WoTF?

Yes, that Writer’s of the Future, or more specifically, the Writer’s and Illustrators of the Future Awards Dinner.  For the fourth year, I was fortunate enough to be invited to this event.  Kris decided not to join me as we were leaving for Perris the next day and she had a lot of things to do to get ready, but I did find good company as soon as I got there.

From left to right is editor Elaine Ash, who I should be working with shortly.  Former WAIOTF finalist, Chrome Oxide, whom I’ve known many years through GLAWS, and Neil Vincent Young.  We call him Neil the Younger because…

We were shortly joined by Neil Citrin, or Neil the Elder.

As we all arrived, we were greeted by this center piece at the entrance.  It’s a castle ship and it’s based on the cover of this year’s anthology of winners.

Here it’s also on their banner.

It was also a table decoration.

The venue, Taglyan Complex, was as beautiful as ever.  I love the blue ceilings.

The dinner was spectacular, as always.  Starting out with a salad.  The candied walnuts were my favorite part.

Then there was the Filet Minong and Salmon.

Followed by this awesome dessert.

Now, I would never complain about getting Filet Minong once a year, but we have had this same dish four years in a row.  So, it does make me wonder.  Does this venue every make anything else for dinner?  Or do they make the same dinner all the time for all the other events that take place once a year there?  Not a complaint, just a question.

The ceremony started with magician Naathan Phan, and he made several appearances throughout the evening.  Between the presentations, there were also several speakers such as Disney animator, Ron Clements, and Space X astronaut, Dr. Sian “Leo” Proctor.

Also, author and Writers of the Future judge, Tim Powers, received a lifetime achievement award.

And, of course, it was televised live on YouTube.  You can find the whole event here:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xeHAUzgyDVw

I’d go on, but it’s late and I’m still jetlagged from my trip to Perris.

Dennis

264th blog completed.

Second Steampunk novel: 1,622 words. 

Second Steampunk screenplay:  157 pages.

First Steampunk screenplay:  Updated with notes from the novelization.

First Steampunk novel:  77,546 words.  Completed until editor reviews it.

Third Steampunk screenplay:  38 pages.

I found heaven in the aisles of 7 Eleven.