From the foreword by Kevin J. Anderson:

Words. Yes. No. I want. How much? Do this. Please. Thank you.

Words are the gears that make civilization function, the tools that move almost every action in our daily lives. Through words we create instructions, blueprints, cooperation, organization.

But some people use words as more than just gears and tools. They elevate language to an art, an evocative level beyond mere instructions. They use words as a brush to create and paint sweeping imaginary landscapes that they can make other people see in their own minds. They use words to sculpt characters with history, personalities, scars of tragedy or a sense of humor.

Writers see words as wondrous things, ordinary beans that can spawn a magical beanstalk, simple keys that can unlock Pandora s Box.

Readers feast on the fantastic concoctions that wordsmiths create from these sophisticated, sorcerous tools. Any bookstore offers shelves of published novels from well-known and well-loved masters of the craft, storytellers who have entertained us for years, thereby creating a special place in our hearts and our imaginations.

But how many other word wizards live among us, secretly practicing their magic, developing their skills, hoping to one day become masters themselves? Many try to take up the special mantle, hoping that their magic is good enough to be noticed.

Spark: A Creative Anthology is one way for those emerging apprentice storytellers to take one step closer to becoming a master. Spark is a quarterly anthology and accompanying writing contest dedicated to fostering emerging talent with participation from industry professionals. Established writers and editors serve as guest judges for each contest, and the new stars who shine the brightest are featured here.

In all likelihood, you don t recognize many of the names featured in the table of contents at least not yet. But judging by the quality of what I ve read, you will know them. You will.

Kevin J. Anderson

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Here's just a sampling of the great content you can expect:

Cover art and illustrations by Paul Pederson

Amazing new stories from:
Brad R. Torgersen
Alex Kane
Annie Bellet
Su J. Sokol
Erica L. Satifka
George Wells
Alexis A. Hunter
Natalia Theodoridou
Hannah Lackoff
Florence Major
Anna Yeatts
Mary Hedengren
JC Hemphill
Kaitlyn M. M. Caul
Terri Wallace
Chip Houser
Samantha Kymmell-Harvey
Brianne Kohl
Will Mayer
Terry Sanville
Alex Shvartsman
Stewart C Baker
Michael Hodges
Melinda Brasher
Julia Patt
Tom Howard
Sadie Bruce
Hannah Streett
Joe Baumann
Peter Medeiros

... and more!