Kingston-based author Randy Henderson was excited to be considered for an award with Writers of the Future, a sci-fi and fantasy writing competition that attracts a veritable who’s who of literary fame.

He was further honored to win the competition along with a handful of other writers, and was invited to attend the L. Ron Hubbard presents Writers of the Future award ceremony at the Wilshire Ebell Theatre in Los Angeles on April 13.

But he was overwhelmed when his winning story, “Memories Bleed Beneath the Mask,” earned him the top prize at this year’s Writers of the Future competition; the coveted Golden Pen Award.

“All I can say is I would not want to have judged this year,” Henderson said as he accepted his award. “Every single story in that anthology deserves first place, and every single story deserves this award.”

“I feel completely honored and I truly appreciate this,” he said. “I hope to pay it forward. Thank you.”

Henderson fought back tears as his name was called. He rose from his seat and made his way to the stage to receive his honor. And despite the rush of emotion, he was able to emit his signature charm and fill the room with a few laughs as he thanked Galaxy Press (the publisher of the anthology) and his fellow winning writers.

“Terri is a person of quiet grace whose stories just punch you in the gut, I would not want to meet her in a literary alley,” Henderson quipped of writing peer Terry Madden who wrote another winning piece, “Animal.”

The Golden Pen Award was announced, and Henderson was presented his prize, by renowned authors Orson Scott Card and Dave Wolverton. Wolverton was a coordinating judge of the writing competition and best-selling sci-fi author. Card is widely known for his hit novel “Ender’s Game,” which was recently turned into a film. Card also won the L. Ron Hubbard Lifetime Achievement Award at the ceremony.

As part of the prize, Henderson received $5,000 and a trophy.

Henderson is also working on a  new fantasy series, the “Finn Fancy Necromancy.” The first installment is slated for publication in February 2015.

More of Henderson’s work, and information about the author, can be found on his website, www.randy-henderson.com.