sjstuart's review against another edition
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.
More...