Award-winning author of science fiction
that takes you one small step into the future.
Not everyone gets to hug a dragon, but I did as a winner in the Writers of the Future contest!
Q: So, what inspired you to write science fiction?
A: Blessed (maybe cursed) with an overactive imagination, I saw story possibilities in the world around me from an early age. As I grew up in Huntsville, Alabama, listening to the earth-rumbling sounds of rocket engines being tested, I began to imagine possibilities beyond the world.
My fascination with science led to degrees in biology and computer science, and there's a grounding of reality in everything I write. But "what if" is my go-to beginning for every story idea.
So whether I'm writing about a reclusive homesteader who has to deal with aliens or about a fifth-grader wondering if broccoli might be used as a weapon of mass destruction, the intersection of imagination and science will always be the inspiration.
Q: How did you become an author?
A: While reading a newsletter written by Dean Wesley Smith, I learned about a contest for fledgling writers of SFF short stories and novellas called Writers of the Future. And even though my writing "feathers" were fully in place, I'd never been able to get my wing in the door for publication. Here was my opportunity to try!
My first three entries won Honorable Mentions, and the next one, Silver Honorable Mention. My fifth entry, "Canary," was judged a winner! Along with bragging rights came prize money, an all expense paid trip to Hollywood for a week-long masterclass workshop with SFF professionals, an awards gala at the fabulous Taglyan Complex, and... professional publication in Writers of the Future Volume 42!
Q: I'm a speculative fiction artist. Is there a contest for me, too?
A: Yes! Each story in Writers of the Future has cover art created by an illustrator winner. Check out the illustrator contest rules at the Writers of the Future website.
Art reveal for "Canary" with the talented Roddy Taylor.
Q: So if someone wants to do what you did, what's a good place to start?
A. There's a free set of online writing workshops on the Writers of the Future website. Start there. Read SFF. Write SFF. Repeat. Read the contest rules for submission. All of them! Submit your story. It's free, and entries are judged by SFF professionals who see only the text of the stories.
Acceptance speech at the awards gala.
Q & A with Brenda
Q: What interests do you have besides writing?
A: Right now, I'm working on rehabbing a mid-century house. Drywall. Painting. Trimwork. Doors. The whole sweat-equity thing. When I have time, I enjoy blacksmithing - forging hot steel into almost-recognizable objects. And gardening - spicy peppers for family and host plants for butterflies. And singing in choir. Altos for the win!
