Writers of the Future Podcast

Rob Prior discusses his art, becoming an artist, how to make it, his studying under Frank Frazetta, why Illustrators of the Future is important. He gives his perspective on diversifying one's talent across several forms of art. And he gives his tips for the aspiring artist.

Illustrators of the Future winner Daniel Reneau (2013) is a pop-culture concept designer for KidRobot. He says that as a winner, the Illustrator Workshop gave him perspective on how to approach art and direct his focus. He discusses hurdles he has had to overcome but ultimately how he is living his dream. Daniel can be reached at danielbdemented.carbonmade.com

DawnRay Ammon and Jenna Eatough wanted a convention that provided the opportunity to take intensive classes and workshops in writing and art for speculative fields from creative professionals. And so they created Fyrecon, offering over 180 workshops and classes by published authors and artists. Learn more at Fyrecon.com or on Facebook @Fyrecon.

Bob Defendi (Writers of the Future winner volume 19) talks about the adage that "it takes 10 years to become an overnight success" and the value of having your own ready-made audience.

Initially an Illustrators of the Future winner in 1993, (Writers of the Future Volume 9), Brian Lee Durfee illustrated for Dungeons & Dragons and "Magic The Gathering." With partial loss of vision in one eye, Brian switched gears and is now a successful published novelist of epic fantasy. Brian talks about how he made the transition.

Kathleen Dalton-Woodbury was a published finalist in Writers of the Future vol 9 back in 1993 who has since gone on to run Orson Scott Card's "Writer's Workshop" and "Forum" at HatRack.com. She explains Orson Scott Card's 3 rules for storytelling: 1. Faith - Oh, yeah?; 2. Hope - So what?; and, Clarity - Huh?

Writers of the Future winners Eric James Stone and Darci Stone provide their advice to aspiring writers and how Writers of the Future brings fresh perspective and new ideas to science fiction—which is one of the hottest tips to winning the Contest.

Preston Dennett tells his amazing story of entering Writers of the Future 47 times since 1986 before finally winning. His is a story of trying, giving up and then giving it another shot. Writers of the Future books and the Forum where he learned about himself in the "Topanga Canyon" story.

Yingying comes from a traditional Chinese background where art isn't encouraged as a career. She discusses her journey in becoming an award winning artist. Winning this competition has given her confidence she needs to continue pursuing her career in art.

Sam Kemp has always wanted to be an artist for as long as he can remember. He has persisted reaching for his dream despite his parents wanting him to be a doctor or a lawyer. He explains how handling one's self confidence as an artist is vital as he had tortured himself due to lack of it. Enjoy the journey of learning art.

Rustin Lovewell is an immunologist and started writing as a means to decompress after a day in the lab. He is now an award winning author. He also has a piece of advice for aspiring writers: don't let fear of rejection stop you.

Qianjiao Ma, nicknamed "Q," came to America from China to study when she was 18. Hers is a very uplifting story of persistence, dedication and overcoming barriers to win Illustrators of the Future and now work for a major animation studio at Warner Bros.

Award winning illustrator Alexander Gustafson talks about how you can sometimes wallpaper your house with rejection slips. His motto: "Never quit. Never give up."

Mica Scotti Kole has been writing since a child. She is determined to make it as a professional writer. She is someone to watch for! She also runs the Twitter account "Free Writing Events" where she found out about Writers of the Future.

Writers of the Future winner Kyle Kirrin discusses what he learned from Brandon Sanderson and the value of a quarterly contest.

Josh Pemberton was schooled in traditional art before discovering illustration, science fiction & fantasy. Discover the amazing art of Josh at www.joshpemberton.com.

Emerson Rabbitt discusses his art and provides simple advice: If its something you want to do, keep at it. Discover the amazing art of Emerson at www.artstation.com/e_rabbitt.

Dean was the first writer to ever be awarded by Writers of the Future 35 years ago. He is now an international bestselling author in multiple genres and talks about how we are now in the NEW pulp era of publishing and the importance of writing clean first drafts and the downside of rewrites.

John is from Ontario, Canada and has entered the Writers of the Future Contest 10 times for the past 10 years. He won with his Lovecraft influenced horror story, "The Damned Voyage." His goal is to transition to a full time writer.

Jennifer has been an artist since she was 6, but had to register as a business when she turned 16 due to her success as an illustrator. She has a simple message for anyone wanting a career as an artist: Practice, practice, practice and follow your passion. Discover Jennifer's amazing art at www.oberillustrations.com.

Carrie has been a writer since she could first write and talks about the importance of not self-rejecting with her own examples as well as Stephen King and his novel "Carrie" (who she was named after.)

Alice Wang is in 10th grade and is the youngest illustrator winner in the Contests history. She has a special message to young artists.

Allan has only been serious about art since 2011 and will provide inspiration to anyone looking at transitioning from doodling to art as a career. He now works as assistant to American science fiction & fantasy artist Todd Lockwood.

Award winning artist Vytautas Vasiliauskas talks about his journey from university in Lithuania to university in the United Kingdom and then to France and finally deciding he wanted to be an artist as a career. He is now back home in Lithuania, pursuing his career as an artist and has a special message in his native tongue.

Christine talks about how she is able to pursue her career as an Illustrators of the Future winning artist, while raising a baby with the help of her very supportive husband. She transitioned from molecular cell biology to art, having realized she could still help people—through her art. Discover the fantastical art of Christine at www.christinerhee.com.