Sadistic Aliens...

• It’s game on, the fate of the universe is on the line—and you’re about to go all in.
• Saving the mammoths is in your hands—can you conjure the magic to make it happen?
• You’ve got a monster BFF—whom you’re hiding from your own monster-hunting family.
• You’re part of a sting, out to catch some bar hoppers who are not only bending their elbows, but bending time as well.
• And much more!

Sci-fi and fantasy of tomorrow . . .

. . . selected by masters of today.

Where can you find the hottest new talent all in one book?

Right here. This year’s winning stories include a diverse collection of brilliantly realized worlds of dystopian politics, magical realism, post-apocalyptic adventure, and romance, dark fantasy and more.

You’ll love this anthology because these writers push the boundaries—and break beyond them . . . these illustrators envision the impossible—and render it real . . . these stories challenge the way we see ourselves—and present the world in a new way.

Buy Writers of the Future Volume 36.

24 Award-winning Authors and Illustrators

Bonus short stories by: L. Ron Hubbard • Katherine Kurtz • Jody Lynn Nye • Nnedi Okorafor

Art and writing tips by: Echo Chernik • L. Ron Hubbard • Mike Perkins • Sean Williams

Edited by: David Farland

16-page color Gallery of Artwork

Cover art by: Echo Chernik

Soar to new heights of Science Fiction & Fantasy.

Get to know tomorrow’s brightest creative talents chosen by some of today’s bestselling authors and celebrated artists including Kevin J. Anderson, Orson Scott Card, Larry Elmore, Brandon Sanderson, Dan dos Santos, and Robert J. Sawyer.

The future of science fiction and fantasy is in your hands.

Anthology includes: 12 award-winning stories, 16 full-color illustrations, 4 bonus stories, and 4 articles offering art and writing tips.

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4 bonus short stories:

“Borrowed Glory” by L. Ron Hubbard: For a single day of glory and the settlement of a dispute among immortals, a life can be a satisfactory price.

“The Green Tower” by Katherine Kurtz: The magic is strong in the Green Tower, and two young girls struggle to discover its secrets.

“The Phoenix’s Peace” by Jody Lynn Nye: The Phoenix has always been the guardian of Dembia. Now there’s trouble in the land, and mysteriously, the Phoenix has left two golden eggs.

“The Winds of Harmattan” by Nnedi Okorafor: A young woman seeks her destiny in the African winds of Harmattan.

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Art and writing tips:

“The Illustrators of the Future Contest and the Art of This Anthology” by Echo Chernik: As a successful advertising and publishing illustrator, Contest Coordinating Judge, and art director, Echo gives the story behind the cherished art included in this anthology.

“Steps in the Right Direction” by L. Ron Hubbard: In this interview, Ron describes the practical philosophy and energetic disciplines he applied with such telling success to his own career as a professional author.

“Breaking In” by Mike Perkins: Marvel and DC artist for Captain America, Thor, and Spider-Man shares valuable advice for anyone wanting to make it as a professional artist and illustrator.

“Making Collaboration Work for You or Co-writing with Larry and Sean” by Sean Williams: New York Times bestselling author, provides insight on the pitfalls and advantages of collaborating

Let your imagination run wild.

If you’re ready to travel to a universe of mystery, sacrifice, and suspense, where the laws of physics are optional, book your journey here.

On this odyssey of enchantment, enlightenment, and endless possibility, you will meet a murderer who’s out to save mankind, a cyborg who robs the dead to rescue the living, and a lost boy who holds the key to peace. Discover visions of the world, of mankind, and of the future that are sure to open your eyes.

Every illustration will touch you.

Every word will move you.

Every idea will take you by surprise.

Just imagine.

Bonus: Learn how to write or improve your craft with tips from award-winning and bestselling author and editor Mike Resnick and New York Times bestselling author L. Ron Hubbard. Internationally renowned artist, Rob Prior, shares tips of the trade for aspiring illustrators.

“It’s one of the forces that keep science fiction alive.” —Orson Scott Card

The 35th collection of winners of the Writers and Illustrators of the Future competition features expertly crafted stories and art, spanning the gamut from hard core sci-fi to epic fantasy. 12 stories so fresh and new, they're 5–10 years ahead of the curve—the future is literally here and now.

Each year, the Writers and Illustrators of the Future Contests’ blue-ribbon judges search the world to discover and introduce to you the very best new talent in sci-fi and fantasy.

Created by L. Ron Hubbard, whose commitment to help new writers and artists gave rise to the annual Writers of the Future anthologies—a launching pad for writers and artists who are sure to command our attention for decades to come.

The 24 award-winning sci-fi and fantasy authors and illustrators are accompanied by New York Times bestselling authors L. Ron Hubbard, Rebecca Moesta, Mike Resnick, Dean Wesley Smith, and world-class artists Rob Prior and Echo Chernik and edited by David Farland

Do you love a good whodunit? Detectives and mobsters, newshawks and murderers–all ingredients for disaster in this murder mystery collection. Whether it was sending a detective after zombie killers on the prowl or chasing down headhunters at a grisly carnival, Ron knew how to thrill readers and keep them guessing until the end.

The 4-book collection includes 10 short stories along with illustrations from the original publications and glossaries of historical terms.

The titles and short stories in this collection are:

False Cargo (includes: “Grounded”), Hurricane, Mouthpiece (includes: “Flame City,” “Calling Squad Cars!” and “The Grease Spot”) and The Slickers (includes: “Killer Ape” and “Murder Afloat”).

“One of the great pulp writers, with colorful prose, lively action writing, exotic locales, fresh variations on standard characters and situations, and well-constructed plots.” —Ellery Queen

Ride a trail of blazing guns and two-fisted action in the Wild West as L. Ron Hubbard brings American history to life. Growing up in Montana provided him with the first-hand experience that added a tone of authenticity to his western tales. Readers will feel the heat, taste the dust and hear the thunder of horses’ hooves in these tales from a master storyteller of the genre.

The 4-book collection includes 10 short stories along with illustrations from the original publications and glossaries of historical terms.

The titles and short stories in this collection are:

King of the Gunmen (includes: “The No-Gun Gunhawk”), The Magic Quirt (includes: “Vengeance Is Mine!” and “Stacked Bullets”), The No-Gun Man (includes: “Man for Breakfast”) and Shadows from Boot Hill (includes: “The Gunner from Gehenna” and “Gunman!”).

“With the flair of a Louis L’Amour or Zane Grey.” —True West Magazine

For SF and fantasy enthusiasts who love to escape to unknown worlds.

As a master of the art of narrative and one of the leaders in the Golden Age of Science Fiction, L. Ron Hubbard’s Sci-Fi and Fantasy stories helped reshape the future of speculative fiction. The universe is yours as you explore fabulous worlds of unfolding mystery and unlimited potential.

Discover the herald of possibility in these out-of-this-world adventures.

The 4-book collection includes 10 short stories along with illustrations from the original publications and glossaries of hard-to-find terms.

The titles and short stories in this collection are: The Great Secret (includes: “Space Can,” “The Beast” and “The Slaver”), If I Were You (includes: “The Last Drop”), One Was Stubborn (includes: “A Can of Vacuum” and “240,000 Miles Straight Up”) and The Tramp.

“A super-writer of the Golden Age of Science Fiction.” —A. E. van Vogt

24 Award-Winning Authors and Illustrators

Accompanied by Orson Scott Card, Brandon Sanderson, Jody Lynn Nye, Jerry Pournelle, Ciruelo and Echo Chernik and Edited by David Farland

Your search for something new and different in sci-fi and fantasy ends here.

Presenting this year’s collection of fresh voices, fabulous worlds, and fantastic new characters.

Each year, the Writers and Illustrators of the Future Contests’ blue-ribbon judges search the world to discover and introduce to you the very best new talent in sci-fi and fantasy.

Created by L. Ron Hubbard, whose commitment to help new writers and artists gave rise to the annual Writers of the Future anthologies—a launching pad for writers and artists who are sure to command our attention for decades to come.

“Writers of the Future, as a contest and as a book, remains the flagship of short fiction.” —Orson Scott Card

“The best new stories by new writers, anywhere.” —Larry Niven

“These are the people who are going to be creating trends.” —Brandon Sanderson

“Science fiction as a genre has always looked to the future and the Writers of the Future looks to the future of science fiction.” —Kevin J. Anderson

“See the best of the best culled for you, curated and selected in a single volume every year.” —Robert J. Sawyer

Wondrous and powerful tales from some of the world’s best new writers

Turnabout—Djinn are famous for twisting your words so they don’t really grant your wish, but two can play that game.

A Smokeless and Scorching Fire—Deacon is a government official, and he’s afraid he’ll stay that way if he can’t break his conditioning.

The Howler on the Sales Floor—It’s easy making sales when you can send images of despair into the hearts of your clients.

The Minarets of An-Zabat—Alder seeks the secrets of the Windcallers’ magic, but his curiosity may destroy the people he loves.

The Death Flyer—Jim Bellamy tries to save the life of a girl who died in the wreckage of a train ten years ago.

Odd and Ugly—A tree giant takes in a housekeeper, but she has more secrets than either of them can handle.

Mara’s Shadow—An ancient myth might provide the key to curing a disease that threatens all of humanity.

The Lesson—A lesson on philosophy in action turns into a deadly encounter.

What Lies Beneath—A powerful sorcerer has so disgraced himself, he is afraid of what his family will think should he ever die and meet them on the other side.

The Face in the Box—Cara discovers a floating farm parked over her land, blocking the sunlight, and must confront the driver.

“Hot new talent.” —Locus

Get to know tomorrow’s brightest creative talents chosen by some of today’s bestselling authors and celebrated artists including Kevin J. Anderson, Orson Scott Card, Larry Elmore, and Brandon Sanderson.

Explore 12 diverse new universes of possibility through a variety of creative and fresh new ideas—all in one anthology. From dragons to mythical death dealers, from murder on the moon to deep space mystery, these stories bring you the hot new talent in science fiction, fantasy, and horror.

Discover the writers who push the boundaries—and break beyond them . . . the illustrators who envision the impossible—and render it real . . . the stories that challenge the way we see ourselves—and see the world in a new way.

You’ll love this anthology because of the diversity of stories, unexpected twists and turns, and 16 full color illustrations that bring the stories to vivid life.

Get it now.

Bonus short stories by L. Ron Hubbard, Todd McCaffrey, and Robert J. Sawyer

Art and writing tips by Anne McCaffrey, L. Ron Hubbard, and Larry Elmore

“This fine collection will appeal to both fans of science fiction and fantasy short stories and aspiring writers looking for ways to improve their craft.” —Booklist

About the Stories:

When Gwen’s husband is found murdered, she’s the only suspect. After all, they were the only two people on the moon.—Moonlight One

Flora’s father is a mech-soldier of the Slayer Class, but how much of him is really left inside the machine?—The Armor Embrace

When an alien with godly intelligence is discovered watching the earth, one man must try to learn if its motives are pure.—Envoy in the Ice

If you were stranded in an open boat and the only hope for rescue came from a ghost ship, would dare to ride?—The Devil’s Rescue

Some gifts come with heavy price tags, and the giver must rise to the occasion.—Tears for Shülna

What if an alien asks for your help with a question, and the answer affects the future of the whole human race?—The Drake Equation

Barlow has a talent for finding the dead. Or do they find him.—Acquisition

When Varga sets out to explore the ancient stronghold of a long- dead wizard, she discovers that the ruins aren’t as deserted as she thought.—Obsidian Spire

If only that reptile in the sewer were something as predictable as an alligator.—Gator

On a distant world among the cloud peaks, the light-hawks promise a rich reward for those daring enough to harvest one.—A Glowing Heart

In a world where memories can be stripped, Bill discovers that he has a family he has never known.—The Long Dizzy Down

Not all spirits have the best of intentions, and they must be dealt with.—The Woodcutters’ Deity

You can put an end to something wondrous, but only at a cost.

Science Fiction & Fantasy Anthology and Advice to Writers 2016

You are about to meet:

YOUR NEXT FAVORITE AUTHOR

The 32nd edition of Writers of the Future may be the best new book yet! Brand-new adventure through space, time and possibility.

Along the way these new authors will introduce you to fascinating characters such as Nate, a very loyal companion—like most werewolves would be. Keanie has a parasite that lets her morph and so transform into anyone. Liz owns a dinosaur maker, but raw ingredients can be a problem. Anna slaves away in a factory but her magic leaves her unfulfilled. These authors take creative writing to a whole new level!

The answers, the stories, the visions, and the mind-stretching possibilities are all waiting inside.

Welcome to the future of Science Fiction and Fantasy. It gets better every year. These are the award winning short stories of the international contest that have launched the writing careers of some of the best new books!

BONUS stories and articles on how to write by New York Times best sellers Tim Powers, Sean Williams, Brandon Sanderson, Sergey Poyarkov & L. Ron Hubbard

“The Writers of the Future contest looks for people with the best imaginations who can see through the possibilities of the strangest and best ideas and tell stories that intrigue us and involve us.” —Orson Scott Card

Celebrate the 32nd anniversary of the Writers of the Future contest and the 27th anniversary of the Illustrators of the Future contest

2015 Best Science Fiction and alien anthology, Publisher's Weekly Science Fiction Best Seller

The future is here…the future is now!  Orson Scott Card, Kevin J. Anderson and Larry Niven have seen the future. Now, you can, too.

A constellation of the brightest lights in the Science Fiction and Fantasy firmament have judged these authors to be the best, the brightest, the truest emerging stars in the field.

From Alien Invasion to Alternate History, from Cyberpunk to Comic Fantasy to Post-Apocalyptic Worlds, these are the winning writers who have mastered every version and vision of sci-fi and fantasy.

Don’t be left behind. Get a read on what’s next.

“The Writers of the Future contest looks for people with the best imaginations who can see through the possibilities of the strangest and best ideas and tell stories that intrigue us and involve us.” —Orson Scott Card

Action packed and captivating tale. Captain Gordon is a Tomb Raider. Hired to fly a team of American anthropologists to an arid mountain region now part of Pakistan bordering the Arabian Sea. All goes well until an ancient map is discovered in an old pottery jar, revealing the site of a vast lost treasure that Alexander the Great was bringing to Greece from his conquest of India. More than 10,000 of Alexander's soldiers and camp followers lay buried in the high desert plains along with the loot of India - hidden in a tomb never to be reclaimed. With the map's discovery, all academic pretense is dropped. Now Gordon finds himself caught in the middle of the expedition where murder replaces scholarship as the best method to uncover the valuable hoard. His colleagues have one goal now, to raid a tomb belonging to Alexander the Great at all cost.

Not only was Hubbard steeped in the history of the ancient world, he was also an avid adventurer—both in his own right and as a respected member of the famed Explorers Club. As such, he brought a wealth of insight, experience and authenticity to all his tales of adventure.

Also includes two additional adventures: The Price of a Hat, in which the key to the Russian Czar’s life is hidden in a most unexpected place, and Starch and Stripes, the story of a U.S. Marine who sets a trap for a tropical warlord that reverberates all the way back to Washington.

“An exciting story told at a brisk clip, with characters and dialogue that keep readers glued to the page: Hubbard at his best.” —Booklist

* An International Book Awards Winner