Writers of the Future Podcast

Matthew Wolf is the creator of the epic adventure-fantasy series The Ronin Saga. He is releasing the fifth book in the series, “Heart of Flesh.” In this episode, we explore how he transforms myth into vivid reality, with the Ronin—a once-legendary team of nine, each with specific powers—now returning over a thousand years later. Each volume introduces another of the Ronin as the series progresses. His introduction of the nine dragons in this fifth volume adds rich depth and sets the stage for an epic good-versus-evil showdown. Matthew discusses his secrets for crafting compelling novel arcs that seamlessly contribute to the overarching story, revealing his approach to pacing that keeps readers hooked. We also discuss the Writers & Illustrators of the Future Contests and the impact of past masters, such as L. Ron Hubbard, as inspiration for authors like Matthew. Follow Matthew at www.matthewwolfauthor.com.

In this episode, we dive into the world of artificial intelligence with Stone Sanchez, the publisher of Spare Oom Press and a passionate computer geek. Stone is not only a technologist but also an avid reader, writer, and musician. Join us as we explore the growing influence of computer intelligence and its implications for creatives. Stone shares his insights on the threats AI poses to writers and artists and offers practical solutions to stay ahead in this rapidly evolving landscape.

Craig Miller, the first Director of Fan Relations for Lucasfilm Ltd., played a pivotal role during the creation of Star Wars and The Empire Strikes Back. As a publicist, writer, producer, and innovator, Craig crafted groundbreaking ways to engage and grow the Star Wars fanbase, helping cement its place as a cultural phenomenon. Beyond Star Wars, Craig has been a key figure in the Writers of the Future contest since its inception, and he shares insights from its early days. We also discuss Craig’s book, Star Wars Memories: My Time in the (Death Star) Trenches, a treasure trove of behind-the-scenes stories from his time in the Star Wars universe. From accidental mishaps to industry-defining moments, Craig’s tales are as entertaining as they are revealing. In this episode, we explore: 1. How Craig landed the dream job of Director of Fan Relations for Star Wars. 2. The scope of his role and what it meant to be the bridge between Lucasfilm and its passionate fans. 3. His favorite interviews with Star Wars legends like Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, and Harrison Ford. 4. Memorable filming locations and what made them stand out. 5. The hilarious and chaotic story of how Craig accidentally shut down the state of Illinois’ telephone system. 6. The epic saga of Kenner vs. Hasbro and the licensing misstep that rivals publishers rejecting Harry Potter. 7. The impact and legacy of the Star Wars comics.

With her thought-provoking novels, Nancy Kress, acclaimed science fiction author and winner of six Nebulas, two Hugos, a Sturgeon, and the John W. Campbell Memorial Award, blends cutting-edge science with profound human questions. In this episode, we dive into her celebrated works, starting with “Beggars in Spain,” a gripping exploration of bioengineering, and “Tomorrow’s Kin,” where complex scientific concepts challenge readers to expand their vocabulary and imagination. We discuss how Nancy masterfully weaves real science into her narratives, her approach to tackling humanity’s response to intelligent extraterrestrial life, and the craft of writing compelling science fiction that resonates with both heart and mind. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to her work, this episode offers a fascinating look at what it takes to create authentic, thought-provoking sci-fi. https://nancykress.com/ PHOTO CREDIT: MARY GRACE LONG

Today’s guest is Wulf Moon, who many of you already know from any of our past three interviews since he was on as a Writer winner in Volume 35 back in 2019 with his short story “Super Duper Moongirl and the Amazing Moon Dawdler.” Wulf Moon won his first writing award at the age of 15 and has now won over 60 awards in writing and 30 in public speaking. He remains one the biggest supporters and promoters of Writers of the Future. As you can deduce from the title of this episode, we discuss tools you can use to raise the bar of your storytelling to new lofty heights. You can find him at https://driftweave.com/

How do you weave short stories into a cohesive novel? In this episode, we’re thrilled to welcome back award-winning author Martin L. Shoemaker, a “Writers of the Future Volume 31” winner, to discuss his latest novel, “A Fine and Dangerous Season.” Martin shares his unique process of transforming a series of short stories, all written in October 2023, into a gripping, interconnected narrative. From his early success with “Unrefined” to co-authoring “How to Be a Dictator” with Kevin J. Anderson and his novel “Today I Am Carey,” Martin’s fourth appearance on our podcast dives deep into the art of storytelling. Learn practical techniques for blending short-form fiction into a novel-length masterpiece and get inspired by his creative journey. Learn more at https://shoemaker.space/.

Join us as Nev March, the first Indian-born winner of the Minotaur Books/Mystery Writers of America Award for a First Crime Novel and 2024 NY Chapter chair, shares her journey into murder mystery. A departure from our usual SF&F, we explore new genres, as top authors recommend reading broadly.

Lydia Sherrer is a USA Today bestselling author and has published multiple novels, including “Love, Lies, and Hocus Pocus,” a delightful urban fantasy with snarky humor. In this episode, we discuss writing urban fantasy fiction and how to add a bit of snark to make it even better. Learn more at www.lydiasherrer.com.

Nicole “N. V.” Haskell was a Writers of the Future winner in Volume 38 with her fantasy short story, “The Mystical Farrago.” Her recent novel, “The Malice of Moons and Mages,” is an epic fantasy novel, first in a series, where Nicole creates a world filled with magic but with special rules and laws. In this episode, we discuss how to world-build a magical realm and the importance of staying true to the system you have created. We also discuss Nicole’s special journey as an author, including her Writers of the Future win and subsequent workshop in Hollywood. Learn more about Nicole at nvhaskell.com.

Laurence O’Bryan is an author and the Founder of the International Dublin Writers’ Festival and BooksGoSocial. In this episode, we discuss how BooksGoSocial provides personalized book promotion with expert feedback, Amazon ad optimization, and extensive social media reach to boost sales. Galaxy Press uses this service, and we want to make this known to other creatives who want to realize more success in book sales. Learn more at bgsauthors.com/