A Word on Writing: Writers of the Future Volume 38 Review

(Blog originally published on June 26, 2022)

Writers of the Future Volume 38 continues the tradition of excellence and impacted me on a variety of levels. As a reader, the stories and images simultaneously delighted, challenged, and provoked thought as (at least to me) only well-written original science fantasy can. Whether visiting the life of a young exchange student from a different planet (why DO we call our planet “Earth”?), hopping boxcars with your only friend (who happens to be a mythical creature), bodyguarding Earth’s President on a hostile planet, or playing high-stakes poker with a group of five other psychics… well, you probably get the idea. Every story was a joy to read and offered unique insights that left me thinking about each tale long after I completed reading it.

As a long-time fan of the series, I found it sobering and especially impactful to read the last edition worked by David Farland, who passed away shortly after completing this edition.

But as most adherents to the series know full well, Writers of the Future offers valuable insight to both writers and artists of the reflected genre(s). As a writer, what truly encouraged and inspired me even more than the delightful stories was the Lincolnesque career biography of Frank Herbert on page 267. I keep this inspirational work readily viewable in my own writing room.

In summary, whether as a reader, a fan, or a writer/artist, I highly recommend Writers of the Future, Volume 38. You will not be disappointed!