Writers & Illustrators of the Future Workshop Week2026 – Day 7

An Evening of Dragons and Dreams: Gala Night at Writers & Illustrators of the Future

Contributed by Leah Ning

It is finally gala day! The morning was a flurry of activity, with winners and judges alike hurrying around for their gowns, tuxedos, hair, and makeup. Limos whisked them all to the Taglyan Complex, where the red carpet awaited. The winners and judges were interviewed by news outlets from around the world, surrounded by cameras and watched over by this year’s huge statue: the dragon from Ciruelo’s cover art for Writers of the Future Volume 42.

The doors to the complex opened, and everyone flocked inside to enjoy a delicious dinner, and a beautiful performance from EMCirque featuring a violinist accompanied by dancers in the theme of the anthology’s cover. Executive Director of Author Services Gunhild Jacobs opened the ceremony with a video of highlights from previous years of the Contests, and then John Goodwin, President of Galaxy Press, formally released L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future Volume 42.

Throughout the rest of the night, winners received their awards and gave their speeches, some with tears and some with laughter. Jannicke Mikkelsen, a commercial astronaut, cinematographer, and film director, delivered the keynote speech, and the CEO of the Independent Book Publishers Association, Andrea Fleck-Nisbet, presented the Building the Future of Publishing Award to L. Ron Hubbard.

Finally, the much-anticipated grand prize awards were given to two talented winners: illustrator winner Bafu (illustrator of “Saffron and Marigolds”) received the Golden Brush Award, and writer winner Michael Kuester received the Golden Pen Award for his story “In Living Color.”

The evening concluded with a book signing, where all the winners signed for fans for the first time, and spend the rest of the night celebrating with their friends and family.