Reviewed by Amalisha HuEck
At the elegant Taglyan Cultural Complex in Hollywood Author Services, Inc. and Galaxy Press had their 42nd Annual Writers of the Future and 37th Annual Illustrators of the Future event. L. Ron Hubbard Black Tie Gala Achievement Awards celebrated the winners of the Contests, honoring 12 writers and 10 illustrators from around the world for their excellence in the genres of Science Fiction and Fantasy event.
The first part of the ceremony was stationed in the breathtaking European-inspired rose garden, with cypress trees and the fountain, where red carpet was placed and all the interviews and photo shoots took place. It all began with trays passed Hors D’oeuvres and Cocktails.
The awards show was held in the Grand Ballroom catered by Divine Food, where a delicious three-course meal was served, including Filet Mignon and Salmon. EM Cirque performers, violinist Luisa Lee and dancers Mary Win Penny and Maddie Medina, opened the event. The Awards Show followed a Book Signing and Reception in the plush Foyer of the Taglyan Cultural Complex. A capacity crowd of 350 people attended the Black-Tie Gala.
‘The theme for our awards show this year was FANTASY, ALTERNATE HISTORY, AND IMAGINATION and the source of it: the writers and illustrators of the future’ said Joni Labaqui, Director of the Contests for Author Services, Inc. And John Goodwin, President of Galaxy Press said, ‘This year, Galaxy Press and Author Services, Inc. are celebrating the achievement of a milestone having accumulated over 1,000 writers and illustrators published in our Writers of the Future anthologies, more than any other source of Writers and Illustrators of Science Fiction and Fantasy. Volume 42 of our latest anthology will be available for sale nationwide on April 28, 2026 wherever books are sold.’
Michael T. Kuester and Bafu respectively have been named the Grand Prize Winners for the 42nd Annual Writers of the Future and the 37th Annual Illustrators L. Ron Hubbard Awards. Michael T. Kuester said: “It takes a village to write a story, and I have a city to thank. Cincinnati is a place where ordinary people do extraordinary things. The story I wrote ruined a week of my life by giving me nightmares. But, in retrospect, I suppose it’s stories that make you feel something that is most powerful. I’d like to thank L. Ron Hubbard for creating these competitions.’ And Bafu said, ‘This is insane! I am so grateful for this and for the feedback the contest judges have given me. This is a life-changing experience. I wrote a little note to myself in case I might win to quickly grab the award and run before the judges can change their minds. But now that this has happened, from this point forward, I won’t downgrade myself anymore. I will do the best I can. Thank you L. Ron Hubbard for creating these competitions. How am I going to fit this award in my suitcase? Thanks again! I will forever cherish this memory!’
https://www.youtube.com/live/4RYJ5_0JCRU?si=_j1r1m1QTnHzd_B5
The Writers of the Future Award is the genre’s most prestigious award of its kind and has now become the largest, most successful and greatly influential vehicle for giving an opportunity to creative talent in the world of fiction. Since its beginning, the Writers and Illustrators of the Future contests have produced 41 anthology volumes (with this event) and awarded upwards of $1 million in cash prizes and royalties.
The Event was truly like mini-Oscars. From the beginning to music in between the presentations, to the famous speeches, and the food. Very successful and absolutely an exciting, high-class event.
For more information please visit www.writersofthefuture.com and www.galaxypress.com