L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future Volume 41

The Best New SF & Fantasy of the Year

24 Award-winning Authors and Illustrators

3 Bonus Short Stories by L. Ron Hubbard • Tim Powers • Sean Williams

Art and Writing Tips by L. Ron Hubbard • Robert J. Sawyer • Tom Wood

Edited by Jody Lynn Nye

16-page color gallery of artwork

Cover art by Craig Elliott

Step into the extraordinary with L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future Volume 41, where imagination knows no bounds. Featuring thrilling short stories, groundbreaking ideas, and vivid world-building, this anthology is your gateway to the next generation of visionary storytelling.

Whether you’re seeking epic adventure, mind-bending concepts, or characters who defy the odds, this collection delivers it all.

A beleaguered scientist discovers time travel is possible, but a brewing storm threatens to erase his legacy. —“Storm Damage” by T.R. Naus

A man is drawn into the mysteries of eternity when a redheaded stranger claims their destinies are intertwined, sparking a love that transcends the barriers of time. —“Blackbird Stone” by Ian Keith

When an obsolete police robot gets one last chance to avoid the scrapyard, he finds the line between justice and murder is as thin as a silicon wafer. —“Kill Switch” by Robert F. Lowell

A rookie constable on a desolate alien outpost faces the ultimate trial: proving himself under the guidance of the legendary and enigmatic Old Keno, whose training methods are as brutal as the terrain. —“Tough Old Man” by L. Ron Hubbard

As Claire and her sisters are on the run to avoid the deadly birds, a stop for gas may ruin everything. —“Karma Birds” by Lauren McGuire

In a world of mandated technology, one boy’s defiance sparks intrigue, envy, and a desire for forgotten freedoms. —“The Boy from Elsewhen” by Barlow Crassmont

Explorers land on a lush alien planet teeming with ancient secrets, but uncovering its mysteries unleashes horrors that defy the laws of life and death.
—“Code L1” by Andrew Jackson

When an enigmatic ship emerges from the depths of a gas giant, a solitary observer intervenes, unraveling an ancient cycle of survival, identity, and evolution. —“Under False Colours” by Sean Williams

A cheerful self-driving car gives a ride to a reclusive writer, and during the trip faces a choice with world-altering ramifications. —“Ascii” by Randyn C. J. Bartholomew

Carlos Buela doesn’t know where or when he is, or how to find the bus back home—and that rock he bought as a souvenir is to blame. —“Slip Stone” by Sandra Skalski

A celebrated enforcer finds himself hunted by his own guild after his wife gives birth to a lightning-aligned child, forcing him to seek refuge among the very rebels he swore to destroy. —“The Stench of Freedom” by Joel C. Scoberg

A man trapped on an endless ship searches for his wife amid strange, forgotten decks and haunting memories. —“My Name Was Tom” by Tim Powers

In the wake of a devastating tragedy, the last member of a magical sisterhood must choose between forgiveness and unleashing a vengeful demon—a decision that will determine the fate of her people.  —“The Rune Witch” by Jefferson Snow

When a pizza delivery guy meets his time-traveling future selves, he must juggle conspiracies, collapsing timelines, and cooling pizzas. —“Thirty Minutes or It’s a Paradox” by Patrick MacPhee

The world is trapped in a thirty-four-hour time loop where everything resets except memories. With reality fractured, humanity struggles to forge a new normal in a world that won't move forward. —“A World of Repetitions” by Seth Atwater Jr.

 

Art and Writing Tips by Robert J. Sawyer • Tom Wood • L. Ron Hubbard

“It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Theme)” by Robert J. Sawyer

Sawyer reveals how provocative themes make fiction relevant, transformative, and unforgettable.

“An Artist’s Path” by Tom Wood

Renowned artist, Tom Wood, shares how ambition, patience, and embracing uncertainty led him from sketching dinosaurs to a thriving career in the fantasy art world.

“Message” and “How to View Art” by L. Ron Hubbard

The essence of art lies in its message; this article reveals how to craft meaningful works by staying present and connecting with your audience.

 

REVIEWS

“Always a glimpse of tomorrow’s stars …” —Publishers Weekly starred review

“The collection contains something for every reader of speculative fiction.” —Booklist

“This is where the next stars are born.” —Hugh Howey

“This is an opportunity of a lifetime.” —Larry Elmore

“Some of the most excellent speculative fiction that you can find anywhere. They’re cutting edge. They’re new.” —Nnedi Okorafor

“The Illustrators of the Future is an amazing compass for what the art industry holds in store for all of us.” —Dan dos Santos

“See the best of the best culled for you, curated and selected in a single volume every year.” —Robert J. Sawyer

“Reading a Writers of the Future volume is like looking at the desert after the rainstorm—suddenly, when you least expect it, you’ll see an explosion of color and life in an amazing variety.” —Kevin J. Anderson

“There’s only one reason to pick up Writers of the Future, and that’s because the stories are wonderful.” —Orson Scott Card

“L. Ron Hubbard ignited the spark of imagination, which in the minds of these new artists has become a blaze.” —Bob Eggleton

“The benefit of the Writers of the Future Contest is not only to individuals; it is to the community of SF writers as a whole, for such a program elevates the quality of SF writing by bringing on board talented future professionals.” —Brian Herbert

“I’m very happy to be able to lend my help to the Writers of the Future program. The more good writers there are, the more good readers there will be. We’ll all benefit—writers and readers alike!” —Frank Herbert

“Writers of the Future is the gold standard of emerging talent into the field of science fiction fantasy that has contributed more to the genre than any other source.” —Midwest Book Review

“The best new stories by new writers, anywhere.” —Larry Niven

“From cutting-edge high-tech to evocative fantasy, this book’s got it all.” —Tim Powers

“These are the people who are going to be creating trends.” —Brandon Sanderson

“Writers of the Future is always one of the best anthologies of the year.” —Tangent

“It’s an honor to present these amazingly talented individuals and their wonderful work in this anthology.” —Tom Wood