L. Ron Hubbard Presents: Writers of the Future Books
For almost 15 years, this widely heralded, award-winning anthology series has been propelling readers into realms beyond time and space, parallel worlds and alternate realities and place at the infinite edges of the imagination. The impetus for these startling voyages has come from the best new writers of speculative fiction--the winners of the internationally acclaimed Writers of the Future Contest.
For almost 15 years, this widely heralded, award-winning anthology series has been propelling readers into realms beyond time and space, parallel worlds and alternate realities and place at the infinite edges of the imagination. The impetus for these startling voyages has come from the best new writers of speculative fiction--the winners of the internationally acclaimed Writers of the Future Contest.
For almost 15 years, this widely heralded, award-winning anthology series has been propelling readers into realms beyond time and space, parallel worlds and alternate realities and place at the infinite edges of the imagination. The impetus for these startling voyages has come from the best new writers of speculative fiction--the winners of the internationally acclaimed Writers of the Future Contest.
Presents short stories of fantasy and horror which are set either in the future or in unknown worlds.
For almost 15 years, this widely heralded, award-winning anthology series has been propelling readers into realms beyond time and space, parallel worlds and alternate realities and place at the infinite edges of the imagination. The impetus for these startling voyages has come from the best new writers of speculative fiction--the winners of the internationally acclaimed Writers of the Future Contest.
Presents short stories of fantasy and horror which are set either in the future or in unknown worlds.
Featuring 14 of the top new writers--winners of the 1994 Writers of the Future Contest, this volume allows readers to voyage to distant galaxies and the outer limits of time and space in these original works of science fiction and fantasy. Contest details are covered inside. Original.
Presents short stories of fantasy and horror which are set either in the future or in unknown worlds.
Presents short stories of fantasy and horror which are set either in the future or in unknown worlds.
For almost 15 years, this widely heralded, award-winning anthology series has been propelling readers into realms beyond time and space, parallel worlds and alternate realities and place at the infinite edges of the imagination. The impetus for these startling voyages has come from the best new writers of speculative fiction--the winners of the internationally acclaimed Writers of the Future Contest.
Your ticket to genuinely exciting new universes! What would you do if . . . by traveling to Mars you could achieve immortality? Suppose . . . you have been hiding on a remote human colony on the rim of the solar system . . . and you were found? Imagine if you will . . . traveling in time and getting lost somewhere in the vast, open galaxy. From the far reaches of space and the limitless edges of the imagination come thirteen original stories, a wonderful mix of spellbinding tales by the best new writers of science fiction and fantasy - all winners of the internationally acclaimed L. Ron Hubbard Writers of the Future contest. Here is a first-rate collection of works and illustrations providing great entertainment and a chance to escape - if only for a little while - to other distant and different worlds. "This has become a major tributary to the new blood in fantastic fiction." - Gregory Benford Selected by judges who rank among the most famous names in the field of writing: Kevin J. Anderson, Doug Beason, Gregory Benford, Algis Budrys, Eric Kotani, Anne McCaffrey, Larry Niven, Andre Norton, Frederik Pohl, Jerry Pournelle, Tim Powers, Robert Silverberg, Jack Williamson, and Dave Wolverton. Illustrations selected by: Edd Cartier, Leo and Diane Dillon, H.R. van Dongen, Bob Eggleton, Will Eisner, Vincent Di Fate, Frank Frazetta, Frank Kelly-Freas, Laura Brodian Kelly-Freas, Shun Kijima, Ron Lindahn and Val Lakey Lindahn.
For almost 15 years, this widely heralded, award-winning anthology series has been propelling readers into realms beyond time and space, parallel worlds and alternate realities and place at the infinite edges of the imagination. The impetus for these startling voyages has come from the best new writers of speculative fiction--the winners of the internationally acclaimed Writers of the Future Contest.
A crisp clean softcover, no markings throughout: The 19th installment in Hubbard's annual contest series contains more top-notch stories than last year's volume and is likely to satisfy science fiction and fantasy aficionados looking for fresh ideas and new twists on old conventions. Luc Reid's marvelous "A Ship That Bends" imagines a world that is literally flat, where seafarers try to maneuver around the edge and onto the other side. Joel Best's "Numbers," in which the essence of life can be boiled down to a single equation, has the detached, bleak feel of a Kubrick nightmare as well as the magnetism of one. Ken Liu's "Gossamer," an elegant twist on the first contact story, asks: what if we finally meet another life form, but have no idea how to communicate with them? The clear winner, however, is Jay Lake's "Into the Gardens of Sweet Night," a quirky meditation on personal freedom and responsibility that follows a cosmos-trotting pug named Wiggles as it leads a young boy on a surreal journey to the supposedly mythical Garden of the title; think William Burroughs meets Men in Black.
This historic 20th anniversary edition of the L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future anthology, the bestselling and most widely influential anthology of its kind, brings you 15 exciting, strikingly original stories--by the best new creative talent in speculative fiction, all winners of the Writers of the Future Contest--that are guaranteed to ignite your imagination with strange new worlds, untraveled galaxies and bizarre dimensions and the mysteries of a universe of infinite size where somewhere out there, everything that is possible is real. Created by L. Ron Hubbard out of his lifetime commitment to helping new writers and artists, and judged by Hall-of-Fame rosters of top professionals, the Writers of the Future anthology has provided a spectacular launching pad for fledgling writers who over the past two decades have gone on to publish more than 250 novels--many of them international bestsellers--and some 2,500 short stories and to help shape the field of contemporary speculative fiction and the literary future.
The L. Ron Hubbard Writers and Illustrators of the Future Contests discover and introduce the very best new talent in science fiction, fantasy and horror, with their entertaining and creative tales of worlds unknown, worlds to be and worlds only dreamed of, as selected by top professionals in these fields. In the past twenty years, over 300 talented writers have been newly published many winners becoming the authors you now enjoy reading. This volume contains the first works by authors who are sure to become equally well known over the years to come.
The L. Ron Hubbard Writers and Illustrators of the Future Contests discover and introduce the very best new talent in science fiction, fantasy and horror, with their entertaining and creative tales of worlds unknown, worlds to be and worlds only dreamed of, as selected by top professionals in these fields. In the past twenty-two years, over 300 telented writers have been newly published—many winners becoming the authors you now enjoy reading. This volume contains the first works by authors who are sure to become equally well known over the years to come.
Imagine a place where anything is possible, nothing is beyond reason, and everything is an adventure. Get into their worlds.... These are the visionaries. The masters of the universe. The power players of tomorrow. They have seen the future. Have you? Kevin J. Anderson calls the anthology, "Awesome" and Orson Scott Card claims that Writers of the Future is "...the best anthology published today."
Enter 13 spectacular new worlds of imagination and the fantastic . Discover the new visionaries of imagination in the Writers of the Future. Established in 1983 by L. Ron Hubbard expressly for the aspiring writer, Writers of the Future has become the most respected and significant forum for new talent in all aspects of speculative fiction. Never before published first-rate science fiction and fantasy stories selected by top names in the field. "Energetic, colorful, plot-filled and fun." —Locus Magazine Includes essays written by professionals of the craft: L. Ron Hubbard, Rebecca Moesta & Cliff Neilsen
Discover Imaginative New Worlds of Tomorrow. Discover the new visionaries of imagination in the Writers of the Future. Let tomorrow's masters of science fiction and fantasy books take you on a journey. Meet a female warrior created to fight horrific, high-tech future wars, who discovers her humanity. Get lost in a magic room that comes to life, in the midst of rivaling magicians. Can an unlikely friendship with an exotic Alien race save an injured human girl. What would happen if you shared your mind with a terrorist, and their violence started to seep through? Can an android marked for death become human instead in a twist of fate? Established in 1983 by L. Ron Hubbard expressly for the aspiring writer, Writers of the Future has become the most respected and significant forum for new talent in all aspects of speculative fiction. Never before published first-rate science fiction and fantasy stories selected by top names in the field. Authors and artists discovered by Writers of the Future have gone to publish more works than other Writing Contest. It is a leading showcase of Creative Writing. “Not only is the writing excellent...it is also extremely varied. There's a lot of hot new talent in it.” —Locus Magazine Writing Contest Judges: Kevin J. Anderson, Doug Beason, Gregory Benford, Orson Scott Card, Brian Herbert, Nina Kiriki Hoffman, Eric Kotani, Anne McCaffrey, Rebecca Moesta, Larry Niven, Frederik Pohl, Jerry Pournelle, Tim Powers, Robert J. Sawyer, Robert Silverberg, K.D. Wentworth, Sean Williams and Dave Wolverton (AKA David Farland). Illustrating Contest Judges: Vincent Di Fate, Diane Dillon, Leo Dillon, Bob Eggleton, Frank Frazetta, Laura Brodian Freas, Ron Lindahn, Val Lakey Lindahn, Stephan Martiniere, Judith Miller, Cliff Nielsen, Sergey Poyarkov, H.R. Van Dongen and Stephen Youll.
The thirteen best science fiction and fantasy short stories of the year, Illustrated by the most talented aspiring artists!
Your passage to unforgettable worlds of imagination and escape . Discover the new visionaries of imagination in the Writers of the Future. Established in 1983 by L. Ron Hubbard expressly for the aspiring writer, Writers of the Future has become the most respected and significant forum for new talent in all aspects of speculative fiction. Never before published first - rate science fiction and fantasy stories selected by top names in the field. ''The offerings are thought provoking and varied, with a general trend towards excellence... The future is in good hands.'' - Publishers Weekly
Science Fiction short stories from the freshest, most talented new voices in Science Fiction and Fantasy, each illustrated by the best new artist in the genre Turn the page…open your eyes...and look into the future They unleash the power of dreams and unlock the secrets of the universe They bend time, twist perception, and put a new spin on the laws of physics They show us who we are, what we may become, and how far we can go They are the Writers of the Future. Experience their vision: In twelve seconds you will catch one last glimpse of the world A Love Story...with Death Alien Contact has meaning deep beneath the ads ... don't trust what you read The Steampunk Clock is not only broken, so is TIME itself She is not a dream weaver or a dream catcher... She is a dream eater Hero Duty calls.... all the way from the Dead Love and War know no bounds ... or do they? Writing Contest Judges: Kevin J. Anderson, Doug Beason, Gregory Benford, Orson Scott Card, Eric Flint, Brian Herbert, Nina Kiriki Hoffman, Dr. Yoji Kondo, Anne McCaffrey, Rebecca Moesta, Larry Niven, Frederik Pohl, Jerry Pournelle, Tim Powers, Mike Resnick, Kristine Kathryn Rusch, Robert J. Sawyer, Robert Silverberg, Dean Wesley Smith, K.D. Wentworth, Sean Williams and Dave Wolverton (AKA David Farland). Illustrating Contest Judges: Robert Castillo, Vincent Di Fate, Diane Dillon, Leo Dillon, Dave Dorman, Bob Eggleton, Laura Brodian Freas, Ron Lindahn, Val Lakey Lindahn, Stephan Martiniere, Judith Miller, Cliff Nielsen, Sergey Poyarkov, Shaun Tan, H.R. Van Dongen and Stephen Youll. “Keep the Writers of the Future going. It’s what keeps sci-fi alive.” —Orson Scott Card
Celebrate New Writers New Winners New Worlds This is your window into incredible worlds of wizardry, warfare and wonder. This is your escape into fantastic realms of the human mind lurking just beyond your imagination…and reaching deep into your wildest dreams. This is your ticket to tomorrow. Celebrate the future of science fiction and fantasy…now. “Keep the Writers of the Future going. It’s what keeps sci-fi alive.” —Orson Scott Card
The future is here�?�the future is now! Orson Scott Card, Kevin J. Anderson and Larry Niven have seen the future. Now, you can, too. A constellation of the brightest lights in the Science Fiction and Fantasy firmament have judged these authors to be the best, the brightest, the truest emerging stars in the field. From Alien Invasion to Alternate History, from Cyberpunk to Comic Fantasy to Post - Apocalyptic Worlds, these are the winning writers who have mastered every version and vision of sci - fi and fantasy. Don't be left behind. Get a read on what's next. ''The Writers of the Future contest looks for people with the best imaginations who can see through the possibilities of the strangest and best ideas and tell stories that intrigue us and involve us.'' - ORSON SCOTT CARD. Celebrate the 31st anniversary of the Writers of the Future contest and the 26th anniversary of the Illustrators of the Future contest.
Science Fiction & Fantasy Anthology and Advice to Writers 2016 You are about to meet: YOUR NEXT FAVORITE AUTHOR The 32nd edition of Writers of the Future may be the best new book yet! Brand-new adventure through space, time and possibility. Along the way these new authors will introduce you to fascinating characters such as Nate, a very loyal companion—like most werewolves would be. Keanie has a parasite that lets her morph and so transform into anyone. Liz owns a dinosaur maker, but raw ingredients can be a problem. Anna slaves away in a factory but her magic leaves her unfulfilled. These authors take creative writing to a whole new level! The answers, the stories, the visions, and the mind-stretching possibilities are all waiting inside. Welcome to the future of Science Fiction and Fantasy. It gets better every year. These are the award winning short stories of the international contest that have launched the writing careers of some of the best new books! BONUS stories and articles on how to write by New York Times best sellers Tim Powers, Sean Williams, Brandon Sanderson, Sergey Poyarkov & L. Ron Hubbard “The Writers of the Future contest looks for people with the best imaginations who can see through the possibilities of the strangest and best ideas and tell stories that intrigue us and involve us.” —Orson Scott Card Celebrate the 32nd anniversary of the Writers of the Future contest and the 27th anniversary of the Illustrators of the Future contest
“Hot new talent.” — Locus Get to know tomorrow’s brightest creative talents chosen by some of today’s bestselling authors and celebrated artists including Kevin J. Anderson, Orson Scott Card, Larry Elmore, and Brandon Sanderson. Explore 12 diverse new universes of possibility through a variety of creative and fresh new ideas—all in one anthology. From dragons to mythical death dealers, from murder on the moon to deep space mystery, these stories bring you the hot new talent in science fiction, fantasy, and horror. Discover the writers who push the boundaries—and break beyond them . . . the illustrators who envision the impossible—and render it real . . . the stories that challenge the way we see ourselves—and see the world in a new way. You’ll love this anthology because of the diversity of stories, unexpected twists and turns, and 16 full color illustrations that bring the stories to vivid life. Get it now. Bonus short stories by L. Ron Hubbard, Todd McCaffrey, and Robert J. Sawyer Art and writing tips by Anne McCaffrey, L. Ron Hubbard, and Larry Elmore “This fine collection will appeal to both fans of science fiction and fantasy short stories and aspiring writers looking for ways to improve their craft.” — Booklist About the Stories: When Gwen’s husband is found murdered, she’s the only suspect. After all, they were the only two people on the moon. — Moonlight One Flora’s father is a mech-soldier of the Slayer Class, but how much of him is really left inside the machine? — The Armor Embrace When an alien with godly intelligence is discovered watching the earth, one man must try to learn if its motives are pure. — Envoy in the Ice If you were stranded in an open boat and the only hope for rescue came from a ghost ship, would dare to ride? — The Devil’s Rescue Some gifts come with heavy price tags, and the giver must rise to the occasion. — Tears for Shülna What if an alien asks for your help with a question, and the answer affects the future of the whole human race? — The Drake Equation Barlow has a talent for finding the dead. Or do they find him. — Acquisition When Varga sets out to explore the ancient stronghold of a long- dead wizard, she discovers that the ruins aren’t as deserted as she thought. — Obsidian Spire If only that reptile in the sewer were something as predictable as an alligator. — Gator On a distant world among the cloud peaks, the light-hawks promise a rich reward for those daring enough to harvest one. — A Glowing Heart In a world where memories can be stripped, Bill discovers that he has a family he has never known. — The Long Dizzy Down Not all spirits have the best of intentions, and they must be dealt with. — The Woodcutters’ Deity You can put an end to something wondrous, but only at a cost. — The Dragon Killer’s Daughter In a life-or-death situation, sometimes you wish that you had a really powerful spell. But that begs the question—what is power? — Useless Magic Some devils are as old as a dream, and more evil than men can imagine. — Adramelech When the world needs saving, three children are called to the task. — The Fox, the Wolf, and the Dove Can an aging sorcerer find a way to track down his old nemesis with the small bit of magic he has left, or is he just fooling himself? — The Magnificent Bhajan
24 Award-Winning Authors and Illustrators Accompanied by Orson Scott Card, Brandon Sanderson, Jody Lynn Nye, Jerry Pournelle, Ciruelo and Echo Chernik and Edited by David Farland Your search for something new and different in sci-fi and fantasy ends here. Presenting this year’s collection of fresh voices, fabulous worlds, and fantastic new characters. Each year, the Writers and Illustrators of the Future Contests’ blue-ribbon judges search the world to discover and introduce to you the very best new talent in sci-fi and fantasy. Created by L. Ron Hubbard , whose commitment to help new writers and artists gave rise to the annual Writers of the Future anthologies—a launching pad for writers and artists who are sure to command our attention for decades to come. “Writers of the Future, as a contest and as a book, remains the flagship of short fiction.” —Orson Scott Card “The best new stories by new writers, anywhere.” —Larry Niven “These are the people who are going to be creating trends.” —Brandon Sanderson “Science fiction as a genre has always looked to the future and the Writers of the Future looks to the future of science fiction.” —Kevin J. Anderson “See the best of the best culled for you, curated and selected in a single volume every year.” —Robert J. Sawyer Wondrous and powerful tales from some of the world’s best new writers Turnabout —Djinn are famous for twisting your words so they don’t really grant your wish, but two can play that game. A Smokeless and Scorching Fire —Deacon is a government official, and he’s afraid he’ll stay that way if he can’t break his conditioning. The Howler on the Sales Floor —It’s easy making sales when you can send images of despair into the hearts of your clients. The Minarets of An-Zabat —Alder seeks the secrets of the Windcallers’ magic, but his curiosity may destroy the people he loves. The Death Flyer —Jim Bellamy tries to save the life of a girl who died in the wreckage of a train ten years ago. Odd and Ugly —A tree giant takes in a housekeeper, but she has more secrets than either of them can handle. Mara’s Shadow —An ancient myth might provide the key to curing a disease that threatens all of humanity. The Lesson —A lesson on philosophy in action turns into a deadly encounter. What Lies Beneath —A powerful sorcerer has so disgraced himself, he is afraid of what his family will think should he ever die and meet them on the other side. The Face in the Box —Cara discovers a floating farm parked over her land, blocking the sunlight, and must confront the driver. Flee, My Pretty One —In a world controlled by dragons and their henchmen, rock singer Josephine really only wants “death to all collaborators.” Illusion —Even a court wizard will struggle to fight off armies if his weapons pack no actual punch. A Bitter Thing —You can put an end to something wondrous, but only at a cost. Miss Smokey —Lily’s ability to shift shapes into a bear offers some strange challenges. All Light and Darkness —On a far world, a nameless man meets a woman of ancient genetic stock, and when trouble follows in his wake, he must choose: her life or his humanity?
Internationally acclaimed bestselling anthology of award-winning science fiction and fantasy short stories. 24 Award-Winning Sci-Fi and Fantasy Authors and Illustrators Accompanied by Dean Wesley Smith, Rebecca Moesta, Mike Resnick, Rob Prior and Echo Chernik and Edited by David Farland The 35th collection of winners of the Writers and Illustrators of the Future competition features expertly crafted stories and art, spanning the gamut from hard core sci-fi to epic fantasy. Stories so fresh and new, they're 5-10 years ahead of the curve--the future is literally here and now. Each year, the Writers and Illustrators of the Future Contests' blue-ribbon judges search the world to discover and introduce to you the very best new talent in sci-fi and fantasy. Created by L. Ron Hubbard, whose commitment to help new writers and artists gave rise to the annual Writers of the Future anthologies--a launching pad for writers and artists who are sure to command our attention for decades to come. Wondrous and powerful tales from some of the world's best new writers and illustrators. Learn how to write or improve your craft with tips from award-winning and bestselling author and editor Mike Resnick and New York Times bestselling author L. Ron Hubbard. Internationally renown artist, Rob Prior, shares tips of the trade for aspiring illustrators.
Soar to new heights of Science Fiction & Fantasy. Who are the top science fiction writers and illustrators of the future? The answer is here. Get to know tomorrow’s brightest creative talents chosen by some of today’s bestselling authors and celebrated artists including Kevin J. Anderson, Orson Scott Card, Larry Elmore, Brandon Sanderson, Dan dos Santos, and Robert J. Sawyer. Enter brilliantly realized worlds of dystopian politics, magical realism, post-apocalyptic adventure and romance, dark fantasy and more. Explore universes of unlimited possibility in which a cereal box becomes a Pandora’s box of good and evil . . . a troupe of artistic androids risk everything to catch the eye of a critic . . . and the foundation of a family, the very key to their existence, is not only inhabiting a home, but becoming it. Discover the writers who push the boundaries—and break beyond them . . . the illustrators who envision the impossible—and render it real . . . the stories that challenge the way we see ourselves—and see the world in a new way. The future of science fiction and fantasy is in your hands. Anthology includes: 12 award-winning stories, 16 full-color illustrations, 4 bonus stories, and 4 articles offering art and writing tips. ___________________________ 4 bonus short stories: “Borrowed Glory” by L. Ron Hubbard: For a single day of glory and the settlement of a dispute among immortals, a life can be a satisfactory price. “The Green Tower” by Katherine Kurtz: The magic is strong in the Green Tower, and two young girls struggle to discover its secrets. “The Phoenix’s Peace” by Jody Lynn Nye: The Phoenix has always been the guardian of Dembia. Now there’s trouble in the land, and mysteriously, the Phoenix has left two golden eggs. “The Winds of Harmattan” by Nnedi Okorafor: A young woman seeks her destiny in the African winds of Harmattan. ___________________________ Art and writing tips: “The Illustrators of the Future Contest and the Art of This Anthology” by Echo Chernik: As a successful advertising and publishing illustrator, Illustrators of the Future Coordinating Judge and art director, Echo gives the story behind the cherished art included in this anthology. “Steps in the Right Direction” by L. Ron Hubbard: In this interview, Ron describes the practical philosophy and energetic disciplines he applied with such telling success to his own career as a professional author. “Breaking In” by Mike Perkins: Marvel and DC artist for Captain America, Thor, and Spider-Man shares valuable advice for anyone wanting to make it as a professional artist and illustrator. “Making Collaboration Work for You or Co-writing with Larry and Sean” by Sean Williams: New York Times bestselling author, provides insight on the pitfalls and advantages of collaborating with another author. ___________________________ “Science fiction as a genre has always looked to the future and the Writers of the Future looks to the future of science fiction.” — Kevin J. Anderson “Writers of the Future is the flagship of short fiction.” — Orson Scott Card “L. Ron Hubbard ignited the spark of imagination, which in the minds of these new artists has become a blaze.” — Bob Eggleton “Some of the most excellent speculative fiction that you can find anywhere. They’re cutting edge. They’re new.” — Nnedi Okorafor “These are the people who are going to be creating trends.” — Brandon Sanderson “The Illustrators of the Future is an amazing compass for what the art industry holds in store for all of us.” — Dan dos Santos “Packed with brilliant stories and thoughtful essays, all wonderfully illustrated by the artist winners―always a joy to behold.” — Robert J. Sawyer
The Sci-Fi and Fantasy of Tomorrow Selected by Masters of Today 26 Award-winning Authors and Illustrators Get ready to get carried away … to places no one has ever gone before. Turn the page … from dark fantasy to dystopian nightmare, from magical realism to military science, from paranormal urban fantasy to post-apocalyptic power trips … and beyond. Take flight on a starship powered by a godlike being, willing to go to any length to know what it is to be human. Delve into the psyche of a scientist who must choose between ambition and compassion while compelled to participate in a secret and sadistic government project. Get lost in the chilling Museum of Modern Warfare, where one woman is about to discover life-changing secrets. Experience the stories that challenge our sense of self—and our sense of the world. And that’s just the beginning of your journey.… Discover the mesmerizing power of these new stories, thought-provoking new ideas, brilliant new horizons, and astounding new writers and illustrators—the chosen ones, selected by today’s bestselling science fiction and fantasy authors and artists. ___________________________ 3 Bonus Short Stories by L. Ron Hubbard • Jody Lynn Nye • Kristine Kathryn Rusch “The Dangerous Dimension” by L. Ron Hubbard: Meek Dr. Henry Mudge has a dramatic personality change after discovering a mathematical equation that transports him to any place in the universe he can think of.… “The Phoenixes’ War” by Jody Lynn Nye: When a lover’s gift to her king turns out to be a perilous trap, the Phoenixes and their priestess face a test that will decide the fate of two realms.… “Museum of Modern Warfare” by Kristine Kathryn Rusch: When an ambassador is asked to inspect the controversial Museum of Modern Warfare, she discovers life-changing secrets.… ___________________________ Art and Writing Tips by L. Ron Hubbard • Orson Scott Card • Craig Elliott “Magic Out of a Hat” by L. Ron Hubbard: From a challenge to write a story inspired by a completely uninspiring wastebasket, Ron provides timeless insight on generating a solid story idea and also reveals a bit of the effusive spirit that he brought to the magic of writing. “On Magic Out of a Hat” by Orson Scott Card: Card discusses and expands upon Hubbard’s article breaking down the techniques Ron used to create a story from a simple object. Card also explores the history of memorable speculative fiction and what makes it great. “The Rewards of Imagination” by Craig Elliott: In addition to his fine-art work, Craig has had a hand in designing many of today’s most popular animated films. Here Craig expounds on the value and need for creative artists and their impact on our society.
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. You will love this year’s anthology because these award-winning writers provide a diverse array of stories that will transport you and reshape your reality. Get it now. 3 Bonus Short Stories by David Farland • Frank Herbert • L. Ron Hubbard Art and Writing Tips by Diane Dillon • Brian Herbert & Kevin J. Anderson • Frank Herbert • L. Ron Hubbard Edited by David Farland 16-page color gallery of artwork • Cover art by Bob Eggleton
In the world of speculative fiction… some of your favorite authors… selected these stories for you to read. 24 Award-winning Authors and Illustrators Bonus Short Stories by Kevin J. Anderson • L. Ron Hubbard • S. M. Stirling Art and Writing Tips by Lazarus Chernik • L. Ron Hubbard • Kristine Kathryn Rusch Edited by Dean Wesley Smith • Jody Lynn Nye 16-page color artwork • Cover art by Tom Wood Check out the stories Brandon Sanderson, Orson Scott Card, Nnedi Okorafor, Robert J. Sawyer, Kevin J. Anderson, Jody Lynn Nye and others chose as the best new voices of the year. Be amazed. Be amused. Be transported … by stories that take you by surprise and take you further and deeper into new worlds and new ideas than you’ve ever gone before. Twelve captivating tales from the most exciting new voices in science fiction and fantasy accompanied by three from masters of the genre. A miracle? An omen? Or something else? One day, they arrived in droves—the foxes of the desert, the field, the imagination….—“Kitsune” by Devon Bohm When a vampire, a dragon and a shape-shifting Chihuahua meet on a beach in Key West, fireworks go off! But that’s just the background.—“Moonlight and Funk” by Marianne Xenos The Grim Reaper, trapped in an IRS agent’s dying body, must regain his powers before he dies and faces judgment for his original sin.—“Death and the Taxman” by David Hankins In a metaverse future, a woman who exposes falseness in others must decide what is real to her—the love she lost or the love she may have found.—“Under My Cypresses” by Jason Palmatier Vic Harden wasn’t lured by glory on a daring mission into the reaches of outer space—he was ordered out there by his editor.—“The Unwilling Hero” by L. Ron Hubbard Dangerous opportunities present themselves when an alien ship arrives in the solar system seeking repairs.—“White Elephant” by David K. Henrickson With her spaceship at the wrong end of a pirate’s guns, a former war hero must face down her enemies and demons to save Earth’s last chance for peace.—“Piracy for Beginners” by J. R. Johnson Dan Shamble, Zombie P.I., faces one of his funniest and most perplexing cases ever—an enlightened ogre, a salamander with low self-esteem, and a raging fire dragon!—“Fire in the Hole” by Kevin J. Anderson Years after the Second Holocaust, the last surviving Jews on earth attempt to rewrite the past.—“A Trickle in History” by Elaine Midcoh When I said I’d do anything to pay off my debts and get back home to Earth, I didn’t mean survey a derelict spaceship at the edge of the solar system—but here I am.—“The Withering Sky” by Arthur H. Manner High-powered telescopes bring galactic life to our TVs, and network tuner Hank Enos figures he’s seen everything—until the day an alien boy stares back.—“The Fall of Crodendra M.” by T. J. Knight Knights, damsels and dragons, curses and fates foretold—the stuff of legends and stories, but unexpectedly perverse.—“Constant Never” by S. M. Stirling Determined to save his wife, Tumelo takes an unlikely client through South Africa’s ruins to the heart of the Desolation—a journey that will cost or save everything.—“The Children of Desolation” by Spencer Sekulin When a terrorist smuggles a nuclear weapon into London, a team regresses in time to AD 1093 to assassinate a knight, thereby eliminating the terrorist a millennia before his birth.—“Timelines and Bloodlines” by L. H. Davis The Grand Exam, a gateway to power for one, likely death for all others—its entrants include ambitious nobles, desperate peasants, and an old woman with nothing left to lose.—“The Last History” by Samuel Parr You will love this collection of the best new voices in science fiction and fantasy because, as Locus magazine puts it, “Not only is the writing excellent...it is also extremely varied. Hot new talent.” Get it now.