High Praise from Library Journal for Writers of the Future, Vol. 42

So happy to share that L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future, Vol. 42 just received a lovely review from Library Journal! This delightful news means all the more โ€” not just because of the dragons (though… the dragons! ๐Ÿ˜‰) โ€” but because of the generosity, kindness and talent of everyone who came together to make Volume 42 so special.

Here’s what they had to say:

“A cast of nine narrators vividly brings this collection of 15 short stories to life, offering an auditory treat for fans of science fiction, fantasy, and speculative fiction. Joseph Sidari’s ‘A Girl and Her Dragon,’ narrated by Susan Hanfield, is divided into four parts, while the remaining stories are designed to be heard in one sitting, including Orson Scott Card’s ‘Skinny-Shins,’ read by a baritone-voiced Stefan Rudnicki, which interrogates the tropes of fantasy art. S. J. Stevenson’s intriguing take on time-travel, ‘The Triceratops Effect,’ narrated with gravitas by the decorated John Lee, is told from a supervisor’s point of view on the night before the Cretaceous Period’s end. ‘Thickly’ by Dorothy de Kok, expressively narrated by Janina Edwards, makes a compelling case against idealized portraits of femininity, while Mike Strickland’s ‘As Long As You Both Shall Live,’ read by the ever-engaging Kirby Heyborne, plays up love in the virtual realm. Listeners will find everything from a most unusual noir mystery to a story of AI gone wrong to a tale about neighborhood-watch participants.”

VERDICT: “An impressive sci-fi/fantasy collection that offers aspiring writers and enthusiastic fans of these genres a meaningful journey through the works of the Writers of the Future contest winners, with accompanying illustrations available via PDF.”
โ€” Reviewed by Sharon Sherman, Library Journal, Sept 2026

Thank you, Library Journal, for this lovely review! Congratulations to Galaxy Press, Skyboat Media, our talented writers, and our incredible cast โ€” thrilled to be among you!

Available now wherever you get your audiobooks. ๐ŸŽง๐Ÿ“š

 

Slide 2 Alt Text: A graphic styled like a vintage library card showing headshots of the full narrator cast and the Library Journal verdict review quote.

When Two Valentines Meet: My First Worldcon with Skyboat Media

Worldcon โ€”have you ever been? Well, I can now say I have! This was my first time, and wow, what an entrance. Not only did I get to spend the weekend with some of my favorite people โ€” Gabrielle de Cuir, Stefan Rudnicki, and Alison Belle Bews of Skyboat Media โ€” they also invited me to perform with them in Stefan’s spoken word program, Mightier Than The Sword. More on that in a sec!

The whole weekend was a blast. So many great conversations with authors, audiobook listeners, and passionate readers. Costumes everywhere, books taking the mainstage, written and audio, and so much love for storytelling. The vibe was electric.

Now, back to the show ๐Ÿ˜‰ Mightier Than The Sword, led by AudioFile Golden Voice Stefan Rudnicki, is a journey through the power of the written word โ€” from Shakespeare to Bova. Being part of it was special on two counts: it was the first time Gabrielle, Stefan, and I had ever performed together live, in front of an audience โ€” and I got to revisit my role of Valentine from Orson Scott Card’s multi-Audie-nominated Ender’s Game Alive: The Full Cast Audioplay. Here’s the magic: Gabrielle originated Valentine and Stefan originated Ender in the original audiobook of Card’s novel, so as the audiobook and audioplay merged, our two Valentines met โ€” with Stefan crossing between them as Colonel Graff and Ender. What an incredible joy to be part of. ๐ŸŽญ

And next year? Worldcon 2027 heads to Montreal โ€” O Canada, how fantastic! ๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฆ

Last thing โ€” if you’re an author looking to turn your book into an audiobook, definitely head over to Skyboat Media and check them out. You can find them at skyboatmedia.com.

Writers of the Future, Volume 42 Wins an Earphones Award


So happy to share that Writers of the Future, Volume 42 has earned an Earphones Award from Kirkus Audiobook Reviews! ๐ŸŽง

What an honor and a thrill to be one of the nine narrators bringing this anthology of fifteen science fiction and fantasy stories to life โ€” the work of twelve bold new writers alongside three masters of the genre. Each story invites us into worlds where anything is possible โ€” and for us narrators, that’s the joy: crafting the voices that live inside them, from distant worlds and otherworldly beings to dragons longing to fly free.

And wow, has it ever taken flight โ€” L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future, Volume 42 debuted at No. 1 in sci-fi & fantasy and has now released worldwide. Every story also features stunning full-color art from a new illustrator โ€” and the audiobook comes with the illustrated PDF, so you can listen and take in the artwork along the way.

Thank you to Skyboat Media, Galaxy Press, and Author Services for inviting me along on this magical voyage. Congratulations to the writers, illustrators, and my fellow narrators โ€” what a joy to share this collection with you all โ€” and thank you, Kirkus Audiobook Reviews, for this beautiful honor. ๐Ÿ’ซ

Come fly with us โ€” available now wherever you get your audiobooks. ๐Ÿ‰

Episode 378: Meet the Cast of the Writers of the Future Volume 42 Audiobook

What makes a science fiction or fantasy story unforgettable?

I got to explore this question (and so much more!) on the Writers & Illustrators of the Future podcast with host John Goodwin and several of my fellow narrators from the Writers of the Future Volume 42 audiobook: Stefan Rudnicki, Gabrielle de Cuir, Orson Scott Card, Jim Meskimen, and Scott Peterson.

We talked shop about science fiction, fantasy, and the stories that move usโ€”diving into everything from how we got our start in audiobooks to what makes this anthology so special. Being surrounded by colleagues and friends, many of whom I’ve known since my earliest days behind the mic, was a true gift. What an honor it was to be a part of this conversation!

Writers of the Future Volume 42, written by L. Ron Hubbard, published by Galaxy Press and produced by Skyboat Media, just debuted as #1 on Audible and Amazon’s Hot New Releases in Science Fiction Anthology.

Tune into Podcast Episode 378 below:

Listen to Writers of the Future Volume 42 on Audible.

A Night of Magic at the 42nd Writers & Illustrators of the Future Awards Gala

My heart is still so full from attending the 42nd Annual Writers & Illustrators of the Future Awards Gala last Thursday evening. To be in a room surrounded by so much love, joy and kindness, celebrating this year’s award-winning writers and illustrators from all over the world, was truly special.

As one of the audiobook narrators for Writers of the Future, Volume 42, published by Galaxy Press (releases April 28, 2026), I was so honored to be included in this magical night. A highlight of the evening was meeting the writers whose stories I had the joy of bringing to life: Canary by Brenda Posey and illustrated by Roddy Taylor; and A Girl and Her Dragon: A Life in Four Parts by Joseph Sidari and illustrated by Josie Moore, which I co-narrated with Stefan Rudniki. Reconnecting with dear audiobook colleagues and celebrating with friends both old and new made the evening even more meaningful.

Here’s a glimpse into this unforgettable night!

Thank you to the amazing team at Author Services, Inc. and to L. Ron Hubbard for founding these life-changing contests. Here’s to dragons, distant worlds, and the power of imagination! โœจ

New Year, New Stories: January Releases ๐ŸŽงโœจ

It’s been a while since I’ve posted here, and I’ve missed connecting with all of you.ย  I’ve been focusing on the work – narrating, auditioning, and honing my craft โ€” and it’s been a full and rewarding time.ย  But I do think it’s important to share the stories that touch our lives, so here I am!

January brought four new releases, and I’m excited to tell you about them.

๐Ÿฆ‰ Owl Diaries

I’m so delighted to be a part of the Owl Diaries series by Rebecca Elliott, published by Scholastic Audio.ย  “This adorable New York Times bestselling series is now available in audio format โ€”perfect for young readers who love friendship stories with animal characters.”ย  The first two books released in January, with more to come throughout the year.ย  What a hoot it’s been bringing these sweet characters to life!ย  Available wherever you get your audiobooks.ย  ๐Ÿฆ‰๐Ÿ’•๐Ÿฆ‰๐Ÿ’•

Racial Justice for the Long Haul

Racial Justice for the Long Haulย by Christine Jeske, published by Christian Audio, is a thoughtful exploration of bridge-building and meaningful change through honest conversations across communities. I’m honored to have narrated this one โ€” it’s full of grace, challenge and hope.ย  Now available wherever you get your audiobooks.

๐ŸŽธ Mother’s Hip

This month on Lightspeed Magazine:ย  Mother’s Hip by Corey Jae White and Maddison Stoff โ€” a haunting sci-fi story about a war pilot merged with a mothership, the drone children she’s conditioned to love, and what happens when that conditioning is violently stripped away.ย  Years later, she’s a veteran musician playing dive bars, trying to process her trauma through song.ย  Navigating these two different states of being – armored warrior and broken survivor โ€” was a beautiful challenge. This one really moved me.ย  ๐ŸŒŒ Link to listen to or read the story is here.

๐ŸŒ™ Jennifer’s Daughter

Dropping this week on Nightmare Magazine is Jennifer’s Daughter by Sara S. Messenger.ย  Fourteen year old Lane is homeschooled, isolated, and living with a mother who has dangerous secrets.ย  When Lane secretly befriends River, a lonely boy whose father has his own monstrous truths, their fragile connection becomes the only normal thing in their lives โ€” until the night their parents discover each other.ย  The tender friendship between these two kids, both drowning in secrets but desperate to feel normal, broke my heart.ย  Raw and deeply affecting.ย  ๐Ÿ–ค Link to listen to or read the story is here.

Coming in February:ย  Book 4 in Jody Hedlund’s beloved Matchmaker series โ€” more on that soon!

Thanks for being here. It feels good to be back.ย  ๐Ÿ’œ

 

 

 

Inks, Scrolls, and Secrets – A Week at the Raven Feather Salon – Now on Lightspeed ๐Ÿชถ

Featured this week on Lightspeed Magazine is A Week at the Raven Feather Salon by Carrie Vaughn โ€” a beautiful new fantasy story that I had the joy of narrating.ย ๐Ÿ’ซ

At the Raven Feather Salon life slows down. Tea brews, buns bake, poetry is read, scrolls of protection are inked, and the soft melody of a lute drifts through the air. ย โœจ

But life wasnโ€™t always like this for Sparrow. Not long ago, she was on the battlefield, inking protective scrolls for the army. Sheโ€™d had enough of blood and war โ€” and walked away at the height of her powers.

Until now.

When her old friend Major Kin rushes into the salon, everything changes. A spy has infiltrated his ranks, and Sparrow may be the only one who can uncover the truth. But doing so means risking everything sheโ€™s builtโ€ฆ and the people sheโ€™s come to care for.

To listen or read A Week at the Raven Feather Salon head over to Lightspeed Magazineโ€™s June 2025 Issue 181.ย  Big thanks to the wonderful team at Skyboat Media for sending this gem my way. ๐Ÿ’œ๐Ÿชถ

It Holds Her in the Palm of One Hand – PART TWO – goes Lightspeed! โšก๐Ÿช

LS - It Holds Her - Part 2 with background color

๐Ÿš€ The story continues …

Part Two is out! Dropping this week on Lightspeed Magazine is the next installment ofย It Holds Her in the Palm of One Hand by Lowry Poletti, a really unique sci-fi story podcast I so enjoyed narrating. If you’ve been following along, you know things are getting interesting …

To find out what happens next, head on over to LightspeedMagazine.com, where you can listen to or read Part Two now.

ย Click here if you missed my post about PART ONE.

Transmission complete. ๐Ÿ˜‰๐ŸŽง๐Ÿช

A Bird, a Ship and a Question of Trust – New Story Podcast Drops on Lightspeed ๐Ÿš€

It Holds Her in the Palm of ne Hand Part 1_WPIMAGE๐Ÿš€ BUCKLE UPโ€”we’re going to Lightspeed!ย 

Dropping this week in the February issue of Lightspeed Magazine is a new story podcast that I had the absolute pleasure of narrating for Skyboat Media!

It Holds Her in the Palm of One Hand by Lowry Poletti is a mesmerizing sci-fi novelette that turns the familiar “first contact” idea on its head.ย  Set in deep space, on the planet Miphre, It Holds Her in the Palm of One Handย follows an uneasy, even antagonistic, relationship between humans and gastors – intelligent birds whose true intentions remain a mystery.ย  Are they allies? Manipulators? Something else entirely?ย  Lightspeed is serializing this story over the next two weeks, and Part One is out now!

To listen or read It Holds Her in the Palm of One Hand – Part 1, head over to LightspeedMagazine.com, Issue 177 – link is here.

Huge thanks to Lightspeed Magazine and Skyboat Media for the opportunity to bring this thought-provoking story to life.

Until next time, see you on the bit stream! ๐ŸŽงโœจ

Hugo Award Finalist: The Sound of Children Screaming

The Sound of Children ScreamingAbsolutely thrilled and overjoyed for Rachael K. Jones and her well-deserved 2024 Hugo Award nomination for Best Short Story with The Sound of Children Screaming. Narrating this powerful piece for Nightmare Magazine (October 2023) was an honor I wonโ€™t soon forget. ๐ŸŽ™๏ธโœจ

As an audiobook narrator, some stories truly leave a lasting mark, and this is one of them. ๐“๐ก๐ž ๐’๐จ๐ฎ๐ง๐ ๐จ๐Ÿ ๐‚๐ก๐ข๐ฅ๐๐ซ๐ž๐ง ๐’๐œ๐ซ๐ž๐š๐ฆ๐ข๐ง๐  is a chilling, important tale that resonates deeply in todayโ€™s world. Inside Thurman Elementary, a mysterious portal traps a teacher and her students in a world suspended in time, with The Gun just beyond the classroom doorโ€ฆ

The Hugo Awards take place this Sunday, August 11th, in Glasgow, Scotland at the 82nd Worldcon.ย  So wish I could be there!ย  Sending out big congratulations and lots of #HugoAward love โค๏ธ to all the nominees.

If you havenโ€™t yet, you can read or listen to ๐“๐ก๐ž ๐’๐จ๐ฎ๐ง๐ ๐จ๐Ÿ ๐‚๐ก๐ข๐ฅ๐๐ซ๐ž๐ง ๐’๐œ๐ซ๐ž๐š๐ฆ๐ข๐ง๐  in Issue 133 of Nightmare Magazine by going to Nightmare-Magazine.com or hitting the link here!

Special thanks to Stefan Rudnicki and Skyboat Media for entrusting me with this unforgettable story. โœจ