Writers & Illustrators of the Future Workshop Week
2026 – Day 3

Paintings and Books and Workshops, Oh My!: Writer Workshop Highlights

Contributed by Leah Ning

The writers’ workshop began with the writers receiving their checks for the publication of their stories, for some it was the first time they’d ever been paid for a piece of writing!

With that finished, head judge Jody Lynn Nye and judge Tim Powers collected contact information for the winners to be able to keep in contact with each other. They took questions from the winners about villains and spoke to them about dialogue, editor relationships, and writing groups during the time they had before one of the most exciting moments of every workshop week: the art reveal.

Art Reveal!

Mid-morning, the writer winners gathered in the Hubbard Theater as workshop staff finished setting up easels and artwork in a semicircle—each piece a custom illustration created for a winning story. Lining the room were illustrators, volunteers, and staff from Author Services and Galaxy Press, all buzzing with quiet anticipation for one of the contest’s most memorable moments: the art reveal.

As the writers entered, they made their way around the displays, and almost immediately, gasps and exclamations of recognition filled the room. Writers and illustrators met for the first time, exchanging excited conversations, hugs, and the occasional happy tears—making it one of the most emotional events of the week.

Once everyone had taken in the artwork, John Goodwin, President of Galaxy Press, presented L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future Volume 42. Each winner received their first copy, flipping through the pages to see their stories and illustrations in print—joining the legacy of over 1,000 writers and illustrators published through the Contests.

Workshop Continues with Jody and Tim

After lunch, the writers returned to Jody and Tim for a last few words of wisdom before they were sent off to begin their 24-hour stories. They encouraged the writers to lean into their own unique stories to stand out in a saturated market. They also covered work for hire and earning money in traditional novel publishing.

With that, the writers were off to write their stories! They will be frantically writing for the next 24 hours, when they will come back for more wisdom in pursuit of future stories.

Illustrations and Revelations: Illustrator Workshop Highlights

Contributed by Martin L. Shoemaker

The first full day of the illustrator workshop opened with a tour of the Author Services building, learning the history of L. Ron Hubbard’s career and the history of the Contests as well. They saw examples of Hubbard’s manuscripts and covers as well as exhibits and art from the bestselling Illustrator judges.

After the tour, the Illustrators returned to the L. Ron Hubbard Theater in Author Services, their workspace for this week. There they formally met Coordinating judge Echo Chernik. Echo introduced her background and showed off her work, regaling students with challenges she faced while getting started in advertising art. She also discussed the schedule for the week, including opportunities to have their work evaluated by the judges. She finished with a discussion of diversifying your art career, and then she answered business questions.

Art Reveal

See above!

A Deeper Look into History

After lunch and garment fittings, the Illustrator winners next took a brief ride to the L. Ron Hubbard Life Exhibition, a museum dedicated to the life and lessons of the man whose vision created the Contests. The museum chronicles his life, explorations, studies, and writings that made him one of the most prolific writers in history. Along the way, he developed a deep philosophy of the importance of arts in a thriving culture; and so he chose to pay it forward with the Contests to actively discover and cultivate new talents.

Making a Living as an Artist and Illustrator

Next Echo gave tips on making a living in the arts, covering things like commercial design, typography, and animation. She talked briefly on the business decisions ahead, while strongly recommending a good accountant as part of your business strategy. She also examined the illustration process from contact to delivery, including how to interact with clients and representatives—and especially with writers, who benefit from an illustrator’s visual sense. She provided resources for copyright, marketing, pricing, and promotion, then discussed negotiation and getting paid. Near the end of the night, she covered the impact of AI on the arts, and she stressed the importance of being adaptable.