Best Writers & Illustrators of the Future Podcast Podcasts (2024)

1
Science fiction author Sean Williams, illustrator Connor Chamberlain and John Goodwin on the 40th Anniversary Volume of 'Writers of the Future' 32:51

8d ago32:51

32:51

L. Ron Hubbard created the Writers of the Future Writing Contest in 1983 to provide "a means for new and budding writers to have a chance for their creative efforts to be seen and acknowledged." The 559 winners and published finalists of the Writing Contest have published over 8,000 novels and short stories, created 36 New York Times bestselling no…

1
295. Marc Scott Zicree: How Twilight Zone Handled Censored Subjects 1:00:22

2d ago1:00:22

1:00:22

Marc Scott Zicree has written for Star Trek: The Next Generation, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Sliders, Babylon 5, Smurfs, He-Man, Real Ghostbusters, and much more.But the reason I invited him to this podcast is that Marc Scott Zicree is the author of the most comprehensive book on the original series, "The Twilight Zone Companion." A TV series I en…

1
Justin Fox on the pathway to his first novel, 'Quietly Waiting' 15:15

7h ago15:15

15:15

Tanya is a strong, independent young woman living in England. Surrounded by limitless possibilities, her biggest fear is not being able to find her true place in the world. Never usually driven by emotions, her world is turned upside down when she meets Evan. Evan is instantly her soulmate connection and he feels the same way about her. When Evan i…

1
Dr Norman Swan on his latest book, 'So You Want to Know What's Good For Your Kids?' 28:48

4d ago28:48

28:48

We all want our kids to grow into happy, healthy adults and the first ten years count more than any other time in our lives. So what should we be doing to give them the best chance? Most books on childhood stop at age five and start again in adolescence. They miss the critical primary school age years leading to adolescence - the years that make al…

1
294 S.M. Stirling Researching Time Travel Alternate History 59:41

2d ago59:41

59:41

S.M. Stirling writes in multiple genres and has over 10 NYT bestsellers. In this interview, we discuss writing alternate history, the need for research, and how to do this research.His latest novel, "To Turn the Tide" addresses the last successful period of the Roman Empire before the Germanic tribes invaded and sacked it.We discuss Type A inventio…

1
293. James Rosone Researching Hi-Tech Near-Future Sci-Fi 59:07

13d ago59:07

59:07

I am here at the Tampa Convention Center attending the 2024 Tampa Comic Con with this week’s guest, James Rosone. We met up here last year at this convention and recorded a podcast interview which you can find as interview 247.James Rosone is the Amazon Top 100 bestselling author of military thriller and science fiction. He's an Iraq War veteran wh…

1
292. Elliott Haimoff Conversations with the Men of Apollo Space Program 1:01:09

24d ago1:01:09

1:01:09

Elliott Haimoff, is a biologist, primatologist and documentary filmmaker. In 1990 he founded Global Science Productions to develop and distribute educational television programs and news segments about space, biology, health, sports and nature. And now, over 200 documentaries with dozens of awards later, I am now interviewing him on one of several …

1
Elfie Shiosaki on the galaxy of Noongar stories in her new poetry collection, 'Refugia' 25:50

18d ago25:50

25:50

'Refugia' is an unparalleled work of vision and political fury from Noongar and Yawuru poet and scholar Elfie Shiosaki. Inspired by the beeliar (Swan River) and the NASA James Webb Space Telescope’s first year of science, this collection draws on colonial archives to contest the occupation of Noongar Country. As the bicentennial year of the colony …

1
291. Anthony Goff, President Blackstone Publishing on Growth of Audiobooks 59:32

1M ago59:32

59:32

Anthony Goff is the President of Blackstone Publishing. I met Anthony when we shared spots on the Audio Publishers Assn Board of Directors in the early 2010s when he was the audio publisher at Hachette. He has been involved in publishing and the growth of the audiobook industry for three decades and is very knowledgeable about its history and growt…

1
290. Meghna Pant, One of India's Most Celebrated Authors 59:33

2M ago59:33

59:33

Meghna Pant is recognized as one of India’s best writers by several international and national publications. And she is the first female to ever write a war novel in India.She is an author, feminist, journalist and speaker and has won a variety of awards for her contribution to literature, gender issues, and journalism. In 2012, she won the Muse In…

1
288. Creating Writers of the Future 40 Audiobook 59:55

2M ago59:55

59:55

Jim, Tamra, and Taylor Meskimen along with British actor Victoria Summer, recorded the "L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future Volume 40" audiobook. Listen as they discuss how they create the voices that bring these stories to life.We also discuss the value of art in creating a safe space to experience life outside our comfort zone.…

1
287. Jody Lynn Nye and Robert J. Sawyer We Can't Give Back But We Can Pay Forward 1:00:23

2M ago1:00:23

1:00:23

2024 Writers of the Future Workshop instructors, Jody Lynn Nye and Robert J. Sawyer, discuss how they can't give back very readily but can pay forward. We discuss what Jody and Rob along with the other judges do to pay forward. Because these winners are the writers we will be reading in the future.By John Goodwin

1
289. Melody Groves, President Western Writers of America Discusses Growth of Westerns 59:45

2M ago59:45

59:45

Melody Groves has written 12 Western novels and 5 non-fiction books of the Old West. We originally met in 2009 at a Western Writers of America Conference where she was incharge of Public Relations. She has since gone on to become President of Western Writers of America and Homestead Foundation.I read a very light-hearted Western tale “She Was Sheri…

1
286. Shahid, Lezli, and Galaxy's Edge Anthology 1:04:38

2M ago1:04:38

1:04:38

Shahid Mamoud and Lezli Robyn, Publisher and Editor of Galaxy's Edge Anthology (formerly Magazine), discuss editors and their role and value in creating the best possible story...and a whole lot more!Learn more at www.galaxysedge.com/By John Goodwin

1
285. Orson Scott Card's Journey as an Author and the Creation of "Ender's Game" 1:01:09

2M ago1:01:09

1:01:09

Orson Scott Card is the author of Ender's Game series and dozens of other novels. In this podcast we discuss his start as an author and how he developed the concept of "Ender's Game" and have it became the beloved book it is today.Mr. Card has also been a Writers of the Future Contest Judge for over three decades.Learn more about Orson Scott Card a…

1
Shelley Davidow on love in Berlin and the creative urge in 'The Girl With the Violin' 20:23

3M ago20:23

20:23

It's 1989 and for a young Jewish-Australian violinist, a scholarship to Berlin is the chance of a lifetime. Germany is on the verge of change as the wall is torn down, and Susanna is swept along by the tumultuous event. Under the careful guidance of Stefan Heinemeyer, her renowned violin teacher and the grandson of a Nazi, she begins a composition …

1
Michael Robotham on twenty years of crime fiction and his new thriller, 'Storm Child' 18:55

3M ago18:55

18:55

The most painful of Evie Cormac's memories have been locked away, ever since she was held prisoner as a child - a child whose rescue captured hearts and headlines. Forensic psychologist Cyrus Haven's mission is to guide her to something near normality. But today, on a British beach, seventeen bodies wash up in front of them. There is only one survi…

1
Katherine Allum on her debut novel set in the American Southwest, 'The Skeleton House' 21:58

3M ago21:58

21:58

Meg’s life is woven into the fabric of St. Stephens. It’s a tapestry made of two precious children, a hidden truth, and a husband whose ideas of a perfect wife do not match her own. When Meg puts her foot down on a third kid, gets a job, and is empowered by the same book group that was meant to keep her in her place, her marriage begins to disinteg…

1
284. Craig Elliott Production Designer for Marvel, Disney, Dreamworks, Netflix 1:01:27

2M ago1:01:27

1:01:27

Craig Elliott is In the animation industry. He has worked primarily as the production designer for Marvel, Disney and Dreamworks, designing animated films such as Hercules, Mulan, The Emperor’s New Groove, Treasure Planet, Shark Tale, Flushed Away, Bee Movie, Enchanted, Monsters vs. Aliens, and The Princess and the Frog as well as other upcoming fe…

1
Yuot Alaak on an incredible journey in his memoir, 'Father of the Lost Boys' 20:31

3M ago20:31

20:31

During the Second Sudanese Civil War, thousands of South Sudanese boys were displaced from their villages or orphaned in attacks from northern government troops. Many became refugees in Ethiopia. There, in 1989, teacher and community leader Mecak Ajang Alaak assumed care of the Lost Boys in a bid to protect them from becoming child soldiers. So beg…

1
283. Meet Your New Favorite Authors: Lance, Stephannie, and Tom 1:00:10

3M ago1:00:10

1:00:10

Writers of the Future 40 winners Lance Robinson (“Five Days Until Sunset”), Stephannie Tallent (“Live and Death and Love in the Bayou”), and Tom Vandermolen (“Nonzero”) meet on the last day of the Writer Workshop Week (this being the second winner podcast) and we discuss their personal journeys and the value of the Contest to aspiring writers.We al…

1
Dr Clare Bailey on enjoying the things you love to eat in 'The Fast 800 Keto Treats Recipe Book' 20:08

3M ago20:08

20:08

In this enticing new cookbook, Dr Clare Bailey shows you how to create fabulous bakes, sweet treats and desserts with recipes that are low in sugar, high in protein yet irresistibly delicious! From family favourites such as brownies, cheesecakes and crumbles to healthy cupcakes and bite-size muffins, The Fast 800 Treats Recipe Book brings you sweet…

1
Gerard McCann on the unspoken truth of child sexual abuse in his memoir 'Anatomy of a Secret' 29:24

3M ago29:24

29:24

As a boy, Gerard McCann was sexually abused by a Catholic priest at his local church. As a grown man, he confronts the trauma of what he suffered and the psychological aftermath of his experience, grappling with shame, guilt and the devastating impact it had on his family, relationships and sense of self. Despite what he endured, Gerard’s story is …

1
Julia Lawrinson on a life less ordinary in her memoir, 'How to Avoid a Happy Life' 23:21

3M ago23:21

23:21

Some people are born into bad situations, some people have bad situations thrust upon them, and some people find bad situations through their dodgy choices, lack of information and personal idiosyncrasies. Julia’s life sits at the intersection of all three. From high school dropout on a psych ward to card-carrying lesbian on a motorbike, from endur…

1
282. Meet Your New Favorite Authors: James, Amir, Kal, John Eric, and Galen 1:10:35

3M ago1:10:35

1:10:35

Writers of the Future 40 winners James Davies, Amir Agoora, Kal M, John Eric Schleicher, and Galen Westlake meet on the last day of the Writer Workshop Week and we discuss their personal journeys and the value of the Contest to aspiring writers.We discuss the importance of dealing with self-rejection and how to come up with amazing story ideas.Lear…

1
Episode 63: Writing is a 'Mystery' for Author Jeri Westerson 40:53

3M ago40:53

40:53

Los Angeles native Jeri Westerson writes a Tudor series, the King’s Fool Mysteries, and a Sherlockian pastiche called An Irregular Detective Mystery. She wrote fifteen Crispin Guest Medieval Noir Mysteries, a multi-nominated series. She also wrote several paranormal series and standalone historicals. She has served as president of the SoCal chapter…

1
281. Bill Fawcett on Writing Near Future Military SF and It’s Very Scary 1:01:22

3M ago1:01:22

1:01:22

Bill Fawcett has just published a near-future military science called "Never Again," and it is very scary! https://chriskennedypublishing.com/book/never-again/ Bill has been a professor, teacher, corporate executive, and college dean. His entire life has been spent in the creative fields and managing other creative individuals. He is one of the fou…

1
280. Kathryn Raaker and Son, Robert Taggart, Writing Team 1:01:38

3M ago1:01:38

1:01:38

Kathryn Raaker is the Founder and CEO of Tri-State Connection, a Global Multimedia and PR Company. She has been a trailblazer in the media industry for over three decades.Her son, Robert Taggart, is a journalist and author.Together, they worked together as a mother and her son as a writing team.https://kathrynraakersworld.com/…

1
279. Indie and Self-Publishing is the Future Says Mark Leslie and Dean Wesley Smith 1:05:07

4M ago1:05:07

1:05:07

Mark Leslie Lefebvre is our most recent Writer Contest judge.Dean Wesley Smith, also a judge, has Mark by four decades, being the first person to be awarded by Writers of the Future in that very first year!Together, these two have been at the forefront of the evolution of publishing, now known as indie publishing or self-publishing. Once frowned up…

1
Ben Miller on his illustrated fairytale mash-up, 'Diary of a Big Bad Wolf' 15:41

4M ago15:41

15:41

Thrown out of the pack for being a weakling, Laurence the Wolf is down on his luck. He knows he’s strong, and brave, and cool, but nobody else seems to think so. What’s more, he’s STARVING. A clever plot to gobble up Little Red Riding Hood once and for all is foiled by all the creatures of the fairytale forest and just as things are getting despera…

1
278. Senator Art Haywood and Son Arthur on Value of Arts to Society 59:07

4M ago59:07

59:07

Pennsylvania State Senator Art Haywood traveled to LA to celebrate his son's Illustrators of the Future win.In this interview we discuss the importance of the arts to society and what he has done in Pennsylvania with the arts to improve society.By John Goodwin

1
Nadia Wheatley on Charmian Clift's final, unfinished novel, 'The End of the Morning' 24:32

4M ago24:32

24:32

During the years of the Great Depression, Cressida Morley and her eccentric family live in a weatherboard cottage on the edge of a wild beach. Outsiders in their small working-class community, they rant and argue and read books and play music and never feel themselves to be poor. Yet as Cressida moves beyond childhood, she starts to outgrow the pla…

1
Episode 62: 2024 Writers and Illustrators of the Future Awards 27:15

4M ago27:15

27:15

On April 25, 2024, the Taglyan Complex in Hollywood, California, was the home of the 40th Writers of the Future Awards and 35th Illustrators of the Future Awards. I wrote up the event for The Geekiary, but there were some interviews that didn't quite make the final cut. So, consider this a 'behind the scenes' extra for the Awards.…

1
277. Grand Prize Winners Jack Nash, Writer, and Tyler Vail, Illustrator. 1:04:31

4M ago1:04:31

1:04:31

Jack Nash won the Golden Pen Award for his story, "Son, Spirit, Snake." Tyler Vail won the Golden Brush Award for his illustration of the story, "Squiddy." In this interview, we discuss their personal journey's to finally winning the top award for aspiring writers and artists.Jack Nash: www.JackNashStories.comTyler Vail: www.Tylervail.com…

1
276. Echo Chernik Illustrators of the Future Coordinating Judge on 35th Anniversary 58:56

4M ago58:56

58:56

Echo Chernik and I discuss the history of the Illustrators of the Future Contest, where it has gotten to, and where it is going and how it is that we are able to select the best new talent in illustration around the world.https://www.echo-x.com/By John Goodwin

1
275. Davina Powell Discusses Ingram iD Self-Publishing Tool 59:32

5M ago59:32

59:32

Davina Powell is the Consumer Marketing Services Manager for Ingram Content Group.She is a creative sales and marketing expert known for connecting publishers and authors to key audiences using Ingram iD.Learn more at IngramiD.comShe has spent more than 10 years in the digital marketing space developing new resources that ensure publishers', bookse…

1
274. Jody Lynn Nye Coordinating Judge on 40 Years of Writers of the Future 1:01:06

5M ago1:01:06

1:01:06

This episode features Jody Lynn Nye, and we discuss 40 years of Writers of the Future, its impact on the genre, and what she is looking for as the Coordinating Judge.By John Goodwin

1
Anne Buist and Graeme Simsion on a mental health story of heart and humour, 'The Glass House' 27:30

5M ago27:30

27:30

Psychiatry registrar Doctor Hannah Wright, a country girl with a chaotic history, thought she had seen it all in the emergency room. But that was nothing compared to the psychiatric ward at Menzies Hospital. Hannah must learn on the job in a strained medical system, as she and her fellow trainees deal with the common and the bizarre, the hilarious …

1
Episode: 61: Academic J. Caroline Troy Takes a Fan Pilgrimage 37:42

5M ago37:42

37:42

J. Caroline Toy (she/her) is Learning Experience Manager in the Center for Learning & Teaching at Champlain College in Burlington, Vermont, and Adjunct Professor in the College's humanities Core. Her research and teaching focus on religion, popular media, and fan cultures, specializing in how fans use types of ritual and narrative practices that ar…

1
273. John Brown Discusses Writing Magic Realism 1:01:12

5M ago1:01:12

1:01:12

John Brown was a winner published in Writers of the Future Volume 13 with his story “The Scent of Desire” under his penname Bo Griffin. I met up with him again last year at LTUE and when I saw he would be back, I asked that he send me a book to read so I could have him on as a guest.His bio says he writes action-packed thrillers and epic fantasies …

1
Kathy Lette on getting the better of the patriarchy in 'The Revenge Club' 21:28

6M ago21:28

21:28

Matilda, Jo, Penny and Cressy are all women at the top of their game; so imagine their surprise when they start to be personally overlooked and professionally pushed aside by less-qualified men. Only they're not going down without a fight. Society might think the women have passed their amuse-by dates but the Revenge Club have other plans. After al…

1
272. SoundBooth Theater Creating Cinematic Audio 1:00:22

6M ago1:00:22

1:00:22

I’m here at Superstars Writing Conference in Colorado Springs. This is a podcast panel, meaning I am recording this podcast as I interview SoundBooth Theater founder Jeff Hays and international bestselling author Craig Martelle in front of a live audience.Jeff Hays is a prolific narrator and producer, and CEO of Soundbooth Theater, a full-service a…

1
Dr Vanessa Pirotta dives into the mysterious world of whales in 'Humpback Highway' 23:42

6M ago23:42

23:42

Acclaimed wildlife scientist Vanessa Pirotta has been mugged by whales, touched by a baby whale and covered in whale snot. In Humpback Highway, Pirotta dives beneath the surface to reveal the mysterious world of humpback whales — from their life cycle and the challenges humans present, to why whale snot and poo are important for us and the ocean. P…

1
271. Stephen Kotowych editor of "The Year's Best Canadian F&SF Vol 1" 1:01:31

6M ago1:01:31

1:01:31

Stephen Kotowych was a writer winner for Writers of the Future Volume 23 in 2007. He recently edited and published “The Year’s Best Canadian Fantasy and Science Fiction Volume 1” anthology. It comprises 37 stories and poems and is 100% Canadian.He has a Kickstarter for Volume Two that will run from March 19 through April 16. The link for the prelau…

1
Sydel Sierra on the power of cryptocurrencies and how to invest the right way in, 'All Time High' 26:31

6M ago26:31

26:31

All Time High is a comprehensive guide on how to enter the cryptocurrency market as a complete beginner and to prosper. Cryptocurrencies have the power to radically transform not only our financial lives, but our personal freedom, sovereignty and mindset. Powered by blockchain technology, cryptocurrencies offer a new way for investors to create wea…

1
Candice Fox on disrupting the hero trope in her latest thriller, 'Devil's Kitchen' 20:28

6M ago20:28

20:28

For years the firefighters of New York’s Engine 99 have rushed fearlessly into hot zones, saving countless lives and stopping devastating blazes in their tracks. They’ve also stolen millions from banks, jewellery stores and art galleries. With their inside knowledge and specialist equipment, they’ve become the most successful heist crew on the East…

1
270. Calendar of Fools with Intergalactic Rejects 59:09

6M ago59:09

59:09

Storm Humbert and fellow Writers of the Future winners created a publishing company called Calendar of Fools. They compiled a book containing only of rejects, not because they weren't good, but because they weren't right for where they were submitted. So, this project is to give these great stories a second chance!They created a Kickstarter for the…

1
Episode 60: Costumer and Propmaker Andrea Davis 44:34

6M ago44:34

44:34

This episode's guest is Andrea Davis. Her background is in the film & television industry where she's worked on both television series & movies, from creating/designing costumes & specialty wardrobe, building sets & displays and making props. Additionally, she has crafted numerous costumes, accessories, props and set pieces for commission work. She…

1
269. Locus Mag Editor in Chief Discusses Its Importance to SF&F 1:01:41

6M ago1:01:41

1:01:41

Liza Trombi is the Editor-in-Chief of Locus Magazine. In this interview, we discuss the history of Locus and its importance to the SF&F field.We also announce a fundraiser that Locus is running and that I encourage you to check out at www.LocusMag.com or go directly to https://igg.me/at/locusmag2024By John Goodwin

1
Rachael Johns on love, romance and the power of books in 'The Other Bridget' 18:07

6M ago18:07

18:07

Named after a famous fictional character, librarian Bridget Jones was raised on a remote cattle station, with only her mother’s romance novels for company. Now living alone in Fremantle, Bridget is a hopeless romantic. She also believes that anyone who doesn’t like reading just hasn’t met the right book yet, and that connecting books to their reade…

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Writers & Illustrators of the Future Podcast

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