Writers & Illustrators of the Future Workshop Week
2025 – Day 5

Writers’ Workshop—Guest Instructors

Contributed by Leah Ning

This morning, the writers began by workshopping the two stories that flew farthest down the stairs yesterday. They received feedback from their fellow writers, as well as from Coordinating Judge Jody Lynn Nye and Judge Tim Powers, on both the strengths of their stories and areas for improvement.

A Visit with Nancy Kress

Next, the writers listened to Judge Nancy Kress speak about the things she wishes she had known when she first started writing. She covered story structure, scene structure, and the kinds of questions that, through characters, drive fiction. She then shared the personal practices that help her succeed as a writer, including routines and creating an environment that supports individual creativity.

Visits with Katherine Kurtz, Nina Kiriki Hoffman, Robert J. Sawyer, and Larry Niven

After a lunch break, the writers returned for several sessions with both judges and guest speakers. Katherine Kurtz was up first, answering questions about co-writing, cross-genre writing, and developing a series. Then Nina Kiriki Hoffman led her fun, annual class, where the writers rolled dice to generate prompts, build worlds, and create characters. Judge Robert J. Sawyer followed, discussing the difference between being an artist and a factory worker, whether doing IP (intellectual property) work is the right path, and offering encouragement about turning this experience into a career. Lastly, Judge Larry Niven spoke about the value of daydreaming, writing under pressure (like when rent is due), and revisiting old stories. He ended with a Q&A, answering questions about worldbuilding and collaboration.

Book Signing, Barbecue, and Entertainment

To wrap up the day, the writers and illustrators participated in their first mass book signing—on the roof! Together with the judges, they signed hundreds of books, stacking them between seats and helping each other open to the title pages. Afterwards, they headed downstairs for a barbecue, where they ate and socialized with judges they hadn’t yet met—making connections they’ll carry into future conventions. The night closed with a radio theater performance of L. Ron Hubbard’s story “Tough Old Man.”

Tomorrow brings another round of rapid-fire advice from judges and guests—as anticipation continues to build for the gala and the announcement of the Golden Pen and Golden Brush awards.

Illustrators’ Workshop—More Guest Instructors

Contributed by Martin L. Shoemaker and Kary English

A Visit from Bea Jackson

Past illustrator winner and Contest judge Bea Jackson opened the morning session by discussing the opportunities and pitfalls she encountered as her career progressed. She spoke about learning to put herself forward, connect with others, and create her own opportunities. She urged the artists to advocate for themselves, noting that networking often brought in more work than portfolios alone could.

Art Direction

Contest judge Lazarus Chernik spent part of the morning sharing insights from his dual experience as a commercial art director and working illustrator. An art director, Chernik explained, acts as the communication bridge between the commercial client and the artist, and is often the artist’s strongest ally in the client-artist relationship.

He described how the art director prepares a creative brief, which defines the client’s needs and expectations. This brief may include a mood board of examples and inspirations to help guide the artist in developing their pitch for the project.

A Career Journey with Tom Wood

Contest judge Tom Wood, best known for his work with Insane Clown Posse, began his career as a kid from small-town Arkansas drawing sports caricatures for T-shirts. Though his passion has always been fantasy art, he doesn’t regret his early work. “Any time that you’re doing art instead of some other job, you’re getting better,” he said. Since then, he has worked with major league sports teams, Disney, Reebok, and other large clients. Wood wrapped up his session by sharing videos of his techniques and answering a host of eager questions from the students.

A Visit to Rob Prior’s Studio

After lunch, the winners visited the local studio of Contest judge Rob Prior to experience the workspace of a professional artist. They explored his tools and processes, examined works in progress, spoke with his apprentices, and asked questions about setting up and running their own studios. Prior led the group in timed painting exercises to improve speed and efficiency, then invited each student to contribute to one of his studio pieces.

Book Signing and Barbecue

When the Illustrators returned to Author Services, they joined the Writers and judges for a mass signing of 210 copies of Volume 41 and enjoyed a delicious barbecue dinner with everyone involved in the Contest.

Bonus: “Tough Old Man”

The evening concluded in the theater with a live audio performance of the L. Ron Hubbard classic “Tough Old Man” featuring Jim and Taylor Meskimen (narrators on the Writers of the Future Vol 41 audiobook) and RF Daley.