Writers & Illustrators of the Future Workshop Week
2026 – Day 5

How to Forge a Career (Nine and Sixty Ways): Writers’ Workshop Highlights

Contributed by Leah Ning

The writers started the day by group critiquing two of the 24-hour stories they wrote the day before. They went around the room giving each other ideas of what went well and what might need another look, and both Coordinating Contest judge Jody Lynn Nye and judge Tim Powers gave the writers their opinions on the stories.

Lezli Robyn, Editor of Galaxy’s Edge

With the critiques done, Lezli Robyn, editor of Galaxy’s Edge anthologies, spoke to the winners about short stories, novels, and the business of publishing from an editor’s perspective. This included tips for writing to theme for anthologies, what first readers are looking for in submissions, working at different story lengths, and what types of novel-length works are selling well in her experience.

Contest Judge Katherine Kurtz

After lunch, judge Katherine Kurtz gave a talk on her career as a writer, starting while she still worked for the LAPD. She told the writers how she went from working for the police full time to making enough on her writing to be able to quit, and spoke about how she finds the hinge between real and magical in her contemporary fantasy.

Contest Judge S.M. Stirling

Next, judge S.M. Stirling talked to the writers about the many methods there are for writing books and the ways in which history can inform your worldbuilding. He also answered questions about historical subgenres, including alternate histories and future histories. He was joined by Jody Lynn Nye and Bill Fawcett to talk about collaborating on writing projects as well, both why and how to do it (and when not to).

Contest Judge Nancy Kress

Judge Nancy Kress then spoke about the things she wished she had known when she started writing, including things about craft, being a writer, and publishing. The writers heard about the different ways that stories can begin, tentpole scenes, and the cost of magic before she moved on to routine vs. inspiration, wearing multiple hats, and what sorts of things to read to improve your craft.

Contest Judge Larry Niven

The last speaker for the day was Larry Niven. He held the writers rapt with his talk about how to work with collaborators, tips about decision making and contracts, advice on how to work with editors, and precautionary anecdotes. He then opened the floor to questions about any of his experiences the writers could use to help them in their careers.

Book Signing and Barbecue

To wrap up the schedule for the day, the writers and illustrators joined the judges to sign 300 copies of Volume 42, and to enjoy a sumptuous barbecue dinner for everyone involved in the Contest.

Bonus: “Space Can”

The evening finished in the L. Ron Hubbard Theater with a live audio performance of the L. Ron Hubbard classic “Space Can.” Jim Meskimen narrated the story accompanied by tabla player and composer Salar Nader.

More Pros Arrive: Illustrators’ Workshop Highlights

Contributed by Martin L. Shoemaker

The Return of Contest Judge Ciruelo

In the morning, the illustrators returned for a second session from renowned dragon artist and Contest judge Ciruelo Cabral, the cover artist for L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future Volume 42. Ciruelo started with a video and discussion of his “petropictos,” art painted on and discovered within natural rock. This time he delved into specific methods and media in this project that brings him personal joy to drive his art.

He also spoke of the challenges of the future, especially AI and how it will prove impossible to regulate. If any jurisdiction chooses not to regulate, business will flow to that jurisdiction. His advice is to trust yourself, be optimistic, passionate, and confident in your own abilities. These are human elements found in no algorithm. He discussed points in his career where he had to adapt, and how superior adaptability got him through changes that derailed other artists. Returning to AI, he encouraged the illustrators to adapt to AI, learn from it, and build beyond it.

A Visit from Contest Judge Craig Elliott

To finish out the morning, Contest judge Craig Elliott met the illustrators to discuss his work on a new the Amazing Spider-Man series and numerous other projects for Disney. He started at the studio in 1996 as a layout artist. There he produced more than 5,000 drawings in a few years, which served as a great immersion in layouts, backgrounds, environments, and other art that defines the world in which an animated film takes place. From there, he found time to work on fine art while also progressing through illustration work and art directing. He gave a presentation of many of his projects in visual development, with an emphasis on his methods for animation work, illustration, and sculpting. He answered eager illustrator questions about the projects and how he achieved amazing effects.

The Return of Contest Judge and past winner, Bea Jackson

After lunch, Contest judge Bea Jackson returned to discuss financial literacy for artists, fundamental skills which are often ignored in education. She explained her own struggles with loans early in her career and recommended financial planning approaches.

Live Figure Drawing Studio

Next, the illustrators put their newfound skills to immediate use when professional models arrived, clad in pirate-style flowing garments with swords and whips, inspired by the L. Ron Hubbard story, Typewriter in the Sky. Under the students’ direction, the models struck poses on the stage for the artists to sketch and photograph.

A Visit from Contest Judge and past winner, Brian C. Hales

After the figure drawing, Contest judge and Volume 18 winner Brian C. Hales introduced his work and discussed his career since the Contest. He currently works on commissions, runs an art academy and has written, illustrated, and published extensively. He spoke of how his career led him into illustration and graphic design, both areas of study he recommends. He also urged the illustrators to learn UX design, the study of designing automated systems for human usability.

To further their career, illustrators need to understand that AI is perceived as “good enough.” That tightens competition. He recommends learning skills beyond what AI does.