216. Storm Humbert and Inner Workings Kickstarter
Storm Humbert was a Writers of the Future Volume 36 winner and published in multiple magazines. Most recent is The Librarian, a collection with Air and Nothingness Press, and Of Wizards and Wolves, a tribute anthology for David Farland, published with WordFire Press. In this podcast, we discuss a Kickstarter for the Inner Workings Anthology, A Calendar of Fools. Kickstarter link: bit.ly/IWFools
217. Kevin Ikenberry from Space Operations Officer to Bestselling Author
I met Kevin Ikenberry at Superstars in Colorado Springs and was amazed at how many common connections we shared. He has over twenty-five years of experience in space science education, including managing the U.S. Space Camp program and serving as an executive of two Challenger Learning Centers. Kevin is the internationally bestselling author of The Protocol War series featuring Colorado Book Award finalist Sleeper Protocol, which Publisher’s Weekly called “an emotionally powerful debut,” and the sequel Vendetta Protocol. Kevin is also the author of nine bestselling Peacemaker novels in the Four Horsemen Universe as well as the military science fiction novel Runs In The Family and the thriller Super-Sync. Kevin has also contributed to the Nebula-award nominated Caine Riordan series by Charles E. Gannon and his alternate history novel, The Crossing, written with Eric Flint. Learn more at kevinikenberry.com.
218. Multiple Authors Writing One World: Eldros Legacy
Today’s guests are Marie Whittaker, Mark Stallings, Todd Fahnestock, and Quincy J. Allen, who co-create the Eldros Legacy fantasy series. Marie Whittaker is Associate Publisher at WordFire Press and Director at Superstars Writing Seminars. In 2021, she co-founded the epic fantasy world of Eldrose Legacy—the subject of this podcast. Mark Stallings is an Amazon best-selling author living in Colorado Springs, Colorado. He is a writer of Chinese martial arts fiction called Woo-Sha (Wuxia), Fantasy, Thrillers, and Military Sci-Fi. Todd Fahnestock is a fantasy writer for all ages and winner of the New York Public Library’s Books for the Teen Age Award. Quincy J. Allen is a national best-selling cross-genre author with a wide assortment of publications under his belt.
219. Dave Sheets Helping Anyone to Create their Book
Dave Sheets is the CEO of Indie Book Services. He has been in the publishing industry for over 25 years, working in all facets of publishing, and has turned his experience and expertise into his company, Indie Book Services. In this podcast, we discuss each step of the book production cycle, from helping write the story (ghostwriting or co-writing) all the way through to printed books. Dave can be reached at dave@indieauthorbookservices.com and by phone at (719) 641-7862.
220. Brian C. Hailes World Class Artist / Bestselling Author
Brian C. Hailes was an Illustrators of the Future Winner in 2002, volume 18. He illustrated L. Ron Hubbard’s story, "The Idealist," a few years ago. He is the creator of Draw It With Me, and is also the award-winning writer/illustrator of the illustrated novels, Blink, Defender of Llyans, and Avila, two graphic novels, Dragon’s Gait and Devil’s Triangle, and the children's picture books Skeleton Play and Don’t Go Near the Crocodile Ponds. We discuss his journey to becoming an artist. Learn more at hailesart.com.
221. Daniel Yocom: Professional Book Reviewer
Daniel Yocom is a professional book reviewer. We met at the LTUE (Life, the Universe, and Everything) conference on a panel on getting reviews. Daniel is also involved with the League of Utah Writers, a non-profit organization dedicated to creating community, and empowering the writing and publishing goals of members, whether they be novices or professional. Something very near and dear to my Writers of the Future heart! Reviews are a very important part of the publishing process, and we will be discussing this along with the League of Writers Utah.
222. Susan Kroupa and her Labradoodle: Three Decades After Winning
Susan Kroupa was initially published in L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future Volume 10 as a winner with the story “The Healer.” She has since gone on to write the Doodlebugged Mysteries, featuring a Labradoodle as a principal character, as well as Treetalker. Her fiction has also appeared in Realms of Fantasy, Bruce Coville's Shapeshifters, and a variety of anthologies. She has lived and taught on both the Hopi and Navajo reservations and written for The Arizona Republic and High Country News. Learn more at susankroupa.com.
223. Radio theatre performance of "If I Were You"
Actors Keli Daniels, Neil Angevine, Taylor Meskimen, Jim Meskimen, Nancy Cartwright (voice of Bart Simpson), Noelle North, Tamra Meskimen, and R.F. Daley perform L. Ron Hubbard's circus fantasy story "If I Were You" for the Contest judges, volume 39 writers and illustrator winners. Circus midget Little Tom Little learns from a book on black magic how to switch bodies. When he jumps into the body of the lion tamer, he finds himself caught in the center ring surrounded by dozens of savage cats and quickly realizes that his craving for height just may have led him to a gruesome death.
Orson Scott Card in his podcast says that fantasy novels have trees on the cover and science fiction novels have rivets!
You must listen to the podcast at 1:02. Mr. Card explains in detail why you must write fresh stories and not re-writes! Wulf Moon's advice is confirmed by a master!
I just saw this in the forum and started from episode 1 of the podcast. These are fantastic for writers trying to understand what makes a good story and what makes their work, done their way, shine.
https://www.writersofthefuture.com/podcast/
"Whether you think you can, or you think you can't--you're right."~ Henry Ford
2023 - V40 - Q1-HM, Q2-HM, Q3-R, Q4-Ideas Brewing
2022 - V39 - Q1-SHM, Q2-HM, Q3-SF, Q4-HM
2021 - V38 - Q4-HM
2020 - V37 - Q2-R
224. Brian Herbert author of Dreamer of Dune Frank Herbert
Brian Herbert, author of Dreamer of Dune, a book about his father Frank Herbert, discusses his relationship with his father, Frank’s growth from aspiring to international bestselling author, and Brian’s own journey as a bestselling author. Learn more at www.brianherbertnovels.com.
225. Mark Leslie: Book rating system G, PG, R, X equivalents
This week's guest is a longtime friend, Mark Leslie (Lefevbre) who I have had on as a guest a few times already discussing his Canadian Werewolf series, which I really enjoy! I've never discussed book ratings and what makes something children vs YA vs Christian vs all the other categories. How sex and violence are handled in the different categories. And what is the equivalent of a Motion Picture Rating System for books to let an audience know what they are getting? I've not addressed this in any of my past interviews. I will also do some research into different categories of romance vs erotica. Also what target audiences/ages would an author write for to reach the different audiences?
226. Jim, Tamra, Taylor Meskimen—Why listen to Writers of the Future 39 audiobook
Jim, Tamra, and Taylor Meskimen have recorded nearly 500 audiobooks, including L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future Volume 39. They discuss what makes this audiobook such a great listen for all age groups—Boomers to Gen Z—and how it has stories that appeal to everyone. We discuss the importance of imagination and the value of audiobooks in contributing to developing imagination.
227. Steve Pantazis releases 1st of 9 volume epic fantasy series
I originally met Steve Pantazis in 2015 when he was published in Writers of the Future Volume 31 with his very clever story, “Switch.” I have been nagging him for about eight years now, asking for his novel. Well, he has not only provided that novel, he has done so in spades with a nine-book epic fantasy series entitled The Light of Darkness of which I read the first volume. We discuss his journey, starting 40 years ago, in creating this series. Up to the launch of this series, he has published short stories in Nature, Galaxy’s Edge, and Intergalactic Medicine Show. Learn more at www.stevepantazis.com.
228. 2023 Grand Prize Winners Dave Henrickson and Dao Vi
This interview was recorded the morning following the Awards Gala for L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future Volume 39. Dave Henrickson was the Golden Pen Award-winning author with his story "White Elephant," and Dao Vi was the Golden Brush Award-winner illustrator for his illustration of the story "The Last History." We discuss their trajectories to becoming the grand prize winners.
229. John Haas did I tell you the one about a hideous idol?
How about this as our topic for this episode: A hideous idol. An ancient slumbering evil. A murderous cult. Today’s guest is John Haas. This is his third appearance on this podcast. As I prepared for this interview, I was trying to reconcile why I have had him on more than any other winner. He is Canadian and a super nice guy and writes some pretty intense horror. Somewhat of a contradiction that I will hopefully resolve in this interview. Learn more at johnhaas.ca.
230. Lydia van Vogt, secretary of Gen Eisenhower widow of A.E. van Vogt
While I consider each of my episodes special, this one is especially near and dear to my heart. Lydia van Vogt has been a friend for many years and is one of the loveliest ladies I know. The photo is me with Lydia at the Writers of the Future Gala. She was a German translator for General Eisenhower in Germany in WW II, then granted her US citizenship once he became President. She then became a Channel model. She is the widow of Golden Age of Science Fiction author and Science Fiction Grand Master A.E. van Vogt. And she has just turned 96.
231. Bob Bly Creator of The Science Fictionary
Bob Bly is referred to as THE direct response copywriter for the digital age. We have used him for several years at Galaxy Press. In addition to helping us at Galaxy Press, he has also worked with other “start-ups” such as IBM, AT&T, Intuit, Forbes, Medical Economics, and ITT. McGraw-Hill calls him “America’s top copywriter.” The Direct Marketing Association awarded him the Gold Echo, and the American Writers and Artists Institute voted Bob Copywriter of the Year. He has taught copywriting at New York University and is the author of over 100 published books, including The Digital Marketing Handbook, The Copywriter’s Handbook, PR For Dummies. And as for this interview … he is also the author of The Science Fictionary: A Dictionary of Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror. Learn more at www.bly.com.
232. Dan Farr CEO FanX Salt Lake on pop culture
CEO of Dan Farr Productions and owner of FanX Salt Lake, Tampa Comic Con, Atlanta Comic Con, and Indianapolis Comic Con, was this year's keynote speaker for the Writers & Illustrators of the Future Volume 39 Gala. His topic was pop culture, and in this interview, we discuss the importance of writers and illustrators in creating the characters and stories that your favorite actors perform. We also cover the value of pop culture in breaking down walls and bringing people together.
233. Nnedi Okorafor’s Outrageous Writer Journey
I’m here with Nnedi Okorafor, one of our previously published finalists in volume 19 and now a judge. We talk about many of the things she has done in her life leading up to her amazing career. Her books included Binti, Akata Witch, Who Fears Death, Akata Warrior, and Lagoon. She has also written in the Shuri universe for Marvel. Learn more at nnedi.com.
Nnedi is delightful! This interview is fantastic!
Vol. 36: 3rd -- R, 4th -- R
Vol. 37: 1st -- R, 2nd -- HM, 3rd -- HM, 4th -- SHM
Vol. 38: 1st -- HM, 2nd -- HM, 3rd -- HM, 4th -- HM
Vol. 39: 1st -- SHM, 2nd -- RWC, 3rd -- RWC, 4th -- HM
Vol. 40: 1st -- HM, 2nd -- R, 3rd -- RWC, 4th -- pending
Vol. 41: 1st - WIP
234. Lezli Robyn Editor of Galaxy's Edge Magazine
Lezli Robyn is the editor of Galaxy’s Edge magazine and assistant publisher at ARC Manor. She was brought into the field by Mike Resnick and introduced to the major names in science fiction and fantasy. She has picked up Mike's mantle in helping writers. We discuss how to deal with an editor providing do's and don'ts on how to present yourself and your work to an editor. Learn more at LezliRobyn.com.
235. Echo Chernik What Makes for Winning Art
Today’s guest is Echo Chernik, Illustrators of the Future Coordinating Judge. I’m not even putting down her bio because she’s got so much experience in every form and aspect of art. What I’m covering in this interview is what does she look for? What makes for winning art? What makes for somebody to actually come into consideration and move up the ranks as an Honorable Mention and as a Finalist, and ultimately a winner of the Contest?
236. Robert J. Sawyer: Good, Bad and Ugly of Social Media
Robert J. Sawyer, the Dean of Canadian Science Fiction, which the Ottowa Citizen dubbed him. He’s won all three of the science fiction field’s top honors for his best novel of the year—the Hugo, the Nebula, and the John W. Campbell Memorial Award. As well as 11 Canadian science fiction and fantasy awards, the Auroras. If any of you remember seeing the ABC series Flash Forward, it was based on his novel of the same name.
237. 4 Award-Winning Authors and Artists Discuss Their Journeys to Winning
Meet four winners and listen to them give their personal journeys to win the Contest and published in L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future Volume 39 : Elaine Midcoh, author of “A Trickle in History” (www.baen.com/pr-jbmmssa-2022-winner) J.R. Johnson, author of “Piracy for Beginners” ( https://jrjohnson.me ) Sarah Morrison, illustrator of “Death and the Taxman” ( http://sarahmorrisonillustration.com ) April Solomon, illustrator of “Moonlight and Funk” ( http://AprilSolomonArt.com ).
238. David Hankins & Sarah Morrison announce Death and the Taxman novel
David Hankins (WOTF) and Sarah Morrison (IOTF) are winners published in L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future Volume 39. David's story, “Death and the Taxman" with Sarah's illustration, made for a fantastic package. It was so popular that David expanded it to a novel and Sarah expanded on her art to create the cover and additional inside art. And they have launched a Kickstarter to fund the project. Sign up for the Kickstarter here: www.kickstarter.com/projects/davidhankins/death-and-the-taxman.
239. 4 Different Styles 4 Award-Winning Authors
David Hankins, "Death and the Taxman," TJ Knight "The Fall of Crodendra M," Spencer Sekulin "Children of Desolation," and Samuel Parr "The Last History" are all winners published in L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future Volume 39. They have all written very different stories with very different and are all winners.
How can I not love that previous one?!? 
Career:
1x Win
2x NW-F
2x S-F
9x S-HM
11x HM
7x R
240. Roger Christian Academy Award Winner for Star Wars Discusses The Hero’s Journey
Roger Christian won an Academy Award for creating the look of the Star Wars universe—including the iconic lightsaber—and established a long collaboration with George Lucas. He directed 2nd unit on Return of the Jedi, and Star Wars: Episode I—The Phantom Menace. Lucas commissioned Black Angel, Roger’s debut as a writer/director to release with Star Wars: Episode V—The Empire Strikes Back in cinemas. In this interview, we discuss Joseph Campbell's The Hero’s Journey as illustrated by Star Wars’s Luke Skywalker and Battlefield Earth’s Jonnie Goodboy Tyler.
241. Bruce Brenneise Tips to Surviving as an Artist
241. Bruce Brenneise Tips to Surviving as an Artist Bruce Brenneise was an illustrator winner published in Writers of the Future Volume 34 and also illustrated “The Unwilling Hero” by L. Ron Hubbard in Volume 39. He has gone on to a very successful art career which we discuss in this interview. Learn more at www.brucebrenneise.com.
242. Martin Shoemaker's OPINION on the Unwritten Rules of the Writers of the Future
Martin Shoemaker is an author and programmer and winner of Writers of the Future Volume 31. In this episode, Martin discusses his opinion on the unwritten rules of Writers of the Future, which you can also find at WritersoftheFuture.com/blog.
