Read a Lot. Write a Lot. Submit a Lot. Repeat

This is the best advice I can give you. And as it is, it is not my advice—it is from Sharon Joss, this year’s Golden Pen award winner of the Writers of the Future Contest.

Sharon and fellow author winner Amy Hughes share a light moment at the workshop

I had the absolute pleasure of spending a full week with Sharon and all of the winners again this year. This is the most gratifying job I could possibly imagine. The winners are usually on cloud nine, but really, we were all up there with them. We love to make this an experience the winners will never forget.

As I know who the grand prize winners are throughout the week, I cannot help but pay special attention to the writer or illustrator concerned. Somehow, I have never blown the surprise in all the years I have administered the Contests … and it will never be blown!

Sharon is special. She has lived life to its fullest and has a good grip on the human condition. She has worked as a waitress, bartender, software programmer and has a master’s degree in Management Technology. As a kid she dreamed of speaking to animals and the magic of flight.

Illustrator winner Choong Yoon and and author winner Sharon Joss

The most precious moment with Sharon during the week we were together was when she saw the illustration for her story “Stars That Make Dark Heaven Light” by illustrator winner Choong Yoon from South Korea.

About the illustration, Choong said he wanted to challenge himself to capture as many details as possible that are described and suggested in the story. “I think the feeling that holds the whole story is a feeling of love. There is a very special bond between Etta and Vox. So the moment that they meet each other the very first time is really important in the story even though readers may not realize it yet. I thought it was a very strong moment for the whole story so I really worked hard to get her expression just right.”

It was quite an emotional moment for Sharon the first time she saw Choong’s illustration for her story. I have to say Choong captured that moment in the story beautifully.

Sharon’s life experience and her love for humanity shows in her masterpiece short story that will be released in a few weeks.

Coming this International Star Wars Day … L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future Volume 31 and with that, Sharon,

MAY THE 4TH BE WITH YOU!