Writers of the Future 41: Video Review

Get the book here.

Audiobook on sale here.

My Review: 5 stars

I am very excited to glimpse into those who may become the great names of future sci-fi and fantasy titles.

This book is not just a collection of short stories, with sci-fi, fantasy, and horror elements. It also includes many tips and advice from the author and judges that are very inspiring, useful, and relevant.

From Jody's intro explaining how this free contest works (it happens 4 times a year, each creator can send three entries, and it's free) to a quick explanation of what is expected from a winning creator: enthusiasm, passion, and creativity. The short interludes from the author and judges explain well what the creators should be focusing on, with great advice.

Each short story is then paired with an illustration and artist (and there is a promise that this contest will never have a place for AI artwork). Participants end in a total of twelve winners.

Each short story starts with a quick intro about the author and illustrator.

Here are some keywords and highlights of the themes in this volume.

Storm Damage - Sci-fi, military thriller, time traveling. One person can go back in time and fix a major screw-up. Would you go? What would you chance? There are sacrifices for this opportunity.

Blackbird Stone - pshycomechanics, a society addicted to time, people can have sentient lizards with telepathic abilities (these are their smartphones), surreal elements, and focus on mental health.

Kill Switch - This was one of my favorites. Of course, it has a robot as a main character. Thriller elements, he is hired for a job, but there is an awakening.

The message from the author is a simple but very easy-to-understand message of how to include your audience in your creative process and how to view art. This is followed by a short story by the same author with a great plot twist, si-fi military training, and new generation arrogance vs. old generation's experience.

Karma Birds - a dystopian light horror story of three siblings on the run, religion, and creepy giant black birds as persecutors, makes it awesome with creepy tension

The Boy from Elsewhen is about not living connected to the online world.

Of course, these highlights are very quick redacted examples for each story, but the stories have more layers and depth, and we can feel through the writing style the hard world that went into crafting each.

Code L1 is a first contact, predator vibes kind of story about discovering a planet but then realizing that there is more there than meets the eye.

One of the judges brings forward an essay on the importance of having a theme and not just an entertaining storyline.

There are more good ones; I will leave it for you to discover. ASCII, A World of Repetitions, The Rune With, My Name Was Tom, Slip Stone (a kid makes an awesome choice when allowed to time travel), The Stench of Freedom, 30 Minutes or It's a Paradox, and An Artist's Path by Tom Wood.

Many of the judges, over the years, have been giants of the art and industry, such as Frank Frazetta, Anne McCaffrey, Larry Elmore, Dan dos Santos, Shan Taun, Brandon Sanderson, and so many more. Some of the previous winners have done so well after they, too, have become judges.

One of the winners of 2002 was Patrick Rothfuss. The next may be you.

Step into the extraordinary with L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future Volume 41—an anthology that promises the unexpected, the thought-provoking, and the unforgettable. Celebrating the best new voices in speculative fiction, this collection offers gripping tales of science fiction, fantasy, and beyond.

Discover Distant Worlds

Explore alien landscapes, futuristic technologies, and hidden realms. From time-traveling adventures to battles for survival in dystopian societies, these stories transport you far beyond the limits of imagination.

Meet Extraordinary Heroes

Follow protagonists who face impossible odds—from a young constable on a harsh alien frontier to a reclusive writer sharing a ride with a sentient car. These characters redefine courage, resilience, and what it means to be human.

Experience Visual Wonder

Every story is brought to life with breathtaking original illustrations. These commissioned works add depth, color, and vibrancy to the collection, making it a visual and literary masterpiece.

Learn from the Legends

Gain inspiration from essays by L. Ron Hubbard, Robert J. Sawyer, and Tom Wood, offering rare insights into storytelling and creative mastery.

Discover Tomorrow's Stars

This volume continues the legacy of Writers of the Future, the competition that has launched myriad bestselling authors. These rising talents are reshaping speculative fiction as we know it.

Whether you love heart-pounding action, thought-provoking “what ifs,” or stories that blur the line between science and magic, Volume 41 is your gateway to new dimensions. With tales and illustrations that linger long after the final page, this anthology invites you to take the leap into worlds uncharted.

Push Beyond the Ordinary. Explore the Extraordinary.

Grab your copy of L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future Volume 41 and discover the next generation of visionary storytellers and artists.

LINKS https://writersofthefuture.com/

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/224596260-l-ron-hubbard-presents-writers-of-the-future-volume-41

Previous volumes

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