Voices of the Future: Stories of courage and Compassion volume 2. The Author Conservatory, 2024.

Discover the next generation of storytellers!

The second edition of Voices of the Future weaves together short stories of courage and compassion in a memorable and heartwarming collection. Experience the next generation’s creativity and vision through these tales from rising young creatives.

ABOUT THE ANTHOLOGY

The second edition of Voices of the Future weaves together short stories of courage and compassion in a memorable and heartwarming multi-genre collection. Experience the next generation’s creativity and vision through tales from rising young creatives.

Celebrate the amazing authors!

Kyla Carter (@kylacarterwrites): “The Graveyard of Lost Dreams”

Alyssa Guthrie: “A Deathbed Wish”

Hannah Marie: “Zelophehad’s Daughters”

Sarah Pagel (@sarahpagelauthor): “The Colors in the Well”

Alabama Rose (@alabama.rose): “The Sister Knot”

Kellyn Roth (@kellynrothauthor): “If Ye’d Only Say”

Elena B. Sato (@elenabsato_author): “In Our Blood”

Cameron Skocilic (@cskocilic): “Miracles”

Kasumi Sonoda (@k.sonoda.writes): “Chichi no Chikai”

The Graveyard of Lost Dreams

Author Name: Kyla Carter

Genre: Fantasy

Brief Description: In a world where dreams must be caught to come true, one girl risks everything to capture the life she believes she wants. 

Adeline was supposed to catch her dream by now, just like everyone her age. But when she fails to capture one of the haunting, floating orbs again during the Festival of Dreams – the celebration held once a year – she watches her hopes of saving her family from dreamless status slip through her fingers. With only one more chance to succeed before her eighteenth birthday, Adeline is willing to risk everything, including stealing a dream from the Graveyard of Lost Dreams. But some dreams aren’t worth keeping. And, sometimes, forcing yourself into a stolen dream only creates a nightmare.

A Deathbed Wish

Author Name: Alyssa Guthrie

Genre: Historical Fantasy

Brief Description: After the final battles of WWII, Colonel Jon Walker wakes up in a New York hospital, dying of war injuries. But the fear of death is nothing compared to the guilt of having shattered his relationship with his daughter after she announced her marriage to a German immigrant and he stopped all communication with her.

Knowing he doesn’t have much time left, he makes one desperate wish: to see his daughter once more before he dies. When he wakes up in a train station exactly twenty-four hours earlier, with his smashed wristwatch working again, Jon realizes he’s been able to go back in time, giving him a chance to make things right with his daughter. But after everything that happened, is forgiveness even possible? And what happens after all the numbers on his wristwatch fade out?

Zelophehad’s Daughters

Author Name: Hannah Marie

Genre: Historical/Biblical Fiction

Brief Description: Before he died, Mahlah’s father trusted her with the care—and the futures—of her four younger sisters. Now, as the twelve tribes of Israel prepare to march into the Promised Land, her and her sisters’ futures are tenuous, at best. With no father and no brothers, there is no one to speak for Mahlah and her family—no guarantee that they’ll be given a place among their people when the tribes claim their lands. 

When Moses orders a census of all the men as a precursor to dividing up the land, Mahlah realizes her best chance at fulfilling her father’s trust is to convince the census taker to count her and her sisters in her father’s place. But the census taker tells her she’ll have to take the matter to court. 

Convinced that her cause is just, Mahlah goes confidently to the first chief. But after he refers her to a second chief, and that chief to a third, her confidence wanes. Should she continue seeking to preserve her father’s name and portion of the land in the hopes of securing a place to live among her people? Or will doing so actually risk the very future she is trying to secure?

The Colors in the Well

Author Name: Sarah Pagel

Genre: Historical Fantasy

Brief Description: Ivy is cursed—at least, that’s what all the kids at school whisper. With her secondhand clothes and whimsical love of art, Ivy was never as popular as her older sister. But after she touches the school’s haunted well, the students are convinced she’s doomed to fall down it just like a girl did fifty years ago. They treat her like an outcast, throwing her watercolor tin into the well. 

The only way to break the curse? Climb down the well, retrieve her paints, and make it back up to prove the haunted well has let her go. But what Ivy doesn’t know is that an ancient creature waits for her at the bottom—and it’s far more than a myth. 

The Sister Knot

Author Name: Alabama Rose

Genre: Contemporary

Brief Description: Taylor and Jasmine were supposed to be friends—”sisters”—forever. Growing up as a pilot’s kid, moving from place to place, Taylor has lost enough friends already. But now, her best friend is drifting away.

To uphold their favorite tradition, Jasmine comes over to make donuts on the first snowfall of the year. Just like old times. And it might just be Taylor’s last chance to fix things before she loses someone again.

But when what’s supposed to be a girls night is crashed by a lanky, chivalrous boyfriend, Taylor’s plans for the evening are threatened—and so is her friendship. If she can’t stop life from changing, will it take everything from her?

If Ye’d Only Say

Author Name: Kellyn Roth

Genre: Historical Fiction

Brief Description: Introverted Bob has been in love with strong-willed, sensible Ena since he was about five years old. Though she has other suitors, miraculously she accepts his proposal … but she doesn’t say the three little words that would’ve made the moment perfect. Her acceptance ought to be enough for any man—but it just isn’t. It means he’s not the only person she wants to marry … just the one who asked her first, the one who will someday own a store, the one who offers her the most security. Will Bob ever win her heart … or is “I love you” something she will never say?

In Our Blood

Author Name: Elena B. Sato

Genre: Historical Fantasy

Brief Description: Elisa has a blood disease that has kept her inside her tenement—her only companion the fata—fairies. Her family cares for her, but she feels like a burden. Even Micola—her younger sister and closest friend—drifts away as she goes out into the world. 

When her mother breaks her arm, someone has to go to the factory job in her stead. They can’t survive without her income. The family isn’t going to send Elisa, so Micola goes—but when she leaves her lunch pail behind, Elisa seizes the opportunity to help and to get to see the outside world, the fairies—her guide through the city. 

The world is dangerous for a girl who could bleed to death so easily—and the factory is no exception. She must choose between the safety she’s clung to and the family she loves. 

Miracles

Author Name: Cameron Skocilic

Genre: Fantasy Comedy Horror

Brief Description: Miles doesn’t believe in Santa, knowing full well he’s a myth, a legend. But he’s having a hard time explaining away the talking reindeer that’s just crashed through his roof. Now whisked away to the North Pole on a mission to rescue Santa, Miles struggles to come to terms with his new insane reality. After all, if magic and miracles were real all along, why didn’t his Mother get one when she needed it most? Little does Miles know his guilt will only feed the dark entity seeking to tip the balance of power from Santa’s wonder to its own favor, planning to spread terror and darkness across the world. And if Miles can’t put behind him the weight of his past loss, he might risk losing his Sister too!

Chichi no Chikai: A Father’s Vow

Author Name: Kasumi Sonoda

Genre: Historical Fiction

Brief Description: Samurai general Ihara has kept his terminal illness a secret from his wife and daughters, but his concern grows knowing they will be vulnerable in this world that only values physical strength. To protect them, he plans to adopt a strong samurai as his heir. On his way to choose a gift for the future son, he is pickpocketed. His daughter catches the thief and wants to punish him, but Ihara uses the moment to teach her one last time that mercy and compassion are true strength. Even though it cuts into his adoption funds, he makes a deal with the boy and gives him money if he promises to never steal again.

However, days later, word comes that the boy has not stopped stealing. Not only that, but the samurai that Ihara asked to become his heir is slow to agree, leaving him to wonder if his idealistic faith in compassion has ruined his chance to fulfill his final vow to protect his precious family.

The Author Conservatory is a college-alternative program for gifted writers focused on helping them gain the business and storytelling skills to craft sustainable careers. 100% of your purchase goes to help students attend writing conferences where they can pitch their work to agents and publishers. 

AuthorConservatory.com

Purchase Voices of the Future on Amazon – https://amzn.to/45AE70K

MY ADULT REVIEW

“The Colors in the Well” by Sarah Pagel

Bullies have existed throughout time as have tall tales of “actual” events. Sometimes all it takes is one friend to overcome the negativity in your life. Sarah has combined these into a fantasy short story that gives hope and encouragement to those being bullied.

“The Graveyard of Lost Dreams” by Kyla Carter

We all have dreams of what  we want the future to hold. But sometimes what we dream for isn’t really as good as we’d like it to be. In this fantasy short story Carter people have a short period of time to physically chase the available dreams. If they don’t catch them, they remain dreamless (and outcast). Dreams that aren’t caught go to a graveyard. Adeline’s parents have been pressuring her to catch her dream and secure their future. In the end, because she gains her dream in an unusual way she has to make sacrifices and decide if those sacrifices are actually worth it. A good story about determining what really matters. 

“Miracles” by Cameron Skocillic

I love Christmas stories. Skocillic has crafted a Christmas story that is unlike any other I’ve read. Krampus, a monster from European tales, has taken Santa away. Saving Santa falls to a young teen who no longer believes in Santa. An interesting story but not one of my favorites.

“In Our Blood” by Elena Harris

Harris crafted a beautiful story about self sacrifice and putting others first. Elisa has a disease which makes it dangerous for her to venture outside of her home. Yet one day she ventures out because her sister forgot her lunch. Her sister worked in a sewing factory in 1911. She arrives at the building to find it on fire and the employees locked in. With the help of some mythical creatures who are her constant companions she is able to free her sister and the others trapped in the building. Elisa did what needed doing without a thought to her own safety – a great story of encouragement.

“A Deathbed Wish” by Alyssa Guthrie

“A Deathbed Wish” is a sad story set in World War II. Guthrie leaves readers with the message – don’t judge people by their ethnic group or nationality. Jonathan causes a rift in his relationship with his daughter because of his prejudice against Germans. The fantasy aspect of the story allows Jonathan a chance to reconcile with his daughter before joining his wife in heaven. 

“Chichi no Chikai” by Kasumi Sonoda

“Chichi no Chikai” is another sad story. A Japanese father is dying – he has no son to care for his wife and daughter so he takes matters into his own hands. Sonoda’s storyline leads readers to the message that it is more important to look at a person’s character than his wealth or upbringing.

“Zelophehad’s Daughters” by Hannah Loghry

I love it when authors take a somewhat obscure Biblical character and make them come to life. Hannah Loghry has done just that. It appears she researched the time period and brought the culture of the time into her story.

“The Sister Knot” by Alabama Yutzy

We grow up. We change. We develop new interests. Yet we can remain friends, even if those friendships look a little different in the future. Yutzy’s story “The Sister Knot” is all about two friends who promised to be sisters for life. Yet when one starts developing a relationship with a man, the other has a hard time accepting it. A good story for someone who is struggling with changing relationships.

“If Ye Only Say” by Kelly Lyn Langdon (Kellyn Roth)

“I love you” – three powerful words that can change the dynamic of a relationship. Langdon shows readers just what a difference those three words made in the lives of an engaged couple in 1874. She went from wanting to call off the wedding to being excited about getting married. He went from being timid and unsure of himself to being very protective of his fiance and what people said about her. I have read many of Langdon’s (Roth’s) works and am always amazed by her grasp of the time period.

Voice of the Future would be a great book to have on hand this summer. Most of the stories are short enough to be read on a lazy afternoon.

The anthology is appropriate for a K-12 Christian school library, especially since these stories are written by college-aged budding authors. 

I received a complimentary copy of the Voice of the Future anthology. This is my honest review. 

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Alyssa Guthrie

Alyssa Guthrie grew up in the deserts of Arizona, taking herself on adventures with a plastic sword or lightsaber at her side, and falling into stories of her own creation by the time she was seven. Now a little older but still waiting for Gandalf to knock on her door and invite her along on an adventure — Alyssa crafts fantasy novels of broken characters overcoming the darkness. When she’s not writing, she can be found going on quests with her nieces and nephews, singing in choir, or cooking up science experiments.

You can find out more about Alyssa on her Instagram.

Elena B. Sato

Elena B. Sato is a part-Japanese author who, like many Japanese Americans, grew up disconnected from her heritage and is now striving to regain it. Her stories explore being cut off from your heritage and finding hope in every situation while weaving grand landscapes of magic and thrilling twists and turns. Elena’s favorite parts of her life include calling a twist in books, acting in local theater productions, and squealing over Korean dramas. You can find her crying over imaginary people and listening to Taylor Swift at all hours of the day.    

You can find out more about Elena on her Instagram.

And make sure to follow Elena’s email list here.

Sarah Pagel

Sarah Pagel grew up finding pockets of magic in the seams of her ordinary Midwest town. Now, she writes stories that infuse the real world with the wondrous and offer a haven for kids who feel out of place. In her spare time, you can find her searching for the best earl gray latte, listening to Tchaikovsky’s String Quartet No. 1, or acting as a governess to other people’s dogs through the pet-sitting business she started in high school.  

You can find out more about Sarah on her Instagram.

And make sure to follow Sarah’s email list here.

Hannah Marie

As a missionary kid, Hannah Marie grew up amid the highs and lows of ministry, experiencing firsthand that sometimes the things that matter most also require the most perseverance. Now, Hannah writes Biblical fiction—stories of real people who trusted God, persevered, and changed the world. When she’s not writing or enlisting help with brainstorming, Hannah can be found volunteering at her family’s ministry, discussing movie plots with her three sisters, or capturing the perfect photo of Texas wildflowers.

And make sure to follow Hannah’s email list here.

Cameron Skocilic

As a kid, Cameron Skocilic was always getting lost in one imaginary world or another, his vast imagination only limited by his attention span — until one day he decided to open his fantasy worlds to others who share his love of fun stories. Cameron primarily writes stories that aim to entertain and bring a smile to his friends even on their gloomiest days. You can usually find him chatting about his favorite movies, checking out what’s new in the board game isle, or ranting about how salty will always be better than sweet.

You can find out more about Cameron on his Instagram.

And make sure to follow Cameron’s email list here.

Alabama Rose

Having grown up in Northern Ontario, Alabama Rose adores winter, especially glittering snowflakes and pond hockey. She finds joy in what’s often viewed as a bleak season—and in the same way, she aims to find beauty in the hard seasons of life. She writes to highlight that beauty and bring courage to face the messy, broken places of yourself. On the bitter cold days, her stories are like cozy hoodies to keep you warm.

You can find out more about Alabama on her Instagram.

And make sure to follow Alabama’s email list here.

Kyla Carter

Kyla Carter spent her childhood tripping over her own feet and struggling to keep up with her peers due to a condition called Spina Bifida. Able to relate with characters who aren’t the chosen ones and face many challenges and unknowns, she fell in love with crafting stories with soul and utilizing the power of the underdog. Kyla currently resides in rural Alberta with her two dogs and two horses where she can explore the Great Canadian Rockies, daydream about owning her own acreage, and drink iced coffee– even in the dead of winter.  

You can find out more about Kyla on her Instagram.

And make sure to follow Kyla’s email list here.

Kasumi Sonoda

Sitting at her grandfather’s feet, Kasumi learned to love her Japanese Hawaiian heritage, even though she only ever visited those faraway islands in the stories he told with his lilting pidgin accent. Now Kasumi is the storyteller, writing Young Adult Fiction about Asian heroes who embody courage and self-sacrifice. Stories for people longing for home in a world that doesn’t feel like their own. When taking a (forced) break from storying, you’ll find Kasumi playing with worms in the garden, dancing to loud music while learning to cook Japanese food, or discussing deep moral questions over boba with friends, old and new.

You can find out more about Kasumi on her Instagram.

And make sure to follow Kasumi’s email list here.

Kellyn Roth

Kellyn Roth is the author of ten historical romance novels with strong Christian themes, a touch of humor, and messy situations that put the main characters through the wringer and force them to face hard questions. Her stories include The Chronicles of Alice and Ivy, a Victorian family saga. When not building her author career, Kellyn is likely drinking iced coffee with her husband, getting lost somewhere in the Pacific Northwest with her friends, or watching period dramas and facetious comedies with her border collie.

You can find out more about Kellyn on her website.And make sure to follow Kellyn’s email list here.

Read more Anthology reviews.

Read more Adult Review posts.

Check out this Summer Scavenger Hunt Bundle in my Etsy Printables shop