Writers of the Future Volume 28: The Best New Science Fiction and Fantasy of the Year
L. Ron Hubbard
Behold . . .
A magical woven man carries treasures, and secrets, inside himself that could threaten an entire kingdom.
A photographer finds he has the power to open gateways to alternate universes, which is the key to everything he has lost in his life.
A skilled artist uses his mind to control and shape countless insects into beautiful works of art, but only if he can control his own fears.
Explore . . .
A pair of explorers on Mars unravels a fantastic mystery of an ancient galaxy-spanning civilization . . . but not everyone wants the answers to be found.
The flotsam and jetsam of humanity eke out a living on floating garbage islands; they have the key to saving the world, unless they tear themselves apart first.
A vast network of imprisoned, unconscious humans begin a revolution using the powers of their minds.
Discover . . .
A loyal golem learns to understand love and humanity, even as the people around him forget. . . .
When a clone obtains her soul, she learns the joys—and dark consequences—of being human.
In a post-apocalyptic world, a young man and woman work desperately to keep their isolated home safe, until protection degenerates into paranoia.
Artificial intelligence and nanotechnology recreate Irish literary figures—with a vengeance.
Journey . . .
The only way for a soldier to penetrate an incompre-hensible alien infestation is to stop her own heart and die—repeatedly.
Humans responsible for bringing a new race into a galactic alliance learn that one mistake can mean the annihilation of both races.
In the hyper-accelerated world of an augmented human, life and death—and all the decisions in between—can happen in a fraction of a second.
These stories from the freshest, most talented new voices in science fiction and fantasy, are individually illustrated by the best new artists in the genre. You will definitely encounter these names again in the future—but you saw them first in L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future Volume XXVIII.
What Has Been Said About the
L. RON HUBBARD
Presents
Writers of the Future
Anthologies
“Always a glimpse of tomorrow’s stars . . .”
— Publishers Weekly starred review
“An anthology of the best of the best original science fiction short stories and illustrations from the annual Writers of the Future and Illustrators of the Future international programs.”
— The Midwest Book Review
“Not only is the writing excellent . . . it is also extremely varied. There’s a lot of hot new talent in it.”
— Locus magazine
“A first rate collection of stories and illustrations.”
— Booklist magazine
“Where can an aspiring sci-fi artist go to get discovered? . . . Fortunately, there’s one opportunity—the Illustrators of the Future Contest—that offers up-and-coming artists an honest-to-goodness shot at science fiction stardom.”
— Sci Fi magazine
“The Writers of the Future Contest has had a profound impact on my career, ever since I submitted my first story in 1989.”
— Sean Williams
Writers of the Future Contest winner 1993 and Contest judge
“The Illustrators of the Future Contest is one of the best opportunities a young artist will ever get. You have nothing to lose and a lot to win.”
— Frank Frazetta, Artist
Illustrators of the Future Contest judge
“This Contest serves as one of those first rungs that one must climb on the ladder to success.”
— Dave Wolverton
Writers of the Future Contest winner 1987 and Contest judge
“I really can’t say enough good things about Writers of the Future. . . . It’s fair to say that without Writers of the Future, I wouldn’t be where I am today. . . .”
— Patrick Rothfuss
Writers of the Future Contest winner 2002
“The aspect I personally value most highly about the program is that of working with my fellow professionals, both artists and writers, to accomplish a worthwhile goal of giving tomorrow’s artists and writers recognition and advancement in the highly competitive field of imaginative endeavor—the only existing program that does this.”
— Stephen Hickman, Artist
Illustrators of the Future Contest judge
“That phone call telling me I had won was the first time in my life that it seemed possible I would achieve my long-cherished dream of having a career as a writer.”
— K. D. Wentworth
Writers of the Future Contest winner 1989 and Contest Coordinating Judge
“The Writers of the Future Contest was definitely an accelerator to my writing development. I learned so much, and it came at just the right moment for me.”
— Jo Beverley
Writers of the Future Contest winner 1988
“I only wish that there had been an Illustrators of the Future competition forty-five years ago. What a blessing it would have been to a young artist with a little bit of talent, a Dutch name and a heart full of desire.”
— H. R. Van Dongen, Artist
Illustrators of the Future Contest judge
“The Writers of the Future Contest played a critical role in the early stages of my career as a writer.”
— Eric Flint
Writers of the Future Contest winner 1993 and Contest judge
“The Contest kept the spark and life of my science-fictional imagination going. I might have had little confidence before, but after the workshops, I received the great start that the Contest’s visionary founder always hoped and knew that it could provide.”
— Amy Sterling Casil
Writers of the Future Contest winner 1999
“It’s hard to say enough about how unique and powerful this Contest can be for any writer who’s ready to take the next step.”
— Jeff Carlson
Writers of the Future Contest winner 2007
“The Writers of the Future Contest sowed the seeds of my success. . . . So many people say a writing career is impossible, but WotF says, ‘Dreams are worth following.’”
— Scott Nicholson
Writers of the Future Contest winner 1999
“The Illustrators of the Future Contest is more than a contest. It is truly a great opportunity that could very well change your life. The Contest gives you the tools to think outside the box and create a niche for yourself.”
— Robert Castillo, Artist
Illustrators of the Future Contest winner 2008 and Contest judge
“You have to ask yourself, ‘Do I really have what it takes, or am I just fooling myself?’ That pat on the back from Writers of the Future told me not to give up. . . . All in all, the Contest was a fine finishing step from amateur to pro, and I’m grateful to all those involved.”
— James Alan Gardner
Writers of the Future Contest winner 1990
“Knowing that such great authors as the WotF judges felt my stories were worth publishing encouraged me to write more and submit more.”
— Eric James Stone
Writers of the Future Contest winner 2005
> “The Writers of the Future experience played a pivotal role during a most impressionable time in my writing career. Everyone was so welcoming. And afterwards, the WotF folks were always around when I had questions or needed help. It was all far more than a mere writing contest.”
— Nnedi Okorafor
Writers of the Future Contest published finalist 2002
“Illustrators of the Future offered a channel through which to direct my ambitions. The competition made me realize that genre illustration is actually a valued profession, and here was a rare opportunity for a possible entry point into that world.”
— Shaun Tan, Artist
Illustrators of the Future Contest winner 1993 and Contest judge
“The generosity of the people involved with the Contest is amazing, and frankly humbling. It’s no exaggeration to say I wouldn’t be where I am today without it, and that means I wouldn’t be going where I am tomorrow, either. So, in a way Writers of the Future shaped my future, and continues to shape it.”
— Steven Savile
Writers of the Future Contest winner 2003
“These Contests provide a wonderful safety net of professionals for young artists and writers. And it’s due to the fact that L. Ron Hubbard was willing to lend a hand.”
— Judith Miller, Artist
Illustrators of the Future Contest judge
“The Writers of the Future Contest launched my career into several amazing trajectories, and I’m enjoying them all.”
— David Sakmyster
Writers of the Future Contest winner 2006
“The Contests are amazing competitions because really, you’ve nothing to lose and they provide good positive encouragement to anyone who wins. Judging the entries is always a lot of fun and inspiring. I wish I had something like this when I was getting started—very positive and cool.”
— Bob Eggleton, Artist
Illustrators of the Future Contest judge
“I credit the Writers of the Future Contest as an important part of my career launch, and I highly recommend it to everyone who wants to establish themselves in the field of science fiction and fantasy.”
— Ken Scholes
Writers of the Future Contest winner 2005
“When I first set out to become a professional writer (ah, hubris), one of my key ambitions was to place in the top tier of the L. Ron Hubbard Writers of the Future Contest. . . . Without Mr. Hubbard’s sponsorship, I wouldn’t have had that fabulous, high-profile launch.”
— Jay Lake
Writers of the Future Contest winner 2003
L. Ron Hubbard PRESENTS
Writers of the Future
VOLUME XXVIII
The year’s thirteen best tales from
the Writers of the Future
international writers’ program
Illustrated by winners in
the Illustrators of the Future
international illustrators’ program
With essays on writing & illustration by
L. Ron Hubbard / Kristine Kathryn Rusch / Shaun Tan
Edited by K. D. Wentworth
GALAXY PRESS, LLC
© 2012 Galaxy Press, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Any unauthorized copying, translation, duplication, importation or distribution, in whole or in part, by any means, including electronic copying, storage or transmission, is a violation of applicable laws.
No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews. For information, contact Galaxy Press, LLC, 7051 Hollywood Blvd., Suite 200, Hollywood, CA 90028.
Of Woven Wood: © 2012 Marie Croke
The Rings of Mars: © 2012 William Ledbetter
The Paradise Aperture: © 2012 David Carani
Story Vitality: © 2010 L. Ron Hubbard Library
Fast Draw: © 2012 Roy Hardin
The Siren: © 2012 M. O. Muriel
Contact Authority: © 2012 William Mitchel
The Command for Love: © 2012 Nick T. Chan
My Name Is Angela: © 2012 Harry Lang
Lost Pine: © 2012 Jacob A. Boyd
Advice for a New Illustrator: © 2012 Shaun Tan
Shutdown: © 2012 Corry L. Lee
While Ireland Holds These Graves: © 2012 Tom Doyle
The Poly Islands: © 2012 Gerald Warfield
Insect Sculptor: © 2012 Scott T. Barnes
Illustration on page 14: © 2012 Emily Grandin
Illustration on page 53: © 2012 J. F. Smith
Illustrations on pages 93 & 138: © 2012 Paul Pederson
Illustration on page 195: © 2012 Hunter Bonyun
Illustration on page 255: © 2012 Rhiannon Taylor
Illustration on page 314: © 2012 Carly Trowbridge
Illustration on page 329: © 2012 Mago Huang
Illustration on page 413: © 2012 Pat R. Steiner
Illustration on page 439: © 2012 Greg Opalinski
Illustration on page 486: © 2012 Fiona Meng
Illustration on page 530: © 2012 Jay Richard
Illustration on page 553: © 2012 John W. Haverty Jr.
Cover Artwork: Beyond Babylon © 2012 Stephen Youll
Interior Design: Jerry Kelly
This anthology contains works of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the authors’ imaginations or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental. Opinions expressed by nonfiction essayists are their own.
ISBN 978-1-61986-099-5 ePub version
ISBN 978-1-61986-076-6 print version
Library of Congress Control Number: 2012933271
Battlefield Earth is a registered trademark owned by Author Services, Inc., and is used with its permission. Writers of the Future (word and medallion) and Illustrators of the F uture and its logo are trademarks owned by the L. Ron Hubbard Library and are used with permission.
CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
by K. D. Wentworth
OF WOVEN WOOD
by Marie Croke
Illustrated by Emily Grandin
THE RINGS OF MARS
by William Ledbetter
Illustrated by J. F. Smith
THE PARADISE APERTURE
by David Carani
Illustrated by Paul Pederson
STORY VITALITY
by L. Ron Hubbard
FAST DRAW
by Roy Hardin
Illustrated by Paul Pederson
THE SIREN
by M. O. Muriel
Illustrated by Hunter Bonyun
CONTACT AUTHORITY
by William Mitchell
Illustrated by Rhiannon Taylor
THE IMPORTANCE OF SHORT FICTION
by Kristine Kathryn Rusch
THE COMMAND FOR LOVE
by Nick T. Chan
Illustrated by Carly Trowbridge
MY NAME IS ANGELA
by Harry Lang
Illustrated by Mago Huang
LOST PINE
by Jacob A. Boyd
Illustrated by Pat R. Steiner
ADVICE FOR A NEW ILLUSTRATOR
by Shaun Tan
SHUTDOWN
by Corry L. Lee
Illustrated by Greg Opalinski
WHILE IRELAND HOLDS THESE GRAVES
by Tom Doyle
Illustrated by Fiona Meng
THE POLY ISLANDS
by Gerald Warfield
Illustrated by Jay Richard
INSECT SCULPTOR
by Scott T. Barnes
Illustrated by John W. Haverty Jr.
THE YEAR IN THE CONTESTS
ILLUSTRATORS OF THE FUTURE CONTEST RULES
Introduction
by K. D. Wentworth
K. D. Wentworth has sold more than eighty pieces of short fiction to such markets as F&SF, Alfred Hitchcock’s Mystery Magazine, Realms of Fantasy, Weird Tales, Witch Way to the Mall and Return to the Twilight Zone. Four of her stories have been finalists for the Nebula Award for Short Fiction. Currently, she has eight novels in print, the most recent being The Crucible of Empire, written with Eric Flint and published by Baen.
K. D. won the Writers of the Future Contest in 1989 (WotF 5). She later served as the Contest’s First Reader, and in 2008 became the Coordinating Judge as well as the Editor for the Writers of the Future anthology.
She lives in Tulsa with her husband and a combined total of one hundred and sixty pounds of dog (Akita + Siberian “Hussy”) and is working on another new novel with Flint.
Introduction
Another year. Another crop of wonderful stories and promising writers! Why has the L. Ron Hubbard Writers of the Future Contest remained such an on-going success year after year now for twenty-eight years?
The answer to that is twofold: First, the contest is set up to find writers just on the edge of breaking out as professionals and has done an exemplary job of it now for a very long time. Entries are anonymous so that the new writers are competing only with others in the same phase of their developing career. Pay levels are professional and competitive so that we can attract the best of the new writers’ submissions.
Then, second, the winners are not only given monetary prizes, they are published, so that their efforts can be read, and are transported to a professional-level workshop where they are instructed by our well-known panel of judges. The money and chance for publication are the initial big draws here, but it’s being treated as a professional, the chance to network with other writers and the workshop instructors and the workshop training that are the real prizes here, just as Hubbard knew they would be. Money is nice, but it’s soon spent and gone. Knowledge and experience will be with them forever.
This is in the grand tradition of the science fiction/fantasy field of “paying it forward.” When a seasoned professional writer helps someone at the beginning of their writing career, you cannot pay them back in any meaningful way. They don’t need anything that you can give them, but you can, when it’s time, pay it forward by helping someone else who is just starting out.
