Read these stories for enjoyment, then explore their Inner Workings to discover what makes them tick.

A young girl who can communicate with the creatures of the forest faces hunting season in her hometown; a stranded explorer in a high-tech skinsuit fights for survival on a treacherous world; two soul-devouring possessor spirits find themselves locked in a mystic battle between bodies; and a trouble erupts on a world where everyone will live forever—except you! These are just a few of the stories in this diverse collection of sixteen science fiction and fantasy tales from sixteen award-winning authors. Their accompanying essays draw back the curtain to reveal the hidden techniques that produced these compelling stories.

Along with twelve original short stories and craft essays by recent Writers of the Future are four reprinted stories and essays from acclaimed authors Martin L. Shoemaker, Kary English, Eric James Stone, and Wulf Moon. In addition, Kevin J. Anderson and James A. Owen have contributed bonus essays on writing.

Featuring original stories by A. X. Ander, Zack Be, F. J. Bergmann, John M. Campbell, Andy Dibble, David A. Elsensohn, Storm Humbert, Erik Lynd, M. Elizabeth Ticknor, Rebecca E. Treasure, Luke Wildman, and Chris Winspear.