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L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future Volume 29
Turn the page…open your eyes...and look into the future
They unleash the power of dreams and unlock the secrets of the universe.
They bend time, twist perception, and put a new spin on the laws of physics.
They show us who we are, what we may become, and how far we can go.
They are the Writers of the Future.
Experience their vision.
“Keep the Writers of the Future going. It’s what keeps sci-fi alive.” —ORSON SCOTT CARD
A Starred Review in Publisher's weekly posted May 30, 2013:
"Selected by a panel of judges and edited into a cohesive collection by Wolverton, this year’s Writers of the Future collection is exciting and engrossing, with stories that range across the spectrum of SF and fantasy. Eschewing tried-and-true space opera and epic fantasy, these stories explore new mysteries and ideas. Death takes a bride in Marilyn Guttridge’s “The Ghost Wife of Arlington.” The secrets of the clock that powers the world are revealed in Christopher Reynaga’s “The Grande Complication.” Shannon Peavey’s “Scavengers” introduces the Vulture Lady and explains why no one who leaves her domain ever returns. Adventurous, lighthearted, thought-provoking, and grim, these stories cover a wide range of science and magic, each unique, refreshing, and innovative in a variety of different ways. The anthology is fleshed out by essays from the late Hubbard, Nnedi Okorafor, and artist Larry Elmore. This book is not to be missed, full of exciting new writers to watch. (July)"
They unleash the power of dreams and unlock the secrets of the universe.
They bend time, twist perception, and put a new spin on the laws of physics.
They show us who we are, what we may become, and how far we can go.
They are the Writers of the Future.
Experience their vision.
“Keep the Writers of the Future going. It’s what keeps sci-fi alive.” —ORSON SCOTT CARD
A Starred Review in Publisher's weekly posted May 30, 2013:
"Selected by a panel of judges and edited into a cohesive collection by Wolverton, this year’s Writers of the Future collection is exciting and engrossing, with stories that range across the spectrum of SF and fantasy. Eschewing tried-and-true space opera and epic fantasy, these stories explore new mysteries and ideas. Death takes a bride in Marilyn Guttridge’s “The Ghost Wife of Arlington.” The secrets of the clock that powers the world are revealed in Christopher Reynaga’s “The Grande Complication.” Shannon Peavey’s “Scavengers” introduces the Vulture Lady and explains why no one who leaves her domain ever returns. Adventurous, lighthearted, thought-provoking, and grim, these stories cover a wide range of science and magic, each unique, refreshing, and innovative in a variety of different ways. The anthology is fleshed out by essays from the late Hubbard, Nnedi Okorafor, and artist Larry Elmore. This book is not to be missed, full of exciting new writers to watch. (July)"
488 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
November 18, 2013
Finding an interesting, new author is a fantastic experience, like discovering a new favorite restaurant or traveling to a place you’ve never been before. It is full of exploration, of discovery, and the refreshing feel of something new and fresh.
Imagine, then, what it’s like to find one book with 12 interesting new authors, all at once. It’s exactly what you get with Writers of the Future Volume 29. As a collection of the fiction, it’s a cornucopia of clever tales and excellent writing, and you won’t even need to buy 12 different books to enjoy each author.
Perhaps only slightly hyperbolically, the cover says that the stories “show us who we are, what we may become, and how far we can go.” Indeed, the stories may be more imaginative than predictive, but it does nothing to diminish their ability to convey the reader away from the ordinary and to lands and worlds unbounded by time or physics. And, eschewing the cliches even as it embraces them, the stories prove that science fiction and its close cousin fantasy are just as much about people and relationships as spaceships and magic.
The Writers of the Future contest is unique among collections of short stories. Where others focus on a topic, share a single author, or even share the same imaginary world, the commonality between tales in Writers of the Future Volume 29 is in their selection by a panel of judges comprised of the who’s who of science fiction and fantasy authors and headed by Dave Wolverton. Authors submit their work to the panel and their submissions are reviewed blind.
In other words, the only commonality is the genre and the high level of writing. Only the best selections win, and it shows. Each tale is carefully crafted, from “cut to the chase” openings that thrust the reader right in the middle of the action, to heart breaking conclusions that both satisfy and leave you wanting more. In addition to the tales, the contest features art from the parallel contest for art, as well as essays on writing by L.Ron Hubbard, Dave Wolverton, and others.
One of my favorite s was “Planetary Scouts” by Stephen Sottong. In the far future, he writes, technology has taken humanity to the stars, but only to confront the harsh reality that many of the planets we might colonize are already occupied, often by forms of life not welcoming to our exploration.
Another exciting tale by Brian Trent is “Hero,” a fast paced story about a young man who must face his nemesis not once, but twice, in a revolution that sweeps the peaks of Mars.
“Dreameater” by Andrea Stewart is a clever and horrifying story about a girl coming to grip with the terrible legacy that may become her future.
And there are more. Writers of the Future Volume 29 is replete with great writing and good stories. If you want a bead on tomorrows great writers, this is the place to start reading.
Review first published as "Book Review: ‘Writers of the Future Volume 29′ edited by Dave Wolverton" on Blogcritics.org.
Imagine, then, what it’s like to find one book with 12 interesting new authors, all at once. It’s exactly what you get with Writers of the Future Volume 29. As a collection of the fiction, it’s a cornucopia of clever tales and excellent writing, and you won’t even need to buy 12 different books to enjoy each author.
Perhaps only slightly hyperbolically, the cover says that the stories “show us who we are, what we may become, and how far we can go.” Indeed, the stories may be more imaginative than predictive, but it does nothing to diminish their ability to convey the reader away from the ordinary and to lands and worlds unbounded by time or physics. And, eschewing the cliches even as it embraces them, the stories prove that science fiction and its close cousin fantasy are just as much about people and relationships as spaceships and magic.
The Writers of the Future contest is unique among collections of short stories. Where others focus on a topic, share a single author, or even share the same imaginary world, the commonality between tales in Writers of the Future Volume 29 is in their selection by a panel of judges comprised of the who’s who of science fiction and fantasy authors and headed by Dave Wolverton. Authors submit their work to the panel and their submissions are reviewed blind.
In other words, the only commonality is the genre and the high level of writing. Only the best selections win, and it shows. Each tale is carefully crafted, from “cut to the chase” openings that thrust the reader right in the middle of the action, to heart breaking conclusions that both satisfy and leave you wanting more. In addition to the tales, the contest features art from the parallel contest for art, as well as essays on writing by L.Ron Hubbard, Dave Wolverton, and others.
One of my favorite s was “Planetary Scouts” by Stephen Sottong. In the far future, he writes, technology has taken humanity to the stars, but only to confront the harsh reality that many of the planets we might colonize are already occupied, often by forms of life not welcoming to our exploration.
Another exciting tale by Brian Trent is “Hero,” a fast paced story about a young man who must face his nemesis not once, but twice, in a revolution that sweeps the peaks of Mars.
“Dreameater” by Andrea Stewart is a clever and horrifying story about a girl coming to grip with the terrible legacy that may become her future.
And there are more. Writers of the Future Volume 29 is replete with great writing and good stories. If you want a bead on tomorrows great writers, this is the place to start reading.
Review first published as "Book Review: ‘Writers of the Future Volume 29′ edited by Dave Wolverton" on Blogcritics.org.
October 12, 2013
A thoroughly enjoyable collection of contemporary science fiction!
(Full disclosure: I received a free copy of this book for review through Library Thing’s Early Reviewer program.)
L. Ron Hubbard’s Writers of the Future contest – now entering its thirtieth year, it’s one of the longest-running short story contests still in existence – attracts thousands of submissions a year. From this, a panel of judges selects just thirteen essays for publication in the annual anthology. Also included are thirteen illustrations similarly culled from the Illustrators of the Future contest, along with three instructional essays on the art of crafting and selling science fiction, written by professionals in the field. (This year’s collection includes one piece by contest founder L. Ron Hubbard himself.)
As suggested by such stiff competition, the essays included in the 2013 anthology are all thoroughly enjoyable, with one exception (Christopher Raynaga’s “The Grande Complication,” which I didn’t much care for). The collection starts of strong with Brian Trent’s “War Hero.” In the distant future, soldiers and war criminals have achieved virtual immortality with the ability to save one’s consciousness, downloading it into a new body (or multiple bodies) as needed - thus assuring the interminability of war, conflict, and the military-industrial complex. (As an added bonus, cross-gender downloading also carries with it some interesting sexual connotations.)
“Planetary Scouts,” by Stephen Sottong, is one of the lengthier stories in the collection – and it’s also one of my favorites. Having long since ventured off earth, humans are constantly in search of new planets to colonize. Enter the Planetary Scouts, who land on and probe (“explore” is too lofty a word) strange planets to determine whether they support “intelligent” life. If not, they’re considered open to human settlement. As always, a species’ intelligence is measured solely in human terms, leading to the genocide of countless “lesser” species who might not be able to grasp arithmetic – but are still sentient, capable of experiencing joy and suffering, with families and interests and lives of their own. On more than one occasion – such as when he and his partner Aidan explore a mostly aquatic planet to determine whether an intergalactic aquaculture company can install one giant fish farm on it - this crass policy leads to a crisis of conscience for young upstart Lester. (As it turns out, the planet is home to one enormous “distributed intelligence,” which is self-aware – and thus worthy of continued existence. More often than not, you’ll find yourself rooting for the aliens.) In more extreme cases, such as when it’s home to “dumb” animals or plant life that’s deemed harmful to humans, a planet may be “sterilized”: stripped of all life, leaving a clean slate for its future human overlords. Talk about your euphemisms!
Also worth singling out for praise is Alex Wilson’s “Vestigial Girl,” which deals with issues such as parenting children in same sex relationships, cloning, and the fear of physical and mental “disabilities” – or, in this case, differences. Young Charlene is a four-year-old girl, illegally cloned from the DNA of her two dads. Lacking in motor control and unable to speak because of the “monster” in her throat, the adults around her mistake her for mentally challenged – and yet, she and others like her are actually more intelligent than their creators. They’re just trapped in uncooperative, uncommunicative bodies. Modern parallels abound.
“Holy Days” by Kodiak Julian is outstanding as well. The author imagines a ‘verse in which the laws of nature temporarily bend on special holidays. On “Break Days,” humans are afforded a 24-hour “break” from their illnesses and ailments, be they cancer, arthritis, or pregnancy. Children visit their parents as younger versions of themselves on “Homecoming Day,” while on “The Day of Return,” the dead can choose to come back to life and revisit their loved ones. On “Secret Day,” you recognize your own most deeply held secrets in others who also harbor them. With one holy day for each season, they mirror the passage of time and stress the importance of letting go. For example, The Day of Return is far from a universally enjoyable occasion, with aging parents and friends struggling to please a boy who died young – and will forever stay that way, even as the people in his life age and move on.
Last but not least is Marilyn Guttridge’s “The Ghost Wife of Arlington.” Death is not just one person, but many: the Immortals are each given a city to rule over, claiming his or her citizens as their time expires. While some Immortals choose to steer clear of human affairs, others take attendants called “Shades.” Sometimes these are women who develop an intimate relationship with the Immortal, hence the nickname “Ghost Wives.” Having unwittingly wandered onto Arlington’s Bone Rattler Street while fleeing from an abusive husband, Vivian is quickly claimed as a Ghost Wife. Over time she falls in love with “her” Immortal – whom she calls the Shaker – and bears him a literal Whisper of a child. Death is not the cruel and capricious ruler so often depicted in popular culture, but rather a sad and solitary figure. Not only does Death watch as everyone around him withers and dies – in the end, he must claim them all, even the ones he loves so dearly.
These are just a few of my favorites; I also highly recommend “Twelve Seconds,” by Tina Gower (CSI 2063); Eric Cline’s “Gonna Reach Out and Grab Ya” (animated tattoos, someone please make this happen); Shannon Peavey’s “Scavengers” (a rather delightful – and chilling - fantasy romp); “Dreameater,” by Andrea Stewart (picture a vampiric Aileen Wuornos); and “Master Belladino’s Mask,” by Marina J. Lostetter (enchanted death masks, oh my!).
The illustrations are all wonderful as well, though a mass market paperback is hardly the ideal medium through which to view them. (Happily, it looks as though they’ll eventually be available on the contest’s website; as if this writing, they have yet to be uploaded.) In particular I loved James J. Eads’s artwork for “Scavengers,” which is highly evocative of a childhood favorite, The Dark Crystal.
For fans of fantasy and (especially) science fiction, Writers of the Future, Volume 29 is a must read. Priced at less than ten bucks, it’s a steal.
http://www.easyvegan.info/2013/08/26/...
(Full disclosure: I received a free copy of this book for review through Library Thing’s Early Reviewer program.)
L. Ron Hubbard’s Writers of the Future contest – now entering its thirtieth year, it’s one of the longest-running short story contests still in existence – attracts thousands of submissions a year. From this, a panel of judges selects just thirteen essays for publication in the annual anthology. Also included are thirteen illustrations similarly culled from the Illustrators of the Future contest, along with three instructional essays on the art of crafting and selling science fiction, written by professionals in the field. (This year’s collection includes one piece by contest founder L. Ron Hubbard himself.)
As suggested by such stiff competition, the essays included in the 2013 anthology are all thoroughly enjoyable, with one exception (Christopher Raynaga’s “The Grande Complication,” which I didn’t much care for). The collection starts of strong with Brian Trent’s “War Hero.” In the distant future, soldiers and war criminals have achieved virtual immortality with the ability to save one’s consciousness, downloading it into a new body (or multiple bodies) as needed - thus assuring the interminability of war, conflict, and the military-industrial complex. (As an added bonus, cross-gender downloading also carries with it some interesting sexual connotations.)
“Planetary Scouts,” by Stephen Sottong, is one of the lengthier stories in the collection – and it’s also one of my favorites. Having long since ventured off earth, humans are constantly in search of new planets to colonize. Enter the Planetary Scouts, who land on and probe (“explore” is too lofty a word) strange planets to determine whether they support “intelligent” life. If not, they’re considered open to human settlement. As always, a species’ intelligence is measured solely in human terms, leading to the genocide of countless “lesser” species who might not be able to grasp arithmetic – but are still sentient, capable of experiencing joy and suffering, with families and interests and lives of their own. On more than one occasion – such as when he and his partner Aidan explore a mostly aquatic planet to determine whether an intergalactic aquaculture company can install one giant fish farm on it - this crass policy leads to a crisis of conscience for young upstart Lester. (As it turns out, the planet is home to one enormous “distributed intelligence,” which is self-aware – and thus worthy of continued existence. More often than not, you’ll find yourself rooting for the aliens.) In more extreme cases, such as when it’s home to “dumb” animals or plant life that’s deemed harmful to humans, a planet may be “sterilized”: stripped of all life, leaving a clean slate for its future human overlords. Talk about your euphemisms!
Also worth singling out for praise is Alex Wilson’s “Vestigial Girl,” which deals with issues such as parenting children in same sex relationships, cloning, and the fear of physical and mental “disabilities” – or, in this case, differences. Young Charlene is a four-year-old girl, illegally cloned from the DNA of her two dads. Lacking in motor control and unable to speak because of the “monster” in her throat, the adults around her mistake her for mentally challenged – and yet, she and others like her are actually more intelligent than their creators. They’re just trapped in uncooperative, uncommunicative bodies. Modern parallels abound.
“Holy Days” by Kodiak Julian is outstanding as well. The author imagines a ‘verse in which the laws of nature temporarily bend on special holidays. On “Break Days,” humans are afforded a 24-hour “break” from their illnesses and ailments, be they cancer, arthritis, or pregnancy. Children visit their parents as younger versions of themselves on “Homecoming Day,” while on “The Day of Return,” the dead can choose to come back to life and revisit their loved ones. On “Secret Day,” you recognize your own most deeply held secrets in others who also harbor them. With one holy day for each season, they mirror the passage of time and stress the importance of letting go. For example, The Day of Return is far from a universally enjoyable occasion, with aging parents and friends struggling to please a boy who died young – and will forever stay that way, even as the people in his life age and move on.
Last but not least is Marilyn Guttridge’s “The Ghost Wife of Arlington.” Death is not just one person, but many: the Immortals are each given a city to rule over, claiming his or her citizens as their time expires. While some Immortals choose to steer clear of human affairs, others take attendants called “Shades.” Sometimes these are women who develop an intimate relationship with the Immortal, hence the nickname “Ghost Wives.” Having unwittingly wandered onto Arlington’s Bone Rattler Street while fleeing from an abusive husband, Vivian is quickly claimed as a Ghost Wife. Over time she falls in love with “her” Immortal – whom she calls the Shaker – and bears him a literal Whisper of a child. Death is not the cruel and capricious ruler so often depicted in popular culture, but rather a sad and solitary figure. Not only does Death watch as everyone around him withers and dies – in the end, he must claim them all, even the ones he loves so dearly.
These are just a few of my favorites; I also highly recommend “Twelve Seconds,” by Tina Gower (CSI 2063); Eric Cline’s “Gonna Reach Out and Grab Ya” (animated tattoos, someone please make this happen); Shannon Peavey’s “Scavengers” (a rather delightful – and chilling - fantasy romp); “Dreameater,” by Andrea Stewart (picture a vampiric Aileen Wuornos); and “Master Belladino’s Mask,” by Marina J. Lostetter (enchanted death masks, oh my!).
The illustrations are all wonderful as well, though a mass market paperback is hardly the ideal medium through which to view them. (Happily, it looks as though they’ll eventually be available on the contest’s website; as if this writing, they have yet to be uploaded.) In particular I loved James J. Eads’s artwork for “Scavengers,” which is highly evocative of a childhood favorite, The Dark Crystal.
For fans of fantasy and (especially) science fiction, Writers of the Future, Volume 29 is a must read. Priced at less than ten bucks, it’s a steal.
http://www.easyvegan.info/2013/08/26/...
November 27, 2013
"Writers of the Future" is a must-read for all science-fiction / speculative fiction lovers. Each world is portrayed in a unique, majestic fashion that I easily feel a part of - as if I was in that second body, on an unknown planet as a Planetary Scout, or a detective watching victims' last memories. The authors that have been selected for this volume absolutely deserve their works to be published. I enjoy reading the short stories wherever I am - my bed, the library, my spaceship, my kitchen - ...I wish. Perhaps one day, we modern-day 'Planetary Scouts' will be inspired by these fantastic words and build technology to make that dream come true!
June 12, 2013
Unique and original.
This collection of short stories will take you around the Galaxy with the Planetary Scouts, scare you half to death with the Dream Eater and have you laughing out loud with Cop for a Day (and this only 3 of the 13 stories!).
If you need escape fiction - something to get away from the world as we know it, you will have fun with this. The unexpected endings and suspence keep the pages turning.
Have fun with it!!
This collection of short stories will take you around the Galaxy with the Planetary Scouts, scare you half to death with the Dream Eater and have you laughing out loud with Cop for a Day (and this only 3 of the 13 stories!).
If you need escape fiction - something to get away from the world as we know it, you will have fun with this. The unexpected endings and suspence keep the pages turning.
Have fun with it!!
May 13, 2018
War Hero by Brian Trent (4/5)
A fun but weird story that revels in the well-worn scifi trope of saving a consciousness and transferring it into a clone after death, in the context of a war of attrition between Earth and Martian separatists and the kind of cat vs. mouse infiltration missions that might exist when you can have any body you want when you regenerate, but technology has also progressed to the point of identifying people by their sentence structure and vocal intonation. I thought it was smart that the author had this technology that would make for the perfect spy and then in large part nullified it with an unrelated piece of technology that would also surely exist. You don't see that a lot, people have a hard time thinking about different future technologies developing in tandem and being used as countermeasures against each other. At its most absurd this can result in things like mechs controlled by complex computers but physical photographs, for some reason. If computers exist, people are gonna be using them for everything, not just their mechs. I digress.
It's almost like a comic book or Doctor Who or something, where nobody is really dead and the hero keeps discovering his arch nemesis is still alive in some form. The villain is fun, if cliche. Twisted enough to cut out eyes and steer asteroids towards Earth to "knock them back to the stone age" but also willing to transfer into two different bodies to hide from his enemies, one a woman, and marry himself and birth a son. Talk about narcissism, am I right? Although tbh I'd probably fuck myself if I could so...lol. Having a child with yourself is definitely out there, though. But it's not your DNA so it kinda doesn't matter? Or rather, it matters because having two clones of your dad as parents is fucking weird and probably bad for you mentally, but physically the kid is perfectly healthy and not even biologically related to his father's original birth body.
The fact that the villain lacks any real depth and is basically just a sadistic psychopath could be seen as transphobic, considering one of him is a woman that is clearly comfortable being a woman and getting fucked by a man. The protagonist says at one point that seeing his enemy's eyes staring out from an attractive female face "sickens him," and he almost attacks the female clone on the spot, just barely managing to retain control over his rage and disgust. Later the two clones are flirting and it "makes him want to throw up." The whole thing just really seems like the protagonist is way more bothered by the sexual deviancy aspect of the villain than the torture and murder of innocent civilians aspect and it felt a little gross to me. Relatively minor thing and probably not intentional. I'm guessing the author just wanted to show how much the protagonist hated the villain and was just kinda clumsy and vague about it.
Planetary Scouts by Stephen Sottong (2/5)
This is basically a parody/reimagining of Star Trek where everything hopeful and inspiring that you loved about the show is replaced with death, disappointment, and existential ennui. The "Planetary Scouts," explore and document habitable planets found by automated probes, so they're not even really discovering them, and all these planets are exceedingly dangerous such that most Scouts don't make it to their 25th mission, which is when they are released from their service and allowed to retire.
Instead of Star Trek's post-scarcity society where there are no jobs as such and people can choose to live how they want, we are treated to a bleak and unforgiving universe where many people grow up on mining planets with no hope of anything besides hard labor and are basically funneled into the Planetary Scouts by desperation. This seems...unlikely. You're telling me we have faster than light, completely computer-controlled starships but the most effective way to mine a planet are impoverished human laborers? Where are the mining robots? Where are the human rights organizations? There was really no attempt to explain how and why things are the way they are.
Something else I found very hard to believe is that there are other species that are as intelligent and advanced as humans that have also developed faster than light travel, but they have all decided that it's too much trouble to terraform dead planets and too dangerous to try and set up residence on habitable ones, so they stay on their home worlds. The Planetary Scouts only officially inform members about these other advanced species if they happen to run into one of their long-abandoned probes. Only humans have an "illogical" need to explore and colonize, it seems. I don't buy it, because there's nothing "illogical" about it. No species other than humans has an overpopulation problem? No species other than humans caused environmental devastation on their home world? No species other than humans has an innate curiosity about the universe? Really?
Yet another thing that's hard to believe is that women are allowed to be Scouts, but toxic masculinity and traditional gender roles seem to still be a thing to a large degree? Men are still judged harshly for shedding tears and just generally seem emotionally repressed. These seem pretty mutually exclusive to me. Either you idolize masculine traits and devalue feminine ones and commit to not letting women join, or you value both and let men fucking cry without judgment when a friend dies. I mean, come on now. Your future is stuck in the past, wtf.
I appreciate the concept of a shitty version of Star Trek in theory, but the world he created just doesn't seem logical and consistent to me. The work needed to justify the bleakness he was after simply wasn't done, there was hardly any world-building at all. Things just suck because the author thought that would be edgy and entertaining in its own right. Add to that the fact that this story was one of the longest in the collection and much of that length was extremely repetitive and the ending was unsatisfying and pointless, and you have a story I didn't much care for.
Twelve Seconds by Tina Gower (1/5)
Let's count the cliches here, shall we?
1) We have a near future Earth where technology has been invented that lets you recreate the last few seconds of someone's life, which is used for crime-solving.
2) The protagonist is an autistic man who can barely function in society but nonetheless has a job analyzing these recordings of people's final moments because his autism makes him really good at it.
3) Something is wrong with some of the recent recordings, creating a mystery the protagonist feels compelled to solve.
4) The problem is a new medical procedure directly related to this same technology meant to cure mental illnesses like the one the protagonist has.
This was just a cliche fest. Nothing new or fresh here. Very straightforward, didn't really delve into the social or political aspects of this technology at all or do literally anything to set it apart from the million other stories that have utilized this concept. Another thing that really rubbed me the wrong way is that at the end of a death recording is a halo, the lack of which is what sets off this mystery because everyone is supposed to have one. Some people think the halo is biological, others think it's religious in nature. Sure, fine, I got no problem with that at all. But apparently 62% of people in new york state are religious in this story. A quick google search tells me that right now, in 2018, only 51% of people in new york state are religious in any way and society is on a steady trend towards atheism world-wide. How is your future more religious than the present? You can't just throw that in there with no explanation. If you want to go all Handmaid's Tale and say some devastating war or w/e brought society to its knees and made people religious again, sure, I'm all for it, but you gotta give me something. The protagonist himself seems to be religious, and he consults a priest at one point.
It just didn't feel organic at all. Much like the previous story there was close to zero world-building and things seemed to be the way they are because the author had an agenda of some kind. Writers of the Future is stacked with religious judges and I can't help but believe they chose this incredibly mediocre, unremarkable story for its religious pandering because the alternative is that they thought this was good.
The Grande Complication (4/5)
The first fantasy story in the collection. This is a familiar but always fun idea of a clockwork universe where everything from the turn of the seasons to the migration of birds is controlled by some hidden clockwork mechanism behind the scenes. A small orphan boy gets swept up in a piece of broken time and is forced to become the new time keeper. Fun, light, evocatively written, but a little short on substance.
Cop for a Day by Chrome Oxide (1/5)
My god. This is maybe the worst short story I have ever read. It's just a protracted, cringe-inducing, hyperbolic to the extreme political rant against the government, fiat currency, bureaucracy, welfare programs, affirmative action, college, etc. Get the hell away from me right now with this extremist libertarian word garbage. I don't often wish ill on people but I hope "Chrome Oxide," never finds much success as a writer because this is irredeemably bad, in a way that something as simple as more writing experience can't fix. When someone uses their fiction as a platform for their ignorant, bullshit politics they don't care about the reader and they are beyond help.
Here's a choice scene between our protagonist and a "smart car" that he fixes that perfectly showcases the tone of the whole goddamn story:
Here's another exchange between a government employee and a citizen:
Yes, it's actually written like that, with the embarrassing acronyms and everything.
The author's understanding of government, politics, and economics does not seem to extend beyond the edge lord anarchist phase many young boys go through in high school. Read some books for god's sake, you're supposed to be a writer. When Trump's political positions have more nuance than yours, something is wrong with you. I mean for fuck's sake, you're gonna take shots at fiat currency? Really? That should be something everybody, regardless of where you land on the political spectrum, understands we need in order to function as a society. To even imply otherwise is baring your idiocy for all to see. Not only did we abandon the gold standard for very good reasons, but it is now literally impossible to go back even if we wanted to, but nothing will stop libertarian crackpots from being libertarian crackpots I guess.
Gonna Reach Out and Grab Ya by Eric Cline (5/5)
A medical examiner is performing an autopsy on a John Doe who happens to have bioelectric tattoos that move when touched, and an artificial hand far more advanced than anything that yet exists, and comes to the only conclusion that makes sense--he is from the future, and she has touched that future through him. Best story in the collection so far, without a doubt. Very character-driven, I really felt like I got to know this girl.
Vestigial Girl by Alex Wilson (2/5)
A fucking weird with a capital W story that I have no idea what it's supposed to be about, to be perfectly honest. Basically a gay couple gets a genetically engineered child who is hyper intelligent but developmentally slowed such that she can't speak or move her limbs very well but is already smarter than either of them at 4 (?) years old. I'm not super clear on her exact age. More interestingly, however, she has a growth on her vocal cords that she calls a "monster" that is preventing her from speaking or doing anything other than whistling. She's met other girls like her with the same affliction, although nobody knows because the "monster" appears to be a normal part of the throat tissue to doctors. She is determined to remove this monster herself through surgery with meticulously scavenged, makeshift equipment. She succeeds, but it's never explained what the thing in her throat is, if we're supposed to assume it's a direct side-effect of her being a genetically engineered child, and if so what that is supposed to mean. Is it the next evolution of mankind? Is it a dangerous anomaly that needs to be stamped out? Is she infected by a fucking alien? No clue. This story is so obtuse, it's messaging so confused and stumbling that I have no idea if this is an anti-gay message, a pro-gay message, or if the kid's parents being gay is completely irrelevant.
Holy Days by Kodiak Julian (3/5)
This is about a world where there are certain days that have specific effects. Break day grants people relief from their ailments. On secret day you can see everybody who shares the same secret as you. On days of return dead loved ones come back to life. Etc. The protagonist is a woman who was pregnant with twins but one of them died during childbirth, with a sister who dies of cancer.
I don't hate the concept, but the execution left a lot to be desired. It felt incredibly forced.
The Ghost Wife of Arlington by Marilyn Guttridge (5/5)
In this world, death is not an event nor a single entity, but a local "immortal" who governs over a particular community and takes people when it's their time. Some are nice about it, some are not so nice. Our protagonist is the consort, or "ghost wife" of the local immortal ruling over Arlington, and their relationship is fascinating and bittersweet and beautifully written.
Everything You Have Seen by Alisa Alering(3/5)
This seems to be about a young North Korean girl caught in a war between China and the U.S. Presumably the U.S. is invading North Korea and China is providing defense for their ally. Her town is under continuous U.S. shelling. She meets a mysterious American boy who can produce images by kneading imaginary dough in his hands and forms a friendship with him. After he magically disappears in a vague and confusing way, she is motivated to take her infant sibling from her mother and try to make it to America.
Not a bad story in many respects, but the fantastical element felt incredibly tacked on and...random? Perhaps this dough-kneading thing is something from Korean mythology that I'm not picking up on.
Scavengers by James J. Eads (4/5)
A small, wild-west town has to be protected from "harvesters," mysterious strangers with scythes strapped to their back. The town is governed by a mysterious bird-headed lady that has mechanical bird familiars and healing powers. Nobody enters the town and nobody leaves. It's all very mysterious, and has a twist ending that was fairly well done.
Dreameater by Andrea Stewart (4/5)
A teenage girl lives a nomadic lifestyle with her prostitute mother, who gets arrested for murdering a bunch of her johns by eating their brains. Turns out she's a dreameater, a diseased and murderous form of a dreamcatcher, which seems to be just a normal person with super strength. She learns this when she meets her father for the first time, who is a dreamcatcher. He explains that she has a 50% chance of being like her mother, a 25% chance of being like him, and a 25% chance of being a normal human.
An effective, disturbing horror story with some decent character writing. It's in first-person from the girl's perspective and she has a very genuine voice.
Master Belladino's Mask by Marina J. Lostetter (4/5)
A fantasy story with a couple of very interesting kinds of magic. The first is similar to that In Time movie with Justin Timberlake. People can bottle time and use it as a currency. Some is taken from newborns as a tax, which old people use to extend their lives by a minuscule amount near the end. The other is enchanted death masks that confer the skills and knowledge of the deceased, but also their personality. A young girl seeking to save her mother from a degenerative muscle disease rents the mask of a genius healer who has some issues to work out.
A fun but weird story that revels in the well-worn scifi trope of saving a consciousness and transferring it into a clone after death, in the context of a war of attrition between Earth and Martian separatists and the kind of cat vs. mouse infiltration missions that might exist when you can have any body you want when you regenerate, but technology has also progressed to the point of identifying people by their sentence structure and vocal intonation. I thought it was smart that the author had this technology that would make for the perfect spy and then in large part nullified it with an unrelated piece of technology that would also surely exist. You don't see that a lot, people have a hard time thinking about different future technologies developing in tandem and being used as countermeasures against each other. At its most absurd this can result in things like mechs controlled by complex computers but physical photographs, for some reason. If computers exist, people are gonna be using them for everything, not just their mechs. I digress.
It's almost like a comic book or Doctor Who or something, where nobody is really dead and the hero keeps discovering his arch nemesis is still alive in some form. The villain is fun, if cliche. Twisted enough to cut out eyes and steer asteroids towards Earth to "knock them back to the stone age" but also willing to transfer into two different bodies to hide from his enemies, one a woman, and marry himself and birth a son. Talk about narcissism, am I right? Although tbh I'd probably fuck myself if I could so...lol. Having a child with yourself is definitely out there, though. But it's not your DNA so it kinda doesn't matter? Or rather, it matters because having two clones of your dad as parents is fucking weird and probably bad for you mentally, but physically the kid is perfectly healthy and not even biologically related to his father's original birth body.
The fact that the villain lacks any real depth and is basically just a sadistic psychopath could be seen as transphobic, considering one of him is a woman that is clearly comfortable being a woman and getting fucked by a man. The protagonist says at one point that seeing his enemy's eyes staring out from an attractive female face "sickens him," and he almost attacks the female clone on the spot, just barely managing to retain control over his rage and disgust. Later the two clones are flirting and it "makes him want to throw up." The whole thing just really seems like the protagonist is way more bothered by the sexual deviancy aspect of the villain than the torture and murder of innocent civilians aspect and it felt a little gross to me. Relatively minor thing and probably not intentional. I'm guessing the author just wanted to show how much the protagonist hated the villain and was just kinda clumsy and vague about it.
Planetary Scouts by Stephen Sottong (2/5)
This is basically a parody/reimagining of Star Trek where everything hopeful and inspiring that you loved about the show is replaced with death, disappointment, and existential ennui. The "Planetary Scouts," explore and document habitable planets found by automated probes, so they're not even really discovering them, and all these planets are exceedingly dangerous such that most Scouts don't make it to their 25th mission, which is when they are released from their service and allowed to retire.
Instead of Star Trek's post-scarcity society where there are no jobs as such and people can choose to live how they want, we are treated to a bleak and unforgiving universe where many people grow up on mining planets with no hope of anything besides hard labor and are basically funneled into the Planetary Scouts by desperation. This seems...unlikely. You're telling me we have faster than light, completely computer-controlled starships but the most effective way to mine a planet are impoverished human laborers? Where are the mining robots? Where are the human rights organizations? There was really no attempt to explain how and why things are the way they are.
Something else I found very hard to believe is that there are other species that are as intelligent and advanced as humans that have also developed faster than light travel, but they have all decided that it's too much trouble to terraform dead planets and too dangerous to try and set up residence on habitable ones, so they stay on their home worlds. The Planetary Scouts only officially inform members about these other advanced species if they happen to run into one of their long-abandoned probes. Only humans have an "illogical" need to explore and colonize, it seems. I don't buy it, because there's nothing "illogical" about it. No species other than humans has an overpopulation problem? No species other than humans caused environmental devastation on their home world? No species other than humans has an innate curiosity about the universe? Really?
Yet another thing that's hard to believe is that women are allowed to be Scouts, but toxic masculinity and traditional gender roles seem to still be a thing to a large degree? Men are still judged harshly for shedding tears and just generally seem emotionally repressed. These seem pretty mutually exclusive to me. Either you idolize masculine traits and devalue feminine ones and commit to not letting women join, or you value both and let men fucking cry without judgment when a friend dies. I mean, come on now. Your future is stuck in the past, wtf.
I appreciate the concept of a shitty version of Star Trek in theory, but the world he created just doesn't seem logical and consistent to me. The work needed to justify the bleakness he was after simply wasn't done, there was hardly any world-building at all. Things just suck because the author thought that would be edgy and entertaining in its own right. Add to that the fact that this story was one of the longest in the collection and much of that length was extremely repetitive and the ending was unsatisfying and pointless, and you have a story I didn't much care for.
Twelve Seconds by Tina Gower (1/5)
Let's count the cliches here, shall we?
1) We have a near future Earth where technology has been invented that lets you recreate the last few seconds of someone's life, which is used for crime-solving.
2) The protagonist is an autistic man who can barely function in society but nonetheless has a job analyzing these recordings of people's final moments because his autism makes him really good at it.
3) Something is wrong with some of the recent recordings, creating a mystery the protagonist feels compelled to solve.
4) The problem is a new medical procedure directly related to this same technology meant to cure mental illnesses like the one the protagonist has.
This was just a cliche fest. Nothing new or fresh here. Very straightforward, didn't really delve into the social or political aspects of this technology at all or do literally anything to set it apart from the million other stories that have utilized this concept. Another thing that really rubbed me the wrong way is that at the end of a death recording is a halo, the lack of which is what sets off this mystery because everyone is supposed to have one. Some people think the halo is biological, others think it's religious in nature. Sure, fine, I got no problem with that at all. But apparently 62% of people in new york state are religious in this story. A quick google search tells me that right now, in 2018, only 51% of people in new york state are religious in any way and society is on a steady trend towards atheism world-wide. How is your future more religious than the present? You can't just throw that in there with no explanation. If you want to go all Handmaid's Tale and say some devastating war or w/e brought society to its knees and made people religious again, sure, I'm all for it, but you gotta give me something. The protagonist himself seems to be religious, and he consults a priest at one point.
It just didn't feel organic at all. Much like the previous story there was close to zero world-building and things seemed to be the way they are because the author had an agenda of some kind. Writers of the Future is stacked with religious judges and I can't help but believe they chose this incredibly mediocre, unremarkable story for its religious pandering because the alternative is that they thought this was good.
The Grande Complication (4/5)
The first fantasy story in the collection. This is a familiar but always fun idea of a clockwork universe where everything from the turn of the seasons to the migration of birds is controlled by some hidden clockwork mechanism behind the scenes. A small orphan boy gets swept up in a piece of broken time and is forced to become the new time keeper. Fun, light, evocatively written, but a little short on substance.
Cop for a Day by Chrome Oxide (1/5)
My god. This is maybe the worst short story I have ever read. It's just a protracted, cringe-inducing, hyperbolic to the extreme political rant against the government, fiat currency, bureaucracy, welfare programs, affirmative action, college, etc. Get the hell away from me right now with this extremist libertarian word garbage. I don't often wish ill on people but I hope "Chrome Oxide," never finds much success as a writer because this is irredeemably bad, in a way that something as simple as more writing experience can't fix. When someone uses their fiction as a platform for their ignorant, bullshit politics they don't care about the reader and they are beyond help.
Here's a choice scene between our protagonist and a "smart car" that he fixes that perfectly showcases the tone of the whole goddamn story:
"What law enforcement agencies were you designed to work with?"
"None. I was designed to work with any large organization."
"Why? Large organizations could include crime families and cults."
"The programmers initially entered all existing laws and connected to courts for legal updates. Then all potential purchasing organizations entered their unwritten special orders. There were so many contradictions the programmers switched to boosting the artificial intelligence in order to deal with the inconsistencies. After analyzing all available data, I concluded that all governments and laws exist only to oppress one group to benefit another group. The politicians did not want that analysis leaking out, so they killed the funding on the project."
Here's another exchange between a government employee and a citizen:
Government Liberator: "Don't do nothing stupid, and no one gets hurt. I'm from Wealth Allocation Shares To Everyone, and I'm here collecting the windfall profits tax. Wealthy people needs pay fair share."
Capitalist Exploiter: "Me employee. Leave something. Lose job if lose money. That how got job."
Government Liberator: "Tough. Do honest work for government, then no worry. Work for capitalists, you no better them. Deserve anything happen you."
Yes, it's actually written like that, with the embarrassing acronyms and everything.
The author's understanding of government, politics, and economics does not seem to extend beyond the edge lord anarchist phase many young boys go through in high school. Read some books for god's sake, you're supposed to be a writer. When Trump's political positions have more nuance than yours, something is wrong with you. I mean for fuck's sake, you're gonna take shots at fiat currency? Really? That should be something everybody, regardless of where you land on the political spectrum, understands we need in order to function as a society. To even imply otherwise is baring your idiocy for all to see. Not only did we abandon the gold standard for very good reasons, but it is now literally impossible to go back even if we wanted to, but nothing will stop libertarian crackpots from being libertarian crackpots I guess.
Gonna Reach Out and Grab Ya by Eric Cline (5/5)
A medical examiner is performing an autopsy on a John Doe who happens to have bioelectric tattoos that move when touched, and an artificial hand far more advanced than anything that yet exists, and comes to the only conclusion that makes sense--he is from the future, and she has touched that future through him. Best story in the collection so far, without a doubt. Very character-driven, I really felt like I got to know this girl.
Vestigial Girl by Alex Wilson (2/5)
A fucking weird with a capital W story that I have no idea what it's supposed to be about, to be perfectly honest. Basically a gay couple gets a genetically engineered child who is hyper intelligent but developmentally slowed such that she can't speak or move her limbs very well but is already smarter than either of them at 4 (?) years old. I'm not super clear on her exact age. More interestingly, however, she has a growth on her vocal cords that she calls a "monster" that is preventing her from speaking or doing anything other than whistling. She's met other girls like her with the same affliction, although nobody knows because the "monster" appears to be a normal part of the throat tissue to doctors. She is determined to remove this monster herself through surgery with meticulously scavenged, makeshift equipment. She succeeds, but it's never explained what the thing in her throat is, if we're supposed to assume it's a direct side-effect of her being a genetically engineered child, and if so what that is supposed to mean. Is it the next evolution of mankind? Is it a dangerous anomaly that needs to be stamped out? Is she infected by a fucking alien? No clue. This story is so obtuse, it's messaging so confused and stumbling that I have no idea if this is an anti-gay message, a pro-gay message, or if the kid's parents being gay is completely irrelevant.
Holy Days by Kodiak Julian (3/5)
This is about a world where there are certain days that have specific effects. Break day grants people relief from their ailments. On secret day you can see everybody who shares the same secret as you. On days of return dead loved ones come back to life. Etc. The protagonist is a woman who was pregnant with twins but one of them died during childbirth, with a sister who dies of cancer.
I don't hate the concept, but the execution left a lot to be desired. It felt incredibly forced.
The Ghost Wife of Arlington by Marilyn Guttridge (5/5)
In this world, death is not an event nor a single entity, but a local "immortal" who governs over a particular community and takes people when it's their time. Some are nice about it, some are not so nice. Our protagonist is the consort, or "ghost wife" of the local immortal ruling over Arlington, and their relationship is fascinating and bittersweet and beautifully written.
Everything You Have Seen by Alisa Alering(3/5)
This seems to be about a young North Korean girl caught in a war between China and the U.S. Presumably the U.S. is invading North Korea and China is providing defense for their ally. Her town is under continuous U.S. shelling. She meets a mysterious American boy who can produce images by kneading imaginary dough in his hands and forms a friendship with him. After he magically disappears in a vague and confusing way, she is motivated to take her infant sibling from her mother and try to make it to America.
Not a bad story in many respects, but the fantastical element felt incredibly tacked on and...random? Perhaps this dough-kneading thing is something from Korean mythology that I'm not picking up on.
Scavengers by James J. Eads (4/5)
A small, wild-west town has to be protected from "harvesters," mysterious strangers with scythes strapped to their back. The town is governed by a mysterious bird-headed lady that has mechanical bird familiars and healing powers. Nobody enters the town and nobody leaves. It's all very mysterious, and has a twist ending that was fairly well done.
Dreameater by Andrea Stewart (4/5)
A teenage girl lives a nomadic lifestyle with her prostitute mother, who gets arrested for murdering a bunch of her johns by eating their brains. Turns out she's a dreameater, a diseased and murderous form of a dreamcatcher, which seems to be just a normal person with super strength. She learns this when she meets her father for the first time, who is a dreamcatcher. He explains that she has a 50% chance of being like her mother, a 25% chance of being like him, and a 25% chance of being a normal human.
An effective, disturbing horror story with some decent character writing. It's in first-person from the girl's perspective and she has a very genuine voice.
Master Belladino's Mask by Marina J. Lostetter (4/5)
A fantasy story with a couple of very interesting kinds of magic. The first is similar to that In Time movie with Justin Timberlake. People can bottle time and use it as a currency. Some is taken from newborns as a tax, which old people use to extend their lives by a minuscule amount near the end. The other is enchanted death masks that confer the skills and knowledge of the deceased, but also their personality. A young girl seeking to save her mother from a degenerative muscle disease rents the mask of a genius healer who has some issues to work out.
June 24, 2013
This exciting anthology is a collection of science fiction stories by talented, new writers and illustrators who were selected from The Writers and Illustrators of the Future Contests.
These original stories and illustrations are a fine example of what readers can anticipate in the future of the science fiction genre. This stories in this collection are imaginative, and some provide glimpses into an advanced future world and its repercussions on the existence of our society and our humanity. At times, some of the stores made me cringe, thinking…this could really happen. Here are some of the stories that lingered in my mind after reading this latest volume of works. The beautiful illustrations that accompany the stories helped me to really grasp the visions of a different type of world.
Two stories that deal with future worlds and government greed and corruption are “Planetary Scouts” and “Cop for a Day.” Aiden, a seasoned scout breaks in Lester, his new partner in “Planetary Scouts.” Numerous planets exist, and humans want to venture beyond Earth and explore possible places for settlement and expansion. As a result, scouts are sent out to foreign planets to observe and provide feedback on whether the planet is suitable for habitation. The story is filled with action and suspense as Aiden and Lester struggle to survive in unchartered terrain. The sacrifices made by scouts provide an alarming look at the potential for devastation as a consequence of someone’s territorial greed.
“Cop for a Day” describes a world where government controls and restrains capitalism. Citizens are forced to rely on government aid and intervention that is meager and sub-standard. The protagonist, Mark, a convicted felon gets a probationary job that requires him to roam the streets and enforce “asset forfeiture.” While on the job, he partners with a highly intelligent car and by the end of his first day on the job, Mark has the potential to change his current situation. The story made me think hard about governmental control and human rights.
The concept of death is presented from different angles in some of the stories. Imagine a world where death no longer is exists. “The War Hero” depicts the notion of body regeneration with minds even swapping bodies as needed or desired in order to facilitate covert operations.
On a different, note, consider the possibility of the dying able to communicate the final twelve seconds of their lives to officials. “Twelve Seconds” reflects the point-of-view of Howard, a man with autism who also suffers from PTSD. He works in the homicide department viewing the last seconds of murdered victims. Precision is a must for Howard, who becomes suspicious of those whose deaths do not meet the 12 second standard showing their last memories before death. This was one of my favorite stories showing Howard’s perseverance in solving the mystery behind these particular deaths. Although the story involves tragic events, the ending left me hopeful about Howard’s future.
If Death were a live entity, what would he or she be like? “The Ghost Wife of Arlington” is a paranormal romance that personifies Death, an immortal who has taken a “shade,” a mortal woman who is known as the “Ghost Wife.” She walks down “Bone Rattler Street” leaving various gifts for the ghosts who reside there in the city of Arlington. I enjoyed analyzing this story, looking at the overt and subtle symbolism found throughout that strengthens and unifies the plot.
A final favorite of mine is “Dreameater,” a disturbing and suspenseful tale of a prostitute mother who craves men’s dreams to the point she eats their brains. This zombiesh tale is told from her young daughter’s point-of-view as she gradually learns the truth about her mother and the genetic impact on her future.
Expository essays that offer tips and advice for aspiring writers are also included in this anthology. One of my favorites is the essay, “The Manuscript Factory” by L. Ron Hubbard where he describes the economics of writing and offers advice on how authors can examine their creative writing from a business perspective. “The Sport of Writing” shows that writing and sports have many similarities, an unusual comparison that I hadn’t considered.
The captivating tales in this anthology are insightful, stimulating, thought-provoking and a thoroughly enjoyable read!
I received a copy of this book from Galaxy Press in exchange for an honest review.
These original stories and illustrations are a fine example of what readers can anticipate in the future of the science fiction genre. This stories in this collection are imaginative, and some provide glimpses into an advanced future world and its repercussions on the existence of our society and our humanity. At times, some of the stores made me cringe, thinking…this could really happen. Here are some of the stories that lingered in my mind after reading this latest volume of works. The beautiful illustrations that accompany the stories helped me to really grasp the visions of a different type of world.
Two stories that deal with future worlds and government greed and corruption are “Planetary Scouts” and “Cop for a Day.” Aiden, a seasoned scout breaks in Lester, his new partner in “Planetary Scouts.” Numerous planets exist, and humans want to venture beyond Earth and explore possible places for settlement and expansion. As a result, scouts are sent out to foreign planets to observe and provide feedback on whether the planet is suitable for habitation. The story is filled with action and suspense as Aiden and Lester struggle to survive in unchartered terrain. The sacrifices made by scouts provide an alarming look at the potential for devastation as a consequence of someone’s territorial greed.
“Cop for a Day” describes a world where government controls and restrains capitalism. Citizens are forced to rely on government aid and intervention that is meager and sub-standard. The protagonist, Mark, a convicted felon gets a probationary job that requires him to roam the streets and enforce “asset forfeiture.” While on the job, he partners with a highly intelligent car and by the end of his first day on the job, Mark has the potential to change his current situation. The story made me think hard about governmental control and human rights.
The concept of death is presented from different angles in some of the stories. Imagine a world where death no longer is exists. “The War Hero” depicts the notion of body regeneration with minds even swapping bodies as needed or desired in order to facilitate covert operations.
On a different, note, consider the possibility of the dying able to communicate the final twelve seconds of their lives to officials. “Twelve Seconds” reflects the point-of-view of Howard, a man with autism who also suffers from PTSD. He works in the homicide department viewing the last seconds of murdered victims. Precision is a must for Howard, who becomes suspicious of those whose deaths do not meet the 12 second standard showing their last memories before death. This was one of my favorite stories showing Howard’s perseverance in solving the mystery behind these particular deaths. Although the story involves tragic events, the ending left me hopeful about Howard’s future.
If Death were a live entity, what would he or she be like? “The Ghost Wife of Arlington” is a paranormal romance that personifies Death, an immortal who has taken a “shade,” a mortal woman who is known as the “Ghost Wife.” She walks down “Bone Rattler Street” leaving various gifts for the ghosts who reside there in the city of Arlington. I enjoyed analyzing this story, looking at the overt and subtle symbolism found throughout that strengthens and unifies the plot.
A final favorite of mine is “Dreameater,” a disturbing and suspenseful tale of a prostitute mother who craves men’s dreams to the point she eats their brains. This zombiesh tale is told from her young daughter’s point-of-view as she gradually learns the truth about her mother and the genetic impact on her future.
Expository essays that offer tips and advice for aspiring writers are also included in this anthology. One of my favorites is the essay, “The Manuscript Factory” by L. Ron Hubbard where he describes the economics of writing and offers advice on how authors can examine their creative writing from a business perspective. “The Sport of Writing” shows that writing and sports have many similarities, an unusual comparison that I hadn’t considered.
The captivating tales in this anthology are insightful, stimulating, thought-provoking and a thoroughly enjoyable read!
I received a copy of this book from Galaxy Press in exchange for an honest review.
November 17, 2013
This book is a collection of short stories selected from new and upcoming writers in the Science Fiction and Fantasy. The first portion was all the Sci Fi stories and the second portion was suppose to be the fantasy, but it was more horror and steampunk stories. No swords and elves here. That’s alright, but call it what it is, horror and steampunk, not fantasy. I know a fair chunk of fantasy fans who would likely attack you for calling a steampunk novel a fantasy novel. If we did that we would have to concede that all fiction is fantasy. Please, get your grenes right.
Now, interspersed between the stories of the winners of the contest are brief writings from two successful writers and one illustrator. Their writings are giving advice to the up and comers. This is where Hubbard comes in. His was the first one and when I started reading it I was totally confused and a little annoyed. I got grief from some of my friends for reading a book by the crazy Scientology guy, but all he did for the book was flaunt how he is a successful writer, not because he’s a good writer, but because he’s smarter at business than you are. All three of the sections take way from the mood that builds up as you read the short stories. It’s like watching an awesome movie that has been pulling you in and then the commercials come on and totally rune the mood. Plus, having these inspirational pieces gives the impression that they expected only the people who entered the contest to ever read the book.
While, I wasn't really happy with the people who put the book together I did really like a lot of the stories that were in it. The first one “War Hero” by Brian Trent I would read as a full novel. It had enough intrigue and set up for a larger universe that it could carry itself over a longer length story. “Planetary Scouts” by Stephan Sottong had a similar appeal, but I think would be more successful as an episodic television show. Each episode could be a planet explored, or have story arcs for some of the more important ones. Think a much darker version of Star Trek.
I mentioned before that there were some horror stories in the book as well. I have a soft spot for horror so I was generally pleased and I got a different feeling from them all. “Dreameater” by Andrea Stewart had that serial killer violence and suspense. Although, if you took away the supernatural elements and lowered the body count, it might be confused as a Lifetime movie. Good thing it had the most gruesome death scene of the whole book. Though “Scavengers” by Shannon Peavey had the most heart wrenching death, especially if you saw it coming. But the creepiest story award goes to “Vestigial Girl” by Alex Wilson for knowing what’s going to happen and then having to wait for it and wait for it and wait for it. It has the feeling of dread for sure, as well as some other good feelings for a scary story to be successful.
Two other stories also stood out to me, mostly on a personal level. One of my favorite books is 1984 by Orson Wells and “Cop for a Day” by Chrome Oxide has the same dystopian theme that I enjoy. Depending on your political affiliation you may either really agree with that future being the world is going, or not. The other story is “The Ghost Wife of Arlington” by Marilyn Guttridge which made the little goth girl inside me giggle with happiness. It’s basically a love story for people who like ghost stories.
All the stories had good features worthy of publication and I look forward to seeing more work from them. I think that most fiction fans will be able to find at least one of them enjoyable. However, unless you plan on entering the contest I suggest skipping the three advice sections. And although I rightly deserved the groans I got from my friends when they saw Hubbard’s name on the book I was reading, I think the contest is a good avenue for early writers trying to get some exposure.
See the same review on my blog!
June 22, 2013
First story about body swapping and spying very cool.
Story two...Planetary Scouts..Determining if alien planets are livable and do not possess intelligent life already. The entire story is good however our scouts go from one ruthlessly lethal planet to the next, each time striving to reach mission 25 and retire. They don't quite make it to mission 25, but hey they do get to retire.
Story 3 a heart felt story told from the perspective of an autistic man. It was very good and if people could see passed his "disability" he would of been able to solve the mystery of the story. Poignant.
Story 4 is a how to become a writer by L. Ron Hubbard and was written in 1935. It says something when the same principles apply in 2013. Not a story per say so I read some of it and moved on. If I wanted to be real writer I probably would of given it more time.
"
Story 5 has to be inspired by the book and movie "Hugo" Time stops and the world clock has to be repaired.
Story 6 is a reflection of government taking over society. To make a profit is a crime..free health care as long as you have insurance and pay for the ambulance in advance. Government housing projects. The main character a felon because he dared run an electronic repair shop without paying for setup fees and paying the unions and paying the beast of government. Its a sad statement on the way things are leaning.
Story 7 is an out of time autopsy..pretty cool
Story 8 is another motivational speech about writing, I skipped it, however it starts with an epic tennis match that I suppose few people cared about.
Story 9 is told from the perspective of an ultra intelligent 4 year old. She has something constricting her vocal chords and as such has not been able to speak. The brain trapped such a weak body the story is riveting.
Story ten is Holy Days...A day when your young again and all that bothers the body is gone for 24 hours. Day two is to relive a day of your child hood. Day 3 is secret day where people you meet reveal their secrets to you and you to them. Day 4 is a day for the dead to come back and have a visit. This entire story is awesome and yet extremely sad. Best one of the volume.
Story 11 is about a mistress of Death. Creepy. Cool. a bit too romantical.
Story 12 is some sort of war between Chinese vs. Americans...I was thinking Manchuria before WWII but that was a fight between Japan and China leaving the United States out...Not understanding the setting is beside the point...The protagonist finds an American boy who can show images on a screen that he magics between his hands. Perhaps I lack the education to appreciate the point of this story.
Story 13 is a small town protected by a part bird part old woman. Keeping an eye on "her" people through the use of her mechanized little birds. Is this a cautionary tale about putting to much faith in authority figures? Perhaps.
Story 14 is told from the perspective of a pre-teen who has a prostitute mother...oh but its much worse, she is a dream eater and is killing and eating her victims brains...zombies are all the rage I guess. World War Z!!
Story 15 is a tale of putting on enchanted masks so that you can use the knowledge of the person who created the mask. However, its more of the person possessing you instead of instilling knowledge.
Story two...Planetary Scouts..Determining if alien planets are livable and do not possess intelligent life already. The entire story is good however our scouts go from one ruthlessly lethal planet to the next, each time striving to reach mission 25 and retire. They don't quite make it to mission 25, but hey they do get to retire.
Story 3 a heart felt story told from the perspective of an autistic man. It was very good and if people could see passed his "disability" he would of been able to solve the mystery of the story. Poignant.
Story 4 is a how to become a writer by L. Ron Hubbard and was written in 1935. It says something when the same principles apply in 2013. Not a story per say so I read some of it and moved on. If I wanted to be real writer I probably would of given it more time.
"
Story 5 has to be inspired by the book and movie "Hugo" Time stops and the world clock has to be repaired.
Story 6 is a reflection of government taking over society. To make a profit is a crime..free health care as long as you have insurance and pay for the ambulance in advance. Government housing projects. The main character a felon because he dared run an electronic repair shop without paying for setup fees and paying the unions and paying the beast of government. Its a sad statement on the way things are leaning.
Story 7 is an out of time autopsy..pretty cool
Story 8 is another motivational speech about writing, I skipped it, however it starts with an epic tennis match that I suppose few people cared about.
Story 9 is told from the perspective of an ultra intelligent 4 year old. She has something constricting her vocal chords and as such has not been able to speak. The brain trapped such a weak body the story is riveting.
Story ten is Holy Days...A day when your young again and all that bothers the body is gone for 24 hours. Day two is to relive a day of your child hood. Day 3 is secret day where people you meet reveal their secrets to you and you to them. Day 4 is a day for the dead to come back and have a visit. This entire story is awesome and yet extremely sad. Best one of the volume.
Story 11 is about a mistress of Death. Creepy. Cool. a bit too romantical.
Story 12 is some sort of war between Chinese vs. Americans...I was thinking Manchuria before WWII but that was a fight between Japan and China leaving the United States out...Not understanding the setting is beside the point...The protagonist finds an American boy who can show images on a screen that he magics between his hands. Perhaps I lack the education to appreciate the point of this story.
Story 13 is a small town protected by a part bird part old woman. Keeping an eye on "her" people through the use of her mechanized little birds. Is this a cautionary tale about putting to much faith in authority figures? Perhaps.
Story 14 is told from the perspective of a pre-teen who has a prostitute mother...oh but its much worse, she is a dream eater and is killing and eating her victims brains...zombies are all the rage I guess. World War Z!!
Story 15 is a tale of putting on enchanted masks so that you can use the knowledge of the person who created the mask. However, its more of the person possessing you instead of instilling knowledge.
July 3, 2013
This volume of prize-winning Science Fiction And Fantasy short stories by different authors was a very good read. I read a lot of sci-fi and fantasy in my younger years, but have kind of gotten away from it. I liked the mix of stories, artwork (also prizewinners) and articles with a writing guidance bend. My favorite stories were: Planetary Scouts by Stephen Sottong, a well written log type story of planetary scout adventures. The Ghost Wife Of Arlington by Marilyn Guttridge, a haunting story of a woman who serves the form-changing immortal of the town. Scavengers by Shannon Peavey, A very nicely written story about a couple of sisters and one's husband who guard their town under the direction of The Lady. This one will probably stay in my mind the longest and made a big impression. Dreameater by Andrea Stewart also made a big impression, a story of a young girl who lives with her mother on the road, then with her father who she had never known. Both parents try to care for her, but alas nature provides trouble. The other nine stories were also very good. I recommend this 29th volume from Galaxy.
December 24, 2014
*Goodreads First Reads advanced copy*
I found Writers of the Future Volume 29 to be highly enjoyable. All of the stories were well written. I can definitely see how each author was able to win this contest. However, some of the stories did not pique my interest. The stories just did not grab my interest.
I will say that my favorite stories in the book were "The Grande Complication", which amazed with its level of detail, "Gonna Reach Out and Grab You", "Vestigial Girl", which I found emotionally riveting and "Master Belladino's Mask" which made my jaw drop when I made a connection to a current societal issue. Each of these stories were well worth reading and fully make the entire volume worth reading.
I would recommend Writers of the Future Volume 29 to all fans of science fiction and speculative fantasy. I'm sure everyone will find at least a couple of these stories to their liking.
I found Writers of the Future Volume 29 to be highly enjoyable. All of the stories were well written. I can definitely see how each author was able to win this contest. However, some of the stories did not pique my interest. The stories just did not grab my interest.
I will say that my favorite stories in the book were "The Grande Complication", which amazed with its level of detail, "Gonna Reach Out and Grab You", "Vestigial Girl", which I found emotionally riveting and "Master Belladino's Mask" which made my jaw drop when I made a connection to a current societal issue. Each of these stories were well worth reading and fully make the entire volume worth reading.
I would recommend Writers of the Future Volume 29 to all fans of science fiction and speculative fantasy. I'm sure everyone will find at least a couple of these stories to their liking.
January 27, 2014
This latest volume in the series features a good mix of sci-fi stories from unknown writers. The stories are chosen by a panel of established writers in the field, who obviously know how to spot who are the next big things in sci-fi fiction.
I enjoyed most of the stories in the collection and found it to be a great book to return to when I needed a palate cleanser after reading something else. As with all collections from different authors, you'll have some you really enjoy (my favorite was "Planetary Scouts") and some you're less interested in. There are also nonfiction essays, including one on writing from Hubbard, that I skimmed only, but I'm sure sci-fi writers would really appreciate them.
*I received a copy of this book via First Reads.
I enjoyed most of the stories in the collection and found it to be a great book to return to when I needed a palate cleanser after reading something else. As with all collections from different authors, you'll have some you really enjoy (my favorite was "Planetary Scouts") and some you're less interested in. There are also nonfiction essays, including one on writing from Hubbard, that I skimmed only, but I'm sure sci-fi writers would really appreciate them.
*I received a copy of this book via First Reads.
May 18, 2013
I won this book in a first-reads giveaway, thank you! I really enjoyed this book. I love novels, but I also like short stories occasionally.I love stories with a twist, War Hero was really good. Another one I really enjoyed was Vestigial Girl. Holy Days was very original. My favorite story was Dreameater by Andrea Stewart. It is the story of a little girl, Alexis, and her mother Linda. I would like for Ms. Stewart to continue this story in a novel. This story leaves you wondering what happens to Alexis in the future, will she become like her mother, who is a dreameater, like her father who is a dreamcatcher, or neither one?
April 16, 2013
Incredible new stories by fantastic new writers and fantastic art as well!
June 17, 2016
If you’ve never read any of the Writers of the Future anthologies, and you’re a speculative fiction fan, you should put them on your “to read” list right away. Every year, Galaxy Press publishes an anthology of over a dozen sci-fi an fantasy novelettes by new authors. While I’ve found the quality of the writing varies from story to story, I’ve never regretted purchasing or reading any of the anthologies. So here’s my review of Volume 29, published in 2013.
WAR HERO by Brian Trent
Harris Pope has been regenerated a few times, but this time, his new body is different. This time it’s not a tool, but a disguise—a stolen identity designed to get him as close to his target as possible. But getting close to Peznowski—a particularly sadistic Partisan leader, and a destroyer of the fledgling colonies on Mars—is a death-wish…
I really liked this story. It’s fast-paced and the story was made more interesting by the narrator’s patchy memory, since each regeneration only includes the memories recorded at the last “save.” There are some disturbing concepts and scenes in this story, so it’s not for the squeamish, but the story continues to follow a rapid trajectory until its final, explosive sentence.
PLANETARY SCOUTS by Stephen Sottong
The Planetary Scouts were formed to Discover and Explore, as their motto states, but Aidan Pastor has the scars and injuries to prove that the unknown worlds that the scouts investigate are not as cuddly as the recruiters claim. Aidan just wants to complete his 25 missions and retire where the alien creatures don’t want to eat, disable, or infect him. And it would be a bonus if his new partner, Lester, lived longer than his last one. But this next mission may cost more than either man suspects…
I enjoyed Aidan’s no-nonsense approach. He’s not an endearing character, but one whose experience you can respect. Aidan and Lester’s varying adventures are a mix of suspenseful action and dry humor. The tension toward the end was exactly the sort of thing I hoped for in a story of this type: Will they make it home in time?
Heads up: This one has more sexual innuendo than some of the other stories.
TWELVE SECONDS by Tina Gower
Howard processes siphons: the last twelve seconds of memory just before a person’s untimely death. But this siphon is only nine seconds and doesn’t have the customary halo. Why? As Howard interacts with his coworkers and searches for the answer to the mystery, he uncovers a murder of a kind that is worse than he expects.
Howard is interesting in that he is socially handicapped and must wear goggles to interpret peoples’ emotions for him. He is also obsessive about his work (something I can related to). The mystery is intriguing, but it felt flat and cliché to me when I finally learned the truth. Maybe others won’t think so, and either way, the general story ideas are well worth giving this one a shot.
THE GRANDE COMPLICATION by Christopher Reynaga
When time stops, Neil is the only one who “falls out of time,” and can move freely in the frozen world. And there he meets Mr. Harrison, whose job is to fix the Grande Complication, “the heart that turns the cycles of the world.” But this time, the locust-like chronophage have invaded the great clock’s gears, and Neil is the only one small enough to find where they have jammed the Grande Complication.
I think this was the first steampunk-style story I’d ever read. Mr. Harrison has a lovable, uncle-like character, and Neil is every boy who’s ever been fascinated by moving machinery and things beyond normal life. He accepts the strangeness of it all with a child’s trusting practicality and draws the reader after him. For a first introduction to this type of story, this work left me very satisfied by the end.
COP FOR A DAY by Chrome Oxide
Mark Rollins somehow finds himself on the wrong side of the law—which isn’t hard to do, considering how convoluted the government has become—and one day gets a lucky break: a selection for work detail. In other words, he has a chance to be a cop for a day.
I didn’t like this story at first, because there isn’t much plot to it. It felt like the plot was formulated just to explore…something, but I didn’t know what. Then, half-way through the story, I began to notice the acronyms and the sly jibes at politicians and government, and the combination of diminished intelligence and language skills with increased government programs and control. At some parts, this was laugh-out-loud funny. Still not much of a plot, but I can forgive that for the sake of the very entertaining humor.
GONNA REACH OUT AND GRAB YA by Eric Cline
Dr. Molly Boyle has never seen these kind of tattoos on an autopsy subject before. Nor has she ever had a verifiably dead boy reach out and grab her unexpectedly. There is something magical about this man, and his mysterious death.
I’ve told pretty much all I can safely tell in the description, but suffice it to say that this story feels like a chapter out of a bigger story. It holds up well on its own, though with some necessary ambiguity. The end resolves the story, though I couldn’t help but wish there could be more to it—a fuller answer to the ideas raised. I suppose that’s not a bad thing!
VESTIGIAL GIRL by Alex Wilson
Charlene carries the DNA of her two fathers, but the combination did not produce a normal body. At four years old, she can hardly move on her own, and has never spoken. But she can do other things, and she may be able to accomplish herself what others don’t believe is possible, namely, to cut the monster out of her throat and speak for the first time.
I didn’t connect well with this story. Maybe it was the slower, more reflective style of writing, the homosexual undertones, the frequent misuse of God’s and Jesus’ names, or the lack of a strong sci-fi feeling. It simply didn’t capture my attention or make me eager to learn if Charlene was successful in her self-operation. That said, I do feel that Mr. Wilson has talent as a writer.
HOLY DAYS by Kodiak Julian
Evie’s life can be measured by the Holy Days: days in which, for twenty-four hours, something unusual happens. You get a break from your heaviest responsibility or trouble. Your secrets are told. The dead come back. What is life like during the Holy Days?
Every reader probably brings his own experiences to the story. What would my break be? What are my most unsettling secrets? While the plot is flexible, without a real conflict or climax, the ideas hold weight on their own and leave you thinking.
THE GHOST WIFE OF ARLINGTON by Marilyn Guttridge
Vivian calls him the Shaker. Others call him Bone Rattler, Black Coat… or Devil. People fear the mortal woman who is the mistress of the Immortal who claims souls to take to Bone Rattler Street.
I feel a little ambivalent about this story. It’s beautifully written—the writer clearly has talent—and yet it’s a little disturbing to read about a woman who sleeps with Death and who deifies his pronoun with a capital H. The shape-shifting Shaker is strangely vulnerable and Vivian is admirably poised for one who knows that she is a temporary wife, and destined never to have living children. The use of symbolic color is fascinating, and the emotion very strong. I’m still uncomfortable with the godlike treatment of Death, but for what it is—this story is entrancing.
EVERYTHING YOU HAVE SEEN by Alisa Alering
Min-hee simply wants to avoid the advancing Chinese forces and the gnaw of hunger, but that changes when she meets a boy whom she calls Turtle. A boy with the gift of creating scenes in the air, scenes that can become real. A boy whose gift might be his only chance to find his father.
This story combines the need to survive with the child’s wonder of supernatural things. Min-hee encounters both hardship and magic with equal acceptance. The story has the feel of a personal conflict set amidst a great conflict (war). The former is resolved, the latter is not, but the end is still satisfying.
SCAVENGERS by Shannon Peavey
Mara cannot see well without the Lady’s periodic applications and care. If she could see well permanently, she could have her sister Keera’s place as the protector against the harvesters. When Keera and her husband Rey shoot two harvesters, they cannot account for the mysterious disappearance of the harvesters’ scythes, their traditional weapons. So Keera goes to seek out the truth—a truth that will rip Mara’s world apart.
The vulture-headed Lady is creepy from the first scene, but her flock of speaking birds are oddly comforting. Mara’s internal struggle—her desire to see clearly, her desire to be the protector she trained to be—makes her a relatable character. The intense ending fits well with the clues given, and is still chilling at the final revelation.
DREAMEATER by Andrea Stewart
Alexis is used to her mother’s liaisons with strange men—and the men’s subsequent murders. But when she learns her mother’s true identity, and her father’s, she realizes that her own identity is in danger.
This story creeped me out. First, I thought Mama was a hooker, but her real motives were a whole lot worse, an the descriptions can be pretty disturbing. Alexis is a plucky teenager—enough grit and vulnerability to be likable—and her torn loyalties between her dangerous mother and her mysterious father make for an intense climax. The ending is ambiguous; we never learn if Alexis discovers her true identity, though we have some clues. The Native American feel to this story adds to the interest, and I admit that now I can’t look at a dreamcatcher without thinking of this story.
MASTER BELLADINO’S MASK by Marina J. Lostetter
Melanie needs the knowledge of a healer to save her mother, and if she can just find Master Belladino’s enchanted mask, and put it on, she can access the knowledge of the now-dead legendary healer. But sometimes masks carry the personalities of their masters… and Master Belladino was not known for his kindness.
Since I wish I could cure my mom’s disease, Melanie’s quest hits a personal note for me, but I like the theme: sometimes knowledge carries a cost. In this case, the cost is Mr. Belladino’s sadistic personality. I really like the character of Leiwood. He’s in over his head, but his growing relationship with Melanie adds an urgency to his attempts to rescue her. The resolution is clever—not clichéd—and well-described. This is one of my favorites in this anthology.
WAR HERO by Brian Trent
“We need you to kill Peznowski again.”
Harris Pope has been regenerated a few times, but this time, his new body is different. This time it’s not a tool, but a disguise—a stolen identity designed to get him as close to his target as possible. But getting close to Peznowski—a particularly sadistic Partisan leader, and a destroyer of the fledgling colonies on Mars—is a death-wish…
I really liked this story. It’s fast-paced and the story was made more interesting by the narrator’s patchy memory, since each regeneration only includes the memories recorded at the last “save.” There are some disturbing concepts and scenes in this story, so it’s not for the squeamish, but the story continues to follow a rapid trajectory until its final, explosive sentence.
PLANETARY SCOUTS by Stephen Sottong
“Rule one: If the local fauna or flora starts chasing you, shoot it.”
The Planetary Scouts were formed to Discover and Explore, as their motto states, but Aidan Pastor has the scars and injuries to prove that the unknown worlds that the scouts investigate are not as cuddly as the recruiters claim. Aidan just wants to complete his 25 missions and retire where the alien creatures don’t want to eat, disable, or infect him. And it would be a bonus if his new partner, Lester, lived longer than his last one. But this next mission may cost more than either man suspects…
I enjoyed Aidan’s no-nonsense approach. He’s not an endearing character, but one whose experience you can respect. Aidan and Lester’s varying adventures are a mix of suspenseful action and dry humor. The tension toward the end was exactly the sort of thing I hoped for in a story of this type: Will they make it home in time?
Heads up: This one has more sexual innuendo than some of the other stories.
TWELVE SECONDS by Tina Gower
“Victim’s siphons need to be twelve seconds, and end with a halo.”
Howard processes siphons: the last twelve seconds of memory just before a person’s untimely death. But this siphon is only nine seconds and doesn’t have the customary halo. Why? As Howard interacts with his coworkers and searches for the answer to the mystery, he uncovers a murder of a kind that is worse than he expects.
Howard is interesting in that he is socially handicapped and must wear goggles to interpret peoples’ emotions for him. He is also obsessive about his work (something I can related to). The mystery is intriguing, but it felt flat and cliché to me when I finally learned the truth. Maybe others won’t think so, and either way, the general story ideas are well worth giving this one a shot.
THE GRANDE COMPLICATION by Christopher Reynaga
“My father taught me that all things that fall out of time serve the World Clock. Come,” said the old man as he picked up his valise. “I’ve something to show you.”
When time stops, Neil is the only one who “falls out of time,” and can move freely in the frozen world. And there he meets Mr. Harrison, whose job is to fix the Grande Complication, “the heart that turns the cycles of the world.” But this time, the locust-like chronophage have invaded the great clock’s gears, and Neil is the only one small enough to find where they have jammed the Grande Complication.
I think this was the first steampunk-style story I’d ever read. Mr. Harrison has a lovable, uncle-like character, and Neil is every boy who’s ever been fascinated by moving machinery and things beyond normal life. He accepts the strangeness of it all with a child’s trusting practicality and draws the reader after him. For a first introduction to this type of story, this work left me very satisfied by the end.
COP FOR A DAY by Chrome Oxide
This is unreal! I thought. The car wants to know if I am moral enough to work with after telling me that there isn’t any difference between a criminal enterprise and a government.
Mark Rollins somehow finds himself on the wrong side of the law—which isn’t hard to do, considering how convoluted the government has become—and one day gets a lucky break: a selection for work detail. In other words, he has a chance to be a cop for a day.
I didn’t like this story at first, because there isn’t much plot to it. It felt like the plot was formulated just to explore…something, but I didn’t know what. Then, half-way through the story, I began to notice the acronyms and the sly jibes at politicians and government, and the combination of diminished intelligence and language skills with increased government programs and control. At some parts, this was laugh-out-loud funny. Still not much of a plot, but I can forgive that for the sake of the very entertaining humor.
GONNA REACH OUT AND GRAB YA by Eric Cline
“She took a pair of forceps and tried to articulate the index finger.
The hand grabbed the forceps.
Dr. Molly Boyle has never seen these kind of tattoos on an autopsy subject before. Nor has she ever had a verifiably dead boy reach out and grab her unexpectedly. There is something magical about this man, and his mysterious death.
I’ve told pretty much all I can safely tell in the description, but suffice it to say that this story feels like a chapter out of a bigger story. It holds up well on its own, though with some necessary ambiguity. The end resolves the story, though I couldn’t help but wish there could be more to it—a fuller answer to the ideas raised. I suppose that’s not a bad thing!
VESTIGIAL GIRL by Alex Wilson
“Could she defeat the monster entirely on her own?”
Charlene carries the DNA of her two fathers, but the combination did not produce a normal body. At four years old, she can hardly move on her own, and has never spoken. But she can do other things, and she may be able to accomplish herself what others don’t believe is possible, namely, to cut the monster out of her throat and speak for the first time.
I didn’t connect well with this story. Maybe it was the slower, more reflective style of writing, the homosexual undertones, the frequent misuse of God’s and Jesus’ names, or the lack of a strong sci-fi feeling. It simply didn’t capture my attention or make me eager to learn if Charlene was successful in her self-operation. That said, I do feel that Mr. Wilson has talent as a writer.
HOLY DAYS by Kodiak Julian
“Even though I had been looking forward to Break Day, I woke to panic.”
Evie’s life can be measured by the Holy Days: days in which, for twenty-four hours, something unusual happens. You get a break from your heaviest responsibility or trouble. Your secrets are told. The dead come back. What is life like during the Holy Days?
Every reader probably brings his own experiences to the story. What would my break be? What are my most unsettling secrets? While the plot is flexible, without a real conflict or climax, the ideas hold weight on their own and leave you thinking.
THE GHOST WIFE OF ARLINGTON by Marilyn Guttridge
“It was His kingdom, and for a time, Vivian was His queen.”
Vivian calls him the Shaker. Others call him Bone Rattler, Black Coat… or Devil. People fear the mortal woman who is the mistress of the Immortal who claims souls to take to Bone Rattler Street.
I feel a little ambivalent about this story. It’s beautifully written—the writer clearly has talent—and yet it’s a little disturbing to read about a woman who sleeps with Death and who deifies his pronoun with a capital H. The shape-shifting Shaker is strangely vulnerable and Vivian is admirably poised for one who knows that she is a temporary wife, and destined never to have living children. The use of symbolic color is fascinating, and the emotion very strong. I’m still uncomfortable with the godlike treatment of Death, but for what it is—this story is entrancing.
EVERYTHING YOU HAVE SEEN by Alisa Alering
“The last image hung in the air, alive but undisturbed, like a sleeping mouse in its nest.”
Min-hee simply wants to avoid the advancing Chinese forces and the gnaw of hunger, but that changes when she meets a boy whom she calls Turtle. A boy with the gift of creating scenes in the air, scenes that can become real. A boy whose gift might be his only chance to find his father.
This story combines the need to survive with the child’s wonder of supernatural things. Min-hee encounters both hardship and magic with equal acceptance. The story has the feel of a personal conflict set amidst a great conflict (war). The former is resolved, the latter is not, but the end is still satisfying.
SCAVENGERS by Shannon Peavey
“I wish you true sight, Mara of the Goldwater.”
Mara cannot see well without the Lady’s periodic applications and care. If she could see well permanently, she could have her sister Keera’s place as the protector against the harvesters. When Keera and her husband Rey shoot two harvesters, they cannot account for the mysterious disappearance of the harvesters’ scythes, their traditional weapons. So Keera goes to seek out the truth—a truth that will rip Mara’s world apart.
The vulture-headed Lady is creepy from the first scene, but her flock of speaking birds are oddly comforting. Mara’s internal struggle—her desire to see clearly, her desire to be the protector she trained to be—makes her a relatable character. The intense ending fits well with the clues given, and is still chilling at the final revelation.
DREAMEATER by Andrea Stewart
“Your mother isn’t a dreamcatcher.”
Alexis is used to her mother’s liaisons with strange men—and the men’s subsequent murders. But when she learns her mother’s true identity, and her father’s, she realizes that her own identity is in danger.
This story creeped me out. First, I thought Mama was a hooker, but her real motives were a whole lot worse, an the descriptions can be pretty disturbing. Alexis is a plucky teenager—enough grit and vulnerability to be likable—and her torn loyalties between her dangerous mother and her mysterious father make for an intense climax. The ending is ambiguous; we never learn if Alexis discovers her true identity, though we have some clues. The Native American feel to this story adds to the interest, and I admit that now I can’t look at a dreamcatcher without thinking of this story.
MASTER BELLADINO’S MASK by Marina J. Lostetter
“The knowledge of Master Belladino does not come cheap.”
Melanie needs the knowledge of a healer to save her mother, and if she can just find Master Belladino’s enchanted mask, and put it on, she can access the knowledge of the now-dead legendary healer. But sometimes masks carry the personalities of their masters… and Master Belladino was not known for his kindness.
Since I wish I could cure my mom’s disease, Melanie’s quest hits a personal note for me, but I like the theme: sometimes knowledge carries a cost. In this case, the cost is Mr. Belladino’s sadistic personality. I really like the character of Leiwood. He’s in over his head, but his growing relationship with Melanie adds an urgency to his attempts to rescue her. The resolution is clever—not clichéd—and well-described. This is one of my favorites in this anthology.
January 4, 2014
I received this book for free as part of the Goodreads First Reads program in exchange for my honest opinion.
This collection was excellent!
For those unfamiliar with the Writers of the Future contest (as I was) it is a contest where anyone can submit stories. The only restriction is that you cannot have professionally published a novel or more than 3 short stories. The winning writers receive a cash prize and have their story published in this annual collection. They've been doing this for 29 years and I never knew about it until now.
The collection also includes 3 short essays from professionals. Two are about writing and one is geared toward artists. The essays were probably my least favorite part of the collection, but they certainly add value.
The stories were my favorite. It is surprising that it is a collection of fairly amateur writers considering the high quality of the works included. I really enjoyed it!
There were certainly stories I liked more than others, but I can't say there were any that I disliked. The only disappointment was that the first 2 were my favorite stories, so the others didn't seem quite as good in comparison. I think I would have appreciated the others more if my 2 favorites were included last, but that doesn't degrade the quality of the collection as a whole. This is a top notch group of excellent writing.
Here are a few thoughts on each individual story.
War Hero 4.5 stars
This story was amazing, from the new definition of what it means to "be saved" to the terrifying implications if your "save" falls into the wrong hands. The whole collection was worth it just to read this one story, (but that doesn't mean you should stop after reading this story.)
Planetary Scouts 4 stars
This story was just plain fun. Even though the story shows just how dangerous it is, I'm still pretty sure I want to be a planetary scout. Exploring strange new worlds and encountering various life forms that are pretty much universally dangerous? Count me in!
Twelve Seconds 4 stars
This murder mystery was interesting, and it had the bonus of giving a peak into the autistic mind. I loved the technology in it. I would love to wear contacts that read the body language queues around me and clue me in to what others may be thinking. Not to mention the technology to see through the eyes of the deceased. Fun story for sure.
The Manuscript Factory 4 stars
This essay is filled with advice for professional writers. Though, I am not aspiring to that profession, I thought the information was good nonetheless. I loved the way he analyzed the numbers of how much he had written in different genres, and how much income came from each. I could see how this line of thinking would be very valuable for a writer.
The Grande Complication 3 stars
This story was fun, but a little weird for me. The idea of an individual who exists outside is interesting, although it reminded me of Stephen King's Langoliers which was not my favorite story.
Cop For a Day 3.5 stars
A fun story that touches on the terrors of Authoritarian government. It has a very libertarian feel to it, and it also plays with some ideas about artificial intelligence and how a being of pure intelligence would view government. I liked how the computer ruled that government exists only to oppress, because that seems to be more and more true these days.
Gonna Reach Out and Grab Ya 4 stars
I really liked this story. It has time travel, creepy corpses, animated tattoos, and cool prosthetics. I also loved the theme that sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic. Abracadabra!
The Sport of Writing 3 stars
This is the second essay in this collection about writing. It compares the business of writing to competitive sports. In the process, it points out lessons learned from competing in sports and applies them to writing. I think all of the advice given was sound advice, but at the same time none of it seemed particularly profound. There were principles such as, "Don't let yourself get distracted by unimportant things" or "Take care of your body so you have the stamina and energy to give your profession the amount of work it needs." I agreed with all of the advice, and I thought it could apply equally well to almost any profession, and maybe that's why I didn't think it was revolutionary or profound.
The Vestigial Girl 4 stars
I liked this story a lot. I thought the characterization was excellent. I felt like I was Charlene, feeling her fears and her concerns about the "monster". My only complaint is that it left me wanting more. This story could be fleshed out into a novel where we find out more about what the monster was, why did she have it? What is her life like now? The fact that I want more is, of course, a good thing. It means it was a successful short story.
Holy Days 3 stars
I liked the idea of the Holy Days, but at the same time the story was confusing and I was never really sure what was going on. Still a fun concept, but it wasn't my favorite execution.
The Ghost Wife of Arlington 3.5 stars
This was a fun story with a unique idea. It explores ghosts, devils, death and the mystery that shrouds all three. Every culture has legends about the after life. In Arlington, there are "shades" or "ghost wives" who can walk in both worlds.
Journey For a New Artist 3 stars
I'm not really the best person to judge since I have no interest in art, but the tips given here seemed like they would probably be helpful for aspiring artists.
Everything You Have Seen 2.5 stars
This story was okay. It had a good theme of dealing with bullying and overcoming obstacles. The ending left me somewhat confused.
Scavengers 4 stars
This story started off slow but it turned out really good. When you figure out who the scavengers are it's creepy and terrifying. I loved it.
Dreameater 3.5 stars
This horror/fantasy deals with dream catchers and there more horrific relatives, dream eaters. It contains the most violent scene in the book. The most terrifying thing in the story is something we all face at some point, the fear of becoming something you hate.
Master Belladino's Mask 3 stars
I liked that this story somewhat echoed some themes from War Hero, the first story. Both dealt with ways that a consciousness can be preserved beyond death. War Hero did it in a sci-fi way with computers. This story did it in a fantasy way with an enchanted mask. I'll admit that War Hero was a much better story in my mind, but this one was enjoyable as well.
This collection was excellent!
For those unfamiliar with the Writers of the Future contest (as I was) it is a contest where anyone can submit stories. The only restriction is that you cannot have professionally published a novel or more than 3 short stories. The winning writers receive a cash prize and have their story published in this annual collection. They've been doing this for 29 years and I never knew about it until now.
The collection also includes 3 short essays from professionals. Two are about writing and one is geared toward artists. The essays were probably my least favorite part of the collection, but they certainly add value.
The stories were my favorite. It is surprising that it is a collection of fairly amateur writers considering the high quality of the works included. I really enjoyed it!
There were certainly stories I liked more than others, but I can't say there were any that I disliked. The only disappointment was that the first 2 were my favorite stories, so the others didn't seem quite as good in comparison. I think I would have appreciated the others more if my 2 favorites were included last, but that doesn't degrade the quality of the collection as a whole. This is a top notch group of excellent writing.
Here are a few thoughts on each individual story.
War Hero 4.5 stars
This story was amazing, from the new definition of what it means to "be saved" to the terrifying implications if your "save" falls into the wrong hands. The whole collection was worth it just to read this one story, (but that doesn't mean you should stop after reading this story.)
Planetary Scouts 4 stars
This story was just plain fun. Even though the story shows just how dangerous it is, I'm still pretty sure I want to be a planetary scout. Exploring strange new worlds and encountering various life forms that are pretty much universally dangerous? Count me in!
Twelve Seconds 4 stars
This murder mystery was interesting, and it had the bonus of giving a peak into the autistic mind. I loved the technology in it. I would love to wear contacts that read the body language queues around me and clue me in to what others may be thinking. Not to mention the technology to see through the eyes of the deceased. Fun story for sure.
The Manuscript Factory 4 stars
This essay is filled with advice for professional writers. Though, I am not aspiring to that profession, I thought the information was good nonetheless. I loved the way he analyzed the numbers of how much he had written in different genres, and how much income came from each. I could see how this line of thinking would be very valuable for a writer.
The Grande Complication 3 stars
This story was fun, but a little weird for me. The idea of an individual who exists outside is interesting, although it reminded me of Stephen King's Langoliers which was not my favorite story.
Cop For a Day 3.5 stars
A fun story that touches on the terrors of Authoritarian government. It has a very libertarian feel to it, and it also plays with some ideas about artificial intelligence and how a being of pure intelligence would view government. I liked how the computer ruled that government exists only to oppress, because that seems to be more and more true these days.
Gonna Reach Out and Grab Ya 4 stars
I really liked this story. It has time travel, creepy corpses, animated tattoos, and cool prosthetics. I also loved the theme that sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic. Abracadabra!
The Sport of Writing 3 stars
This is the second essay in this collection about writing. It compares the business of writing to competitive sports. In the process, it points out lessons learned from competing in sports and applies them to writing. I think all of the advice given was sound advice, but at the same time none of it seemed particularly profound. There were principles such as, "Don't let yourself get distracted by unimportant things" or "Take care of your body so you have the stamina and energy to give your profession the amount of work it needs." I agreed with all of the advice, and I thought it could apply equally well to almost any profession, and maybe that's why I didn't think it was revolutionary or profound.
The Vestigial Girl 4 stars
I liked this story a lot. I thought the characterization was excellent. I felt like I was Charlene, feeling her fears and her concerns about the "monster". My only complaint is that it left me wanting more. This story could be fleshed out into a novel where we find out more about what the monster was, why did she have it? What is her life like now? The fact that I want more is, of course, a good thing. It means it was a successful short story.
Holy Days 3 stars
I liked the idea of the Holy Days, but at the same time the story was confusing and I was never really sure what was going on. Still a fun concept, but it wasn't my favorite execution.
The Ghost Wife of Arlington 3.5 stars
This was a fun story with a unique idea. It explores ghosts, devils, death and the mystery that shrouds all three. Every culture has legends about the after life. In Arlington, there are "shades" or "ghost wives" who can walk in both worlds.
Journey For a New Artist 3 stars
I'm not really the best person to judge since I have no interest in art, but the tips given here seemed like they would probably be helpful for aspiring artists.
Everything You Have Seen 2.5 stars
This story was okay. It had a good theme of dealing with bullying and overcoming obstacles. The ending left me somewhat confused.
Scavengers 4 stars
This story started off slow but it turned out really good. When you figure out who the scavengers are it's creepy and terrifying. I loved it.
Dreameater 3.5 stars
This horror/fantasy deals with dream catchers and there more horrific relatives, dream eaters. It contains the most violent scene in the book. The most terrifying thing in the story is something we all face at some point, the fear of becoming something you hate.
Master Belladino's Mask 3 stars
I liked that this story somewhat echoed some themes from War Hero, the first story. Both dealt with ways that a consciousness can be preserved beyond death. War Hero did it in a sci-fi way with computers. This story did it in a fantasy way with an enchanted mask. I'll admit that War Hero was a much better story in my mind, but this one was enjoyable as well.
February 15, 2018
Liked several of the stories, for example ”War Hero”, ”Planetary Scouts”, ”Twelve Seconds” and ”The Ghost Wife of Arlington”.
December 18, 2018
Good variety of short stories. I could see many of these turning into great novels. I pick this anthology up every year, and it's always worth the money.
March 11, 2014
I received this book free as a Good reads First Reads.
There are three reasons to read anthologies. First is because you like the subject matter. Writers of the Future Volume 29 was no exception for me. I have always loved the Fantasy & Sci-fi genres. (Just take a look at my book list.) This book fits right in that itch for me with its stories and enticing illustrations.
The second reason is you can get full stories in bite-sized pieces. When you're quite busy with work & kids, being able to escape for a short while and get a whole story from beginning to end in a few minutes is a God-send.
The second reason is to discover new authors to read. And I did just that. Though not every story was my favourite, I quite enjoyed the book.
Stephen Sottong's "Planetary Scouts" was one that struck my fancy. Even though it has slow start and somewhat predictable ending, this tale of planetary explorers really caught me in its grasp. I was always looking forward to the next mission and what they would find. (I also found the "bears" a great contrast to Poul Anderson & Gordon R. Dickson's Hoka series.)
"The Ghost Wife of Arlington" by Marilyn Guttridge was another favourite. This beautiful dark story of a concubine of a Death (for there is not only one) was wonderfully written and very rich. Though I've read similar stories, Ms. Guttridge's has a fresh taste. I look forward to future works by her. And Sida Chen illustration was exquisite.
Another dark story was Andrea Stewart's "Dreameater." The story was not one of my faves. It was well written but I just never got pulled in by it. It just wasn't there. I was reminded of the Sylar character from "Heroes" with a kind of 30 Days of Night twist. (Not a favourite movie of mine.)
Another story I wasn't to fond of was "Vestigial Girl" by Alex Winston. Though this tale is quite short. I had a rough time getting through it. I had to start this one several times. Maybe it's the conservative side of me. I don't know. I just could never immerse myself into it.
All in all though, I do recommend this book. It is a wonderful collection of tales. You might find a new short story to call a favourite. You may even find a new author to follow (like Sottong or Guttridge)
There are three reasons to read anthologies. First is because you like the subject matter. Writers of the Future Volume 29 was no exception for me. I have always loved the Fantasy & Sci-fi genres. (Just take a look at my book list.) This book fits right in that itch for me with its stories and enticing illustrations.
The second reason is you can get full stories in bite-sized pieces. When you're quite busy with work & kids, being able to escape for a short while and get a whole story from beginning to end in a few minutes is a God-send.
The second reason is to discover new authors to read. And I did just that. Though not every story was my favourite, I quite enjoyed the book.
Stephen Sottong's "Planetary Scouts" was one that struck my fancy. Even though it has slow start and somewhat predictable ending, this tale of planetary explorers really caught me in its grasp. I was always looking forward to the next mission and what they would find. (I also found the "bears" a great contrast to Poul Anderson & Gordon R. Dickson's Hoka series.)
"The Ghost Wife of Arlington" by Marilyn Guttridge was another favourite. This beautiful dark story of a concubine of a Death (for there is not only one) was wonderfully written and very rich. Though I've read similar stories, Ms. Guttridge's has a fresh taste. I look forward to future works by her. And Sida Chen illustration was exquisite.
Another dark story was Andrea Stewart's "Dreameater." The story was not one of my faves. It was well written but I just never got pulled in by it. It just wasn't there. I was reminded of the Sylar character from "Heroes" with a kind of 30 Days of Night twist. (Not a favourite movie of mine.)
Another story I wasn't to fond of was "Vestigial Girl" by Alex Winston. Though this tale is quite short. I had a rough time getting through it. I had to start this one several times. Maybe it's the conservative side of me. I don't know. I just could never immerse myself into it.
All in all though, I do recommend this book. It is a wonderful collection of tales. You might find a new short story to call a favourite. You may even find a new author to follow (like Sottong or Guttridge)
May 1, 2014
Like most anthologies, it had good stories and bad stories. Most of them I consider... solid but not exceptional. One particularly awesome one, one fairly horrible one, but the rest were... worth reading, but nothing to write home about.
Short synopses, in order:
A war hero has a very confusing resurrection.
An old planetary explorer shows the new guy the ropes
An autistic man solves a mystery engendered by atypical post-life recordings
An article on writing by L Ron Hubbard (some of the advice is dated, some isn't)
Reached the first Really Awesome one. A boy helps fix the world clock...
And, as if to make up for it, the next one was a clumsy, heavy-handed welfare-state-gone-wrong dystopia.
Next up, a doctor performs an autopsy on a corpse that is more unusual than it first appears. Back to solid-but-not-spectacular.
Then, an article comparing writing to athletics.
Then, an odd little story about a little girl who is not as impaired as she appears to be.
Next, another odd little story, about a world where there are... several unusual days, where strange things happen every year.
A woman who was Death's wife.
An article about becoming a professional illustrator.
An odd little story about a very lost boy, and a girl in (I think) war-torn Vietnam (some war-torn Asian country, at least).
A vulture woman who runs a small village.
A girl with a disturbing childhood, due to her mother's powers and habits.
A young woman rents a mask with the memories of a powerful healer, so she can cure her mother. (this was a pretty good one)
And, to round it all out, a short article about the Writers of the Future contest itself.
None of them are standing up and down jumping and screaming at me (except The Grand Complication), but they're all pretty solid (except Cop for a Day).
Short synopses, in order:
A war hero has a very confusing resurrection.
An old planetary explorer shows the new guy the ropes
An autistic man solves a mystery engendered by atypical post-life recordings
An article on writing by L Ron Hubbard (some of the advice is dated, some isn't)
Reached the first Really Awesome one. A boy helps fix the world clock...
And, as if to make up for it, the next one was a clumsy, heavy-handed welfare-state-gone-wrong dystopia.
Next up, a doctor performs an autopsy on a corpse that is more unusual than it first appears. Back to solid-but-not-spectacular.
Then, an article comparing writing to athletics.
Then, an odd little story about a little girl who is not as impaired as she appears to be.
Next, another odd little story, about a world where there are... several unusual days, where strange things happen every year.
A woman who was Death's wife.
An article about becoming a professional illustrator.
An odd little story about a very lost boy, and a girl in (I think) war-torn Vietnam (some war-torn Asian country, at least).
A vulture woman who runs a small village.
A girl with a disturbing childhood, due to her mother's powers and habits.
A young woman rents a mask with the memories of a powerful healer, so she can cure her mother. (this was a pretty good one)
And, to round it all out, a short article about the Writers of the Future contest itself.
None of them are standing up and down jumping and screaming at me (except The Grand Complication), but they're all pretty solid (except Cop for a Day).
June 15, 2013
Once I started reading this new volume, I must say that I enjoyed it even more than the last one!! I enjoyed every story, but my two favorite were The Ghost Wife of Arlington, about Death's mistress, and Holy Days, which speculates about some extra special days being added to the calendar. What if there was one day a year when all ailments were healed, just for the day?
I also really appreciated the helpful articles in the book. There is an article for illustrators by Larry Elmore, Journey For a New Artist, but it was the two articles for writers that really struck a chord with me. The first, by L. Ron Hubbard, is titled The Manuscript Factory. In it, Hubbard gives a great perspective on writing for money that should resonate with all of us who do this for living, be we bloggers, journalists or artists:
If you write insincerely, if you think the lowest pulp can be written insincerely, and still sell, then you're in for trouble unless your luck is terribly good. And luck rarely strikes twice.
The second article is by Nnedi Okorafor, one of this year's judges. She writes in The Sport of Writing:
Rage can be a great blade sharpener. It doesn't feel good but it's burning inside you, so you might as well use it. Don't let it stop you from producing; channel it into your work instead. Let it serve a purpose. Produce something positive.
I recommended the previous volume of Writers of the Future for anyone who enjoys science fiction. I believe Volume 29 will be appreciated not just by science fiction and fantasy enthusiasts, but also by those who are looking to learn from the best.
I also really appreciated the helpful articles in the book. There is an article for illustrators by Larry Elmore, Journey For a New Artist, but it was the two articles for writers that really struck a chord with me. The first, by L. Ron Hubbard, is titled The Manuscript Factory. In it, Hubbard gives a great perspective on writing for money that should resonate with all of us who do this for living, be we bloggers, journalists or artists:
If you write insincerely, if you think the lowest pulp can be written insincerely, and still sell, then you're in for trouble unless your luck is terribly good. And luck rarely strikes twice.
The second article is by Nnedi Okorafor, one of this year's judges. She writes in The Sport of Writing:
Rage can be a great blade sharpener. It doesn't feel good but it's burning inside you, so you might as well use it. Don't let it stop you from producing; channel it into your work instead. Let it serve a purpose. Produce something positive.
I recommended the previous volume of Writers of the Future for anyone who enjoys science fiction. I believe Volume 29 will be appreciated not just by science fiction and fantasy enthusiasts, but also by those who are looking to learn from the best.
April 9, 2014
Avatar & this summer my son took me to see the Wolverine are what I rate # 1 schifi. Both I believe were taken from books.
These writers like when my family/I played sports I realize are the “superstars”, judging by the cool contest U sponsor. I of course weren’t’ thrilled with all the short stories.
I’ll use the old school saying U always save the best for last, for me this was true in this book. These 2 were my fav.
Dreameater; the horrors of some children’s life (Alexis) when their parent(s) (Mama) might be a psychotic killer by drug/alcohol induced (no mention of MI). The mom kills several PPL as they travel around, dad intervenes but Alexis ends up killing the mom. Wow the plot thickens does this mean Alexis (genetic?) is going to turn out like her mom someday. To be continued…?
Master Belladino’s Mask; this reminded me of the new movie Now you see me. Melanie Dupont sets out to rent a healer’s mask (Master Belladino) to help cure her mother’s ailments. She also tries several potions from the local apothecary. Suspense thickens & the mask overtakes her body as she wears it as it does the control the burning fireplace. The mask had been evilly possessed for a long time. In the end her friend; Leiwood helps her from the spell of the mask, & her mother I assume gets better health. Melanie contemplates a lifetime of helping other PPL that are ill. Awesome short story.
Thank you so much for this free book & the opportunity to read it. A easy 5 stars
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
These writers like when my family/I played sports I realize are the “superstars”, judging by the cool contest U sponsor. I of course weren’t’ thrilled with all the short stories.
I’ll use the old school saying U always save the best for last, for me this was true in this book. These 2 were my fav.
Dreameater; the horrors of some children’s life (Alexis) when their parent(s) (Mama) might be a psychotic killer by drug/alcohol induced (no mention of MI). The mom kills several PPL as they travel around, dad intervenes but Alexis ends up killing the mom. Wow the plot thickens does this mean Alexis (genetic?) is going to turn out like her mom someday. To be continued…?
Master Belladino’s Mask; this reminded me of the new movie Now you see me. Melanie Dupont sets out to rent a healer’s mask (Master Belladino) to help cure her mother’s ailments. She also tries several potions from the local apothecary. Suspense thickens & the mask overtakes her body as she wears it as it does the control the burning fireplace. The mask had been evilly possessed for a long time. In the end her friend; Leiwood helps her from the spell of the mask, & her mother I assume gets better health. Melanie contemplates a lifetime of helping other PPL that are ill. Awesome short story.
Thank you so much for this free book & the opportunity to read it. A easy 5 stars
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
December 29, 2013
I thought I had written a review of this when I finished reading it some time ago, but somehow managed not to have it posted here so, in short, yet another in a glowing series of Sci-Fi collections. Each tale is a winner, both figuratively and literally, so you can not go wrong with this Galaxy Press collection. I especially liked "The Ghost Wife of Arlington" about Death's mistress and the article for illustrators by Larry Elmore, Journey For a New Artist. And L. Ron Hubbard's contribution "The Manuscript Factory" is a must read.
This was a Goodreads win and makes me want to delve into the Science Fiction realm once again.
Found the original review: An engaging collection of tales of science fiction and fantasy, magic and mystery which reflect today's young writers and future award winners. From the articles about writing and illustrating through the stories themselves, this collection is a welcome continuation of the contest series. The plot twists and vengeance theme of War Hero nicely counterpoint the other worldliness of The Ghost Wife of Arlington while Planetary Scouts brings into question Star Trek's Prime Directive. In all, yet another in a long string of delightful collections sure to engage the reader and, although I got my copy winning it through GoodReads, a steal at only $7.99.
This was a Goodreads win and makes me want to delve into the Science Fiction realm once again.
Found the original review: An engaging collection of tales of science fiction and fantasy, magic and mystery which reflect today's young writers and future award winners. From the articles about writing and illustrating through the stories themselves, this collection is a welcome continuation of the contest series. The plot twists and vengeance theme of War Hero nicely counterpoint the other worldliness of The Ghost Wife of Arlington while Planetary Scouts brings into question Star Trek's Prime Directive. In all, yet another in a long string of delightful collections sure to engage the reader and, although I got my copy winning it through GoodReads, a steal at only $7.99.
October 26, 2013
This latest annual volume (I can't believe it's been going for 29 years now!) in the Writers of the Future series is another good collection of stories from new writers. A couple of them struck me as being a little self-consciously over-written, and a couple seemed a little too long for their subjects, but it's a very strong collection overall. My favorite, by far, was an old-fashioned story called "Planetary Scouts" by Stephen Sottong, but I also particularly enjoyed stories by Eric Cline, Kodiak Julian, Alisa Alering, and Andrea Stewart. Of the thirteen stories, there was only one that I felt was a complete waste of time. Each story is accompanied by an illustration by one of the Illustrators of the Future winners, but I believe most of them were originally paintings and they never translate well into the paperback-sized black-and-white format. There are three non-fiction pieces included, a nice piece on writing from Nnedi Okorafor, a brief piece on illustrating from Larry Elmore, and a piece on the business of writing by L. Ron Hubbard that I thought was most likely no longer relevant to the current industry. I won my copy as part of the Goodreads Firstreads giveaway program
May 3, 2014
I read Writers of the Future, in exchange for honest review from Business 2 Blogger. I received a paperback book. The book was also published by Galaxy Press, LLC
The book provides 13 stories from the Writer's of the Future International Writers' Program, in addition to three essays on writing and illustration. Before each story, there is a bio of both the author and illustrator. The first story was War Hero by Brian Trent and illustrated by Jon Eno. Wow, the story was amazing. It was a science-fiction story about a man, who has to kill a leader over again. Both men have been given new bodies. The War Hero has been given the body of the leader's son. The story is taking place on Mars. The story was a little confusing at first, but after reading further, I was hooked. This is one of the best science-fiction books I have read in a long time. I have not read any L.Ron Hubbard books yet, but I plan to. The books provide a great collection of upcoming authors.
At the end of the book, you have information about Writers of the Future and Illustrators of the Future and how to enter each contest.
The book provides 13 stories from the Writer's of the Future International Writers' Program, in addition to three essays on writing and illustration. Before each story, there is a bio of both the author and illustrator. The first story was War Hero by Brian Trent and illustrated by Jon Eno. Wow, the story was amazing. It was a science-fiction story about a man, who has to kill a leader over again. Both men have been given new bodies. The War Hero has been given the body of the leader's son. The story is taking place on Mars. The story was a little confusing at first, but after reading further, I was hooked. This is one of the best science-fiction books I have read in a long time. I have not read any L.Ron Hubbard books yet, but I plan to. The books provide a great collection of upcoming authors.
At the end of the book, you have information about Writers of the Future and Illustrators of the Future and how to enter each contest.
November 8, 2013
Ever wonder who the best new writers to watch for? Look no further than the Writers of the Future Volume 29.
I purchased this book because I wanted an idea as to what stories were accepted, as I too have been submitting to the quarterly Writers of the Future contest.
Like most anthologies or short story collections, not all stories connected with me. But, what few I didn't like someone else undoubtedly will, and the ones I liked outweighted the ones that didn't. Hence the 5-star rating.
Among some of my favorites were "Cop for a Day" by Chrome Oxide (love that pen name!), "War Hero" by Brian Trent, "Master Belladino's Mask" by Marina J. Lostetter, and the grand-prize winning "Twelve Seconds" by Tina Gower.
Aside from the wonderful stories, the illustrations were well-worth the price of admission.
Tucked within the book were also essays by Dave Wolverton, L. Ron Hubbard, and others. Hubbard's "The Manuscript Factory" was sheer brilliant, and Nnedi Okorafor's "The Sport of Writing" put a unique perspective on the craft of writing.
I purchased this book because I wanted an idea as to what stories were accepted, as I too have been submitting to the quarterly Writers of the Future contest.
Like most anthologies or short story collections, not all stories connected with me. But, what few I didn't like someone else undoubtedly will, and the ones I liked outweighted the ones that didn't. Hence the 5-star rating.
Among some of my favorites were "Cop for a Day" by Chrome Oxide (love that pen name!), "War Hero" by Brian Trent, "Master Belladino's Mask" by Marina J. Lostetter, and the grand-prize winning "Twelve Seconds" by Tina Gower.
Aside from the wonderful stories, the illustrations were well-worth the price of admission.
Tucked within the book were also essays by Dave Wolverton, L. Ron Hubbard, and others. Hubbard's "The Manuscript Factory" was sheer brilliant, and Nnedi Okorafor's "The Sport of Writing" put a unique perspective on the craft of writing.
March 17, 2015
Full disclosure: free review copy received via Goodreads.
I've purchased all the Writers of the Future volumes since number one. I have never been disappointed, and this latest collection is no exception. All of the judges who select the stories each year are top best selling authors in speculative fiction and they know how to pick excellence in this field. What really struck me about so many of the stories this round were the strong, stylized voices of the authors and unique imagery. Many contain edge-of-your-seat suspense, so much so that with several of the stories I peeked at the end to make sure the characters would make it alright! All of the stories have a uniqueness, such as the bird woman who holds a town captive, the boy who struggles to save time and keep it from literally falling to pieces, a main character who's an Autistic detective and a woman who marries death that is actually a bitter-sweet love story. There's some really good stuff here. If you want some unusual, fun and exciting reads, pick up this volume. You won't regret it.
I've purchased all the Writers of the Future volumes since number one. I have never been disappointed, and this latest collection is no exception. All of the judges who select the stories each year are top best selling authors in speculative fiction and they know how to pick excellence in this field. What really struck me about so many of the stories this round were the strong, stylized voices of the authors and unique imagery. Many contain edge-of-your-seat suspense, so much so that with several of the stories I peeked at the end to make sure the characters would make it alright! All of the stories have a uniqueness, such as the bird woman who holds a town captive, the boy who struggles to save time and keep it from literally falling to pieces, a main character who's an Autistic detective and a woman who marries death that is actually a bitter-sweet love story. There's some really good stuff here. If you want some unusual, fun and exciting reads, pick up this volume. You won't regret it.
July 21, 2013
Disclosure: I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
I found, as I read this collection, that I'm not really able to jump into and just accept the worlds created in shorts stories - like they need to be.
In the standard questions of writing - who, what, when, where, why and how - these short stories only answered the "who" and "what" questions, leaving the others to just be accepted. I mostly found myself asking "why is this happening" and "how is this happening." I came away wanting, and in some cases needing, these questions answered for a fully satisfying story.
So, I had to give this collection three stars due. If you enjoy short stories, and don't need a lot of the specifics explained, then I'm sure you would give this five starts.
On it's own, each story was well written. All of these authors deserved to be selected, and the artwork was excellent as well.
If short stories are your thing, then I believe you would enjoy these.
I found, as I read this collection, that I'm not really able to jump into and just accept the worlds created in shorts stories - like they need to be.
In the standard questions of writing - who, what, when, where, why and how - these short stories only answered the "who" and "what" questions, leaving the others to just be accepted. I mostly found myself asking "why is this happening" and "how is this happening." I came away wanting, and in some cases needing, these questions answered for a fully satisfying story.
So, I had to give this collection three stars due. If you enjoy short stories, and don't need a lot of the specifics explained, then I'm sure you would give this five starts.
On it's own, each story was well written. All of these authors deserved to be selected, and the artwork was excellent as well.
If short stories are your thing, then I believe you would enjoy these.
June 24, 2013
Science Fiction American Idol... For those who love science fiction and fantasy, this book is great fun. Previously unpublished authors compete, with twelve selected to be published in this mass media edition each year. This year's edition ranges the gamut from typical scifi planetary exploration, human regeneration, governments run amok, to fantasy/super natural devils, shades, and ghosts. At its best, this type of literature explores 'What If' questions. What if our beloved deceased could come back once a year? What if we go exploring the universe and find all the alien cultures are hostile to human life? Check out this book and you'll get to go along for the ride.
I recieved this book through the goodreads giveaway program. I recommend it to all sci fi and fantasy lovers.
I recieved this book through the goodreads giveaway program. I recommend it to all sci fi and fantasy lovers.
October 2, 2015
I won a copy of this book through a goodreads.com First Reads giveaway.
The cover artwork is amazing and I really liked the illustrations included with each story. I can't say I liked all the stories equally, but I do feel that they were all well-written. I would love to read more stories from these authors. I skipped the essays "The Manuscript Factory", "The Sport of Writing" and "Journey for a New Artist". I was only interested in reading the sci-fi/fantasy short stories and I felt like these essays should have been placed towards the back of the book- not throughout. Other than that I enjoyed this collection. My favorite stories were Twelve Seconds by Tina Gower and The Ghost Wife of Arlington by Marilyn Guttridge.
The cover artwork is amazing and I really liked the illustrations included with each story. I can't say I liked all the stories equally, but I do feel that they were all well-written. I would love to read more stories from these authors. I skipped the essays "The Manuscript Factory", "The Sport of Writing" and "Journey for a New Artist". I was only interested in reading the sci-fi/fantasy short stories and I felt like these essays should have been placed towards the back of the book- not throughout. Other than that I enjoyed this collection. My favorite stories were Twelve Seconds by Tina Gower and The Ghost Wife of Arlington by Marilyn Guttridge.
December 3, 2013
As with any diverse collection of stories, there are some hits and misses along the way. For me, the stories that got me the most excited were Planetary Scouts and the Vestigial Girl. Scouts for it's fantastic world building (easy to wrap your mind around and allows your mind to conjure up the missing pieces), and Vestigial Girl for it's ability to make the protagonist sympathetic, distinct, and riveting in so short a time. The stories that didn't quite hit the mark for me were Dream Eater (more a genre issue than the writing) and the Sport of Writing (again, more of a conceptual issue and lack of interest than anything). Congratulations to all the authors who were chosen, overall very enjoyable.
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