2024 • Volume 40

On the evening of Thursday, April 25, 2024, glamour and elegance were in full display at the 40th Annual L. Ron Hubbard Achievement Awards gala for Writers and Illustrators of the Future Contests in the genres of Science Fiction and Fantasy. The event was held at the Taglyan Cultural Complex in Hollywood, CA, with a crowd of 350 people attending the black-tie event.

The cover artwork illustrated by Illustrators of the Future Contest Judge Dan dos Santos, entitled Starcatcher, inspired the story “Shaman Dreams,” written by Writers of the Future Contest Judge S.M. Stirling. Voice actors Jim, Tamra, Taylor Meskimen, and Victoria Summer recorded the audiobook for Volume 40.

United Public Radio Network broadcast this year’s awards show to 50,000 viewers on Roku, 10,000 viewers on Amazon Firestick, over 1.1 million listeners on the live broadcast, and an additional 4 million on an event broadcast reair.

The Writers and Illustrators of the Future workshops were held at the Loews Hollywood Hotel.

To see the full list of winners click here.

Writers & Illustrators of the Future Workshop Week 2024 Day 8

Writers & Illustrators of the Future Workshop Week
2024 – Day 8

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After a restful morning post-gala, winners delved into workshops on self-promotion and media engagement. They received advice on public relations, social media, elevator pitches, and SEO, culminating in recognition and a group photo.
Writers & Illustrators of the Future Workshop Week 2024 Day 7

Writers & Illustrators of the Future Workshop Week
2024 – Day 7

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The Gala at Taglyan Complex was a Hollywood-worthy extravaganza celebrating the 40th anniversary of L. Ron Hubbard’s Writers and Illustrators of the Future. Amidst themed glamour, winners and judges enjoyed a sumptuous dinner, thrilling performances, and prestigious awards.
Writers & Illustrators of the Future Workshop Week 2024 Day 6

Writers & Illustrators of the Future Workshop Week
2024 – Day 6

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Writers received advice from Orson Scott Card, S.M. Stirling, Nnedi Okorafor, Kevin J. Anderson, Rebecca Moesta, Beatrice Kondo, and Bill Fawcett. Illustrators engaged with industry insights from past winners and had their portfolio reviewed by Contest judges and industry professionals.
Writers & Illustrators of the Future Workshop Week 2024 Day 5

Writers & Illustrators of the Future Workshop Week
2024 – Day 5

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Writers critique and then delve into e-publishing trends. Illustrators explore concept art, speed-painting techniques. A tour of L. Ron Hubbard’s library, a BBQ and captivating radio play wrap up the day's activities.
Writers & Illustrators of the Future Workshop Week 2024 Day 4

Writers & Illustrators of the Future Workshop Week
2024 – Day 4

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The writers submitted their 24-hour stories and heard from instructors Tim Powers, Todd McCaffrey, and Katherine Kurtz, while the artists learned about working with art directors and heard from illustrator instructors Lazarus Chernick, Dan dos Santos, and Larry Elmore.
Writers & Illustrators of the Future Workshop Week 2024 Day 3

Writers & Illustrators of the Future Workshop Week
2024 – Day 3

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Day 3 of Writers & Illustrators of the Future Workshop featured intense learning. Writers delved into traditional publishing nuances with Jody Lynn Nye and Robert J. Sawyer, while illustrators gained insights from Echo Chernik on career strategies and adapting to evolving industry dynamics.
Writers & Illustrators of the Future Workshop Week 2024 Day 2

Writers & Illustrators of the Future Workshop Week
2024 – Day 2

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Winners in L. Ron Hubbard’s Illustrators of the Future Contest arrive in Hollywood, while the writers learn about story elements.
Writers & Illustrators of the Future Workshop Week 2024 Day 1

Writers & Illustrators of the Future Workshop Week
2024 – Day 1

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Winners in L. Ron Hubbard’s Writers of the Future contest arrive in Los Angeles to begin a week-long workshop.