Writers & Illustrators of the Future Workshop Week2025 – Day 1

Writer winners from five different countries gathered in Los Angeles to kick off the first day of the annual Writers of the Future workshop week. Our international winners from the UK and China arrived a day early to adjust to the time difference, while today saw the arrival of winners from Canada and across the United States. At the hotel, they were warmly greeted by Joni Labaqui, Meliva Koch, Jody Lynn Nye, Tim Powers, and previous winners Dustin Adams (Vol 39), Leah Ning (Vol 36), and Kary English (Vol 31). After weeks—or even months—of connecting online, the lobby was filled with joyful first-time “reunions.”

Following dinner, the group came together for the official opening of the workshop and a round of formal introductions. Each writer received a copy of L. Ron Hubbard’s coffee-table book, filled with timeless advice on the craft—wisdom that laid the foundation for this very workshop.

John Goodwin welcomed everyone, offering an overview of the week’s schedule and events. He also underscored the Contest’s commitment to a respectful, inclusive environment, where critiques based on race, gender, nationality, politics, or any personal characteristic are not tolerated. The focus is on mutual respect and creative growth. Emily Goodwin then shared details about the upcoming gala and other highlights of the week, before introducing Meliva Koch, Jason Toth, and Claude Sandoz—the team capturing photo and video moments throughout the event.

Joni Labaqui, Contests Director, invited each winner to introduce themselves, giving everyone a chance to connect and break the ice. Afterward, she led a tour through the L. Ron Hubbard Library and the Writers of the Future Hall, sharing fascinating tidbits about Hubbard’s prolific writing career, as well as the origins and legacy of the Contests.

With that, the winners headed off to rest up for what promises to be a week of inspiration, learning, and community. Stay tuned!