I’ve got incredible news about one of our own Apex Writers Group members.
Jack Nash took home the grand prize in the Writers and Illustrators of the Future for 2024.
If you’re not familiar with Writers of the Future, picture the American Idol of science fiction and fantasy writing.
It’s the most prestigious contest for new writers in speculative fiction.
Getting published in their anthology launches writing careers faster than a rocket ship breaking orbit.
Jack crafted his winning story using the exact same story patterns we teach inside Apex.
No fancy tricks.
No complex writing techniques.
Just pure, focused storytelling that grabs readers by the collar and doesn’t let go.
The judges included names like Kevin J. Anderson, Brandon Sanderson and Orson Scott Card.
These aren’t just any judges.
They’re the Michael Jordan, Tom Brady, and Wayne Gretzky of science fiction.
And before his passing, David Farland was the lead judge
Jack’s story beat out thousands of other entries from around the world.
This win includes:
• Publication in the Writers of the Future anthology
• A professional pay rate for his story
• A week-long writing workshop in Hollywood
• A massive awards ceremony
• Networking with top editors and publishers
• Career-changing connections in the industry
For a new writer, this is like getting handed the keys to a Ferrari.
Jack didn’t just enter and hope for the best.
He studied the craft.
He applied the principles.
He put in the work.
Now he’s reaping the rewards.
This is what happens when you combine raw talent with the right training.
When you follow proven patterns.
When you trust the process.
Jack’s win proves something I’ve been saying for years:
Great writing isn’t about talent alone.
It’s about having the right system.
The right approach.
The right mindset.
Jack used our story patterns like a master carpenter uses his tools.
He built something remarkable.
Something that stood out from thousands of other entries.
Something that made some of the biggest names in science fiction sit up and take notice.
This is just the beginning for Jack.
Writers of the Future winners often go on to major publishing careers.
They sign with top agents.
They land book deals.
They build lasting careers in this industry.
And it all started with mastering the fundamentals.
The same fundamentals we teach inside Apex.
Join me in congratulating Jack Nash on this extraordinary achievement.
He’s proof that our methods work.
He’s proof that you can go from aspiring writer to award-winning author.
He’s proof that the dream is real.
Congratulations, Jack.
You’ve earned this.
You’ve worked for this.
You’ve achieved something extraordinary.
And we couldn’t be prouder to have you in our Apex family.
To your success,
Ben – Team Farland
P.S. Check out Jack’s website here: https://www.jacknashstories.com/ and his story in the Writers of the Future Vol. 40 anthology, now in bookstores everywhere.
P.P.S. Enter to win Writers of the Future at this here: https://writersofthefuture.com/enter-writer-contest/
