Writers of the Future Volume 42 lands in South Africa with first local writer winner

By AI, Created 5:32 AM UTC, June 02, 2026, /AGP/ – The newly released Writers of the Future Volume 42 includes Dorothy de Kok of Bedford, the first South African writer winner in the contest’s 42-year history. The anthology is now on sale in South African Bargain Books stores and underscores the country’s growing role in science fiction and fantasy.

Why it matters: - South Africa now has its first Writers of the Future writer winner, giving the country a new milestone in speculative fiction. - The release adds local visibility for South African science fiction and fantasy writers at a time when the genre is growing across the country. - Volume 42 is now available in South African bookstores, putting the anthology in front of local readers.

What happened: - “L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future Volume 42” has been released and features South African writer winner Dorothy de Kok of Bedford. - de Kok won with her story “Thickly,” which follows Nomsa, a young woman chasing a trend that promises instant beauty. - The anthology is available in Bargain Books stores throughout South Africa. - Store locations are listed here.

The details: - Volume 42 was selected from thousands of entrants across 180 countries. - This year’s writer winners come from eight countries: Australia, Canada, China, Japan, Slovakia, South Africa, the United Kingdom and the United States. - de Kok is the first South African writer winner in the contest. - Earlier South African winners were illustrators William Ruhlig in 2008 and Stephen Spinas in 2021. - The anthology pairs new science fiction and fantasy short stories with illustrations from contest winners. - Tangent Online described de Kok’s story as “magical realism” and praised the series for offering stories worth savoring and new authors worth watching. - Library Journal said the collection offers a representative and thought-provoking sampling of new speculative fiction voices. - Nnedi Okorafor called the anthology “some of the finest speculative fiction available” and “cutting-edge and fresh.”

Between the lines: - The first South African writer win gives the contest a new geographic breakthrough in a category that has already recognized South African visual artists. - The publicity around de Kok suggests the contest is trying to build momentum for more South African entries and winners. - The series continues to position itself as a key pipeline for emerging speculative fiction talent.

What’s next: - Readers in South Africa can buy Volume 42 through Bargain Books. - The contest is likely to keep highlighting new international winners as it expands its global reach. - The organization says the contests have produced 42 anthology volumes and awarded more than $1 million in cash prizes and royalties. - Over 42 years, the Writers of the Future Contest has produced 583 winners and published finalists, while winners have published more than 8,000 novels and short stories.