Writers of the Future Podcast

Orson Scott Card describes how he went from screenwriting to writing books and how Ender's Game was conceived. He also answers questions posed by several fans: how he views writer's block, dealing with the pain of the protagonist, what happened to the TV series "Extinct," and a whole lot more. As a Writers of the Future judge, he also talks about the value of the Contest to a career as a writer. Learn more about Orson Scott Card at www.hatrack.com.

Brad Torgersen, who won the 2019 Dragon Award for Best SF Novel of the Year, talks about his win, gives writing tips, discusses how Writers of the Future has impacted his writing career, and how to be a writer while deployed in the military. www.bradrtorgersen.com FB @BradTorgersen

Jody Lynn Nye is a prolific short story and novel writer as well as being a Writers of the Future judge. We all have problems with confidence as a writer. Jody offers some tips on how to deal with it. She also shares considerable experience in handling social media and dealing with trolls. She also talks about what it was like to co-write with Anne McCaffrey. Facebook: @JodyLynnNye Web: jodynye.net

Brianna Winner at SLC FanX talking about her path to becoming a writer, from a bullied 12-year-old along with her sister Brittany, to an award-winning-author. Let her journey be your inspiration! Discover the Winner Twins at www.winnertwins.com

Elise talks about how to be a writer as a new mom, even though that was several years ago now. She discusses the incredible mood swings, sleep deprivation, and total love for her child, yet feeling lost without being able to write—and how she ultimately overcame it and worked out how she could write. Elise was a winner in volume 35 with her story, "Untrained Luck" and can be reached at www.EliseStephens.com.

Savannah College of Art & Design in Atlanta, SCAD, graduate Jennifer Ober talks about what she learned from her week at the Illustrators of the Future as well as being a "con virgin" with this being her first time attending a convention. Discover Jennifer's amazing art at oberillustrations.com

Writers of the Future 35 writer winner, Carrie Callahan, has been writing since she was a child and talks about her journey to become a professional writer. Despite the poverty in her youth, she has persisted and is now a professional. She has always had to write and has always wanted to be a writer. She has learned that writing as an author is different than writing as a writer and that writing is a muscle you can flex and strengthen. Learn more at: carriecallahan.com

Ciruelo Cabral began creating his art in Buenos Aires, Argentina and moved to Barcelona, Spain where he became a world-famous fantasy artist, specializing in dragons. Art is not just a career. You need to know what kind of person you are as an artist. You need to keep the passion you started with. Ciruelo is now an Illustrators of the Future judge helping new artists and a regular guest of DragonCon, where this interview is being conducted. Ciruelo can be found at http://www.dac-editions.com/

Echo Chernik is the Coordinating Judge for the Illustrators of the future Contest discusses what the Contest looks for in illustration submissions. It must be illustration vs fine art. She then defines the difference between illustration & art. Lazarus addresses the agency side of illustration: can it tell a story and is it executed well.

Science fiction fantasy landscape artist Bruce Brenneise (volume 34 winner)talks about art direction and the importance of setting your ego aside. You are fulfilling someone else's vision. You are selling creative problem solving to a client. "If I have a disagreement, I take a beat, let any anxieties calm down, then have a calm professional discussion on the best route to take for the project." He recommends biting your tongue until you build a rep as an artist. The sooner you can figure out what kind of artist you are, the better, as you will find clients that will be best for you. Learn more at www.BruceBrenneise.com