Writers of the Future Podcast

John Goodwin
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Education
  • Updated fortnightly

Providing writing and illustrating tips and advice from Contest Judges, Winners and industry professionals for writers and artists, along with needed inspiration to keep on going! Based on the world-famous Writers of the Future Contest created in 1983 by L. Ron Hubbard.

  1. 5 days ago

    401. Writing Gritty Slow-Burn Western Romance with Bestselling Authors Lucy McConnell & Erica Penrod

    USA Today bestselling author Lucy McConnell (center) and co-author Erica Penrod (left) at FanX in Salt Lake City's Salt Palace Convention Center on the Writers and Illustrators of the Future Podcast. Dressed in authentic Western attire, the duo shares their inspiring journeys into fiction writing, balancing large family dynamics with their passion for storytelling, and their unique creative harmony as co-authors. The conversation focuses heavily on their contemporary series, Leather and Lies, set on the fictional Gritstone Ranch. The authors explain how they engineered a unique "epic Western" concept by adapting a fantasy-style magic system driven by three core pillars: the deep spiritual connection with horses, the power of inherited bloodlines, and a visceral tie to the land. They also touch on the rigorous, athletic reality of modern rodeo life and how their personal ranch backgrounds bring authenticity to every chapter. Finally, Lucy and Erica reflect on reading L. Ron Hubbard’s pulp fiction western classics, Cattle King for a Day and King of the Gunmen, noting surprising structural similarities to their own fast-paced, character-driven style. Aspiring writers will walk away with actionable advice on navigating critique groups, attending conferences, and finding the momentum to publish independently. Learn more about: Lucy McConnell at https://lucymcconnell.com/ and Erica Penrod at https://www.facebook.com/p/Author-Erica-Penrod-61553706946737/

    401. Writing Gritty Slow-Burn Western Romance with Bestselling Authors Lucy McConnell & Erica Penrod

  2. 3 Oct

    400. Writing Epic Fantasy: A Father and Son Writing Team’s Journey

    Host John Goodwin celebrates the landmark 400th episode of the podcast in Salt Lake City at Fan X with dynamic father-son writing team Dan and Robert Zangari. Together, they are the creative minds behind the epic fantasy universe Legends of Calda and the founders of LOK Publishing. In this session, Dan shares how his background as an aerospace engineer initially led him to map-making and storytelling as a creative mental escape. Robert details his own evolution into a meticulous, detail-oriented writer, drawing from early childhood memories of his father’s world-building to later refining those original maps from a professional cartographic perspective. The duo discusses their unique collaborative writing hierarchy, how their engineering backgrounds push them to design logical, rule-based magic systems, and the profound impact the late, legendary David Farland (Dave Wolverton) had as a mentor on their careers. They also share vital industry advice on indie publishing, cover design typography, and why authors must create a final product indistinguishable from traditional publishing houses to succeed.

    400. Writing Epic Fantasy: A Father and Son Writing Team’s Journey

  3. 26 Sept

    399. Fandom, Conventions, and Sci-Fi History with Ben Yalow

    Legendary convention planner Ben Yalow explores the fascinating history, evolution, and cultural impact of science fiction and fantasy fandom on the Writers of the Future Podcast. Ben shares his incredible origin story, detailing how legendary editor John W. Campbell personally dragged him into fandom at a New York convention in 1971. The conversation dives into the definition of fandom, tracking its roots back to the reader letter columns of 1926 and the earliest conventions of the late 1930s. Ben addresses the perceived divide between classic literary sci-fi conventions and massive modern pop-culture events like DragonCon, arguing that the community exists on a continuum without the need for strict, divisive boundaries. Listeners will also be treated to legendary behind-the-scenes stories from the Golden Age of science fiction. Ben recounts the historic background of the prestigious Big Heart Award and reveals the humorous true story of how John W. Campbell used magazine subscription address changes to deduce the secret location of the Manhattan Project before the FBI arrived at his door. It is a must-listen episode for any aspiring creator looking to connect with the history of their craft. To subscribe to Ben's history site, go to https://thebenyalowproject.substack.com/

    399. Fandom, Conventions, and Sci-Fi History with Ben Yalow

  4. 19 Sept

    398. Medicine, Monsters & Cthulhu With Author Melissa Yi

    Multi-genre Canadian author, emergency room physician, and past winner from Volume 16, Dr. Melissa shares her incredible journey of balancing a demanding medical career and family life while publishing over 25 novels. Melissa dives deep into her creative process behind her medical crime series starring Dr. Hope Sze. She details her latest release, Killing Me Slothily, which brilliantly weaves the medical realities of a hospital emergency room with the dark supernatural terror of H.P. Lovecraft’s Cthulhu mythos. Listeners will get an inside look at how she utilizes real-world medical research, practical tools for overcoming low-productivity seasons, and advice from mentors like Dean Wesley Smith to keep her creative momentum going. Finally, she gives a sneak peek into her upcoming 2027 Jane Austen-inspired fantasy project, Sense and Sword Agility.

    398. Medicine, Monsters & Cthulhu With Author Melissa Yi

  5. 12 Sept

    397. Kimberly Fakih: Solving Book Discoverability via the New Open Shelf Reviews

    Discover how independent authors can navigate the massive hurdle of book discoverability in today's crowded market. In this episode, industry veteran Kimberly Fakih, a professional book reviewer with decades of experience at top trade publications like Publishers Weekly, Kirkus, Library Journal, and School Library Journal, discusses the critical roadblocks indie authors face and why traditional gatekeeping limits new voices. Kimberly introduces her new initiative, Open Shelf Reviews, a service specifically designed to decentralize publishing control and put self-published authors, small presses, and illustrators back on the map. She explains how modern library acquisition policies strictly rely on trade reviews to justify purchases and defend against rising book censorship. Listeners will learn how to leverage constructive, professional critiques as an evergreen marketing tool to successfully pitch local bookstores and build their readerships.

    397. Kimberly Fakih: Solving Book Discoverability via the New Open Shelf Reviews

  6. 4 Sept

    396. William Ledbetter on Hard Sci-Fi and the Future of AI Tech

    Award-winning hard science fiction author and Volume 28 Contest winner William Ledbetter discusses his journey from the aerospace defense industry to becoming a celebrated storyteller. Ledbetter shares how his real-world work on aircraft and the International Space Station fueled his passion for space-based narratives, eventually leading to his Nebula Award-winning novelette The Long Fall Up and his gripping, AI-centric Level Five trilogy. The conversation explores the chilling, near-future realities of generative artificial intelligence, the intersection of human ego and technology, and the delicate process of blending factual science with creative fiction. Finally, Ledbetter shares his essential advice on patience, consistency, and building a professional routine to help aspiring writers survive the grueling publishing process. Learn more at http://www.williamledbetter.com/.

    396. William Ledbetter on Hard Sci-Fi and the Future of AI Tech

  7. 28 Aug

    395. Stuart Rosebrook on the Evolution & Future of Western Writing

    In this episode of the Writers and Illustrators of the Future Podcast, host John Goodwin interviews public historian, editor, and author Stuart Rosebrook live from the Western Writers of America Conference in St. Louis, Missouri. Recently inducted as the president of the Western Writers of America and serving as Editor at Large for True West Magazine, Stuart shares indispensable industry insights gathered across decades of print media and historical research. The conversation addresses the biggest hurdle facing modern authors: discoverability. Stuart breaks down how authors must remain nimble by finding multiple ways to pitch a single story, utilizing Amazon’s categorical metadata tagging system to stand out, and building direct relationships with book reviewers. He also outlines the crucial elements of a historical manuscript, noting why writers must fight their publishers to include bibliographies and endnotes. Finally, the discussion dives into the exciting evolution of Western literature. Stuart explains how classic cowboy values are moving forward into modern regional mysteries and highlights the organization's groundbreaking new submission categories, including graphic novels and alternate Westerns—a blending of genres that encompasses sci-fi, horror, and fantasy variants.

    395. Stuart Rosebrook on the Evolution & Future of Western Writing

  8. 21 Aug

    394. Kellen Cutsforth on the Western as America’s Gift to Literature

    What happens when you look past Hollywood mythology to uncover the true history of the American frontier? In this episode of the Writers and Illustrators of the Future Podcast recorded on-site at the WWA Annual Conference in St. Louis, Missouri, historical author, archivist, and Executive Director of the Western Writers of America (WWA), Kellen Cutsforth, dives deep into the realities behind famous historical icons, from the true setting of the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral to Buffalo Bill Cody’s massive impact on global culture. Cutsforth shares his personal journey as an archivist, discussing how true history can read with the gripping pace of fiction. The episode highlights breaking news for authors: WWA's newly introduced Spur Award category for "Alternative Westerns," celebrating speculative fiction, weird westerns, and sci-fi mashups. Learn more about Kellen Cutsforth and the Western Writers of America at https://westernwriters.org/.

    394. Kellen Cutsforth on the Western as America’s Gift to Literature
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Providing writing and illustrating tips and advice from Contest Judges, Winners and industry professionals for writers and artists, along with needed inspiration to keep on going! Based on the world-famous Writers of the Future Contest created in 1983 by L. Ron Hubbard.

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