Writers of the Future, Volume 28 Read online

  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

  WRITERS OF THE FUTURE CONTEST RULES

  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.