this piece more than I thought I would!
• The Mystical Farrago expertly depicts five sense storytelling. This is one in my top three!
• Tsuu, Tsuu, Kasva Suuremasse is absolutely the best piece in this collection. Powerful writing, expert craftsmanship. A joy to read.
• The Daddy Box is fun, heartwarming, and just a smidge coming-of-age. Great for a gentle read while hopping on a restrained emotional rollercoaster.
• The Island on the Lake starts with a memoir and ends with a question. I really enjoyed the first-person storytelling with real-world elements.
• The Phantom Carnival is very straightforward and perfect for a casual read. The supernatural meets light sci-fi in a comfortable fashion.
• The Last Dying Season allows readers to explore an incredibly colorful world. This is hard sci-fi you don’t want to miss!
• A World of Power is a touching tribute to David Farland. A must-read.
• The Greater Good accomplishes some great world building in a pretty limited amount of time. I really respect the work put into it.
• The Federations takes a melancholy approach to storytelling – and a melancholy approach to wrapping up. It’s the perfect balance of moody and introspective.
• Psychic Poker offers thematic dialogue that you can really get into! And the cyclical ending is lovely as well.

Just as a side note: I’ve found it best not to consume too many stories at once. Each is best saved for a separate day (and a lovely cup of tea to boot).

If you like sci-fi of irrespective breeding, you’ll find something to love in Volume 38. I hope you have as much fun as I did reading through each piece!

[Myra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Almost every year I read this collection, and there are always a few stories I really like, a few more I enjoy, and the rest I can appreciate what about that story got it placed in the contest. This year, I've enjoyed almost every single story. The one I didn't enjoy was because it was super depressing.

Here's a list of my favorites and a tinsy bit about them.

Favorites:
Agatha’s Monster - traumas manifest as monsters and can be slain - creepy! I'd love to learn more about this world
The Squid is My Brother - alien symbiotic - loved the setting, the story, and the way it was told
Professor is a Thief (Hubbard) - a better way to transport mass - fun
Lilt of a Lark - music has magic, and this bard sees himself as a hero - kind of confusing at first but a fun adventure
The Daddy Box (Herbert) - kid finds alien artifact - fun
The Island on the Lake - it's their family's responsibility to come to the island and see what's shown in the pool - creepy. I liked it but didn’t feel like it resolved
The Phantom Carnival - creatures kidnap children to eat their memories - kind of sad but well done
The Last Dying Season - humanity tries to survive on a dying alien planet - the coolest
The Greater Good - in a long term space voyage, they have a method of getting rid of bad memories (like a digital confessional) - cool, very interesting
For the Federation - bodyguard and politician try to protect their child on a hostile planet - bittersweet I guess
Psychic Poker - a psychic is invited to a poker tournament with other psychics - fun

Lesser favorites:
Magic Book of Accidental City Destruction - the book that can tell you anything (aka google) causes the city to destroy itself - not sure I followed the logic on that but I enjoyed reading it
Gallows - time traveling tourists - fun but confusing as most time travel stories are
The Mystical Farrago - humanoid creature captured for a carnival - nice story, I liked how well the creatures were fleshed out in the short amount of space

The anthology also includes some articles on writing and illustration. These are usually worth the read for developing your skill, and sometimes just because they are interesting. I'm not an illustrator but I really enjoyed the essay The Third Artist.

I definitely recommend this collection for any fantasy or sci-fi fan!

(Read as an epub on an iPad. It's nicely formatted.)

[Ayezu Tamarapreye Okoko · Rating 4 out of 5]

BOOK:-L.RON HUBBARD PRESENTS WRITERS OF THE FUTURE,VOLUME 38 WITH 25 AWARD WINNING AUTHORS AND ILLUSTRATORS,BONUS STORIES PLUS ART AND WRITTING TIPS BY FRANK HERBERT;BRIAN HERBERT;KEVIN J ANDERSON AND DIANE DILLON.EDITED BY DAVID FARLAND.
BOOK REVIEWER:OKOKO AYEZU TAMARAPREYE
GENERAL SYNOPSIS:-
A compilation of illustrations and stories submitted for the 38th Writers and Illustrators of the future contest.The book has its introduction written by David FARLAND giving writing tips and advice on writing style and collaboration.Also in the book are contest rules ;purpose of the anthology and a list of previous winners.The stories in the book touch on the themes of love ;sacrifice;winning;games; competition; marriage; divorce ; prescriptive medication amongst others.
INTRODUCTION:
SYNOPSIS:
The contest for writers is to promote the writing of speculative fiction while that for Illustrators is for art direction and preparation of winners for the business of illustration and successful career in art.

STORY ONE:-
AGATHA'S MONSTER WRITTEN BY AZURE ARTHER AND ILLUSTRATED BY ZAINE LODHI
SYNOPSIS:
A story of Agatha a hunter who keeps a monster while her family kills monsters and her feeling the monster is harmless while her family think differently.The story uses flashback and allegory and we see an Agatha who feeds her monster and a Janice who doesn't.His proving his parents wrong on hunting and taking down the Titan
LESSONS LEARNT
@Wild life preservation should be done by the skilled and not a little boy as Agatha and wildlife shouldn't be kept unattended in residential environment.
APPLICATION OF LESSONS:-
To have a safe place of preservation for wildlife such as a zoo where they don't harm others for human and animal rights protection
STORY TWO:- THE MAGIC BOOK OF ACCIDENTAL CITY DESTRUCTION.A BOOK WIZARDS GUIDE BY Z.T.BRIGHT AND ILLUSTRATED BY ARO ZAKITSKY:
SYNOPSIS:
A story of Kadin and his younger brother Azzam being watched by the book wizard.The story tells of a book of truth offered to the boys as a powerful tool
LESSONS LEARNT FROM THE STORY:
🤸 Children don't buy books,adults buy for them
🤸Never give anything away for free.
🤸 Sometimes all you want in the world is to have good relationship with the one you love but events outside of your control conspire to make that move difficult or impossible as seen of the boys
🤸We learn putting the greater good above one's self from the book wizard and his words.
APPLICATION OF LESSONS LEARNT
:Oral contract is learnt from the book wizard rules on giving out the book stating there must be no exchange or return ever.
STORY THREE: THE SQUID IS MY BROTHER BY MIKE JACK STOUMBOS AND ILLUSTRATED BY NATALIA SALUADOR.
SYNOPSIS:-
A story where we see Michaela Kessler an ambassador of Neptune station try to convince the teacher and kids to accept his brother the Squid amongst them as he won't listen to their urging to put him away at school.The story also looks at letter writing and diary keeping .
🏌️We learn communication in Michaela actions concerning the Squid ,her letter to her mum and her diary
🏌️ Michaela also teaches the kids and teaches to respect the vulnerable by her actions
ÀPPLICATION OF LESSONS LEARNT
From Michaela we learn that when we communicate our reservations either by writing or body language ,people tend to get to adjust to same as opposed to when we don't.Readers can learn and apply communication from the story.
STORY FOUR:-GALLOWS BY DESMOND ASTAIRE AND ILLUSTRATED BY NICK JIZBA
SYNOPSIS:-
A story set in US of David Emzmane pronounced dead and coopted into the FBI.The story discusses team work and the essence and requirement of Court Orders.
LESSONS LEARNT FROM THE STORY READ:-
🤸Good team work is learnt on David speaking of Adam and how their department heads saw the dynamic chemistry and consistent results ,thus pairing them up frequently.
🤸Need for preflight medication for those with fear of air travel.
🤸The requirement of Court Order to allow them remove surgically the implant beacons technology located in their temples shows that certain acts can only be carried after a court order is obtained.
APPLICATION OF LESSONS LEARNT FROM THE STORY
One can seek a court order as required by law just as the FISA court order in various circumstances where requires.
STORY FIVE:-BOOS AND TABOOS BY L.RON HUBBARD.
This piece of writing explores writing and why writers and editors sell their story breaking all taboos.The writer lists some of the taboos of writing such as sticking to a certain lenght;specific type of hero or heroin;amongst others.
LESSONS LEARNT FROM THE STORY
🔥Breaking these taboos we are told the writer gives the market all they want plus all he wants in his story.
APPLICATION OF LESSONS LEARNT
The writers life lessons from there experience and application of the tricks tells how workable they are in winning an award.
SIXTH STORY:-THE PROFESSOR WAS A THIEF BY L.RON HUBBARD AND ILLUSTRATED BY MICHAEL TALBOT
SYNOPSIS:
A story on Pop and his interview with Hannibal Pertwee who had a love for artifacts and his discovery of the responsibility of Hannibal for the missing high profile buildings and locations in the city which was carried out by the man Hannibal interfering with his cigarette case on his visit to his place.The story looks at concepts such as trespass; journalism; investigative journalism and verifying facts before reporting and photo journalism.
LESSONS LEARNT FROM THE STORY READ
🏌️We learn from Pop going to inspect for himself where the Grand Central station and Empire State building had been ,the need for proper investigation and veracity before reporting.
APPLICATION OF LESSONS LEARNT FROM THE STORY:
Today's journalist and media person's can apply the lesson of verification of information before reporting for a saner society and to avoid legal battles;scuffles and litigation.
STORY SEVEN:-LILT OF A LARK WRITTEN BY MICHAEL PANTER AND ILLUSTRATED BY BRETT STUMP.
SYNOPSIS:-
A story about Malk and Reezell and his journey North and return to the heartland.It is a musical story of love and Malks ode to the lady Reezell as he sings as the song bird her praise.There is the use of Allergory , Symbolism and other devices to tell this story as the Cannotina is used to describe a musical instrument at some point and in another to describe a lady..
LESSONS LEARNT FROM THE STORY
Mall strumming a note on the Cannotina to give him something else to listen to when the drums began to roll somewhere beyond the knot connotes abstinence and sexual purity.
APPLICATION OF LESSONS LEARNT
That abstinence is best protection against unwanted sexual urges
STORY EIGHT:-THE MYSTICAL FARRAGO WRITTEN BY N.V.HASKELL AND ILLUSTRATED BY ANNALEE WU
SYNOPSIS:-
A story of late Judith(Judeth) and the Lieutenant exploring the concept of Farrago which occurs through out the story.We see the farrago of the crysallix staying with someone they loath amongst others.
LESSONS LEARNT FROM THE STORY:-
🏌️Some live in that state of confusion and farragoes.
APPLICATION OF LESSONS LEARNT FROM THE STORY
It is a choice to live in farragoes even though sometimes it's done out of being in a dilemma.
STORY NINE:-TSUU, TSUU, KASUA SUURE MASSE WRITTEN BY REBECCA E TREASURE AND ILLUSTRATED BY NATALIA SALVADOR
SYNOPSIS:-
A story on war and Emily's lullaby and how war leads to death of soldiers;rape amongst others .It is Emily's story of her thoughts of escape from Russia and living death which has claimed her son's life and her relationship with her son's woman Marie.The story questions custody of a child born on war as we see Emily and Marie struggle over who keeps Martin's son with Emily saying she had kept their son alive and deserves to keep the child.
LESSONS LEARNT FROM THE STORY
🏌️The need for a law on custody in cases of war just as in cases of divorce.
APPLICATION OF LESSONS LEARNT FROM THE STORY
Maybe this should be discussed by law makers of the countries of the world .
STORY TEN:-THE SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT PIECE OF ADVICE BY FRANK HERBERT
Here the writer gives advice for writing to keep the writing narrative.
LESSONS LEARNT FROM THE STORY:-
🔥Concentrate on the quality that keeps the reader following the narrative: concentrate on the story.
🔥 Remember how you learned as a new comer and writer and when your turn comes , teach.
APPLICATION OF LESSONS LEARNT FROM THE STORY
The author putting this advice in writing is in itself teaching and it will profit other writers who read.

STORY ELEVEN:THE DADDY BOX BY FRANK HEBBERT AND ILLUSTRATED BY AMDRE MATA.
SYNOPSIS:-
A story on Herbert Alexander and the boy Billy whose daddy killed in a war years back also had the name Herbert Alexander.The story speaks of Billy's discovery of a box called the daddy's box in the neighborhood which could only be open by the young and from which emerges his real daddy
LESSONS LEARNT FROM THE STORY READ:-
🏌️That certain instructions are prescriptive and applicable and answerable to particular individuals just as we see of Billy and the daddy box.
APPLICATION OF LESSONS LEARNT FROM THE STORY
To follow and adhere to your own designated instructions for success in life.
STORY TWELVE:- TEAMWORK:GETTING THE BEST OUT OF TWO WRITERS BY BRIAN HERBERT AND KEVIN J ANDERSON.
This piece discusses teamwork and reasons for collaboration by authors which could be for heavy lifting!for expertise!;to build knowledge and status as a writer; collaborate to learn from your peers; exchange ideas and testing techniques; and collaborating because you enjoy it .It also gives advice on managing conflict on collaboration.
️ LESSONS LEARNT FROM THE STORY READ
🏌️Conflicts will definitely arise from collaboration just like any other human relationship but the benefit is In managing such conflict.
APPLICATION OF LESSONS LEARNT FROM THE STORY
Am instance is where an organization that promotes speculative writing tends to collaborate with the courts which is against speculation managing this will mean restricting speculation to mean profit making while leaving out guess work.
STORY THIRTEEN:-THE ISLAND ON THE LAKE WRITTEN BY JOHN COMING AND ILLUSTRATED BY MAJID SEBERINE JAD.
A story about Jim and his visit to the lake first with his father and then alone in different seasons of the year to see the pool wherein in spring is showed what hasn't happened yet; onat winter,seeing the past and why things were; and seeing the past at autumn.
LESSONS LEARNT FROM THE STORY READ:
🏌️We learn of visions and revelations as seen in the author/narrator ,Jim filling the pages of the leather bound journal.
APPLY OF LESSONS LEARNT FROM THE STORY
Visions and Revelations are to guide society and if properly applied will bring profiting..
STORY FOURTEEN:-THE PHANTOM CARNIVAL BY M ELIZABETH TICKNOR AMD ILLUSTRATED BY XIAOM ENG ZHANG
A story about the girl Alice who pretends to be a boy on the road by answering the name Al.There is also in the story a character named Danny as the writer writes on memories ,the reversal and recovery of same.We see Danny's capture and his been freed by Al with Danny losing his memory and Al losing so much also
The story uses Allegory even as we see the reference by the grifter that " Danny is home" when Al says he wants to take him home and the reference to "Al not being able to find home again ,of he wanted to"
LESSONS LEARNT FROM THE STORY READ
🤸Al's inability to find home of he wanted to is a lesson on gender transplant or change ,the need to be ready for it and the transformation it brings while the word home is used for the female reproductive organ.
APPLICATION OF LESSONS LEARNT:-
Embarking on gender change a lady will be ready to give up right to conceive as she may no longer have that.
STORY FIFTEEN:THE LAST DYING SEASON BY BRITTANY RAINSDON AND ILLUSTRATED BY JEROME TIEH.
SYNOPSIS:-
A story on plants and genetics;murder; hostage taking and forgiveness.This story about Edrei Muller and Nadia tells of Nadia relieving her birth experience and last moments with her daughter Nadia.The story speaks of a creature threatening of the eradication of the Meet speacia and unworthy ones for Earth and stopi g temporarily life on Earth to continue with the new host and worthy ones.Also there is allegation of burning children and leaving pits which appear to be a semblance of abortion being criticised even though the author didn't State the reason for the killing or abortion as the reason is what justifies a killing such as a court sentence ;abortion to save life;e.t.c.
LESSONS LEARNT FROM THE STORY READ
🤸 Marriage is a bonding as spoken of Neet and the hearthplant

APPLICATION OFLESSONS LEARNT FROM THE STORY READ:-
The reference to Primas words of asking not to take Nadia to the Meet Temple and Edrei saying it was not an order lives one wondering even though we are not told of the existence of any law requiring that to be done by an order.
Again ,i am at a loss as to if creatures said to be taking Nadia's daughter hostage have a moral right to absolve her of the crimes for which they accuse her.Do we leave administeri h Justice in the hands of culpable people?
STORY SIXTEEN:-THE THIRD ARTIST BY DIANE DILLON
The writer tells of herself and Dillon their relationship and marriage and aspiration to be artists.It also looks at the challenges faced by them and how they overcame them.
LESSONS LEARNT FROM THE STORY READ:-
🏌️Quiting a paid job for freelancing is a tough decision which has to be weighed to avoid financial difficulty.
APPLICATION OF LESSONS LEARNT FROM THE STORY READ:-
The life of the authors and their story are life examples.
STORY SEVENTEEN:-TJE WORD OF POWER BY DAVID FARLAND AND INSPIRED BY BOD EGGLETON'S THE MAMMOTH LEADERS.
A story about Fava and people coming to her to solve there riddles and cou sel them as the felt she had the solution.The story explores the truth of her not knowing it all and the word of power she uses to maintain peace.
LESSONS LEARNT FROM THE STORY READ;-
🏌️We do not know it all as it has been said of even lawyers that "God forbid that a lawyer should know all the law"
APPLICATION OF LESSONS LEARNT FROM THE STORY READ
The lawyer is just like Fava and expected to know it all and should like Fava apply the word power in their Counsel for peace either in solution or referral

STORY EIGHTEEN:-THE GREATER GOOD BY E.M. DUPRE AND ILLUSTRATED BY JIM ZACCARIA
SYNOPSIS:-
A story told using Allergory and other devices about temptations to fornicate; technology; Murder,;DNA;cloning; suicide; recreation;games;winning;marriage; amongst others.It is a story of the temptations on the Eudoxus that attacked both the righteous and the weak not leaving out Captain Belen Kaleri especially those on possession of the apparatus nicknamed " the Redeemer" which is descriptive of the male sex organ.
LESSONS LEARNT FROM THE STORY READ:-
🏌️Divorce can be granted even when one party is not voluntary in proceeding with it as seen in Noor being required to submit to an involuntary divorce because of the tendency to assault her husband during arguments.
APPLICATION OF LESSONS LEARNT FROM THE STORY READ
When the marriage has broken down irretrievably then whether a party is not willing,a court can looking at the circumstance grant divorce.
STORY NINETEEN:-FOR THE FEDERATION WRITTEN BY J A BECKER AND ILLUSTRATED BY AUTHUR M DOWEYKO
SYNOPSIS:-
The narrator in this story soliloquies with her other self Beth as she seeks to protect her son's Sam and Craig.In the story the narrator is implored not to fail Craig, Sam and the federation even as she is said to need federation attention.The use of federation in the story seems to be an Allergory as we seem the narrator been implored to serve and do everything for the federation and that the federation depended on her.
LESSONS LEARNT FROM THE STORY READ:-
🤸Asking for help is learnt from the narrator when Sam fell sick.
🤸 Being a mother is challenging as sometimes you will feel you don't deserve the tag mother as we see of the narrator.
APPLICATION OF LESSONS LEARNT FROM THE STORY READ:-
We learn to seek help without being ashamed of doing so as we are human and this can be applied by all individuals for productivity.
STORY TWENTY:-PSYCHIC POKER BY LAZARUS BLACK AND ILLUSTRATED BY TENZIN RANGOON
SYNOPSIS:-
A story about a psychic who didn't like receiving mails named Tyson Young and his being blamed for Catherine his ex daughter enloping.It also talks about psychic poker games ;investment in stocks;friendly games; competition;winning and games;the boost that comes to reputation by winning the money;past,present and future and predicting games.
LESSONS LEARNT FROM THE STORY READ:-
🏌️The need to know the emergency number of ones environment even though you have never had an emergency.
🏌️From Tyson we learn investment in stocks to stay solvent.
APPLICATION OF LESSONS LEARNT FROM THE STORY READ
Tyson investment in stocks for solvency speaks of the benefit of such assets.
THE YEAR IN THE CONTEST:-
We are told the contest has grown with increase in entries . I wish the organizer many more years of contest with beneficial adjustments on competition rules for healthier society and competition.

[Empress of Bookingham · Rating 4 out of 5]

“And you remember the taboos, and you know that if you fail to mind those taboos, if you fail to stay walled in and blinded by those ruts, you'll go broke. And yet, if you don't jar yourself some way, then how will you climb, advance, put markets behind you and see others looming to the fore?”

Boos and Taboos, L. Ron HUBBARD, The Writers of the Future Vol. 38

~~~

There is something infusing about this volume: both the stories and illustrations are captivating, diverse, unique, quite enjoyable and some stories left me cackling or thinking deeply. One did break my heart. But am not complaining.

Volume 38 of Writers of The Future has 16 Sci-fi and fantasy short stories from the winners of the writing contest, 4 essays from the various judges on writing, collaborating with other authors and about 30 illustrations. From the greats like Brian Herbert, David Farmland and Kevin J. Anderson to Michael Panter and Rebecca E.Treasure, each had a unique, fun tale to tale.

Among my favorite stories are Lilt of A Lark, The Professor Was A Thief, The Mystical Farrago, Tsuu, Tsuu, Kasva Suuremasse and Agatha's Monster.

The short story themes ranged from freedom, effects of addictions, morality, fate, science futurism...

The essays on writing 'Boos And Taboos' by Hubbard was deeply appreciated. While the essay on collaborative teamwork by Brian Herbert and Kevin Anderson was quite insightful on how two authors work and/or can work.

Also loved reading the bios of the featured writers: seeing a short glimpse of their was motivating most having have sent out numerous works without success but eventually their hard work and luck won over.

I'd highly recommend this collection from past and future science fiction masters to not only readers but more so to aspiring writers because herein lies a goldmine of valuable information on writing and more.

Psss...these stories are hand-picked by some of your favorite authors—including Brandon Sanderson, Orson Scott Card, Nnedi Okorafor, Robert J. Sawyer, and Jody Lynn Nye.

[Ονι · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you call yourself a Sci-fi/Fantasy lover, and haven't read this yet, what are you waiting for? I honestly can't choose which was better, the stories or the absolutely magnificent illustrations!

I honestly don't know how the judges managed to well... judge since each of these stories are top notch!  I loved the world building and the pure imagination that went into each of these stories!

I do have a couple of favourites, but naming them wouldn't be fair to the others.  I really really really hope these stories would get turned into a TV series. 1 story per episode. 1 volume per season.

I can't wait to read volume 39! Here's to hoping each one of these authors will become BIG NAME writes in the sci-fi/Fantasy world!

[Anabella (anabellasbooks) · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this volume 38th, The Writers of the Future, like years of the past, present to us 16 short stories featuring well talented Sci-fi authors who were the Final Winners of this contest to and also great talented illustrators.
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Each illustrator will represent each story with an unique ability. And each illustrator going to be in the middle of the each story.
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In these short stories, you are going to find an unique, diverse and enjoyable story. All of them, have the Sci-fi and Fantasy touches in them. You will see since aliens, monsters and a lot of type of creatures, which you are going to live the story with them.
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Also, this book and these stories are for all the ages.
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If you are looking for a book with different stories itself, with diverse tropes, unique main characters and with full creativity, this could be for you.
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Thanks for giving a book copy for an honest review in exchange.

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[Romuald Dzemo · Rating 5 out of 5]

L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future Volume 38 features an SCI-FI anthology with gripping tales from Frank Herbert, Kevin J. Anderson, Brian Herbert, and many others. An anthology with works from 25 award-winning authors, this book offers imaginative tales, colorful illustrations, and more. Characters in the stories have a lot to face and missions that are challenging, from saving the universe to saving mammoths, complex relationships, characters messing with time, and a lot more. Fans of space opera, fantasy, and intriguing tales about future science will be enmeshed in this collection. It is a treasure trove both for would-be authors and readers.

[Abantika(hiltonjenkin) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Writers of the Future Volume 38 is an science-fiction anothlogy presented by L Ron Hubbard. The stories are diverse and are really a treasure. Each story stands on it’s on and has an unique style of storytelling. And not only stories, the illustrations, the advice, and other elements of the stories are as amazing.

[Lorenzo Samuel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Volume 38 contains the winners for short speculative fiction and illustration. Although 38 straight years have passed since the contest was founded, each subsequent year is better that the last. These writers are new and unpublished in major outlets. They are good, and the winners are superb. Get ready to be amazed with 12 or more outstanding tales plus several short fiction pieces by masters in the field, great illustrations and advice from masters in illustration and writing.

[Jason Bleckly · Rating 2 out of 5]

Given this is a wide ranging anthology a simple star rating isn't useful. There will be some good and some bad so I'll give a couple of sentences on each story:
Agatha's Monster by Azure Arther - I rolled my eyes, each of the dozen plus times that phrase was used. An average YA Harry Potter clone. The main character even has the scar on their head.
The Magic Book of Accidental City Destruction: A Book Wizard's Guide by Z. T. Bright - A fantasy analogue to the internet. A little heavy handed in a couple of places, stretching the comparison beyond what the setting can sustain. The larger problem is the character drama isn't connected to the analogy. It's two separate unrelated stories sharing a page. That said it was still worth reading.
The Squid Is My Brother by Mike Jack Stoumbos - Tediously predictable YA story of alien kid being bullied in an Earth school and then standing up for themselves. Written with childish prose to try and create childlike empathy. Fails in every regard. You will miss nothing by skipping it.
Gallows by Desmond Astaire - Interesting take on the time-traveling tourist idea. The writing isn't bad, but I found all the characters a bit flat and samey. There was a couple of parts I had to re-read as I couldn't tell the characters apart.
Boos and Taboos essay by L. Ron Hubbard - short essay saying to ignore writing taboos and have fun.
The Professor Was a Thief by L. Ron Hubbard - Story related to the essay. It's a fun little yarn. A little dated as it was written in 1940.
Lilt of a Lark by Michael Panter - Very good. I'm surprised it only came third. Longer than most stories in the anthology. High fantasy. World-building is complex enough for a novel, but it doesn't read like an excerpt. It's fully self-contained. I won't be surprised to see a novel from him using this universe.
The Mystical Farrago by N. V. Haskell - Very good. Low fantasy (no overt magic), but with mythical creatures. A C19th PT Barnum style traveling circus gets shut down for abuse. The story is some what pedestrian, but the characters and setting are well drawn enough to compensate and keep the tale engaging.
Tsuu, Tsuu, Kasva Suuremasse by Rebecca E. Treasure - A story has a beginning, a middle, and an end. A bad story often sags in the middle. This is the sag from the middle. It's a piece of prose, but not a story. And not really engaging. I'd recommend skipping it. You'll miss nothing.
The Single Most Important Piece of Advice essay by Frank Herbert - The single piece of advice is two. Concentrate on story and pay it forward.
The Daddy Box by Frank Herbert - child uses alien tech to murder his step father and recreate his dead dad - and this is supposed to be good.
Teamwork: Getting the Best out of Two Writers essay by Kevin J. Anderson and Brian Herbert - quick snippet on collaborative writing from two people well versed in the process.
The Island on the Lake by John Coming - Tedious to the point of putting me to sleep. I ended up skimming the endless scenery. There is no resolution to the story. The protagonist just runs away.
The Phantom Carnival by M. Elizabeth Ticknor - Contemporary urban fantasy set in the depression. Fantasy creatures riding the rails. Lots of setting, not story. The characters end where they began so y9u might as well not read the story.
The Last Dying Season by Brittany Rainsdon - Brilliant. Aliens, organic tech, uploaded personalites. This has it all and the ideas are beautifully meshed. It gets a little maudlin and predictable with the whole mother/child relationship cliche, but the rest compensates to make this the best story in the anthology.
The Third Artist essay by Diane Dillon - they may be a brilliant artist, but they can't write. A short auto-biography that is yawn worthy. It should have been written by someone with the skills to make a biography engaging.
A Word of Power by Dave Wolverton [as by David Farland - a short short. Not a surprising story, but superbly crafted as you would expect from a pro like the late Dave. 5 minutes of great reading pleasure.
The Greater Good by Em Dupre - Pretentious wank. Hundreds of words used to say nothing. All the characters are flat, lifeless and identical. Skip this one.
For the Federation by J. A. Becker - Relies on cliche mother/child bond as a substitute for a story. Not badly written but so predictable its boring. Skip it.
Psychic Poker by Lazarus Black - A psychic paradox bogged down in tedious card play. The Australianisms are mostly correct.
In conclusion, this is not a good year. Far too much pedestrian fantasy and predictable trite stories. Previous years have been much better.

[Grant Bremner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Each year I am privileged to receive an advance copy of Writers of the Future book from Galaxy Press and once again I was most impressed when volume 38 arrived with such an amazing cover. This edition contains thirteen new speculative and absorbing short stories and illustrations from award winning authors and illustrators, plus three more from classic authors of science fiction prose. There is also a short story by renowned author L. Ron Hubbard, The Professor Was a Thief, first published in 1940 which I found to be an intriguing, interesting and fascinating read. There is no doubt in my mind that this collection of science fiction, fantasy stories are simply a superb read. Each story takes the reader on a different path, sometimes humorous, sometimes scary and to be honest incredible. It just goes to show that there is a wealth of talent waiting to be discovered by means of the Writers of the Future competition which is free to enter. It was an absolute pleasure to read this volume from the first page of Agatha’s Monster through until the last page of the final story, Psychic Poker. In conclusion Writers of the Future 38 is a first class read for all aficionados of science fiction at its very best.

[Storm Humbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

As with other volumes of this anthology, this book is fantastic from start to finish. Any fan of the science fiction and fantasy genres will find "something for them" in here (and that "something" is likely to be "most things"). As an advanced reader, I had the pleasure of getting through the anthology a while ago, and I did enjoy every single story. There were, however, definitely some that have stuck with me long after finishing, and those were "The Last Dying Season," by Brittany Rainsdon, "The Squid is My Brother," by Mike Jack Stoumbos, "Tsuu, Tsuu, Kasva Suuremasse," by Rebecca E. Treasure, "Lilt of a Lark," by Michael Panter, and "Psychic Poker," by Lazarus Black. The last of these was especially enjoyable because it broke many of my personal rules about what makes good short fiction and succeeded anyway. Buy the book and give it a read. You won't be disappointed.

[Nathaniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review in exchange for an advance copy
I absolutely loved this anthology! For context, I'm just getting into anthology reading, and I found both the collection of stories and the way they were placed together to be absolutely fantastic! I felt like I was a tourist moving through several different worlds at once and I enjoyed most of them. The only critique I would give has to do with the author sections saying a little too much about the story, but that's a personal preference. I would most definitely continue with this series!

[Milt Lindner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall
I have no criticism for the overall publication. It kept my interest most of the way through, and I have detailed my feedback for every story and article below.
The Magic Book of Accidental City Destruction
This story makes its inner laws clear and holds true to them.
This story definitely brought out the difference between actual truth and what would be acceptable as truth by an individual.
The Book of Truths definitely would instill greed if sold to anyone with an immediate financial problem, and the terms of the first sale were geared to do just that. It is quite clear how that initial sale eventually would destroy the city.
The story is extremely well connected and flows smoothly with no information dumps.
The Squid Is My Brother
p.s. Male caretaker read before I sent. Advised running through grammar program to “fill in sentences.
Declined. No need for superfluous pronouns and articles when meaning is clear. Just like you taught me.
Can you get this concept across to the reader earlier in the story so that the reader does not fixate on the grammar?
That is the only criticism I have of the story. I was going to suggest that an alien be given a more thorough public relations briefing before being allowed to migrate to Earth, but as the story progressed, I sensed that was not done due to the urgency of the missions.
Gallows
The author picked a very difficult subject. Time travel is probably the only concept in sci fi that requires the reader to do a complete suspension of belief, so I tip my hat to the author for sweeping the reader along.
Boos and Taboos
This advice is so spot-on to writers that I can’t put it in different words.
The Professor Was a Thief
A very successful fantasy because it only hinted at the breaking of a taboo, as LRH discussed in the article preceding this story. It did NOT actually attempt to combine sci-fi with fantasy. The only science in it is a smattering of nomenclature.
Lilt of a Lark
A complex plot requiring at least a second reading to determine what all is going on, but well worth the effort. Never have I seen such thoroughly concealed treachery.
But be prepared to accept the author’s implied premise that personal abilities are genetically inherited.
The Mystical Farrago
The story starts out with ridiculously concocted creatures but makes up for it from there to the end – very real emotions.
I sensed a captured offspring long before it was announced, but that did not kill the story.
Tsuu, Tsuu, Kasva Suuremasse
A totally believable war story through the eyes of someone totally in the thick of it.
The Single Most Important Piece of Advice
Frank Herbert, a career writer, wrote this to fulfill what he saw as the single most important piece of advice he would give a beginning writer, and if concentrating on the story is not in fact the most important piece of advice, I don’t know what would be.
The Daddy Box
This story certainly illustrates Frank Herbert’s advice to concentrate on the story. It continually makes interesting things happen to a character with whom the reader can identify, and those things are probably what the reader wants to happen to that character – without regard to any constraints of the real world.
Teamwork: Getting the Best out of Two Writers
Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson, two established writers who have worked together frequently, break down this subject into its components:
1. The basic data:
a. A collaboration, like any relationship, requires work, compromise, and respect.
b. You must work out whichever technique works best for you.
2. Why collaborate:
a. You might need a coauthor with a particular area of expertise.
b. By collaborating you can build your knowledge and status as a writer. He covers this from two angles: A new writer can work as an apprentice with an established writer, or peer writers can work together and learn from each other – also thereby become known as a team.
3. Collaboration techniques:
a. Combine your backgrounds and trainings into the finished product. Example: one writer knows science well while the other knows humanities well. The story needs both angles to keep the reader interested.
b. Make the most of two writing styles: One might be good at writing the draft while the other is good at polishing.
c. Both collaborate with every chapter, then divide up the chapters, and finally get back together and take turns editing.
d. Round robin: one writes a part; the other utilizes that to write the next part; and so on – back and forth.
The Last Dying Season
I’ll have to recuse myself from critiquing this one. It actually exceeds my imagination.
But you’ll be happy to know that it is possible to stop one’s past harmful acts from damaging one’s current life without destroying memories.
The Third Artist
This is a career summary of two artists, a husband-and-wife team. It apparently is called “The Third Artist” because their son often helped with the projects, although he never became a full member of the team because he preferred a different type of art.
The summary definitely shows the obstacles that can face an artist and how to work through those obstacles – very good advice for new artists.
The Greater Good
The story is loaded with invented terminology and invented processes only loosely relating to anything observable from Earth today, yet doing this allows the reader to feel the loneliness and monotony of a very long space voyage.
Even though the story is written from the psych’s premise that man’s mind and brain are synonymous – to be handled physically, not at all spiritually, it should be easy for the reader to do the necessary “suspension of belief” to follow and enjoy the story. Indeed, a suspension of belief is required to enjoy any fiction.
It is intriguing to visualize today’s cell phone’s evolving into the author’s psicom and not requiring frequent installation and deletion of apps.
What surprises me is that the author does not keep the occupants busy with useful work projects. Such projects certainly would alleviate the long voyage hazards.
For the Federation
The action is implausible, and the heroine is too lucky, but the emotions of the characters are quite believable.
The Phantom Carnival
To escape alive, with less than one had before, is not much of a victory for the character nor for the reader.
The story lacks explanation how certain things came about: “draw an outline of a door on the wall in chalk.” Whence came the chalk? “A door that wasn’t there a moment before swings inward.” Try “a door that wasn’t visible a moment before.” Keep in mind that the reader might not recognize a reference almost as far back as the beginning of the story.
A Word of Power
One thing about this story does not seem right. Why would the aliens work entirely with the mammoths and thereby thrust huge mental strain on the Neanderthals?
The Island on the Lake
Yet another speculation on what happens after death and what, if anything, can be done about it.
Agatha’s Monster
Far too complex. I could not perceive the inner laws of the world she sought to create.
Psychic Poker
“I pull the world gently” – what is that supposed to mean?
This story makes no sense.
End of review.

[Martin Maenza · Rating 3 out of 5]

The latest release in this annual anthology, presented by L. Ron Hubbard, was released on April 8 of 2022. NetGalley and the publisher provided me a galley in exchange for an honest review.

I have been a fan of sci-fi and fantasy anthologies since I was a teenager in the late 70's and early 80's. I read and enjoyed an earlier volume of Writers of the Future a few years back, so a new volume was a welcome sight. I like how its editor, the late David Farland, would combine new writers with up-and-coming illustrators, to deliver a varied selection of material. This one also includes some bonus short stories by veterans as well as art and writing tips from the pros. You get a lot between these two covers.

Standouts in this collection, for me, include The Magic Book of Accidental City Destruction: A Book Wizard's Guide by Z. T. Bright (I really related to the bookseller lead character), Gallows by Desmond Astaire (I always enjoy time travel tales), and Lilt of a Lark by Michael Panter (a troublesome minstrel is always fun to read about).

[Cole]

Read this review and many others at The Quill To Live.

Stop right there! Don’t you dare go searching for our reviews of Writers of the Future volumes 1-37, because you won’t find ‘em! Nope, this is our very first outing with Galaxy Press’ short fiction contest, chock full of fascinating fantasy and sci-fi ideas. Writers of the Future Volume 38 has bards, monsters, mystical creatures, time-traveling secret agents, squid-like symbiotes, mysterious sentient islands, psychic poker players, and much more!

The Writers of the Future Contest is open to up-and-coming creatives who haven’t been published before or have only sold a few pieces. The annual volume of the best submissions collects stories from a variety of talented writers. For my part, I was floored by the sheer diversity of the concepts within Volume 38. And because Writers of the Future isn’t a single narrative, I’ll discuss a few of my favorite stories from the volume to beef up this review and help you decide whether you should pick it up.

Agatha’s Monster
Azure Arther’s story opens Writers of the Future Volume 38 with one hell of a concept: what if strong emotions and trauma manifested as real, physical monsters?

In Agatha’s Monster, protagonist Agatha lives with a family of monster hunters and relatives with related professions. But Agatha has a secret: Martin. Martin the monster (and Agatha’s friend) lives in her closet, and she fears her monster-hunting dad and brother may find and kill him.

Agatha’s Monster explores the implications of trauma as a physical being and, by extension, the nature of trauma itself. We learn of Agatha’s past, of the events that brought Martin into existence. We learn about her career aspirations and past struggles, all contextualized by the existence of a very real monster in her bedroom.

The story isn’t overly long, though I found myself wanting more. Arther squeezed a lot of story into a small space, but Agatha’s Monster deserves a more robust treatment, possibly as a novella. As it stands, it’s an intriguing exploration of trauma and family dynamics, and an imaginative opening story.

The Squid Is My Brother
I never thought a story about squid symbiotes would feel so endearing. Mike Jack Stoumbos’ story tells the tale of Michaela Kessler, a Neptunian on Earth (along with her symbiotic squid-like organism, which she calls her brother) while her mother is on a diplomatic mission. Michaela must navigate day-to-day life as Earth children utter xenophobic slurs and openly express their disgust at the “squid,” which Michaela must keep hidden.

Stoumbos weaves a sympathetic yarn here, commenting on issues of bullying and of feeling like the “other” at a young age. The Squid Is My Brother feels like a unique sci-fi tale, grounded in the schooling experience of youth but drawing on high sci-fi concepts to add an element of flair.

Lilt Of A Lark
Oh, YEAH. If you’ve followed The Quill To Live or any of my work for a meaningful stretch of time, you may have picked up on my proclivity for all things bardic. For various reasons, Lilt Of A Lark is my favorite story in Writers Of The Future Volume 38, and it’s not close.

Michael Panter’s Lilt Of A Lark revels in the unique qualities of bards, shunting protagonist Malk into the heroic spotlight when he’d normally be relegated to a supporting role. Malk is a lark, capable of influencing people with song, a sort of magic hypnotism. Armed with his trusty cannotina, Malk ventures to Cathgol, a rough-and-tumble city in the mountains. Cast from the

Aviary for some mysterious events in the recent past, Malk aims to rebuild his reputation and prove he belongs among the Aviary’s best.

Panter’s story is full of elegant world-building and loveable characters. Everything in Lilt Of A Lark feels distinct and real, like it all fits together as neatly as a well-cut puzzle. Beyond the focused story within, he hints at a much larger world of bards boasting different abilities. The Aviary remains an offscreen mystery save for a few key mentions, but Malk’s insights tell us it’s a political and hierarchical organization reserved for various types of bards.

But Malk’s adventures in Cathgol are the real draw here. He meets with a shady contact in a local tavern, soon discovering a band of misfits intends to overthrow the city’s ruler. Malk agrees, intrigued by the plot, and all sorts of bardic chaos ensues.

I’ll save the remaining details so you can discover them for yourself. For now, suffice it to say Lilt Of A Lark stands out, even among the amazing stories within this volume.

Final Thoughts
Though I’ve only highlighted three stories, it’s important to emphasize the overall high quality of the tales contained within Writers of the Future Volume 38. The writers whose work is featured are clearly voices to watch, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see some impressive novel debuts coming from this class in the next few years.

Beyond the easy “glimpse into the future” vibe of the volume, the tome also connects many themes despite the stories within being uniquely creative in direction. Many of the tales in Writers of the Future Volume 38 play with typical SFF tropes in intriguing ways. Each story reinvents something about the genre, and the result is a collection of fresh storytelling and new perspectives.

If you’re in the market for a collection of cutting-edge SFF ideas, Writers Of The Future has you covered.

[Leo Aguerrebere · Rating 4 out of 5]

Agata's monster _ Very good. Exelent world building. The characters are flawed but likeable. Gives the anthology a strong start 9/10.

A magic book of accidental city destruction: a book wizard's guide _ I get what the story is going for. How people go online looking for validation instead of information and most time not checking sources. But I don't think it is nearly as bad as this story makes it look. But I liked the characters so 7/10.

The squid is my brother_ a story about accepting those who are different. What makes the story stand out is that it is we see events through the eyes of the protagonist who has a distinct voice. The young outsider trying to adapt to an "alien" environment (basically the kid misses her home). 7/10.

Gallows_ I have a soft spot for a good time travel story. If Hitchcock had done sci-fi he would have done something like this. I feels like one of his average Joe finds himself in an impossible situation stories. 9/10

Boos and taboos_ interesting piece of advice for aspiring writers. Learn the rules/conventions of a genre and then break them to build something new. That is what I got out of it anyway. Not really something I have not heard before, but still useful.

The professor was a thief_ the mystery was somewhat predictable. You kind of know where the story is going though there were a few plot twists in the middle I didn't see coming. But it does a believable job portraying life working in the news and the protagonist was likeable enough. 7/10

Lilt of a Lark _ Very good world building and a story with enough twist and turns to keep you guessing where it's going. 7/10

The Mystical Farrago_ Great story. A relatable protagonist. A detestable, yet believable villain. "When someone demands a kindness be repaid, it is proof that it was never a kindness at all". 9/10

Tsuu Tsuu Kasva Suuremase _ This one is dark. It really shows the dark side of war and how the innocent suffer. It brings the cold heartless French invaded Russia to life in a way that makes you feel you are there. A very emotional story that will stay with you. 9/10

The single most important piece of advice _ short and to the point.

The Daddy Box _ Frank Herbert's short story is fun and it deals with a subject that remains relevant even after all these years. 7/10

Teamwork: Getting the Best Out of Two Writers _ interesting insight into how two prolific writers have managed to work together for more than twenty five years.

The Island on the Lake _ Father and son bonding over a secret. The protagonist is relatable. His reactions to the supernatural are believable. We feel like we are in the island with him, discovering things as he does. 8/10

The Phantom Carnival _ Everybody likes a story about outcasts. From 50 years worth of X men media to all kinds of freaks. This one put the characters in a setting that seems sad, dangerous and ugly. But somehow the protagonist and her/his friend stick together no matter what. There is some hope underneath the ugliness. 8/10

The Last Dying Season _ Set in an alien planet that humans tried to populate but that is now dying. The "plant technology" that stores information and other things kind of reminded me of Avatar, if that movie had been set in a dying planet. That is, until the plot twist changed everything. 7/10


The Third Artist _ An inspiring story about an interracial couple of artists who started working in the fifties. Fighting to be able to make a living doing what you love is not easy. It is usually hard. Very hard. But with support from your loved ones and a lot of hard work, it can be done. And it is rewarding.

A Word of Power _ David Farland was the gate keeper in the Writers of the Future Contest. His words, not mine. He was the judge you had to impress if you wanted to have a shot at winning.
He was one of the three writers who taught the online workshop. He also had the blog mystorydoctor.com with useful advice on writing and the publishing business. I say was because he sadly passed away earlier this year.
I took the workshop, visited his blog and participated in online Q&A about the contest.
He seemed like a patient man who loved teaching his craft. He had a way of transmitting his love for writing. But above all things, he seemed like a genuinely nice person.
So I am a bit ashamed to admit that this is his first (and so far the only) story I actually read.
It is a short. As in very short. But in very few words it told an interesting story set in...prehistoric Earth?. Maybe. It is a good story. 9/10

The Greater Good _ The socially awkward investigator trying to solve a murder. But in space, in a generational ship with all kinds of sci-fi twists. An just like good sci-fi it has something to say about human nature. 8/10

For the Federation _ action pack sci-fi story full of backstabbing people. 7/10

Psychic Poker _ I guess I would have enjoyed it more if I played or even knew anything about poker. All the players a psychic. It is an interesting and original setup. 7/10.

[Norabele]

The Writers of the Future Volume 38 opens with a dedication to David Farland, a New York Times bestselling author, pundit, and mentor to many “generations” of aspiring sci-fi authors from around the world. Serving as Coordinating Judge of the Writers of the Future entries, and editor, Dave Farland also wrote an informative and encouraging Introduction to Volume 38, which serves, as always, as both invitation to read, and challenge to learn, write, and enter into the fascinating kaleidoscope of worlds presented in this venerable Anthology.

A far cry from Willa Cather’s Song of The Lark, “Lilt of a Lark” by Michael Panter tells the tale of a disgraced Lark whose songs can sway minds, but discovers the heart holds echoes of truth best not ignored. “Tsuu, Tsuu, Kasva Suuremasse” by Rebecca E. Treasure explores the heart and challenges faced by a grandmother struggling to keep her infant grandson alive along the peripheries of battle during a long Russian winter. From a place when the “magic of words” is literally spelled into each published book (“The Magic Book of Accidental City Destruction: A Book Wizard’s Guide” by Z. T. Bright), to a society where monsters are spawned and culled from the human experience by Hunters born and bred (“Agatha’s Monster,” Azure Arther), Volume 38 presents vistas and venues as humble and filled with danger as a stool at a neighborhood bar (“Gallows” by Desmond Astaire), and the classrooms and hallways of one host community’s elementary school (“The Squid Is My Brother,” Mike Jack Stroumbos).

Other tales spun by the thirteen new writers, and archival pieces by Dave Farland, Frank Herert, and L. Ron Hubbard, include time travelers and thieves, an abused step-child, a son wondering if he has what is needed to walk where his father trod. Future tech offers an insecure vessel for peace, a Neanderthal shaman searches for magic powerful enough to save a mammoth herd from extinction, and a botanist seeks a cure for a dying planet; genetically engineered humans carry the reverberations of the past lives from which they were pieced, and a psychic poker tournament and phantom carnival test the boundaries of trust and truth. Essays on writing and illustration round out the pages of Volume 38.

With a career in illustration spanning three decades and clients around the globe, Echo Chernik, art director and Coordinating Judge of the Illustrators of the Future Contest, offers a short essay on the importance of Art Direction—guiding nascent illustrators through being assigned a story, submitting thumbnails, and crafting completed works on a deadline. “The Word of Power” by Bob Eggleton, won the coveted title illustration spot on the anthology cover, and ushers in an exciting chapter in the Illustrators of the Future contest.

Whereas previous volumes of WOTF included pencil drawings among the illustrations, the illustrations of Volume 38 are all color panels, which still reflect the style and tone of each illustrator. The Illustrators of the Future Contest winners come from many nations, many backgrounds, many styles. Some illustrations focus on a moment seized from the narrative line, some zoom in on the personality presented in the story. Hearkening back to the sparse, historical feel of the same-titled tale, “Tsuu, Tsuu, Sasva Suuremasse” by Natalia Salvador presents a look back at what was. “Gallows” (Nick Jizba) offers a glimpse of a man poised between past, present, and future. The possibilities of escape are seen in “The Daddy Box” (André Mata, avoidance in “Agatha’s Monster”(Zaine Lodhi), and protagonists brushed by the temptation of power in “The Magic Book of Accidental City Destruction: A Book Wizard’s guide” (Ari Zaritsky).

All the illustrations share evidence of a guiding, unifying hand in presentation, while supporting the artist’s vision of the assigned story. Natalia Salvador’s “The Squid is My Brother,” Michael Talbot’s “The Professor Was a Thief,” “The Mystical Farrago” (Annalee Wu), “Lilt of a Lark” (Brett Stump), “The Island on the Lake,” (Majud Saberinejad), and “The Phantom Carnival,” (Xiaomeng Zhang) pique the reader’s imagination about the story, the characters, and the background of the illustrator presenting their interpretation.

“The Last Dying Season” (Jerome Tieh), “The Greater Good” (Jim Zaccaria), “For the Federation” (Arthur M. Doweyko), and “Psychic Powers” (Tenzin Rangdol) round out the selections, offering vistas of futures which might transpire, and a closeup of a moment where everything hangs in the balance of what might be written in the cards.

Observation, emotion, and possibility guide the lines and color the realizations of the artist, offered as way-stations for the perusal of the readers of this Volume 38 in the Writers of the Future anthology series.

An advance copy of the book was provided to me for this review.

[John Haas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been picking these volumes up for the past few years and they never disappoint. I was fortunate enough to receive an advance reader copy of this year's volume too.
The thing I like about the Writer's of the Future collections is that they have something for everyone. A little Science-fiction, beside some Fantasy, and a bit of horror. Maybe even a bit of mystery. The point is that these stories are well written, and by people who you may not know today, but you will certainly see again.
Everyone has a favorite story when they read these anthologies, and it's unlikely to get any two people to agree on their top 3. As I said, there's a little bit for everyone in here.
There are the 12 new stories from this year's contest winners, and those alongside a couple of classics from Hubbard and Herbert. You'll find a couple of essays on the writing process itself which never fail to educate. Finally, sadly, there is also the last story which David Farland ever wrote.
All of it is worth a read.
I won't go story by story, you can find a short synopsis of the stories at the front of the book. What I will do is mention my own particular favorites (while repeating that every story in here is worth reading).
"The Magic Book of Accidental City Destruction: A Book Wizard's Guide", is so imaginative and with believable characters. It takes a book wizard who decides to do a good deed, and as the old saying goes: No good deed goes unpunished.
"Gallows", is a wonderful time travel story. Any time travel story draws me in, even better if it as well written as this one, with an excellent mystery to it.
"Lilt of a Lark", is one of the longer stories in this volume. I don't enjoy the long stories as much as shorter ones but this one had me in the first couple of pages. The author creates a fantasy world that kept me turning the pages.
"The Greater Good", combines science-fiction and mystery is a masterful way. I would read a collection of just these sort of stories.
But this is also the Illustrators of the Future, and the illustrations that go with each story are as amazing as the stories themselves. I like to go back and look at each one after I've read the story and see how well it fit, and also to see if I can place exactly what point of the story is being shown.
I loved the illustrations for "The Squid is my Brother", "Gallows", and Psychic Powers. All of the illustrations were wonderful but these three appealed to my own personal tastes.
So, the essence of my little review is this: Buy this book. You will not be disapointed.

[Danuta · Rating 5 out of 5]

There will be a lot of people saying that Writers of the Future Vol 38 is an excellent read. It is. There will be people saying what stories they loved, how fantastic the art is, how it is a book to read for 2022. There are a lot of good things to say about this book, but one of the most important is its role as a literary artifact, a piece that reveals interesting aspects of the overall genre of Speculative Fiction and its role as the final piece of work of one the genre’s masters of the late 20th and early 21st centuries, David Wolverton/Farland.

Some books are important because they have a role to play in the culture, in bringing a representative voice to light. Some books are important because of the role they play in a wider literary tradition, through its position in an author’s overall corpus or its role in a long literary project, school, or movement. Very few books fulfill all these purposes.

Regardless of how you feel about L. Ron Hubbard, the L. Ron Hubbard Writers of the Future and Illustrators of the Future competitions and associated anthologies offer a long-term window into the development of new and emerging speculative fiction authors and illustrators. Now in its thirty-ninth year, it continues to be a glasshouse that nurtures authors from across the globe and to be an incubator for some of the most significant speculative fiction authors of the last half-century.

David Wolverton/ Farland, science fiction author and New York Times Best Selling fantasy author, was one of the most notable Writers of the Future winners. He served as co-ordinating judge of the competition for most of the last decade and as chief editor of the anthology for almost half of the volumes. The final draft of Vol 38 was the last thing he completed prior to his untimely passing from a brain aneurysm in January this year (2022). Of all of David Farland’s extensive literary works, his association with Writers of the Future and his editorial choices in creating these anthologies offers an insight into his sensibility as an author and curator of fiction. They offer insight into both the maturation of the genre and the man from the late 1980s to the present time.

And this is why anybody interested in a serious study of Speculative Fiction as a genre, or any of its far-reaching branches, cannot fail to take an interest in this year’s anthology. It is important in a way that so few books can be.

[Vidhika Yadav · Rating 4 out of 5]

These future writers have earned their spot in the hallowed pages of volume 38 by standing on the shoulders of giants. This anthology is a masterwork, with 25 award-winning authors and illustrators. These stories never fail to wow, from Lazarus Black's sophisticated gambler narrative to Dave Wolverton's beautiful, hopeful flash fiction. Each tale has excellent pictures, which I like seeing. They help me grasp the story better. In addition, some articles offer advice on both artwork and writing. The articles are jam-packed with useful tips for both writers and illustrators.

The stories are so diverse that they have completely changed my perspective on what science fiction may and should be. There's also a sense of anticipation as new authors emerge and demonstrate why they were picked for this collection. I was taken from one universe to the next and raced through them all. There are aspects of mystery, fantasy, and the supernatural. It has some amazing stories in reading, and I loved it. David FARLAND wrote the book's preface, which includes writing ideas and suggestions on writing style and teamwork. The book also includes contest regulations, the anthology's aim, and a list of prior winners. Love, sacrifice, winning games, competitiveness, marriage, divorce, and prescribed medication are among the themes explored in the book.

Each narrative leads the reader down a different route, sometimes amusing, sometimes frightening, and always astonishing. It only goes to show that there is a plethora of talent out there waiting to be discovered through the Writers of the Future competition, which is open to the public and free to participate. From the first page of Agatha's Monster to the last page of the final story, Psychic Poker, it was a delight to read this collection. These different stories will astonish you and inspire you with fresh thoughts. Because these stories were hand-picked by some of your favorite authors, including Brandon Sanderson, Orson Scott Card, Nnedi Okorafor, Robert J. Sawyer, and Jody Lynn Nye, readers will adore this collection from past and future science fiction masters.

[Len Gizinski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Writers of the Future Volume 38 continues the tradition of excellence and impacted me on a variety of levels. As a reader, the stories and images simultaneously delighted, challenged, and provoked thought as (at least to me) only well-written original science fantasy can. Whether visiting the life of a young exchange student from a different planet (why DO we call our planet “Earth”?), hopping boxcars with your only friend (who happens to be a mythical creature), bodyguarding Earth’s President on a hostile planet, or playing high-stakes poker with a group of five other psychics… well, you probably get the idea. Every story was a joy to read and offered unique insights that left me thinking about each tale long after I completed reading it.
As a long-time fan of the series, I found it sobering and especially impactful to read the last edition worked by David Farland, who passed away shortly after completing this edition.
But as most adherents to the series know full well, Writers of the Future offers valuable insight to both writers and artists of the reflected genre(s). As a writer, what truly encouraged and inspired me even more than the delightful stories was the Lincolnesque career biography of Frank Herbert on page 267. I keep this inspirational work readily viewable in my own writing room.
In summary, whether as a reader, a fan, or a writer/artist, I highly recommend Writers of the Future, Volume 38. You will not be disappointed!

[Joel Adamson · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't finish reading all the stories in this anthology, but I just can't keep it on my Currently Reading shelf anymore. This is usually an excellent anthology, a good way of finding new authors, and I've read some of my favorite short stories in previous volumes, as well as the winning stories of some of my favorite authors and a few colleagues. Writers of the Future was edited by David Farland and always includes material by luminaries of science fiction and fantasy, and has a nice, pulpy feel that keeps it grounded in the past while looking to the future.

Unfortunately, the stories in this volume are not very good. That's an example of "litotes." I won't go into specifics to avoid burning bridges that haven't been built yet, but I was honestly shocked by how juvenile and poorly written they were. One of the original stories was really good, and there was a nice little (I mean a page and a half) essay of advice from Frank Herbert. Thankfully this volume wasn't too expensive, but even fifteen bucks doesn't seem worth it for one good short story and 1.5 pages of wisdom from Frank Herbert. Skip this one. That's not to say other volumes of this series aren't excellent. I'd find out which ones have stories by your favorite authors and seek out those volumes. I'll be giving Volume 39 (upcoming) a try, but if it sucks as bad as this one, I'll only be going back to older volumes.

[chez wise · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Anthology of speculative fiction contains thirteen stories by new authors and an illustration specific to a story. A plus for me is the bios for both author and Illustrator. Added bonus - short stories by L Ron Hubbard, Frank Herbert, and Dave Farland and insights about the craft of writing.
I received an advance copy, and glad I did.

Several stories are YA, I thought these stories were exquisite. The characters, reactions, and storylines are well treated and mindful of the reader. Agatha’s Monster is priceless. Happy endings for most. I wouldn’t hesitate to share them with younger readers for content, character, and plot.

My favorite story in the entire Anthology is “Tsuu, Tsuu Kasva Suuremasse” by Rebecca Treasure. The plot, characters, and even the temperature stay with you long after. I need this short turned into a novel! The illustration by Natalia Salvador is beautifully rendered and on point. Others that I need to mention - “Gallows” by Desmond Astaire, with Illustration by Nick Jizba, Time travel with attitude. Thoroughly enjoyable and “The Greater Good” EM Dupre, illustration by Jim Zaccaria. Great characters, well-described tech, and a great plot -crime on a Generational ship. The story is gripping, and the tech was exceptionally well handled.

Highly recommended, especially if you read on the go.

[Plots and Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗿𝗲: Fantasy/Sci-fi
4.3/𝟱

“To the stars, my friends. Lay down your weapons and come.”

🌱THE EXCELLENT
~ Many creative stories to choose from
~ Sci-fi reads and fantasy reads that push boundaries
~ Moving stories about families, found families, loyalty, love and sacrifice
~ Quick reads that can be spread across other reads or read at once
~ Solid recommendations for writers
~ Several stories were very beautiful

🍃 A Story I enjoyed:
A ‘Lark’ whose singing & cannotina playing can compel persons to obey, is sent on a mission to a kingdom far away to lend a hand as a hero. But when things go wrong & misunderstandings abound, he learns that sometimes we must rely on our whole selves. 🍃

🌱THE MEH
~ Some stories rubbed me wrong 😬
~ The order of the stories became jagged when advice rather than stories randomly popped up

🍃 A story I wasn’t too fond of:
(Starts off with a warning! 😍 I love stories that start off with a warning)
A little boy finds a box that holds many secrets and wisdom - on taking it home to his abusive father, he begins a process of change to better their lives. (My issue with this one was how physical & mental abuse was to be ‘forgotten’ in mere minutes - let’s make a baby?! WTF?!) 🍃

♡🌱 𝗕𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁'𝘀 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗺𝗲 ;)

✨𝗚𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗶𝘁 𝗮 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱.

—
🎁 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸 𝘆𝗼𝘂 @bookstagrammersdotcom 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗴𝗶𝗳𝘁.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This anthology is a beast! It will definitely take some time to read every story, but the best part about an anthology is you can pick even just a few stories to enjoy! There are 13 in total. Lucky 13!

But the best part are the amazing illustrations - the book starts of with a collection of gorgeous artwork. These illustrations are as whimsical as they are striking.

So far I read the first 3 stories - let's take a look at each.

Agatha's Monster: I was instantly pulled in and hooked! I loved the characters and world building, especially for a short story. I now want to read more about Agatha and her kick-ass skills. I loved the revelations, the slow memory returns, and the character coming of age to finally find herself again. This one reads like a prequel to a great series, and I hope one day the author writes full-length stories about this set of characters. 

Just based on that first read alone, I can definitely see why this is an award-winning story.

The Magic Book of Accidental City Destruction: This was a great short, had introduced some interesting characters and was a fun metaphor for the dangers of misinformation on the internet.


The Squid is My Brother: Another very interesting short with a very realistic view of how an "exchange" student from another planet would be treated at grade school. It's too bad we dirters are so unwelcoming and hostile to those that are slightly different. So what if the girl's symbiote brother has tentacles and is attached to her back? Nothing going on, MYOB.


So far this has been a great medley of scif-fi and speculative reads. And if the other stories in this compilation are just as interesting and fun? I'm in for some great reading on my upcoming travels!

[Robert Wilkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've found the Writers of the Future volumes to be consistently enjoyable anthologies, and this one's certainly no exception. As with all collections, you'll find some stories that you like more than others, and I tend to prefer the fantasy stories to the sci-fi ones.

I could point to several great stories in this volume to recommend it, but narrowing the list down to just one, my favourite is likely The Phantom Carnival, by M. Elizabeth Ticknor. Mixing some really unique imagery with an interesting and uncommon kind of setting, far removed from any of your typical fantasy fare, it's something quite unlike anything I've seen before, yet still solidly rooted in the familiar feel of adventure fantasy fiction.

When talking to other people about this, or other volumes of Writers of the Future for that matter, you'll find that everyone has their own view on which stories were the best, which ones they enjoyed, and which ones fell flat for them. Chances are, if you pick it up and give it a read, your favourites will be quite different to mine. But there's more than one great story in this volume, so it's absolutely worth your time to pick up a copy and find that out for yourself.