Hey, folks! So as one of your friendly neighborhood vol. 36 forumites, I feel I should let you know the event has been postponed for this year in the interest of keeping the winners, judges, and guests safe. The anthology is still being released April 7th. It sounds like they are looking into setting up an online art reveal and virtual book signings and things for us, however! Of course there aren't many details right now, but the full post on this is on the WotF Facebook page if you'd like to read it.
I also want to thank all of you again for how incredibly kind and supportive you've all been throughout this unbelievable, amazing journey. I'll keep the forum updated as I learn more!
R, 3rd place Q4 v36!!!
Stories in Apocalyptic, Cossmass Infinites x2! PodCastle, Spirit Machine; forthcoming in Beneath Ceaseless Skies, Apex Magazine, Human Monsters
I am sorry for the winners. I am sure it is disappointing. I talked to John an hour ago. He said gatherings of 250 or more have been banned there because of COVID-19. Since the event hosts over 400, there is no way it could go on. Here is his post on Facebook:
"We have been closely monitoring the situation around the COVID-19 virus in California and throughout the world and carefully considered our options for the 36th L. Ron Hubbard Writers and Illustrators of the Future workshops and awards celebration.
In the best interest of the winners, judges, and guests, the workshops and gala event set to take place in Hollywood, CA, on April 3rd will be postponed until later this year.
We know how important this event is for aspiring writers and illustrators and their families who come in from all over the world.
The release of L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future Volume 36 remains set for the 7th of April 2020. An online art reveal, virtual signings and other online activities are being organized and set up to highlight the beautiful stories and art created by the winners.
We look forward to meeting the winners, their families, friends, and fans here in Hollywood soon and we thank everyone involved for their support and understanding."
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Thanks for the update. Sorry about the delay...
Career: 1x Win -- 2x NW-F -- 2x S-F -- 9x S-HM -- 11x HM -- 7x R
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I'm sorry to hear about this for everyone who was attending.
At least there will be no doubts in anyone's mind about whether they should go or not now. :/
35: - R R R | 36: R HM R R | 37: HM HM HM SHM | 38: HM HM HM HM | 39: HM HM HM SHM | 40: HM R SHM SHM | 41: R HM SHM R
5 SHM / 13 HM / 9 R
Yes - overall, though it's disappointing, it's nice to know that everyone who wants to be there will be able to do so. 
R, 3rd place Q4 v36!!!
Stories in Apocalyptic, Cossmass Infinites x2! PodCastle, Spirit Machine; forthcoming in Beneath Ceaseless Skies, Apex Magazine, Human Monsters
A lot of the judges are in or approaching the more vulnerable age categories. It's good that they're not being asked to choose between their health and their devotion to mentoring the next generation of writers, but oh, how frustrating for you winners. I'm so sorry this happened in your year!
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!
A lot of the judges are in or approaching the more vulnerable age categories. It's good that they're not being asked to choose between their health and their devotion to mentoring the next generation of writers, but oh, how frustrating for you winners. I'm so sorry this happened in your year!
Very good point.
Thanks for the update
WOTF Stats
(2014) V31 – R
(2018) V35 – HM
(2019) V36 – HM, SHM
(2020) V37 – R, HM, SHM, Finalist
(2021) V38 – SF, SHM, SHM, HM
(2022) V39 – HM, SHM, SHM, SHM
(2023) V40 - HM, SF, tba, tba
Definitely agree with KD Julicher. Very glad that no one is being forced to make that choice. I'm bummed, but WotF is still doing their best to make sure our experience is as close to past winners' experiences as possible.
R, 3rd place Q4 v36!!!
Stories in Apocalyptic, Cossmass Infinites x2! PodCastle, Spirit Machine; forthcoming in Beneath Ceaseless Skies, Apex Magazine, Human Monsters
That's disappointing. I always make it a point to go to the Gala since I'm just down the road in San Diego, and this year I was planning to bring my daughter along, who is 12 and interested in the Contest. Which I know is not nearly the disappointment all you winners are experiencing.
Understand why they made this decision though. Looking forward to the new date, or next year's. Whichever it is.
Regardless, congrats to the winners again. I'm certain the contest staff will hook you up well, however things turn out!
SF x1
SHM x5
HM x18
https://michaelkingswood.com
https://ssnstorytelling.com
https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelKingswood
Definitely agree with KD Julicher. Very glad that no one is being forced to make that choice. I'm bummed, but WotF is still doing their best to make sure our experience is as close to past winners' experiences as possible.
Great perspective, SP. And of course, heartfelt congratulations in spite of the delayed gala. To help support you all, maybe we can all help campaign to get v36 out to everyone stuck home needing something to read!!!
Smiles and hugs from Upstate NY
--Tracy (aka WriterGirl)Tracy
V36 - SHM, SEMI-FINALIST!!!, HM, SHM
V37 - Q1:SHM --COVID INTERRUPTUS--
V40 - Q3: SHM
Thank you, Tracy! That is very sweet, and a great idea.
R, 3rd place Q4 v36!!!
Stories in Apocalyptic, Cossmass Infinites x2! PodCastle, Spirit Machine; forthcoming in Beneath Ceaseless Skies, Apex Magazine, Human Monsters
To help support you all, maybe we can all help campaign to get v36 out to everyone stuck home needing something to read!!!
--Tracy (aka WriterGirl)
Thanks!
And I'll second what SwiftPotato said. Author Services is making the best of a bad situation.
First Place, Q1 Vol 36
Recently out:
"Letter To A Christian Nation Not Sworn To The Elder Dark: https://www.sciphijournal.org/index.php/2025/03/27/letter-to-a-christian-nation-not-sworn-to-the-elder-dark/
"Deymons" in Mysterion: https://www.mysteriononline.com/2024/02/deymons.html
So-is there a video online of the reveal "ceremony?" I assume they did not announce winners or I would see chatter about it on the forums.
Chuck Thompson
6 Rs, 5 HMs, 2 SHMs
Yep, they only videoed the art reveal. As far as I know, they're keeping the golden pen/brush announcements to the gala.
R, 3rd place Q4 v36!!!
Stories in Apocalyptic, Cossmass Infinites x2! PodCastle, Spirit Machine; forthcoming in Beneath Ceaseless Skies, Apex Magazine, Human Monsters
Yep, they only videoed the art reveal. As far as I know, they're keeping the golden pen/brush announcements to the gala.
Which must be torture for the first placers.
V34: R,HM,R
V35: HM,R,R,HM
V36: R,HM,HM,SHM
V37: HM,SF,SHM,SHM
V38: (P)F, SHM, F, F
V39: SHM, SHM, HM, SHM
Published Finalist Volume 38
Pro’d out Q4V39
www.rebeccaetreasure.comManaging Editor, Apex Magazine
Yep, they only videoed the art reveal. As far as I know, they're keeping the golden pen/brush announcements to the gala.
Which must be torture for the first placers.
I can't even imagine. *shudders*
R, 3rd place Q4 v36!!!
Stories in Apocalyptic, Cossmass Infinites x2! PodCastle, Spirit Machine; forthcoming in Beneath Ceaseless Skies, Apex Magazine, Human Monsters
