Writers of the Future, Volume 29 Read online

  Mysteries Revealed

  In twelve seconds you will catch one last glimpse of this world before you walk into a tunnel of light—or will you?

  Each of us is born with ten thousand faces, but we reveal them only one at a time. Some should remain hidden forever.

  When a dead man appears in a field, it’s time to call a medical examiner. But this isn’t like any human seen before.

  Most people fear Death and avoid Him. Some seek to make peace with Him. But only one woman falls in love with Him.…

  Journeys Undertaken

  The ads say, “Live the adventure! Meet strange new aliens!” But beware what the ads don’t tell you.

  When everything is illegal, it takes a special kind of nerve to become a “Cop for a Day.”

  Fixing clocks is hard. But when a young orphan discovers that Time itself is broken, it’s a job that calls for a wizard.

  Terrors Awakened

  Everyone experiences cravings, but one young woman discovers that she has an inherited taste for dreams.…

  We’re already making test-tube babies. What will we do with the rejects?

  The Vulture Lady always takes special care of the village of Goldwater. Now one woman must seek to find out why.…

  Hopes Aroused

  Some evils are so monstrous, the world needs a hero. Fortunately, we can bring him back from the dead, when needed.…

  Holidays can be wondrous and heartwarming, funny or sad. Some are more marvelous than others.

  In a world torn by war, cruelty seems to know no bounds. Then again, neither does love.…

  Experience the thrills, laughs, heartbreak and tears that can all be found in this fabulous new anthology. We’ve scoured the globe to find the most powerful new writers, and then paired them with the most gifted new illustrators to bring you L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future Volume XXIX.

  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.”

  — 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

  “I’ve been involved in Writers of the Future since its inception more than 25 years ago—first as a contestant, then a speaker, then a judge. It is the most vibrant and exciting showcase of new talent with an undeniable success rate. If you want a glimpse of the future—the future of science fiction—look at these first publications of tomorrow’s masters.”

  — Kevin J. Anderson

  Writers of the Future Contest judge

  “Writers of the Future brings you the Hugo and Nebula winners of the future today.”

  — Tim Powers

  Writers of the Future Contest judge

  “The smartest move for beginning writers is the WotF Contest. I’ve witnessed it kick-start many a career.”

  — Gregory Benford

  Writers of the Future 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 Writers and Illustrators of the Future Contests are the best way to jump-start a career in science fiction and fantasy writing or in illustration. You win great money, make wonderful lifelong friends at the workshops, and get to learn from professionals in your field. The awards events are spectacular. Join the fun if you can, and make great connections and memories!”

  — Nina Kiriki Hoffman

  Writers of the Future Contest winner 1985 and Contest judge

  “Given the number of truly fine writers and careers that have been launched from the Writers of the Future platform, I always look forward eagerly to reading and judging the latest crop.”

  — Mike Resnick

  Writers of the Future 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

  Illustrators of the Future Contest judge

  “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

  Illustrators of the Future Contest judge

  “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

  Illustrators of the Future Contest judge

  “The Illustrators of the Future competition has been at the forefront for many years, to support new and enthusiastic artists pursuing their dreams, and see them fulfilled.”

  — Stephen Youll

  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 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 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

  “Every year the Writers of the Future Contest inspires new writers and helps to launch their careers. The combination of reward, recognition, instruction, and opportunity for beginning authors is unparalleled. There is no contest comparable to the Writers of the Future.”

  — Rebecca Moesta

  Writers of the Future Contest 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

  “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

  Illustrators of the Future Contest winner
2008 and Contest judge

  “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

  Illustrators of the Future Contest winner 1993 and Contest judge

  “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

  Illustrators of the Future Contest judge

  “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

  Illustrators of the Future 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

  “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

  “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

  “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

  “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

  L. Ron Hubbard PRESENTS

  Writers of the Future

  VOLUME XXIX

  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 / Nnedi Okorafor / Larry Elmore.

  Edited by Dave Wolverton

  GALAXY PRESS, LLC

  © 2013 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. www.GalaxyPress.com

  “War Hero” © 2013 Brian Trent

  “Planetary Scouts” © 2013 Stephen Sottong

  “Twelve Seconds” © 2013 Tina Gower

  “The Manuscript Factory” © 2010 L. Ron Hubbard Library

  “The Grande Complication” © 2013 Christopher Reynaga

  “Cop for a Day” © 2013 Chrome Oxide

  “Gonna Reach Out and Grab Ya” © 2013 Eric Cline

  “Vestigial Girl” © 2013 Alex Wilson

  “Holy Days” © 2013 Kodiak Julian

  “The Ghost Wife of Arlington” © 2013 Marilyn Guttridge

  “Everything You Have Seen” © 2013 Alisa Alering

  “Scavengers” © 2013 Shannon Peavey

  “Dreameater” © 2013 Andrea Stewart

  “Master Belladino’s Mask” © 2013 Marina J. Lostetter

  Illustrations for “War Hero” and “Cop for a Day” © 2013 Jon Eno

  Illustration for “Planetary Scouts” © 2013 Joshua Meehan

  Illustration for “Twelve Seconds” © 2013 Luis Menacho

  Illustration for “The Grande Complication” © 2013 Olivia Xu

  Illustration for “Gonna Reach Out and Grab Ya” © 2013 Daniel Reneau

  Illustration for “Vestigial Girl” © 2013 Jackie Albano

  Illustration for “Holy Days” © 2013 Aldo Katayanagi

  Illustration for “The Ghost Wife of Arlington” © 2013 Sida Chen

  Illustration for “Everything You Have Seen” © 2013 Karsen Slater

  Illustration for “Scavengers” © 2013 James J. Eads

  Illustration for “Dreameaters” © 2013 Lucas Durham

  Illustration for “Master Belladino’s Mask” © 2013 Tiffany England

  Cover Artwork: Retro City © 2013 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-13 978-1-61986-202-9

  Library of Congress Control Number: 2013934928

  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 Future and its logo are trademarks owned by the L. Ron Hubbard Library and are used with permission.

  Contents

  Introduction

  by Dave Wolverton

  War Hero

  by Brian Trent

  Illustrated by Jon Eno

  Planetary Scouts

  by Stephen Sottong

  Illustrated by Joshua Meehan

  Twelve Seconds

  by Tina Gower

  Illustrated by Luis Menacho

  The Manuscript Factory

  by L. Ron Hubbard

  The Grande Complication

  by Christopher Reynaga

  Illustrated by Olivia Xu

  Cop for a Day

  by Chrome Oxide

  Illustrated by Jon Eno

  Gonna Reach Out and Grab Ya

  by Eric Cline

  Illustrated by Daniel Reneau

  The Sport of Writing

  by Nnedi Okorafor

  Vestigial Girl

  by Alex Wilson

  Illustrated by Jackie Albano

  Holy Days

  by Kodiak Julian

  Illustrated by Aldo Katayanagi

  The Ghost Wife of Arlington

  by Marilyn Guttridge

  Illustrated by Sida Chen

  Journey for a New Artist

  by Larry Elmore

  Everything You Have Seen

  by Alisa Alering

  Illustrated by Karsen Slater

  Scavengers

  by Shannon Peavey

  Illustrated by James J. Eads

  Dreameater

  by Andrea Stewart

  Illustrated by Lucas Durham

  Master Bell
adino’s Mask

  by Marina J. Lostetter

  Illustrated by Tiffany England

  The Year in the Contests

  Introduction

  BY DAVE WOLVERTON

  Dave Wolverton is an award-winning, New York Times bestselling author with dozens of books to his credit. He began his career writing short fiction winning the Gold Award in the Writers of the Future Contest, which vaulted him into prominence in the mid-1980s. His science fiction novels include the highly praised On My Way to Paradise, which won the Philip K. Dick Memorial Special Award for “Best Novel in the English Language.”

  Dave has also written novels in the Star Wars and Mummy Universes, and has worked as a video game designer, most notably for Starcraft’s Brood War.

  In 1999 he set the Guinness record for the world’s largest single-person, single-book signing.

  In the mid-1990s he began to follow his love for writing fantasy under the pen name David Farland, where he became best known for his international bestselling Runelords series; he has also won the Whitney Award for best novel of the year for his historical novel In the Company of Angels, and the International Book Award for Best Young Adult Novel of the Year, along with the Hollywood Book Award for Best Book of the year for his young adult fantasy thriller Nightingale.

  Dave now serves as Coordinating Judge for the Writers of the Future Contest.

  Introduction

  Welcome to a remarkable anthology.

  It’s remarkable for a number of reasons, the first of which is simply the history of how it got here. At the young age of twenty-nine, this is one of the longest-running short story competitions of all time.

  It’s also a remarkable competition for what it offers to its winners. It inspires thousands of people every year to produce new stories and art. It offers the winners the chance to be seen and encouraged by top-ranking authors and illustrators in their fields. It grants significant cash prizes to the winners, and also offers what may be their first publication credits. Winners are also treated to a free seminar taught by accomplished professionals, along with an elaborate award ceremony. No other competition in the field of fantasy and science fiction offers so much.