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joshmorrey's review
4.0
Some very intriguing, interesting, entertaining and question-posing stories populate this anthology, although I did find a few to be lacking. It is my belief, even though I enjoy fantasy writing quite immensely, that the stories in the "Writers of the FUTURE" anthologies should be limited to science fiction writing, not both. Even if the fantasy style tale is simply set on some distant planet, or far in the future, or with a blend of magic and technology, SOMETHING should set it as science fiction and not just fantasy. But this is my own opinion.
Many of the authors are very talented in this anthology and some even give hope to my own meager writing that I might one day find myself within the pages of the hallowed collection.
Many of the authors are very talented in this anthology and some even give hope to my own meager writing that I might one day find myself within the pages of the hallowed collection.
sjstuart's review
4.0
This is a solid collection of winning entries from the annual contest for amateur sci-fi authors. A few of the stories contained some eye-raising plot gaffes or could have benefitted from an editor. But most feature really strong writing. I'm surprised that some of the authors haven't gone on to steadier writing careers.
The stories are a mix of genres, with about half true sci-fi, a few fantasy, a couple of time travel stories and one alternate history. Two of them seem to have originated from the same oddly specific writing prompt: "write a story about a groundbreaking artistic performance that takes the life of the artist, and is witnessed by the artist's child".
As usual, there are a few essays with advice from professionals for aspiring amateurs. The contrast between the attitudes of the mentor author and illustrator is dramatic: Kevin J. Anderson writes a sarcastic and snobby little rant insulting many would-be authors, while Judith Miller provides some spirited advice for would-be artists that is genuinely inspiring. Both have essentially the same message (you must dedicate yourself to your art, not dabble half-heartedly), but are delivered in very different ways.
The stories are a mix of genres, with about half true sci-fi, a few fantasy, a couple of time travel stories and one alternate history. Two of them seem to have originated from the same oddly specific writing prompt: "write a story about a groundbreaking artistic performance that takes the life of the artist, and is witnessed by the artist's child".
As usual, there are a few essays with advice from professionals for aspiring amateurs. The contrast between the attitudes of the mentor author and illustrator is dramatic: Kevin J. Anderson writes a sarcastic and snobby little rant insulting many would-be authors, while Judith Miller provides some spirited advice for would-be artists that is genuinely inspiring. Both have essentially the same message (you must dedicate yourself to your art, not dabble half-heartedly), but are delivered in very different ways.
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