Authors Quill John Goodwin gives a tour of dragon con part 2 Armand Diab Barlow and Daniel Montifar

United Public Radio

HOLLYWOOD - US expatriate, English teacher and author Mr. Barlow Crassmont, a winner in the Writers of the Future Contest for his story, "The Boy from Elsewhen," is published in L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future Volume 41 which was recently awarded the Gold Metal in the Anthology category at the 8th Annual American Fiction Awards. The awards recognize mainstream and independent titles for top honors. Mr. Crassmont currently lives in Tieling, China where he resides and works as an English teacher. Armand Diab, who writes under the pen name, Barlow Crassmont, has lived in the USA, Eastern Europe, Middle East and China. When not teaching English or writing speculative, fantasy, and science fiction, he dabbles in juggling, solving the Rubik’s Cube, and learning other languages (his Spanish is coming along nicely). He has been published by British Science Fiction Association, Wilderness House Literary Review, and in Dark Speculations: Volume 1, by Little Red Publishing. "The Boy From Elsewhen '' was inspired by the current social climate across the globe. Everywhere one goes, regardless of country or nation, most people are endlessly staring at their smartphones, unable to look away, and often neglecting other humans around them for the sake of technology. As the dominant species on Earth, we are becoming too dependent on our hand devices, but are no smarter for it. In fact, I feel if the trend continues (and I see no evidence that it won't), future generations won't be able to construct a single solitary thought without AI's assistance. Let's hope that that day, at least, is in the far distant future, after me 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.