L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future Volume 29

Previously I told you I was going to read Writers of the Future edited by L. Ron Hubbard. Well, I was slightly in correct. L. Ron Hubbard did not edit this volume, it was actually edited by Dave Wolverton. As far as I can tell, he only made one contribution, but more on that later.

This book is a collection of short stories selected from new and upcoming writers in the Science Fiction and Fantasy. The first portion was all the Sci Fi stories and the second portion was suppose to be the fantasy, but it was more horror and steampunk stories. No swords and elves here. That’s alright, but call it what it is, horror and steampunk, not fantasy. I know a fair chunk of fantasy fans who would likely attack you for calling a steampunk novel a fantasy novel. If we did that we would have to concede that all fiction is fantasy. Please, get your grenes right. Now, interspersed between the stories of the winners of the contest are brief writings from two successful writers and one illustrator. Their writings are giving advice to the up and comers. This is where Hubbard comes in. His was the first one and when I started reading it I was totally confused and a little annoyed. I got grief from some of my friends for reading a book by the crazy Scientology guy, but all he did for the book was flaunt how he is a successful writer, not because he’s a good writer, but because he’s smarter at business than you are. All three of the sections take way from the mood that builds up as you read the short stories. It’s like watching an awesome movie that has been pulling you in and then the commercials come on and totally rune the mood. Plus, having these inspirational pieces gives the impression that they expected only the people who entered the contest to ever read the book.

While, I wasn't really happy with the people who put the book together I did really like a lot of the stories that were in it. The first one “War Hero” by Brian Trent I would read as a full novel. It had enough intrigue and set up for a larger universe that it could carry itself over a longer length story. “Planetary Scouts” by Stephan Sottong had a similar appeal, but I think would be more successful as an episodic television show. Each episode could be a planet explored, or have story arcs for some of the more important ones. Think a much darker version of Star Trek.

I mentioned before that there were some horror stories in the book as well. I have a soft spot for horror so I was generally pleased and I got a different feeling from them all. “Dreameater” by Andrea Stewart had that serial killer violence and suspense. Although, if you took away the supernatural elements and lowered the body count, it might be confused as a Lifetime movie. Good thing it had the most gruesome death scene of the whole book. Though “Scavengers” by Shannon Peavey had the most heart wrenching death, especially if you saw it coming. But the creepiest story award goes to “Vestigial Girl” by Alex Wilson for knowing what’s going to happen and then having to wait for it and wait for it and wait for it. It has the feeling of dread for sure, as well as some other good feelings for a scary story to be successful.

Two other stories also stood out to me, mostly on a personal level. One of my favorite books is 1984 by Orson Wells and “Cop for a Day” by Chrome Oxide has the same dystopian theme that I enjoy. Depending on your political affiliation you may either really agree with that future being the world is going, or not. The other story is “The Ghost Wife of Arlington” by Marilyn Guttridge which made the little goth girl inside me giggle with happiness. It’s basically a love story for people who like ghost stories. All the stories had good features worthy of publication and I look forward to seeing more work from them. I think that most fiction fans will be able to find at least one of them enjoyable. However, unless you plan on entering the contest I suggest skipping the three advice sections. And although I rightly deserved the groans I got from my friends when they saw Hubbard’s name on the book I was reading, I think the contest is a good avenue for early writers trying to get some exposure. I got this book free from Goodreads

That's a Place to Start

I have this problem. I love reading, but I have a hard time picking out books for myself. I normally end up in the non fiction section looking at books on how to make more money, or reprogram my computer. You know, practical things, or at least books about whatever thing I was worried about that week.

I also have a little problem called life. I used to read a lot more when I was in school, lived with my parents, and didn't have to worry about much. Now that I have a full time job and I am the sole provider for a house of three, reading only happens when I am reading the instructions on the hamburger helper box.

Then I found a website called goodreads. I have a few Facebook friends on it and I found some interesting looking titles. However, it has been so long since I was an active reader that I have no idea what kind of books I like.

So, why not read everything?

I won a free copy (also off of goodreads) of Writer's of the Future vol. 29 edited by L. Ron Hubbard. I am pretty sure I liked science fiction at one point. I do have a Star Trek uniform hanging in my closest anyway. I think this will be a good reintroduction to my lost hobby.

Though my other hobby would be good to start again too. I used to write a lot. I was even in a club. (Way back before puberty.) I might as well write up what I thought about the book when I am done.

Look forward to my next post which will be my first ever book review! I promise I will try really hard not to give spoilers, but apparently I'm not very good at that. You can ask my movie buddies. They kinda hate me for it....

On to reading!