The Authors Quill guest Sandra Skalski John Barlow Randy Bartholomew Daniel Montifar

Mullica Hill, New Jersey author Lauren McGuire is a winner in the L. Ron Hubbard Writers of the Future Contest earning her a trip to Hollywood for a week-long master-class workshop, an awards event and her winning story will be published in the international bestselling anthology, L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future Volume 41.

Sandra Skalski’s love of fantasy ignited when her kindergarten teacher read Ozma of Oz to the class. Growing up, she spent most of her allowance in the Bookmobile. During the summer, she walked nearly two miles to the nearest library to devour every fantasy and science fiction book she could find. She wrote her first SF story when she was thirteen. It wasn’t very good, but she was determined to keep writing. Attending Viable Paradise workshop helped improve her craft. The first time she got the courage to hit submit, it was to the Writers of the Future Contest. Her stories have appeared in Factor Four Magazine, Wyld Flash, Ruth and Ann’s Guide to Time Travel Anthology Vol. 2 and 100-Foot Crow.

Sandra lives with her husband in suburban New Jersey. She recently retired from a career in chemical engineering, leaving her with actual time to write. When she’s not writing, you can find her in the butterfly garden or traveling with her husband. Her greatest joy is spending time with her daughter, son-in-law, and her two beautiful grandchildren. Minneapolis, Minnesota artist John Barlow is a winner in the L. Ron Hubbard Illustrators of the Future Contest earning him a trip to Hollywood for a week-long master-class workshop, an awards event and his winning art will be published in the international bestselling anthology, L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future Volume 41.

John Barlow is an illustrator and educator creating rich illustrations with a focus on storytelling. A Minnesota resident, John was raised on fairy tales, fiction, and forests. He’s strongly inspired by Golden Age illustrators like N.C. Wyeth and Arthur Rackham, as well as many contemporary illustrators.

Each illustration is an exercise in atmosphere and texture, creating a world you can easily get lost in. John tells stories with a variety of clients in the tabletop gaming industry as well as fantasy publishing. When he’s not drawing, he enjoys cooking, biking, sleeping, and taking unnecessarily complicated reference photos. Brooklyn, New York author Randyn Bartholomew is a winner in the L. Ron Hubbard Writers of the Future Contest earning him a trip to Hollywood for a week-long master-class workshop, an awards event and his winning story will be published in the international bestselling anthology, L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future Volume 41.

Born in New York state on pi day, Randyn grew up in the nearby New Jersey towns of Maplewood and Summit.

Although majoring in math at Cornell, he's since switched gears to become a Brooklyn-based freelance writer of science journalism, ghost writing, copywriting, and, whenever possible, fiction. His articles have appeared in Scientific American, Salon, The Washington Post Magazine, among others. He enjoys running in Prospect Park, reading old books and new, and finding free lectures to attend. Ringling College of Art and Design student Daniel Montifar is a winner in the L. Ron Hubbard Illustrators of the Future Contest earning him a trip to Hollywood for a week-long master-class workshop, an awards event and his winning art will be published in the international bestselling anthology, L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future Volume 41.

Daniel Montifar was destined to be an illustrator. Born and raised in Queens, New York, known as the "world's borough" for its rich cultural diversity, Daniel appreciated the melting pot of influences, including his Bolivian and Filipino heritage.

Surrounded by art wherever he went in NYC and being raised by a Star Wars loving mom and a dad with a treasure trove of comics dating back to his high school days, his early fascination in the realm of sci-fi and fantasy fueled his passion for drawing. He became the kid who always had a sketchbook in hand, capturing scenes from his imagination wherever he went.

Prior to the pandemic, while still a freshman in high school, he moved to Houston, Texas where Daniel delved deeper into the world of art. This transition was a pivotal chapter in his artistic evolution, as he honed his skills and explored new artistic horizons. His work won several competitions including the Golden Key Scholastic Art Award and the AIGA Worldstudio Award.