2002 • Volume 18

Actor Sean Astin (Lord of the Rings and many other film and TV roles) was a guest presenter at the Awards event held on Saturday, August 17, 2002 at the L. Ron Hubbard Gallery in Hollywood, California. The Awards ceremonies were followed by the traditional lavish reception at Author Services, Inc.

Writers of the Future Volume XVIII was released at the event, featuring a spectacular Frank Frazetta cover, and the winners autographed copies for the guests during the reception.

The year 2001 proved to be a year of unparalleled expansion for the Writers and Illustrators of the Future Contests. Perhaps this was due to the wonders of the Internet, friends telling friends, or growing recognition of the importance of providing real opportunity for new writers and artists. The competition was tough; the winners’ success all the more earned.

This year we have added two new writers to our illustrious panel of judges. We’ve added Hal Clement, recipient of the Science Fiction Writers of America Grand Master Award in recognition of his lifetime of achievement in the field of science fiction writing. His first story appeared in the July 1942 issue of Astounding Science Fiction magazine. He published consistently throughout the intervening years and continues writing to this day.

We also welcome Charles Sheffield, winner of the Campbell, Sei-un (Japanese), Hugo and Nebula Awards. In addition to his prize-winning novels, Dr. Sheffield, a distinguished scientist, has published more than one hundred science fiction short stories.