Three years ago we welcomed Wulf Moon to the task of moderating the Writers & Illustrators of the Future Forum. His efforts culminated in the Forum being awarded by Critters Readers Poll as the Best Writers' Discussion Forum of 2020, and we kept the title for a second year by winning the award again in 2021.
Moon is cutting back his activity on the Forum to dedicate more time to his writing ... something we are all anxious to see more of! He will still be helping out, but...
We are very happy to welcome back Martin Shoemaker and Kary English to the role of Forum moderators. Feel free to welcome them yourself and start asking away with any questions. They will be there to assist as needed and to help enforce the rules of the Forum.
We look forward to many new participants and successful careers. And stay tuned for announcements of more judge and winner AMAs!
Hi, everyone,
Martin and I have moderated here before, and we're both happy to pitch in so that Moon can have more time for his writing.
Cheers!
Kary
WOTF: 1 HM, 1 Semi, 2 Finalists, 1 Winner
Q2,V31 - Winner Winner Chicken Dinner!
Hugo and Astounding finalist, made the preliminary Stoker ballot (juried)
Published by Galaxy's Edge, DSF, StarShipSofa and TorNightfire
Hi, everyone,
Martin and I have moderated here before, and we're both happy to pitch in so that Moon can have more time for his writing.
Cheers!
Kary
Welcome Kary and Martin. Looking forward to your posts.
Small steps add up to miles.
5 R, 4 RWC, 6 HM, 1 SHM
"Amore For Life" in After the Gold Rush Third Flatiron Anthology
"Freedom’s Song” in Troubadour and Space Princesses LTUE Anthology
"Experimenting with the Dance of Death" in Love is Complicated LUW Romance Anthology.
Welcome to the new positions Kary and Martin. The forum is in good hands as always.
Today's science fiction is tomorrow's reality-D.R.Sweeney
HM x5
Published Poetry
2012 Stars in Our Hearts
Silver Ships
Thank you all! And I look forward to more Wulf stories.
http://nineandsixtyways.com/
Tools, Not Rules.
Martin L. Shoemaker
3rd Place Q1 V31
"Today I Am Paul", WSFA Small Press Award 2015, Nebula nomination 2015
Today I Am Carey from Baen
The Last Dance (#1 science fiction eBook on Amazon, October 2019) and The Last Campaign from 47North
Hi Kary and Martin,
Welcome! Martin, you helped me get into the Forum in the first place. And Kary, you understand new writers and their struggles. I will miss Moon as moderator, but I really look forward to reading his novels and stories! Moon did a superb job as moderator. I am sure you both will do as well.
Vol. 36: 3rd -- R, 4th -- R
Vol. 37: R, HM, HM, SHM
Vol. 38: HM, HM, HM, HM
Vol. 39: SHM, RWC, RWC, HM
Vol. 40: HM, R, RWC, R
Vol. 41: R, HM, HM, HM
Vol. 42: 1st -- pending
Amateur published stories:
"The Army Ration That Saved the Earth" -- Accepted for publication, waiting for contract
"The Tell-Tale Cricket" in The Murderbugs Anthololgy
"Follow the Pretrons" in Martian Magazine, and a Critters Award
"Eyes and Hands" in Galaxy's Edge Magazine
"The Last Dance" in Parliament of Wizards, LTUE anthology
"My Ten Cents" in Sci Fi Lampoon
Professional Publication:
"Invasion" in Daily Science Fiction
Thank you, @jason, for your kind words. It’s been my honor to serve as the Forum’s moderator these past three years, and I have been thrilled to see record numbers from the Forum stand upon the WotF award stage. It’s obvious the teamwork and knowledge shared here have truly benefited the members, and I have no question whatsoever that we will see many more Forumites on the stage in the years to come. As I’ve often said, “Winners happen here!” I’ve kept a close eye on member signatures and have noted how they climb in certificate results and publishing credits the longer they are with us. This is inspiring to all that come here and participate in the Forum’s many benefits. Well done!
As mentioned, to do the moderating responsibility justice, it does take much time. Moderators must keep up with daily posts, warmly welcome new members, answer questions both public and private, approve new member posts, and occasionally deal with spammers and other issues behind the scenes to protect our peaceful environment. Many have commented both publicly and privately that this is the most encouraging writing group they have ever been in. Well, positivity is what Writers of the Future is all about; it makes sense that’s the quality of people this Forum would attract. Thanks to each of you for your part in enhancing this positive environment. Well done!
Sadly, I can no longer dedicate enough time to carry out all of these moderator duties. I love helping others succeed, but as my wife keeps pointing out, it should not be at the expense of my own writing time and projects. The most immediate of these is the Super Secrets of Writing books, which I wrote in here to help all of you, and will be published this year through Mark Leslie’s Stark Publishing Solutions. This is a big project, as it will also entail live and recorded workshops. But in order to finish it up, I have to lighten my load elsewhere.
Thankfully, two of the most capable people I know are ready to step in: Martin Shoemaker, and Kary English. They’ve both served in this role before, so it will be a seamless transition. Please join me in thanking both for taking on the duties as moderators. Well done!
Of course, Jason Toth will still be here to take care of troubleshooting issues, and I’ll still be checking in to cheer you on, and to keep guiding those that took up my challenge this year. Joni has said she knows I’ll keep helping out as able—she does indeed know me well. I wish all of you wonderful success as you continue to apply yourselves to your writing!
May fortune favor the brave!
Wulf Moon
Click here to JOIN THE WULF PACK!
"Super-Duper Moongirl and the Amazing Moon Dawdler" won Best SFF Story of 2019! Read it in Writers of the Future, Vol. 35. Order HERE!
Need writing help? My award-winning SUPER SECRETS articles are FREE in DreamForge.
IT’S HERE! Many have been begged me to publish the Super Secrets of Writing. How to Write a Howling Good Story is now a #1 BESTSELLING BOOK! Get yours at your favorite retailer HERE!
@wulfmoon You have indeed made this forum a welcome respite for writers, a place where we can work together and learn. Best of luck with your publishing and I look forward to reading your Super Secrets books!
Congrats to Martin and Kary and thanks for offering to resume the roles!
Death and the Taxman, my WotF V39 winning story is now a novel! (Click Here >).
Death and the Dragon launches on Kickstarter August 27th. (Click Here >)
Subscribe to The Lost Bard's Letter at www.davidhankins.com and receive an exclusive novelette!
New Releases:
"The Missing Music in Milo Piper's Head" in Third Flatiron's Offshoots: Humanity Twigged
"To Catch a Foo Fighter" in DreamForge Magazine
"Milo Piper's Breakout Single that Ended the Rat War" in LTUE's Troubadours and Space Princesses anthology
"The Rise and Fall of Frankie's Patisserie" in Murderbugs anthology
"Felix and the Flamingo" in Escape Pod
"The Devil's Foot Locker" in Amazing Stories
@wulfmoon I remember you welcoming me in as new writer that didn't know proper formatting, head hopped, and drove to story. It was through yours and others you taught in forum that my writing went from R to HM. I think of this forum as family thanks to you
I am looking forward to learning through your upcoming Super Secrets books as well as enjoying your first novel.
Thank you for all you have done for the forum.
Small steps add up to miles.
5 R, 4 RWC, 6 HM, 1 SHM
"Amore For Life" in After the Gold Rush Third Flatiron Anthology
"Freedom’s Song” in Troubadour and Space Princesses LTUE Anthology
"Experimenting with the Dance of Death" in Love is Complicated LUW Romance Anthology.
I am looking forward to learning through your upcoming Super Secrets books as well as enjoying your first novel.
Thank you for all you have done for the forum.
You have shortened my learning curve by years with your helpful tips and encouragement. Wulf Moon
Thank you.
Today's science fiction is tomorrow's reality-D.R.Sweeney
HM x5
Published Poetry
2012 Stars in Our Hearts
Silver Ships
Three cheers for @wulfmoon for doing such an expert job as forum moderator for three years!!! 
And thanks to Kary and Martin. I know the forum will be in good hands.
WOTF results:
Vol 41: Q1 HM, Q2 HM, Q4 HM
running totals to date:
WOTF: 6 Rs, 3 RWCs. 8 HMs
IOTF: 4 Rs, 3 HMs
Check out my new website: https://www.amyrwethingtonwriterofspeculativeworlds.com/
According to Winston Churchill, "success is going from failure to failure with enthusiasm"
Somehow I lost my Guthington profile, but it's me. Amy Wethington = Guthington = Physa
Brilliant news for all!
VOL 40 2nd Quarter: Third Place ("Ashes to Ashes, Blood to Carbonfiber")
Past submissions: R - HM - HM - HM - HM - HM - SHM - SHM
www.jd-writes.com
Kindle Vella - Ashes to Ashes, Earth to Kaybee
Woo-hoo! Better start behaving around here or Kary 'n Martin will have to rap knuckles and take names!
Just kidding. Thanks for the service, guys! A forum is only as good as its moderators, and this place has some great ones!
WOTF: HM x 16, SHMx2, SF x 1, F V31 Q3, V32 Q2, V32 Q4, V34 Q3, V36 Q1
Baen Fantasy Award Winner 2014
V32 Published Finalist
3rd place V37 Q1!
Woo-hoo! Better start behaving around here or Kary 'n Martin will have to rap knuckles and take names!
Just kidding. Thanks for the service, guys! A forum is only as good as its moderators, and this place has some great ones!
I have been accused of being aggressively encouraging. I'm not sure how I got that reputation...
http://nineandsixtyways.com/
Tools, Not Rules.
Martin L. Shoemaker
3rd Place Q1 V31
"Today I Am Paul", WSFA Small Press Award 2015, Nebula nomination 2015
Today I Am Carey from Baen
The Last Dance (#1 science fiction eBook on Amazon, October 2019) and The Last Campaign from 47North
Woo-hoo! Better start behaving around here or Kary 'n Martin will have to rap knuckles and take names!
Just kidding. Thanks for the service, guys! A forum is only as good as its moderators, and this place has some great ones!
I have been accused of being aggressively encouraging. I'm not sure how I got that reputation...
I'm sure I have no idea...
Thanks for the time you've given to the forum and its unruly residents, Moon! And thank you, Kary and Martin, for being willing to keep us all in line. We'll all behave. Right, guys? ......right?
R, 3rd place Q4 v36!!!
Stories in Apocalyptic, Cossmass Infinites x2! PodCastle, Spirit Machine; forthcoming in Beneath Ceaseless Skies, Apex Magazine, Human Monsters
Thank you, Moon. You continue to help so many in this amazing journey called writing. We look forward to your books, be it a fresh, update version of the Super Secrets or more amazing fiction!
Kary and Martin, I've seen and heard both of you with the 318r class (among other places). Glad to have both of you with us here on the forum.
"If writing is easy, you're doing it wrong." -Bryan Hutchinson
V36-37: R x6
V38: R, HM, R, HM
V39: HM, HM, HM, HM
V40: HM, HM, SHM, HM
V41: RWC, P
We'll all behave. Right, guys? ......right?
To quote Serenity ...
"If writing is easy, you're doing it wrong." -Bryan Hutchinson
V36-37: R x6
V38: R, HM, R, HM
V39: HM, HM, HM, HM
V40: HM, HM, SHM, HM
V41: RWC, P
Woo-hoo! Better start behaving around here or Kary 'n Martin will have to rap knuckles and take names!
Just kidding. Thanks for the service, guys! A forum is only as good as its moderators, and this place has some great ones!
I have been accused of being aggressively encouraging. I'm not sure how I got that reputation...
Career: 1x Win -- 2x NW-F -- 2x S-F -- 9x S-HM -- 11x HM -- 7x R
Like me: facebook/AuthorTJKnight
I remember those day's when Martin used that emoji.
Today's science fiction is tomorrow's reality-D.R.Sweeney
HM x5
Published Poetry
2012 Stars in Our Hearts
Silver Ships
Please welcome our newest moderator, Dustin Adams, a forum member since 2011 and winner in Volume 39 with his story, "The Fall of Crodendra M"...
TJ Knight (Dustin Adams) lives in New York State with his wife, son, and rampaging kitten. His other published works can be found online or on the pages of the Starlight anthologies, 1–4. When not writing or editing his current project—a middle-grade fantasy trilogy—he spends his days at his other desk working, his other, other desk playing video games (fun!), or in his little gym exercising (yay!).
Huzzah!
Career: 1x Win -- 2x NW-F -- 2x S-F -- 9x S-HM -- 11x HM -- 7x R
Like me: facebook/AuthorTJKnight
@tj_knight Who are you? Eh, never mind, welcome to the forum!
VOL 40 2nd Quarter: Third Place ("Ashes to Ashes, Blood to Carbonfiber")
Past submissions: R - HM - HM - HM - HM - HM - SHM - SHM
www.jd-writes.com
Kindle Vella - Ashes to Ashes, Earth to Kaybee
@jason Dustin has been doing good work here for a long time. Congratulations, Dustin!
Click here to JOIN THE WULF PACK!
"Super-Duper Moongirl and the Amazing Moon Dawdler" won Best SFF Story of 2019! Read it in Writers of the Future, Vol. 35. Order HERE!
Need writing help? My award-winning SUPER SECRETS articles are FREE in DreamForge.
IT’S HERE! Many have been begged me to publish the Super Secrets of Writing. How to Write a Howling Good Story is now a #1 BESTSELLING BOOK! Get yours at your favorite retailer HERE!
Congratulations Dustin. It's good to hear you're going to hang around and keep everyone updated and centered on the upcoming quarter.
Thanks for all you do.
Today's science fiction is tomorrow's reality-D.R.Sweeney
HM x5
Published Poetry
2012 Stars in Our Hearts
Silver Ships
@tj_knight congrats
"Whether you think you can, or you think you can't--you're right."~ Henry Ford
2025 V42: WIP
2024 V41: RWC (Resubmitted "HM"), HM, RWC, Finalist (RWC Resubmit)
2023 V40: HM, HM, R, HM
2022 V39: SHM, HM, Semi-finalist, HM (HM Resubmit)
2021 V38: ---HM (R Resubmit)
2020 V37: -R--
@wulfmoon cheers for all your hard work and encouragement over the years, can't wait to see more of your writing.
@martin-l-shoemaker, @karyenglish and @tj_knight we are in good hands 
It's good to hear you're going to hang around and keep everyone updated and centered on the upcoming quarter
And YES to this!
3rd Place Q3 Vol 41
Submission record: R x 2 / HM x 7 / SHM x 2 / W x 1
Stories published in Daily Science Fiction, Every Day Fiction, 365tomorrows, and Gwyllion Magazine.
@wulfmoon cheers for all your hard work and encouragement over the years, can't wait to see more of your writing.
Thank you, Joel! And you don’t have a long wait. Just had a story published in ZNB’s GAME ON! anthology by Joshua Palmatier (met his brother Jason at WotF week, really nice guy). I posted the link in the Super Secrets topic if interested. Dark fantasy, something I rarely write, but a story I’ve had on my mind for twenty years. Finally had the right market to write it for!
All the best to your writing! Cheers!
Click here to JOIN THE WULF PACK!
"Super-Duper Moongirl and the Amazing Moon Dawdler" won Best SFF Story of 2019! Read it in Writers of the Future, Vol. 35. Order HERE!
Need writing help? My award-winning SUPER SECRETS articles are FREE in DreamForge.
IT’S HERE! Many have been begged me to publish the Super Secrets of Writing. How to Write a Howling Good Story is now a #1 BESTSELLING BOOK! Get yours at your favorite retailer HERE!
@tj_knight Congratulations! You did so good, they put you to work! Well done!
Vol. 36: 3rd -- R, 4th -- R
Vol. 37: R, HM, HM, SHM
Vol. 38: HM, HM, HM, HM
Vol. 39: SHM, RWC, RWC, HM
Vol. 40: HM, R, RWC, R
Vol. 41: R, HM, HM, HM
Vol. 42: 1st -- pending
Amateur published stories:
"The Army Ration That Saved the Earth" -- Accepted for publication, waiting for contract
"The Tell-Tale Cricket" in The Murderbugs Anthololgy
"Follow the Pretrons" in Martian Magazine, and a Critters Award
"Eyes and Hands" in Galaxy's Edge Magazine
"The Last Dance" in Parliament of Wizards, LTUE anthology
"My Ten Cents" in Sci Fi Lampoon
Professional Publication:
"Invasion" in Daily Science Fiction
@tj_knight Congratulations!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
“Stories are the collective wisdom of everyone who has ever lived. Your job as a storyteller is not simply to entertain. Nor is it to be noticed for the way your turn a phrase. You have a very important job—one of the most important. Your job is to let people know that everyone shares their feelings—and that these feelings bind us. Your job is a healing art, and like all healers, you have a responsibility. Let people know they are not alone. You must make people understand that we are all the same.”
Brian McDonald
2022: Second Place Winner V39 Q1
2021: HM, HM, SHM
2020: R
2019: SHM, R
2018: HM
2017: HM
Check out my fiction and more at spencersekulin.net
Please welcome our newest moderator, Dustin Adams
Heck yeah!!!! Congrats!
Website: https://www.jeschleicher.com/
Blog: https://www.jeschleicher.com/dopaminesdelight
V40: Q1 3rd Place Winner ("Squiddy")
V39: SHM, HM, HM, HM
V38: HM, SHM, HM, HM
V37: R, R, HM, HM
V36: R
