Writers of the Future Podcast

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?

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. LezliRobyn.com

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.

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 discussed 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.

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.

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 Chanel 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.

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. Three years ago, in episode 20, when he had just won: John is from Ontario, Canada, and entered the Writers of the Future Contest 10 times over a 10-year period. He won the Contest with his Lovecraft-influenced horror story, "The Damned Voyage." His goal is to transition to a full-time writer. Then again, 1 1/2 years ago, in episode 122: John Haas has wanted to be a pro writer for most of his life … but life kept getting in his way. He kept persisting and now finds himself on the cusp of realizing that dream. For any who aspire to living their dream, whatever that dream, listen to this episode of the Writers and Illustrators of the Future Podcast with Writers of the Future winner and author John Haas. After all, dreams can be made to happen. And now, with episode 229: 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.

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. View Dao Vi art at https://daovi1215.artstation.com/

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.

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.