YA sci-fi and fantasy
stories for those who
lost hope but kept
fighting
Voices of the Future Volume 5
Stories of Bravery and Belonging
Discover the next generation of storytellers …
The fifth edition of Voices of the Future weaves together short stories of bravery and belonging in a memorable and heartwarming collection. Experience the next generation’s creativity and vision through these brief tales from rising young creatives.
My story “Sleeves” focuses on Lara, who has powers, and her brother, who is prejudiced against powers, and the struggle that arises when she must decide between saving his life or their relationship.
You’re looking for something . . .
You read books, but often find that it’s not what you’re looking for. The story is either something where the character makes it to the end with an easy win while you’re still stuck battling, or the character leans so far into their shadows that they’re swallowed up. Where are the stories that acknowledge the shadows, but still have the light of hope?
You’re not the only one facing battles that have no easy win. Books should reflect that reality.
Rebecca Washburn
As someone who has grappled with my own battles that felt insurmountable and walked alongside others as they faced theirs, I understand how hard it can be to read of a happily ever after when yours still feels a galaxy away. I also understand that pulling you too far into the shadows doesn’t leave you feeling understood, but barely holding yourself together.
That’s why I write stories that find that balance. I’ve been in the valley and helped others walk it and now I want to walk alongside you. With the training I’ve received from the Author Conservatory I’m working on crafting stories to inspire you.
Photo credit: Emilie Haney
What I’m Working On
Project Twins
A YA dystopian novel about a girl who’s not a twin in a world of identical twins. Since she’s not a twin, she will be enslaved by the government.
Project Shifting Sand
A YA post-apocalyptic novel about a girl who suffers from chronic illness, but leaves safety to travel across the shifting wasteland that’s inhabited by mutant animals in order to find her long-lost father.
Project Exploration
A YA sci-fi novel about an orphan who dares to leave his tyrannical underground world in order to keep his sister safe, but the creatures that lie above may be worse than what he left behind.