Writers & Illustrators of the Future Workshop Week
2026 – Day 6

How to Keep Your Book from Flying Through a Wall: Writers’ Workshop Highlights

Contributed by Leah Ning

Contest Judges Kevin J. Anderson and Rebecca Moesta

Today, the writers started off hearing judges Kevin J. Anderson and Rebecca Moesta speak about writing and professionalism in publishing. This included Heinlein’s rules, how to act at conventions, rules for interacting with fans, along with anecdotes. And most importantly: don’t be a jerk! They also talked about income from writing and how it can wreak havoc with taxes, in addition to considerations for quitting your day job to write.

Associate Publisher of WordFire Press Marie Whittaker

Marie Whittaker followed Kevin and Rebecca to tell the writers about how to organize their lives and manage their projects. She taught them about Agile with her own special twist to make it work for writing and personal projects. She also spoke about how to work as a hybrid author and the tools she uses to do so.

Contest Judge Orson Scott Card

After a brief session on slush reader secrets from Contest first readers Kary English and Leah Ning, judge Orson Scott Card sat down to talk to the writers. He spoke about his style of research—generally not hands-on—and the translation of Ender’s Game from page to screen. The writers also heard about clarity and believability in writing, and how this will draw readers in. He emphasized the importance of writing without thinking too hard and avoiding grammar checkers.

Past winners Martin Shoemaker, Darci Stone, Eric James Stone, and Leah Ning

While the judges went off to the Taglyan to rehearse for the award ceremony, past winners Martin Shoemaker, Darci Stone, Eric James Stone, and Leah Ning talked to the writers about some next steps in their careers. They answered the writers’ questions about agents, short story submissions, and how to market themselves amidst the heat death of social media.

Liza Trombi, Editor-in-Chief of Locus Magazine

Next, Liza Trombi, the editor-in-chief of Locus Magazine, talked to the writers about how to get their work reviewed, what sort of work they review, traditional vs. self publishing, and independent publishers.

Bill Fawcett on Conventions and the Gaming Market

In their last session of the afternoon, illustrators and writers gathered to learn from Bill Fawcett, a veteran of the gaming industry as well as publishing. He spoke about the benefits of conventions for your career, including the different sizes and types of conventions and what to expect from each. Then he discussed things you can do to promote yourself at a convention, and also things to avoid.

Next, Bill talked about writing and art opportunities outside of books and magazines, such as games.
Anticipation Builds!

After a break for dinner, the winners all got their first glimpse of the Taglyan! They rehearsed for their award ceremony, which will take place tomorrow. Stay tuned for the much-anticipated gala!

More Guest Instructors and Portfolio Reviews: Illustrators’ Workshop Highlights

Contributed by Martin L. Shoemaker

Art Direction with Lazarus Chernik

Contest judge Lazarus Chernik spent part of the morning speaking from his experience as both a commercial art director and as a working illustrator. An art director, Chernik said, is the communication bridge between the commercial client and the artist’s work. His task is to think like the artist so he can suggest options suited to their style. He wants to get the best possible work from the artist.

Lazarus further discussed the illustrator’s role in the contract process as a hired, qualified expert, someone who knows their area of expertise that the client needs. It is important for the illustrator to recognize and respect their own skills and abilities while navigating the client relationship.

Lazarus finished with tips on where and how to meet art directors. The art director prepares the creative brief, which defines client needs and expectations. The creative brief may include a mood board of examples and inspirations to guide the artist in pitching the project.

Laura Freas Beraha on Form in Illustration

In their next session, Contest judge Laura Freas Beraha spoke about the differences between illustration and fine art. The job of the illustrator is to raise questions that can only be answered by reading the story. Using examples from her own work and that of the late judge Frank Kelly Freas (especially a scene from the Jerry Oltion story, “Hit and Run”), she gave pointers on how to design illustrations without contradicting the story or giving away the ending.

Larry Elmore from Afar

To finish out the illustrator morning, Contest judge Larry Elmore joined remotely. He spoke of the life experiences and influences that led him to become an artist, from a Kentucky youth in a family who made and encouraged art to college and into the art business. The illustrators viewed Larry’s retrospective on his career and asked questions about his path.

Portfolio Review

The afternoon opened with portfolio reviews. Judges met with illustrator winners in round-robin sessions to look over the winners’ portfolios and suggest markets, promotion, methods, subjects, and more.

A Visit from Bob Eggleton and April Solomon

Next, Contest judge Bob Eggleton (via Zoom) and past Contest winner April Solomon joined for an extensive conversation about the business of illustration with an emphasis on networking at conventions. They showed examples of their work from conventions, contests, and other venues, and they discussed how those built to more opportunities. April’s message was “Never say no.”