This was a critique group for writers that entered a story into the third quarter of 2010 in the Writers of the Future contest (27th year).
After the end of the quarter, entries submitted have been responded to as thus.
Semi-finalist: Trina Phillips (genevive42)
Silver Honorable Mention: Tom Carpenter (thomaskcarpenter)
Honorable Mention: Daniel Smyth (WriterDan) Ginger Karns (Crystal Stevens)
Congratulations to everyone that submitted!
If I have missed anyone that participated in the group and got some kind of award for this quarter, just let me know and I'll add you to the list
These are our Woo-hoos!
(Original posts from the quarter shown below)
[This message has been edited by WriterDan (edited December 03, 2010).]
Posted by Kitti (Member # 7277) on :
Wow, is it that time already? I still haven't even gotten my story from last quarter under control yet! :-P
I guess I'll throw my name in the hat, again.
Posted by BenM (Member # 8329) on :
I have no idea what I'll be submitting, but I'll give it a go. I need the writing and critiquing practice anyways. And even if my entries aren't fantastic, anyone suffering insomnia can use them as a cure.
WriterDan Kitti BenM
Posted by snapper (Member # 7299) on :
Ugh! I am on my third separate attempt at Q02 and your springing this on me?
Help!!!!
Posted by genevive42 (Member # 8714) on :
I'm just polishing my Q02 entry so I'll be ready to start a new idea soon enough. Count me in.
WriterDan Kitti BenM genevive42
Posted by shimiqua (Member # 7760) on :
WriterDan Kitti BenM genevive42 shimiqua
Probably.
Posted by Dark Warrior (Member # 8822) on :
Of course, I too, am in for this quarter
WriterDan Kitti BenM genevive42 shimiqua Dark Warrior
ps...WriterDan...feel free to link the KD Wentworth WOTF thread with the other help threads if you would like.
Posted by WriterDan (Member # 6456) on :
DW: Which thread are you talking about? I can't seem to find anything else on Hatrack that mentions KD Wentworth. Are you talking about the Newsgroup over at sff.net that she posts on? Cause that one's already linked in my first post for every quarter. If not, gimme the link and I'd be glad to put it up with the rest.
[This message has been edited by WriterDan (edited March 02, 2010).]
this one...it is a collection of all her SFF and WOTF Forum advice grouped by subject matter.
[This message has been edited by Dark Warrior (edited March 02, 2010).]
Posted by Sunshine (Member # 3701) on :
WD, thanks for the update on submission dates. Me being a newbie, I think I will start this round and give myself some more time.
WriterDan Kitti BenM genevive42 shimiqua Dark Warrior Sunshine
For those who want submissions read, I am a newbie who has never been published, but I have a lot of reading experience. : )
Posted by WriterDan (Member # 6456) on :
DW: Done. I had no idea that you'd compiled that list of comments. Great job. I need to take some time and read through the whole thing before starting my story for this quarter.
Posted by sholar (Member # 3280) on :
Is there going to be a regular submissions group this quarter? I am thinking of tossing my hat in the ring, but I am slow. Posted by WriterDan (Member # 6456) on :
Yes. It'll be started on April 1st.
Posted by axeminister (Member # 8991) on :
[This message has been edited by axeminister (edited April 09, 2010).]
Posted by genevive42 (Member # 8714) on :
axeminister, I did this for the first time last quarter. Signing up for the group generally means that you are willing to crit for anyone and everyone in the group and they are willing to do the same for you.
Some people send to one half on first round and the other half on the second. Some send to everyone both rounds. I sent to everyone on the first round and only about half on the second. If you start to get overwhelmed you could say when you have too much but I also think you should expect to be doing more than two crits for the quarter.
The nice thing is though, I don't think everyone makes the deadline at the same time so they tend to trickle in. Last quarter they came in clumps of two or three and it was pretty manageable.
This is a good group and you'll learn a lot about how to make your story stronger. And the quantity of crits you get also help to figure out which trouble spots have a universal problem and which may simply be the taste of the reader. Though I found a lot of the single comments to be very astute and helpful. And of course, when everyone catches the same thing you know it needs some sort of fixing.
So I highly recommend that you stay in the group, just be ready for some reading.
Posted by sholar (Member # 3280) on :
My story is coming together much better than I expected. So I'll join the early group.
WriterDan Kitti BenM genevive42 shimiqua Dark Warrior Sunshine Axeminister Sholar
[This message has been edited by sholar (edited March 15, 2010).]
Posted by axeminister (Member # 8991) on :
Hmm. Ok, well, I am jumping in with both feet so I'll give it a whirl. If it's too much then I'll bow out in the future, but for this one I'll make sure to read and crit each MS I receive even if I have to call in sick from work.
After all, writing is what I want to be doing five years from now, not sitting in this office. =)
Also, I've edited my previous entry to state my preferred document format for incoming MS. Is that ok? (however, I can accept in any format)
Axe
Posted by genevive42 (Member # 8714) on :
axe, I hope you don't actually have to call out sick to keep up with crits. Consider though, depending on how your office works, maybe you can do a little crit work between assignments - use a flash drive for discretion. I do stuff between customers, like writing this response.
Just a thought.
Posted by satate (Member # 8082) on :
I'm going to join too. My story was supposed to be for last quarter but life disagreed.
Nah, I only call in sick about twice a year, but I always like to think I can just for fun. I'm sure it will be fine. =)
Axe
Posted by genevive42 (Member # 8714) on :
I'll mention it here in case anyone has missed the word count discussion on the Q01 Early Submissions board.
WotF rules state that the word limit for the contest is 17,000 words. But the way that the word count is determined has nothing to do with the count that your word processor gives.
This is the formula: Using 12pt. Courier font, double spacing, with 1" margins you have a maximum of 68 PAGES.
When I tried this out on my word processor, it counted approximately 14,500 words.
I believe you can eke out a little more space for yourself if you go into your line spacing options and turn off the 'orphans' function. Thanks IB for that. Also, it has been said by KDWentworth that one or two pages over may not get you disqualified.
For Q02 I sent off a 16,000 word story that may come back unread, for being too long. And this all came up because arriki got disqualified that way. I don't want anyone else to have this problem so please make sure you format and count correctly. It is very important to use the Courier font to get an accurate count. There might be other fixed width fonts you can use but I donīt know what they are and I know Courier fits the bill.
Good luck everybody!
Posted by BenM (Member # 8329) on :
I think the safest bet is to simply ensure it's 17,000 words or 68 pages, whichever is less.
Posted by WriterDan (Member # 6456) on :
Thanks for the post, Genevive. Hadn't thought about doing so myself, but this really makes sense. Seriously. I should probably put something to this effect in the header that I put up at the beginning of each new group's discussion.
So, I'm about giddy as a school-girl right now. I decided to come back into school later tonight than was actually possible (10pm instead of 8) and stay home to spend some time with my wife reading a book to her and then watching the most recent episode of 24 (which was AWESOME by the way). Anyhow, while fast-forwarding through one of the commercials I mentioned an idea to her that I'd had a while ago for the beginning of a short story. Though that was all that I had: a beginning. After the show, Law & Order was on, and an idea that they used for a character's background hit a spark with me, and an entire story just tumbled out of the connection between this idea and the story beginner.
Whoa.
I love it when things like that happen. I want to dive in right now, and it's killing me that I can't. In fact, my kid gave me this blank piece of paper earlier this evening when I got home from school that he had colored a bit on, and said, "You can just draw whatever else you want in this space here," weaving his hand over most of the page. And...do I even dare say this?...I'm getting the urge to draw a picture for this story. Absolute crazyism. But, I must...do...school-work! AAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!
Hope everyone is having a smashing good time putting their stories together. This is going to be a great quarter. I can feel it.
EDIT: I edited the lead post for this group (and thus all future groups) to include both story limitations. Thanks again, Genevive!
[This message has been edited by WriterDan (edited March 18, 2010).]
Posted by BenM (Member # 8329) on :
I haven't written a word yet, life has been a little crazy.
Posted by axeminister (Member # 8991) on :
Hey all, I'm currently totally hung up on the formatting for my Q2 entry now. =( I switched to courier and my story blew up from 60 pages to 74... I did the 24pt forced spacing and it went back to 64 but is 26 or 27 lines per page now. Word count is 14,800 Any thoughts?
Also, another question is, when I send my story to you folks, how would you like it formatted? Courier drives me nuts personally, but others may be used to it or even *gasp* write in it.
Anyway, let me know.
Axe
p.s. Grats WriterDan - sounds awesome. =)
[This message has been edited by axeminister (edited March 18, 2010).]
Posted by genevive42 (Member # 8714) on :
axe, also go into your page breaks/line spacing options and turn off 'orphans'. That should save you a few pages and get you into the safe zone, I think. Good Luck!
Posted by genevive42 (Member # 8714) on :
WriterDan, On the page limits paragraph in the opener of this post you might want to mention the importance of using Courier font for the figuring. It makes a huge difference and none of the guidelines emphasize how important it is to figure word count with that font.
Posted by LAJD (Member # 8070) on :
OK, I'm in too. I've had inspiration and a needed break from novel hell. I'm half-way through a first draft already.
Genevive: Courier font is actually one of the very first things that is mentioned in the Manuscript Preparation article by Vonda McIntyre. So, I think it's covered for those willing to heed the warning and check everything out. Posted by genevive42 (Member # 8714) on :
You're right, sorry I didn't remember it being that prominent.
Posted by WriterDan (Member # 6456) on :
No, thanks for mentioning it. Made me go back and re-check the article just to be sure. Always better to have multiple minds working on things like this. Posted by BenM (Member # 8329) on :
After putting a bit of thought into what I want out of my writing this coming quarter, I've decided that I'm better off giving it a miss and coming back a little later. So I'm out for now...
Of course this quarter I resolved to write a shorter story, significantly shorter. You know, 7000 words tops.
Well, I've just started really digging into my story. I think my idea of a shorter story is out the window. It's not going to be a maxed out monster but I think it's going to be longer than I intended. We'll see.
I'm doing something a little risky and a little different. I just hope it works.
*** Edited to add: I actually forgot that I had notes at the end of my text so it's not getting out of control lengthwise as much as I thought. Maybe I'll make my mark.
[This message has been edited by genevive42 (edited March 20, 2010).]
Posted by sholar (Member # 3280) on :
I feel puny. I just finished my first draft with 4500 words. Even if I increase by 20% (I usually expand not shrink in future drafts), that is still well under 6k. Posted by genevive42 (Member # 8714) on :
sholar, don't worry. Sometimes the lower word count can be a benefit. It certainly isn't a detriment. All that matters is that it's a good story.
Posted by Kitti (Member # 7277) on :
Shorter word counts are nice... makes it easier for you to find a home for the story if WotF doesn't take it. There aren't many markets for stories over 10K.
Posted by Kathleen Dalton Woodbury (Member # 59) on :
There are some editors who consider 4500 words to be the "perfect" length for a short story.
Posted by sholar (Member # 3280) on :
I like the idea of being perfect. I'll try to view my story not as puny, but at the model who struts around the beach in a skimpy bikini, making all the other women jealous. ;-)
Posted by WriterDan (Member # 6456) on :
Sholar, read Schroedinger's Hummingbird out of WotF vol 22. That's one that I remember as being really short, but it's seriously one of the better stories that I've ever read out of WotF. Granted, most of the stories that get published in WotF are longer, but the fact that this one won First Place for the quarter it was entered shows that shorter stories can win. And they can be great too! Posted by Dark Warrior (Member # 8822) on :
According to KDW, her own winning entry was only 2000 words.
Posted by WriterDan (Member # 6456) on :
Ah. Her winning entry is in Vol 5. I just happen to have that one at home. I'll have to go home and read it tonight. Posted by alliedfive (Member # 7811) on :
Alright, I have like 15 stories to choose from, but I'm going to go for it.
It's my first time submitting to WOTF, so be gentle!
Ok- stupid question. April 14th first drafts for crits out. Does that mean we need to have them sent by April 14th or after April 14th? So, if my draft is ready for feedback on April 3, should I send it then or wait?
Posted by Dark Warrior (Member # 8822) on :
I have two scenes to write and four to edit. I should have my first ready for crits before the deadline too. I plan on sending it out to everyone on the list when it was ready, and as usual when people get to it they get to it.
Since I will have mine shipped out before the deadline I will be available for early reading/crits too so when you are ready send it my way.
Posted by axeminister (Member # 8991) on :
Another question(s): Do we all put a certain title in the subject line so we know it's not spam? And I'm assuming we should all hit reply and say "story received."?
A mistake I made just today by not doing.
Axe
Posted by genevive42 (Member # 8714) on :
A good subject line might be: WotF Q03 First Draft from xxxx at Hatrack
Or something like that.
As far as the deadline, it's kind of loose. The one thing about sending it out early is that everyone else is trying to finish their stories so you might not get the early responses you expect. I've only done this once before though so I don't know how others feel.
And if you're not ready by the 14th, send it out when you are. There's no shame in being a little late seeing that these are self-imposed deadlines.
I hope everyone is having fun with their stories. I can't wait to read them.
Posted by WriterDan (Member # 6456) on :
The deadlines are absolutely loose. It's just nice to have something to shoot for, you know? If you get done early, ask for volunteers for an early crit. If people are open, they'll let you know. If they aren't, they won't respond and you can wait for the official deadline before sending it to them.
So, my story... I've plotted the entire thing. It's all laying out on my mental map, but I haven't practiced any BICHOK in that direction as of yet. Because it's pretty much all plotted, I'm hoping that it'll come out quickly. But you never know.
As an aside, a mooey-favorite author of mine (Daniel Abraham) has posted a list of his "10 rules to writing". Though you all might be interested. It's a short list after all. Don't want to take too much time away from your writing.
[This message has been edited by WriterDan (edited March 31, 2010).]
Posted by Dark Warrior (Member # 8822) on :
Im ready for Q03 and excited...for me though it will be Q2.1--the lost month in Philly hurt my production so I had to send in the Cinders rewrite.
Q03 will be a major rewrite of the story I was working on most of Q02 so some of you may recognize it when it crawls into your critpiles.
I was able to read and crit 8 of the 12 stories I got last quarter and hope to get through most, if not all of them, this time since I am not losing a month again.
Posted by sholar (Member # 3280) on :
I like the Daniel Abraham list. The advice made sense to me. I have a complete story, with every scene I think I need in place, but I need to do some work on editing and add some more description.
If anyone wants to send theirs to me, I am good with that. I like things being more spread out. However, I am not going to look at it until later next week. I am going to Florida see the space shuttle launch next Monday and am so excited over that. And then with my three year old daughter, we are going to go to Disneyworld and see the princesses. I am so excited and will be doing nothing productive during that time. Though we are going to see the swamp and part of my novel takes place in a swamp, so I am claiming it is all about research.
Posted by Dark Warrior (Member # 8822) on :
I like #3...sometimes I feel like the infodump crit is a bit overused...myself included...just because someone (me) recognizes an infodump doesnt mean that it isnt well written or that it doesnt fit into the story.
[This message has been edited by Dark Warrior (edited March 31, 2010).]
Posted by LAJD (Member # 8070) on :
I'm ready for any first drafts now, too. But mine is not quite ready for prime time yet. 8) leslie
Posted by darklight (Member # 5213) on :
After 3-4 months of catching every bug and virus around and suffering general letheragy during which even writing a few sentances was difficult--and getting my internet connection problems sorted out--I'm excited to get back into this and get critiquing again. I've got a story on the brink of being finished and am happy to start taking stories for critique as soon as they are ready, so send them my way.
I too am ready if anyone is done. Especially being good Friday. I will have nothing to do in my eight hour work day today. =)
Axe
Posted by satate (Member # 8082) on :
I finally got my story finished. It seems early but it was my story from last quarter so it's actually late. I'll send it to those who said they were ready. Anyone else?
Posted by genevive42 (Member # 8714) on :
My story is moving like molasses in January. Hopefully I'll be able to apply some non-tired BIC this week and move it along.
I feel pretty good about my story but it is something different for me. It hasn't grabbed me by the collar and dragged me along. It seems to be a more cerebral exercise than an emotional one. I hope it works.
Posted by WriterDan (Member # 6456) on :
Only one way to find out. Get that first draft out! Woo-hoo!
Posted by Dark Warrior (Member # 8822) on :
Finished my Q03 entry first draft. Its at about 6500 words.
I'm doing about six seperate editing passes before sending out though.
I want to make sure the science and terminology for the world is consistent and give some deeper voices to my different characters.
Also want to take a closer look at my beats and tags.
Posted by Owasm (Member # 8501) on :
I'm going to try and get a draft together by the 14th.
[This message has been edited by Owasm (edited April 07, 2010).]
Posted by WriterDan (Member # 6456) on :
Finally sat down and got some story out. 3k last night, which was pretty average pace. Looks like this one might end up pushing the 68 page limit though. My 10-11k stories hover around 50-55 pages, and I'm thinking this story might hit 14k. Ugh. What to do? Nothing but write it and see how it comes out. Posted by sholar (Member # 3280) on :
Hello! I have received and edited one story. The other I received I am holding off on for some last minute edits per writer's request. If anyone else has sent me their story, I didn't get it so send again. If Sarah hasn't gotten my comments, please let me know so I can resend them.
I sent my story out to everyone. I expect that no one will edit it for at least a week, but I needed to get it out so I would stop obsessing over it and work on something else for a bit.
Posted by Dark Warrior (Member # 8822) on :
Got it Sholar...thanks! I will be taking a look at it this week and try to get it back to you before the rest of them start flowing in.
Posted by satate (Member # 8082) on :
I just got it tonight. Thanks Sholar, I was in the middle of responding when my husband interupted me and talked me into playing a video game with him.
Posted by sholar (Member # 3280) on :
No hurry on reading it. I just need to work on other stuff and sending it out makes me stop obsessing over it. I am also a little neurotic about checking e-mail. hotmail account e-mails tend to end in spam folders a lot. At some point, I am going to switch to my gmail account for hatrack, but then I need to reregister and all that. I don't want to be a noob again.
Posted by Kathleen Dalton Woodbury (Member # 59) on :
Eh, you're only a noob for 9 posts, and you can do that in one day, can't you, sholar?
The real problem as I see it is that you also need to pick another username (unless you want me to delete your old registration--which I can do--and then your old username will be available again).
Email me if you want to do something like that, so we can co-ordinate.
Posted by sholar (Member # 3280) on :
I'll switch to my real name (TamesonYip) as a user name. So no need to delete the account.
[This message has been edited by sholar (edited April 12, 2010).]
Posted by genevive42 (Member # 8714) on :
I'm going to be a little late getting my story out, but it is finally moving forward. Hopefully it'll be done in a week or so.
Posted by axeminister (Member # 8991) on :
Well, today's the day.
I've been working diligently on my story and it's nearly ready to send out. It's finished, but I got back an early crit which I'm working the ideas/revisions into the MS.
Thus, it will be a few more days for me.
Tami/Scholar was nice enough to send her story to everyone in one e-mail so when the time comes I'll just hit reply all and out it goes.
Axe
Posted by Owasm (Member # 8501) on :
Phew! Finished. First Draft needs some input.
I'm ready to review. Who else is?
Owasm
Posted by satate (Member # 8082) on :
I'm ready to do any crits. I sent out my draft a little bit ago to those who said they were ready.
Posted by axeminister (Member # 8991) on :
Owasm, from what I understand, today is "Ready or not, here I come" day. Unless I'm wrong - just send it to the list.
Axe
Posted by sholar (Member # 3280) on :
I am anxiously awaiting more stories to review. Posted by alliedfive (Member # 7811) on :
I'm ready to crit as well.
Posted by WriterDan (Member # 6456) on :
You got it, Axe. Everyone in the group is up for giving crits now. So, anyone that has a first draft...send it out!
My story won't be done for another week or two. School's been pouring on the heat lately. Anyhow, it's coming.
Posted by recovering_cynic (Member # 8964) on :
Hey everyone! Put me on your lists for crits. My story won't be ready at best until Sunday, April 18th (just started writing it last night but I have it all outlined), but I'll look at your stories now. I'm good at playing catch-up
[This message has been edited by recovering_cynic (edited April 16, 2010).]
Posted by sholar (Member # 3280) on :
Aw, recovering cynic, now hitting reply all to my e-mail won't get everyone. ;-) Send me yours as soon as your ready.
Posted by WriterDan (Member # 6456) on :
So, I'm going to propose something at this point because I'm kind of hesitant about having to crit 13 stories in the next few weeks. Especially if very many of those are long ones.
We currently have 14 people in the group. I'd like to split up into two groups of 7 each for the first round of crits. Then when the second round comes along, we can switch the groups up. This way, there are fewer crits to give in each instance, and it allows for new readers on the second round of crits.
Thus, here's my suggestion on the split up:
Group 1: WriterDan genevive42 Dark Warrior Axeminister Satate alliedfive Owasm
Group 2: Kitti shimiqua Sunshine Sholar LAJD darklight recovering_cynic
If anyone has major reservations about this, please voice your concern. I'm thinking that for round 2, we'll swap 4 people from each group to the other one. That way, there will be 3-4 NEW crits for each author's story. We'll be able to see if the things that the first readers mentioned as problems are "fixed" by what the new readers say.
If anyone is starving for more stories to crit, you're welcome to offer your services to those not in your group anytime you wish. I just wanted to make the requirements for being in the Hatrack WotF group a little less daunting AND also allow for new eyes during the second round of crits.
Hope this is okay with everyone. Luck with your stories.
Posted by sholar (Member # 3280) on :
Well, I have already done 2 crits for people in group one and been critted by 2 from group one as well (one person overlaps). I am good with doing more crits and getting the two extra crits, but that could be a concern if others have similar numbers like that. Oh, if alliedfive wants a crit from me, I would be happy to do it (since he has already crited mine). Right now, I am in between everything and have a bit of time and have no crits waiting. Of course, if I get 10 68 page stories, I will regret saying that.
ETA- just to clarify- I don't have any problem with the split setup. I got extra crits from the system and I don't mind giving crits at all, so I am very happy.
[This message has been edited by sholar (edited April 16, 2010).]
Posted by genevive42 (Member # 8714) on :
The split group sounds like a good idea. I'm in.
Posted by recovering_cynic (Member # 8964) on :
I like it, especially since I already critted sholar and he's in my group Posted by Owasm (Member # 8501) on :
13 crits may be too many to handle anyway.
I'm all for it.
Posted by Kitti (Member # 7277) on :
Sounds like a plan. Also, it's nice to mix things up a little, so those of us who keep submitting quarter after quarter don't get too familiar with each other's works and become slacker critiquers :-) .
Posted by WriterDan (Member # 6456) on :
Who's slackin' on their critiques?
Where's my whip?
8)
Glad everyone's in agreement. Now get back to writing! I know I need to...
Posted by sholar (Member # 3280) on :
I need more people to send me crits. I have critted everything I have received. So, if you haven't gotten a crit back from me, that means I didn't get it.
Posted by TamesonYip (Member # 9072) on :
TamesonYip=sholar. This has my gmail account, if you have had any problems with my hotmail.
Posted by recovering_cynic (Member # 8964) on :
First draft sent out to group two Posted by LAJD (Member # 8070) on :
I got my first draft sent out to Group 2. I'm out of the country and the email is a bit flaky so let me know if you do not get it. It may come from a gmail account. Leslie
Posted by LAJD (Member # 8070) on :
OK, I think I have now critted everything that was sent to me/scratch that/ I have received so far. If I have not responded to you and you sent some thing to me leslie@atfore.com, please let me know.
I have been traveling and email has been flaky.
Posted by axeminister (Member # 8991) on :
I'm still waiting for
WriterDan Genevive42
Let me know if you sent to me and I missed it.
Axe
Posted by TamesonYip (Member # 9072) on :
I currently have nothing to crit, so anyone in either group who wants a crit can send to me. I can't believe I have done everyone's in my group, but I am too lazy to go figure out whose I have read and haven't.
-sholar
[This message has been edited by TamesonYip (edited April 26, 2010).]
Posted by genevive42 (Member # 8714) on :
I have four more scenes to write and then of course, a polishing run. I really hope to have mine out by the end of the week.
Posted by darklight (Member # 5213) on :
My story has been ready to send out for two weeks. I keep putting it off and I don't know why. Maybe its because while I was writing it, I thought it was great but now it's finished, I think it's utter rubbish.
But I promise to get it out to Group 2 in the next day or two...
Posted by WriterDan (Member # 6456) on :
Still banging away on mine. And the days are just packed.
Posted by Kitti (Member # 7277) on :
Mine just went out to Group 2, let me know if you didn't get it.
Posted by genevive42 (Member # 8714) on :
Woohoo! Finished.
I'm going to sleep on it and give it a polishing run tomorrow night. I should be sending it out to Group 1 on Sunday.
Posted by TamesonYip (Member # 9072) on :
Kitti, I got yours, I just got a cold and didn't do anything but sleep and then I had to catch up on all the stuff I didn't do because I was sick. I hopefully will get to it this weekend though. Monday at the latest. Posted by genevive42 (Member # 8714) on :
First draft sent out to Group 1
Thanks all.
Posted by shimiqua (Member # 7760) on :
Group 2: Kitti Sunshine Sholar LAJD darklight recovering_cynic
Sorry peeps, next time for sure. ~Sheena
Posted by axeminister (Member # 8991) on :
Just to confirm, we switch groups tomorrow with our 2nd drafts, correct?
Group one sends to group two and vice verse?
Axe
Posted by sholar (Member # 3280) on :
My computer is sick so I may not get my story out until Monday. Though I am also doing a switchover on my internet Monday so if that doesn't go smoothly...
-TamesonYip (sholar)
Posted by genevive42 (Member # 8714) on :
I just sent my first draft out this past Sunday so obviously I'll be a little late to the second round.
Posted by axeminister (Member # 8991) on :
I'm ready for any draft 2's from group two. I'm hoping to send mine by Monday.
@Genevive, I'll have your crit out to you later today.
Axe
Posted by genevive42 (Member # 8714) on :
axe, if you sent my crit, I haven't received it.
Posted by axeminister (Member # 8991) on :
Erg. Sorry about that. I got to writing the e-mail when work got insane then the weekend happened and I can't get much of anything longer than this post done at home.
I will have it to you today though, I promise.
Axe
Posted by genevive42 (Member # 8714) on :
No worries axe. I just wanted to make sure it didn't get lost in cyberspace.
Posted by TamesonYip (Member # 9072) on :
I will be slow on critting, so feel free to send but don't expect a reply. We just had a death in the family and I will be traveling and also emotionally unable to do a good job. Sorry. My story will also be sent late (well, later than I planned).
Posted by genevive42 (Member # 8714) on :
Sorry to hear that Tameson. Take care.
Posted by axeminister (Member # 8991) on :
I'm sorry to hear as well. Certainly don't let these critiques give you any additional stress. We're a patient bunch.
Axe
Posted by LAJD (Member # 8070) on :
Group 2: Kitti Sunshine Sholar darklight recovering_cynic
Sorry all, I've had a request for a full on my novel WIP (WOO HOO!!!) but you see, well, it's kind of a fluke, and I did not intend to actually pitch it yet since its not quite done. So, I'll be spending time working on that. That would be all my waking hours that is. LOL. So I'm out. I will try to crit the work that I have from you guys so far. I think I have two outstanding. Leslie
Posted by Kitti (Member # 7277) on :
quote:Sorry all, I've had a request for a full on my novel WIP
WOHOO!!
Posted by genevive42 (Member # 8714) on :
Way to go Leslie!
Posted by axeminister (Member # 8991) on :
I agree, way to go!
My 2nd draft is out to group two. If you are not Tami, and you are in group two, and you didn't get my story, please let me know.
Wow... that was convoluted.
Axe
Posted by Dark Warrior (Member # 8822) on :
Shhhhh...don't tell anyone but I am currently critting a future WOTF winner. I wont say which one it is because I dont want to jinx it or spoil the other critters fun but I am very impressed. Especially considering how good the others I have read were--this one just stands above.
Posted by genevive42 (Member # 8714) on :
I've gotten all of my first draft crits back from Group 1 - thank you all. I hope to have my edits done in a week or so and will be sending out to Group 2 then.
I haven't received anything to crit from Group 2. If you've sent me anything, it hasn't reached me. You may want to try sending again.
Posted by Crystal Stevens (Member # 8006) on :
Hi Everyone;
I realize I haven't said anything on this thread until now, but I just sent my WotF entry in 5/15/10. Not only is it my first time to enter, it's also my very first submission. So, since I'm entered as of last Saturday, I'm assuming I'll be considered part of the 3rd quarter? Is this right? I'm pretty green when it comes to this. Also, about how long does it take before you hear anything? I'm so ready for my first rejection. LOL
Posted by genevive42 (Member # 8714) on :
Hi Crystal,
Congrats on your first submission. Yes, it would place you in the 3rd Quarter.
If you don't win with your first sub, consider joining the group for 4th Quarter. We trade stories and get everyone's input to help make our stories stronger. It is a great critique group. I have learned a lot and this is just my second quarter doing it. I love getting all of the different perspectives/opinions, good and bad. It helps me see my stories in ways I hadn't conceived. And repeated comments help me know for certain when I need to clarify or strengthen things.
Good luck to us all.
Posted by TamesonYip (Member # 9072) on :
I'm back and ready to crit. I sent out my second draft- still lots of room for improvement. If anyone from crit2 wants another crit from me on their story, I would be willing to do that too. Posted by TamesonYip (Member # 9072) on :
I'm wondering if the story I was impressed with is the same one Dark Warrior was. I guess we'll just have to wait for results to be announced. Posted by satate (Member # 8082) on :
I'm sending out my second draft right now. I wasn't sure how to do it since I sent my first draft out before the groups and I think it was to two in group 1 and two in group2. So I'm just sending it to everyone and if you've read it then don't feel like you have to read it twice.
Posted by Dark Warrior (Member # 8822) on :
Critting score card:
I've finished all crits received so far:
Anderson Tameson (1st and 2nd) Meredith(may not have been WOTF entry) Genevive Satate
I have a feeling I havent received all that I should have.
[This message has been edited by Dark Warrior (edited June 02, 2010).]
Posted by axeminister (Member # 8991) on :
I mailed mine to you on 4/13/10 at 4:36
You posted a short time later that you were critting an amazing story. Coincidence?
?
?
Uh... yeah. It was.
Axe
EDIT: Actually, I have an idea. If you haven't received mine, perhaps you could take a look at my alternate story. I'd love to get a set of eyes on it.
[This message has been edited by axeminister (edited May 25, 2010).]
Posted by genevive42 (Member # 8714) on :
axe, if you need eyes on that alternate story, I'm willing. But you'd be about third on my list.
Posted by TamesonYip (Member # 9072) on :
axe- you can be fourth on my list if you want me to look at it.
Posted by genevive42 (Member # 8714) on :
I hope to have my second draft out to Group 2 before the long weekend is up. I'm really hoping for Saturday night.
I stopped in the middle to tackle a short story for the Ladies of Trade Town anthology. It went well but delayed work on my second draft.
I'm mostly posting this to create a commitment for myself.
Have a fun long weekend if you get one!
Posted by axeminister (Member # 8991) on :
Genevive and Tameson, I totally appreciate the offer. I'll send it over when it's done, hopefully this weekend, and I'll be glad to have you take a look if your queue gets down to zero.
Axe
Posted by genevive42 (Member # 8714) on :
Okay, second draft is out to Group 2. Thanks everyone.
Posted by WriterDan (Member # 6456) on :
As usual, I'm way behind the curve on writing my story. This quarter has been a killer for me. I did get another 1500 words written on my story this week but that's it. I am pretty sure that I've returned all the first-round crits. I've only received one second-round story so far though. I'm going on vacation this next week with the fam. So...yeah. Priority just has to be family and school right now. I'm still pushing for the real deadline though. So, no one give up on me, okay? Posted by Dark Warrior (Member # 8822) on :
quote:Genevive and Tameson, I totally appreciate the offer. I'll send it over when it's done, hopefully this weekend, and I'll be glad to have you take a look if your queue gets down to zero. Axe
Axe, sent you an email. I never recieved an attachment from you so please send it my way. I'll bump it to the top of the list. I only have one in queue right now anyway.
Posted by axeminister (Member # 8991) on :
DW, I've been meaning to e-mail you about that. I actually sent my first draft, then weeks later my 2nd one. I can't help but think I'm going to the spam folder when I send an attachment.
It's cool though because I'm happy to have you read the new one. (13 lines are over in the SS F&F section, hint hint)
I just have to finish it...........
Axe
Posted by TamesonYip (Member # 9072) on :
Right now I am working on satate's crit and that is the only one I have left to do. If you have sent me something and I haven't sent it back and aren't satate, then I didn't get it or thought I e-mailed you a crit and didn't (I did that last time for someone).
Posted by Dark Warrior (Member # 8822) on :
quote:DW, I've been meaning to e-mail you about that. I actually sent my first draft, then weeks later my 2nd one. I can't help but think I'm going to the spam folder when I send an attachment.
I added you to contacts so that shouldnt happen again.
Posted by satate (Member # 8082) on :
I didn't get your...
"If you have sent me something and I haven't sent it back and aren't satate"
Ohhh...
(Sorry I just couldn't help myself)
Posted by recovering_cynic (Member # 8964) on :
Sending mine out now. Sorry it's so late.
Posted by TamesonYip (Member # 9072) on :
Now, if you are satate or anyone else and still haven't gotten anything back from me, let me know. Posted by satate (Member # 8082) on :
Recovering Cynic, I tried to e-mail my critic but it failed. I got one of those mailerdaemon things. Did your e-mail change?
Posted by TamesonYip (Member # 9072) on :
So, did anyone actually make the May mail in deadline? I am still working on mine- hopefully by the end of the week.
Posted by genevive42 (Member # 8714) on :
I didn't make the deadline. I'm still waitng for a couple of second draft crits back. But it's just been a little over a week since I sent it out.
Posted by genevive42 (Member # 8714) on :
We seem to have gone rather quiet. How is everyone doing?
Posted by axeminister (Member # 8991) on :
Just mailed out my final crit. Yay!
How I'm doing:
I'm kinda bummed because I don't feel comfortable sending either of the stories I've worked on out this quarter.
My main issue is time. I just don't have the time I want or need to get either of them to the place I want them to be. Last thing I want to do is send something off with a silly typo, etc.
I still haven't heard about my previous quarter's entry.
Can someone tell/remind me how to e-mail Joni to see if mine was received? It may be in one of the other threads, but if someone has the e-mail address handy, that would be great.
I checked the website, but it was talking about the 2006 contest.
Axe
Posted by darklight (Member # 5213) on :
Try this axeminister: Contests@authorservicesinc.com
I'm not doing so well. I have to apologise to some of you that sent me a critique for not thanking you, and to anyone I owe a crit. Things have been pretty crazy here lately. First we had some upset a couple of weeks ago, then last week we had a storm, my roof started leaking and the ceiling in my daughter's bedroom came down. I've spent a week dealing with the insurance, waiting for phone calls and getting builders in. Needless to say, its been quite stressful and sleeping on the sofa with the dog hasn't helped either.
So I've not got a single thing done on my story and at this point, I'm not sure I'm going to get it in shape before the deadline. I'll just have to see how things go next week. Hope the rest of you are doing better.
Posted by TamesonYip (Member # 9072) on :
I am almost ready to send it in. I want to do one more read through aloud, hopefully catch the last few typos and get all the formatting perfect. Lately, I haven't had any time to myself though and for the final nitty gritty details I really need no 3 year old asking what you doing every few minutes. My husband had a big work presentation this afternoon, so he hasn't been much help, but hopefully this weekend he can take Bin for a few hours.
Posted by satate (Member # 8082) on :
I'm like Axe, I don't feel comfortable sending out my story yet either. I'm not sure I'll have it where I want it in time.
Posted by WriterDan (Member # 6456) on :
2400 more words done and only two more scenes left to go. Phew! Man, that felt good! Hoping I can get this story done tomorrow, along with a single draft pass-through and then be ready to send it out on Monday. Hope there are still people available to give me some help. I'm feeling pretty good about the story as is, and so I'm hoping that I won't have to do too much drafting. I guess the critiques will tell though. They always do.
I currently have two crits that I'm working on: 1) TamesonYip #2 2) Recovering_cynic #1
Going to try and get those out soon. Have you sent your story out yet Tameson? Would another crit from me help at this point? Will get to yours asap, RC. Quote me on that.
This quarter is not going to kill me. It will define me.
Posted by TamesonYip (Member # 9072) on :
I have not yet sent mine out and still need to do one more read through, so a crit could still be of use at this point, but if you don't have time, that's fine too.
Posted by recovering_cynic (Member # 8964) on :
Sorry guys
I had surgery a week ago and it knocked me out. Still recovering. I'm not sure I'm submitting my story for this quarter either. I am not terribly happy with its quality and not sure it's polishable to the point where it has a chance of winning.
Posted by WriterDan (Member # 6456) on :
Just sent mine out. Woo-hoo! It's done. Now lets see how much I can get done on my Q04 entry before anything comes back. Maybe lots. If everyone's too busy. lol. Anyhow, glad to have finally made it to my goal for the quarter. If anyone didn't get it that would be willing to crit for me, drop me a line here or by email.
Posted by genevive42 (Member # 8714) on :
Has anyone gotten theirs in the mail yet? I'm hoping to have mine out no later than Wednesday.
Posted by TamesonYip (Member # 9072) on :
I'm staring at mine, all edited (or so I believe) and just trying to get up the nerve to print it and say goodbye. Posted by JenniferHicks (Member # 8201) on :
Hey, everyone. I know I wasn't part of the group this quarter, but I'm in a bind. One of my two critiquers had to pull out (last night, in fact), so I'm lacking in sufficient feedback on my entry. Would any kindhearted person be willing to do a quick turnaround on my story? It's about 11,800 words, fantasy. Thanks in advance.
Posted by genevive42 (Member # 8714) on :
I'm printing right now. I'll take it to the Post Office in the morning.
Pins and needles.
Good luck everyone!
Posted by genevive42 (Member # 8714) on :
It's officially on its way.
Posted by Owasm (Member # 8501) on :
My story went out today. I wasn't pleased with my two candidates and pulled out a 10,000 word story I wrote a year ago and polished it up and sent it out.
It's gone. Now on to the 4th Quarter!
Posted by WriterDan (Member # 6456) on :
Drafting...drafting...drafting...
<<looks_up_at_calendar>>
Nuts!
Posted by WriterDan (Member # 6456) on :
So I'm guessing that most of you read this announcement already because it was in the most recent emailed newsletter from WotF, but on the off chance that you haven't...
"COMING SOON: In the very near future, we will be accepting online submissions for both stories and illustrations. This is part of the upgrade being done on your Writers and Illustrators of the Future website!"
I thought this was particularly interesting in light of the fact of how many times I've heard panels at cons talking about submission types. I must admit that it makes me wonder how many more submissions WotF will be getting in the "near future". Is this a sign of the contest hitting the up-and-up? Makes me wonder if it'll make the contest more difficult to win (because of more entries) or more difficult to judge (because of more entries ) or (more than likely) both.
Something to watch for anyhow.
Posted by axeminister (Member # 8991) on :
That is good news because I believe my q1 entry was lost in the mail. I e-mailed Joni over a week ago but haven't heard. If it was I'd love to send the same one off again, but I'm afraid I won't have enough time... That would leave me two quarters in a row with no entry. =(
Axe
Posted by Owasm (Member # 8501) on :
I think the entry number will rise. I'll bet it already has likely gotten so large that working with hardcopy entries is excessively unwieldy. Perhaps they'll be able to load everyone's ms into a kindle or ipad and do some fast winnowing without lugging around boxes and boxes of paper.
Posted by Kathleen Dalton Woodbury (Member # 59) on :
I remember hearing that one of the previous first judges had some kind of allergic reaction each quarter (puffy eyes, runny nose, etc) to all the boxes and boxes of manuscripts (paper dust or some such), and probably would have preferred dealing with electronic submissions.
Posted by Dark Warrior (Member # 8822) on :
With each new quarter being the biggest yet, I have been wondering if they will make a more significant change like reducing the word limit from 17k to around 10k to make the reading of all of them easier.
Posted by genevive42 (Member # 8714) on :
I sent my story yesterday and it arrived this morning at 7:45 am. At least I know they got it. (Thanks to the USPS delivery confirmation, not WotF, yet.)
Posted by TamesonYip (Member # 9072) on :
Printed it out and realized that when I changed the story's name, I changed it in 2 out of 3 places, not all 3. Nice big obvious sloppy mistake within the first two pages (counting cover sheet as page one). I guess that is why we read the hard copy over before mailing it. Posted by TamesonYip (Member # 9072) on :
It is mailed.
Posted by WriterDan (Member # 6456) on :
Working on a third draft, and undertaking serious re-writes. Ugh. I don't know if this is going to be feasible or not. Already up to 65 pages. That 68-page limit is peering at me with a fair amount of menace.
Posted by Dark Warrior (Member # 8822) on :
Got my Q03 entry in right before the Post Office closed. If I wrap up my Q04 fast enough I could actually have 3 entries into WOTF at the same time, hopefully the Q02 results start flying at us soon though (saw the first set of HM's)
Posted by WriterDan (Member # 6456) on :
It's in.
And I only noticed one colossal mistake after it was gone.
I think I'm going to go die now.
Posted by TamesonYip (Member # 9072) on :
Just got my confirmation e-mail. At the ed it says : Good luck with this quarter and DO LET ME KNOW THAT YOU GOT THIS MESSAGE.
Do you just send an e-mail reply saying got it?
Posted by Kathleen Dalton Woodbury (Member # 59) on :
Sounds to me like that's what they want, TamesonYip.
Posted by genevive42 (Member # 8714) on :
I sent mine two days before you did and I haven't gotten an e-mail. Hmmm.
Posted by Dark Warrior (Member # 8822) on :
I usually hit 'reply' to say I got it and Joni has always sent back a personal response saying thanks for the submission and adds a little plug for the next quarter and the WOTF youtube page.
Posted by TamesonYip (Member # 9072) on :
Ok- I replied and said e-mail received. I am such a newb. Posted by genevive42 (Member # 8714) on :
I got my confirmation at 11:20 pm PST. Joni is working late.
It also said:
"WE WILL, WITHIN THE WEEK, BE ACCEPTING STORIES ON-LINE!!!!!"
This will apply for the fourth quarter, Sept. 30th deadline once it's up and running.
Woohoo!
Good luck everyone!
Posted by Kathleen Dalton Woodbury (Member # 59) on :
Eh, TamesonYip, everyone has to start somewhere.
Please don't stop asking questions because you think you will look like a newb. There will always be someone else who is even more of one than you who will be grateful you had the courage to ask.
Posted by Owasm (Member # 8501) on :
Believe it or not, I just got my confirmation email for my Q3 entry.
Joni said we will have results in two months.
Posted by Crystal Stevens (Member # 8006) on :
I think I got mine too, but I want to make sure before I reply. Does the email say it came from "Contests" and the subject line says "Your story - (Title of story)"? I've never entered before and want confirmation that it's okay for me to respond... that it's not spam or a computer virus. And, yes, it says it's from Joni.
Posted by Owasm (Member # 8501) on :
That's it. Your story has been put in the massive pile of slush awaiting reading.
Posted by WriterDan (Member # 6456) on :
Just got mine yesterday as well. It even said my "hard copy" had arrived. Just another reminder of online submissions. Woo-hoo! Will easily give me another 6 hours of drafting before having to see it off. Posted by JenniferHicks (Member # 8201) on :
KDW reports that she sent back the first batch of Q3 boxes on Wednesday. We might see some HMs soon.
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
quote: KDW reports that she sent back the first batch of Q3 boxes on Wednesday. We might see some HMs soon.
I hope I'm not butting in but I'm not a member of this group but I do have a story entered in Q3- at least I think it three. I sometimes forget which number by the time the judging starts and on the blog it seems like there's always three contests in the pipeline. They release HMs and I think the judging went by very quickly but then I realize that the HMs are from the previous quarter.
Anyway, I came by to see if anyone knew how far they are into the judging of 3. I know now. I hope I'm not butting in.
By the way all these Q-s makes me think of both Star Trek and British Intelligence for some reason or another.
Posted by axeminister (Member # 8991) on :
No butts!
I posted in the Q2 thread so often Dan made me an honorary member and mentioned my honorable mention. (yes I used those words twice in one sentence.) Even tho I didn't do the story swap. (Joined the forum after they had been swapped.)
Echo echo...
Anyway, you're fine.
Q3 is April 1, 2010 - June 30, 2010
Axe
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
quote: No butts! I posted in the Q2 thread so often Dan made me an honorary member and mentioned my honorable mention. (yes I used those words twice in one sentence.) Even tho I didn't do the story swap. (Joined the forum after they had been swapped.)
Echo echo...
Anyway, you're fine.
Q3 is April 1, 2010 - June 30, 2010
Good,
I hope this becomes a repeat of your experience.
I could use some good news with my writing and my last HM was probably over 10 possibly 15 stories ago.
As to which quarter maybe I can find the E-mail they sent to say they got it. One of the reasons I have problems remembering which quarter is that I don't think of it as Q1 or Q2 etc.. I think of it as just another WotF contest.
Posted by axeminister (Member # 8991) on :
quote: I think of it as just another WotF contest.
Just be sure not to send one at the beginning of the quarter - and one at the end. :P
Axe
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
So any further news?
I checked the Newsgroup and blog nothing there but sometimes people have ways of knowing things us ordinary mortals don't.
And Joni seems to be later than usual, wonder if she is on vacation, super busy or ???
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
I found my E-mailing stating I am in the 3rd quarter.
Thought I was but I usually forget about it for a while as I wait and because I don't think of it by number quarters I wasn't sure.
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
I'm out, didn't get very far. At least this time they included the bookmark.
Hopefully you all have a better run this time.
So my better writing, isn't.
Posted by axeminister (Member # 8991) on :
No worries LD. Stick around here and better writing making you we will is.
Axe
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
quote: No worries LD. Stick around here and better writing making you we will is. Axe
Yes sir, Yoda
But we shall see.
Posted by TamesonYip (Member # 9072) on :
I got my rejection. I do like that Joni wrote in people's names instead of just having contestant- made it feel less impersonal.
Posted by JenniferHicks (Member # 8201) on :
I find it interesting that the four rejections reported yesterday to Duotrope were out for 124 to 133 days, which means they were submitted toward the end of the quarter. I guess KDW is not reading in order of submission date this time around.
Sorry to those who have received their rejections. My e-mail box so far remains empty (125 days and counting).
Posted by genevive42 (Member # 8714) on :
132 days - no word
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
Mine seemed to be a little earlier than usual, sometimes I don't get it until they are ready to announce some of the HMs. Or until Joni has the time to post the HMs.
I didn't notice the crossed out name.
Posted by genevive42 (Member # 8714) on :
Posted Thursday, Nov. 4th by KD Wentworth:
quote:I have three more stories to read today, then I will be finished with the first reading.
I hope that's a good thing for us all.
Posted by snapper (Member # 7299) on :
Chances are one of those stories are mine and K D is thumbing the cover of it and thinking...
I so want to be done...what the hell. Reject, reject, reject. Time for a hot chocolate. I wonder what's on TV?
Posted by Meredith (Member # 8368) on :
I'm not a member of this group, but . . .
If K. D. is in the Los Angeles area, I guarantee the last thing on her mind this afternoon is HOT anything. At 4:30 in the afternoon, it's 95 degrees--in NOVEMBER--AND I'm probably closer to the beach (cooler). I knew we were going to have to pay for that mild summer sometime.
Posted by snapper (Member # 7299) on :
I believe KDW, or Also Know As, She Who Must Be Impressed (not to be confused with our own lovely Ms Obeyed), lives in Tulsa, Oklahoma. And we know there are only two things in Oklahoma. Steers and award winning/nominated authors.
K D doesn't have horns, does she?
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
I like that "she who must be impressed."
But speaking of writers there may I ask nominated for what?
It could be anything these days.
Posted by snapper (Member # 7299) on :
Ms Wentworth is a previous winner of the Writers of the Future contest. She is also a three time (or is four?) Hugo award nominated author.
Yep. Despite all the disappointed she dishes out, you will find no horns on her head.
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
Snapper, must be nice but at the same time after three or four times, it would be getting frustrating, I would think.
[This message has been edited by LDWriter2 (edited November 06, 2010).]
Posted by JenniferHicks (Member # 8201) on :
Posted tonight by KDW on the sff.net board:
Too late, Snapper! I just finished the sorting. Boy, was it hard this quarter! I wound up with ten first class stories in the Finalist pile and can only pick eight.
(Snapper had jokingly offered to bribe She Who Must Be Impressed ...)
[This message has been edited by JenniferHicks (edited November 07, 2010).]
Posted by snapper (Member # 7299) on :
Damn! I would have happily paid the 6 bucks!
Posted by Brendan (Member # 6044) on :
Clearly she was looking for a fatter Lincoln. Perhaps if you had mentioned its acceleration from 0 to 60...
[This message has been edited by Brendan (edited November 08, 2010).]
Posted by philocinemas (Member # 8108) on :
Can someone please post the blog site for KDW (she who must be impressed)? I've been to a few places and can't figure out where her blog is that she is making WOTF comments.
It's not a blog, but it is the posting with all the news.
I'm wondering where to find Joni's updates as to where she is in contacting people, posting HM's and such.
Posted by philocinemas (Member # 8108) on :
Thanks again, genevive. I've never really done the whole blog thing, so some of it confuses me a little. As far as I can tell everyone just keeps piling onto that thread - Is that basically it?
Posted by snapper (Member # 7299) on :
The blog where Joni posts HM's and like is usually done here,
but as you can see, she hasn't posted anything for a month.
Posted by JenniferHicks (Member # 8201) on :
I usually find the lists of HMs and such at www.prnewswire.com several days before they're posted on the WOTF blog. In fact, the winners for Q2 were sent out there as a news release and still haven't been posted to the blog, as far as I can tell.
Posted by genevive42 (Member # 8714) on :
Posted by KDW today - Wednesday:
quote:I hear some folks are getting that special phone call!
So I suppose that if we don't get a phone call within the next day or two, we're not finalists. I don't know if any other level of 'accomplishment' gets phone calls.
Posted by Owasm (Member # 8501) on :
Alas, my phone has been silent. Posted by Dark Warrior (Member # 8822) on :
Unless I completely missed something this is the first ive seen finalist notified before a single batch of HM's were posted.
Posted by snapper (Member # 7299) on :
*shakes phone*
Why won't you ring!
Posted by philocinemas (Member # 8108) on :
Mine didn't ring either. Posted by genevive42 (Member # 8714) on :
Nuthin' here.
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
I'm out of this contest but I know the feeling of waiting for the phone to ring.
In a different contest the phone rang after the winners had been announced, my name wasn't listed. I recognized the name of the caller as one of the editors for the contest. The cordless phone I answered with had a low battery so I tore down the hallway to get to another one. That answering machine picked up the call by that time. I was glad no one else was home or I might have just pushed them aside if they had been in my way.
Posted by WriterDan (Member # 6456) on :
First list of honorable mentions are up on the WotF blog.
My name's near the bottom. Seeing as how I missed getting my entry for Q04 in, I have a long time before I need to be worried about this again.
Posted by genevive42 (Member # 8714) on :
Way to go Dan!
Posted by Owasm (Member # 8501) on :
Congratulations!
Still waiting for my phone call...
Posted by walexander (Member # 9151) on :
Congratulations!!! WD!
I'm sure you wanted to go higher, but it's still pretty cool!
Cheers,
W.
Posted by Dark Warrior (Member # 8822) on :
Congrats WD...maybe there is something to your 'last second submission' strategy Posted by genevive42 (Member # 8714) on :
Y'know, I work just a few miles from the Scientology building on Sunset. And they have come into my shop before. Maybe they recognized my name and want to tell me that I'm a finalist in person. - Yeah, right. Anyone got Lucifer's number? I'd like a weather report.
Posted by Brendan (Member # 6044) on :
So which are you, Dan? Elizabeth Baxter from England, Gustavo Bondoni of Argentina, or Madison Bridgen of Canada
(In case you are wondering, that is the end of the list if you don't click Read More)
[This message has been edited by Brendan (edited November 11, 2010).]
Posted by philocinemas (Member # 8108) on :
Congratulations, Dan!
[This message has been edited by philocinemas (edited November 11, 2010).]
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
I add my Congratulations to WD too.
Nice to know you did something right.
Posted by Owasm (Member # 8501) on :
Rejection letters have been flooding the mail. I got mine today Posted by JenniferHicks (Member # 8201) on :
Boo to rejection letters.
Take heart that there's always next quarter. And the one after that. And the one after that ...
Posted by philocinemas (Member # 8108) on :
I feel like the guy who accidentally walked into the wrong restroom - I just realized my entry was for Q4. I guess I'll be having this conversation with you people in another 3 months.
My sympathies for those of you getting rejections - better luck next time.
Posted by genevive42 (Member # 8714) on :
As of Friday night, having checked the mailbox - no word on any front.
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
quote: Rejection letters have been flooding the mail. I got mine today
Mine was one of the first. Maybe thee first one..at least around here.
Sometimes like you did I don't get it until the HMs have stated being listed. That always makes me hope.
I don't recognize any names, but that doesn't mean that they're not there. Anything, anyone?
Posted by Crystal Stevens (Member # 8006) on :
This quarter was my first time to enter. Is it normal for the first list of the HM's to be announced and then the finalists followed by the rejections mailed out? Are the rejections sent by snail or email?
I sent my entry by snail with an SASE to return my manuscript (if you can call a 48 page story a manuscript) and haven't heard a thing. Is it too early to be expecting to hear anything about where (or how) I placed? Will the other catagories be announced like the first HM list... and any other HM's? It did say "first list", which I take to mean there are more to come?
I hope I don't sound too anxious, but just want to know if this is normal or if I should contact Joni or whoever is in charge of this information to find out.
Posted by genevive42 (Member # 8714) on :
A lot of us haven't heard anything. It does seem to be taking longer than seems normal, especially considering they announced the finalists already.
I wouldn't contact Joni. She's probably just neck-deep in paperwork, trying to get everything out.
Posted by JenniferHicks (Member # 8201) on :
The rejections can go out pretty much at any time in the process. This quarter is backward in how results are going out, however. Usually it goes: HMs list No. 1, HMs No. 2, semis and finalists. But we've known the finalists for a while now and are still missing half the HMs.
Posted by JenniferHicks (Member # 8201) on :
KDW posts: Q3 Semifinalist critiques sent. If you're a Semifinalist, tell me which story was yours. I love to getting to put names with titles.
(Which means the semifinalists might get their critiques before Joni posts their names on the blog. Wouldn't that be a surprise in the mail.)
Posted by genevive42 (Member # 8714) on :
I wonder where they're being mailed from.
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
quote: I wonder where they're being mailed from.
LA maybe? Unless KD and others have an office somewhere else and telecommute, which is possible these days.
Posted by genevive42 (Member # 8714) on :
I know Joni is in LA. But I thought KDW was elsewhere. Anything originating from LA, whether it be critique or rejection, I should get right away as it's just across town.
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
I don't know where KD is but we send them to LA which is where the main offices seem to be because everything they do is based around there, so unless they ship the stories cross country, which they could do, they send out the SASEs from LA.
Of course now with E-mail--sometimes I've gotten both--and electronic submissions those SASEs could be from anywhere.
Posted by JenniferHicks (Member # 8201) on :
I hate all this waiting. Is anyone else obsessively checking the WotF blog and forum several times a day, hoping for more results to be posted?
Posted by genevive42 (Member # 8714) on :
Yes.
Posted by Crystal Stevens (Member # 8006) on :
Me too.
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
I have done that at times when my rejection was late. At least three times a day. Once or twice they actually changed it between my checks.
Posted by WriterDan (Member # 6456) on :
All physical entries go to LA, then get shipped to Kathy (in OK? It's definitely somewhere farther east) in boxes, which she then judges. She sends them back by box to LA, and they get sent to the authors from there. I got my hard copy back in the mail last week with my HM certificate. I wonder if maybe they're having computer issues...
From what I've read on the sff board, it seems like Kathy doesn't know why the other awards haven't been announced. I had thought that semi-finalists get calls as well as the finalists, but I could be wrong. Be sure to post when you know!
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
Hmm, I think I got only one HM certificate and it wasn't the one where I got the phone call.
Posted by genevive42 (Member # 8714) on :
They've passed the five month mark on my story, and many others I'm sure. If there's a delay, it'd just be nice to know the estimated time for the announcements and maybe a little of the reason why. Just a little news would be nice.
Posted by JenniferHicks (Member # 8201) on :
I'm with you on that one. My story has been out 4 1/2 months. (I sent it in on the last day of the quarter.)
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
I agree with you genevive42 some News would be good in that situation but it seems like they have sent out most of the rejections already. Some of us have received them. There's been nothing on the blog, Joni has been very busy but how about the Newsgroup?
Posted by snapper (Member # 7299) on :
There is a possibilty no one has considered. The batch of mail KDW sent to Joni to process is lost in the mail, or...a pile was misplaced and KDW never received them.
That did happen a bunch of years back. Not sure what the number was but a couple of writers received an apology when they were discovered, several quarters after they were submitted.
If you weren't named a finalist, it doesn't really matter anyway. Still not knowing can be nerve racking.
Posted by genevive42 (Member # 8714) on :
quote:If you weren't named a finalist, it doesn't really matter anyway.
I disagree. If the story I sent in for this quarter doesn't at least HM, I'm going to wonder whether anything I write will appeal to WotF. I'd like to know.
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
quote:
I disagree. If the story I sent in for this quarter doesn't at least HM, I'm going to wonder whether anything I write will appeal to WotF. I'd like to know.
I agree but I'm not sure if that is the way he meant it. Of course I could be wrong and he could clarify his statement but in the context of the discussion I took it to mean if you aren't a Semi-finalist then you know you didn't get any further.
I said I agree with your statement but at the same time I do enough different types of stories that as I improve my writing-if I am- some day something will appeal to them.
Or my writing will be so great KD has to pass it up no matter if she likes that type of story or not.
Yeah, right.
[This message has been edited by LDWriter2 (edited November 25, 2010).]
Is that our Tom Carpenter?
Posted by genevive42 (Member # 8714) on :
And isn't Ginger, Crystal Stevens?
Congrats to all!
Posted by Crystal Stevens (Member # 8006) on :
Yep, that's me . Not bad for a first time. I just hope I can get the kinks out of my newest story and do better the next time .
Congratulations to all the 3rd quarter 2010 recipiants .
Just wanted to add that I would never have done that well without all the help I had from my fellow Hatrackers. If I had entered what I thought was the final draft the first time around, no way would I have made it even up to bat. The final draft I submitted was totally revised from the original... which I will admit was terrible <<shudder>>.
So a great big THANK YOU to those who critted my story and gave me such great advice and suggestions .
[This message has been edited by Crystal Stevens (edited December 02, 2010).]
Posted by JenniferHicks (Member # 8201) on :
Congrats to Tom and Crystal!
I guess that leaves me and Genevive still waiting. Anyone else?
Posted by Dark Warrior (Member # 8822) on :
Personally, I think it would be a travesty if Genevieves story didnt get some kind of placing. Still hoping for a Semi-finalist. I said it during the crit period. I thought it was the best written WOTF story I had critted and thought for sure it was a finalist. Very disheartening if no placement.
Rooting for Jennifer too, but not sure which story was hers that quarter. Of course, I am still waiting to hear too but I have already moved on.
Posted by genevive42 (Member # 8714) on :
Thanks DW.
Posted by JenniferHicks (Member # 8201) on :
Unfortunately, from what I've seen on this board and the WotF board, I think there are more people still waiting for a response than there are semi-finalist slots. A few of us are going to be disappointed.
If I hurry to finish my Q1 entry, though, I could have three stories out to WotF at the same time. I've never managed that before.
Posted by thomaskcarpenter (Member # 9192) on :
Yes, that's me. Was a surprise to have my HM turned into a Silver HM. That's also my first HM or above for the contest (four previous rejections.) The story was not one that you all saw, but the Q4 story is the one I brought to this group.
Grats Crystal and Dan.
Good luck to everyone for Q4!
[This message has been edited by thomaskcarpenter (edited December 02, 2010).]
Posted by genevive42 (Member # 8714) on :
When I got home tonight, there was an envelope from WotF. It was pretty thin so I figured it was the form rejection. However, there were two pieces of paper; the front page of my story, and a crit from KDW. Looks like I got semi-finalist. Woohoo!
Thank you everyone who read and critiqued for me. I enjoy this group every quarter. You're all awesome. I really apprecaite you help with this story.
Oh, the reason it didn't get finalist is not something I think I would change about the story because I did it very intentionally. So it breaks the 'rules' a little bit. But I think it is what the story I wanted to tell needed, so I'm okay with that.
Posted by Owasm (Member # 8501) on :
Congratulations Genevive
Posted by Owasm (Member # 8501) on :
Congratulations Genevive
Posted by Kathleen Dalton Woodbury (Member # 59) on :
I recognize Jeffrey Vehige's name on that final hm list, but he hasn't been around for a while.
Congrats to Tom, Crystal, and Dan, and to you, genevive. Way to go!
Posted by Dark Warrior (Member # 8822) on :
All is right with the world again. Grats genevive!
Posted by Crystal Stevens (Member # 8006) on :
Way to go Genevive! I know it was your advice on my latest story that's the reason for me totally rewriting it. Best move I ever made. It reads so much better now, even though I'm back to a rough draft again. I think it was Nick who told me (maybe not in these words) that I can take your crits to the bank . Hoping to see you make finalist the next time... or better .
Man oh man, Tom; sound like you were more than overdue for that silver HM. Good work, and here's to better stories and higher placings for you too .
Posted by genevive42 (Member # 8714) on :
Thank you all.
I have high hopes of placing this story in one of the big three. I'll keep you posted.
Posted by WriterDan (Member # 6456) on :
Grats, Trina. Glad to see you got "the surprise"! Hopefully the blog'll be a little more on top of things this quarter, eh?
So that sounds like everyone for this quarter. If not, let me know. Otherwise...on to the next!
Posted by JenniferHicks (Member # 8201) on :
Well, I have given up on the waiting and e-mailed Joni to query about the status of my story. That's mostly to make sure it didn't vanish into KDW's couch cushions or something. Response is pending.
Posted by Osiris (Member # 9196) on :
Good luck Jennifer, I'm pulling for you.
Posted by genevive42 (Member # 8714) on :
Yeah, good luck Jennifer. An extra day or two for it to get to CO is very possible.
Posted by walexander (Member # 9151) on :
congrats! everyone - crossing fingers for you gen.
Gives me hope for the future.
W.
Posted by thomaskcarpenter (Member # 9192) on :
Grats Genevieve!
Posted by JenniferHicks (Member # 8201) on :
Thanks everyone, but I just got the e-mail from Joni: "Your story did not win in the 3rd quarter of the contest." Guess that means straight rejection. What I don't understand is why they took so damn long to tell me.
Posted by JenniferHicks (Member # 8201) on :
Also, the semi-finalist list has finally been posted. It's official for Genevive. Congrats again!
This has certainly given me a boost. I am feeling completely re-energized about my writing. Feels good.
Sorry you didn't make it Jennifer. Next time.
Posted by JenniferHicks (Member # 8201) on :
Rejections don't bother me. That's because I expect to get them. So when I don't get rejected, it's a nice surprise. My Q3 story was as good or better than my four HMs, so I was expecting another HM. The first round of HMs and rejections passed and I heard nothing. It happened again with the second round, and I found myself hoping (despite my better judgment) that maybe I had finally broken out of the HMs and into something better. The semi-finalist critiques went out in the mail, and my hopes hit fevered pitch. Then: a single-sentence form rejection. I went from feeling like I had a shot to feeling like I was a loose end to be tied up before moving onto the next quarter. An afterthought. That is a fast, hard, painful fall, let me tell you. Here's hoping that I and my bruised ego fare better in Q4.
Posted by thomaskcarpenter (Member # 9192) on :
Don't let the rejection get you down Jennifer. I've read your stuff. You're a good writer. There's a million reasons why it may not have gotten an HM that have nothing to do with the quality of your work.
Take a deep breath and get back to writing your next awesome story.
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
quote: My Q3 story was as good or better than my four HMs, so I was expecting another HM. The first round of HMs and rejections passed and I heard nothing. It happened again with the second round, and I found myself hoping (despite my better judgment) that maybe I had finally broken out of the HMs and into something better. The semi-finalist critiques went out in the mail, and my hopes hit fevered pitch. Then: a single-sentence form rejection. I went from feeling like I had a shot to feeling like I was a loose end to be tied up before moving onto the next quarter. An afterthought. That is a fast, hard, painful fall, let me tell you. Here's hoping that I and my bruised ego fare better in Q4.
I've said this before but I can relate. The same thing has happened to me.
And many times I think I've sent in a story with my best writing to date. For every so often I think my writing has improved when I have incorporated into my writing new techniques I have learned, or have tried to, added to that is some of my stories lately have been critiqued on another site. So when I don't receive a rejection by the time the HMs start being announced I start expecting to see my name listed.
I add though that as usual there and elsewhere I find no evidence that my writing has actually improved.
Posted by JenniferHicks (Member # 8201) on :
Thank you for the encouragement. In the light of day, I'm telling myself that one judge's opinion is not the last word on the worth of a story. Just because KDW didn't like it does not mean it's not going to sell. I'm going to finish my Q1 entry and get that submitted, then do some revising on the Q3 story and send it back out elsewhere.
[This message has been edited by JenniferHicks (edited December 04, 2010).]
Posted by genevive42 (Member # 8714) on :
Hey Jennifer,
That's the right attitude.
The one thing I have quickly discovered is that WotF seems to have a rather narrow definition of what is acceptable/proper/good writing. Even the reason my story didn't make finalist was a technical writing 'rule'. Most pros say those rules should be taken with a grain of salt. I actually don't agree with much of the critique I received, but KDW became just one more voice in the sea of critiques I've gotten on this story, not the final word.
So yes, you can have a great story that just doesn't suit WotF tastes and that doesn't mean it's any less great.
Just keep those fingers tappin'.
Posted by eyegore242 (Member # 9317) on :
It is interesting that you say that they are nitpicky about the rules of writing gene. i have been reading the xxv volume of WotF and there are 2 stories so far that break rules.
the first one doesn't bring in the fantasy till at least half way though the story. unless you count a char in the story saying something evil comes this way. but thats in tons of stuff that isnt in any way shape or form sf or fantasy. and i thought i read that if you dont have the sf or fantasy coming out in the first page or two they dont even bother reading the rest.
the other story i liked alot till the very end. that whole thing of dont trick the reader, yea he broke that one. all i could think to myself after reading it was 'yea i saw six sense too and it sucked just as much the first time.' the bad part is i really liked the story up until that part.
i dont know maybe that year was just rough on good submissions or something.
Posted by WriterDan (Member # 6456) on :
@Genevive: So I'm curious which writing rule she quoted at you in your critique. I have to admit that I was curious when you first mentioned it, but I recently started reading the new anthology (WotF 26) and have found nothing but confusion, and crappy endings or no endings, and rehashed ideas all over the place, and have suddenly found a greater interest in knowing what kind of rule could keep out a story like yours but allow these others in at the same time.
Never before has reading one of the WotF anthologies made me want to quit submitting to the contest more (even though I haven't finished reading this one yet). It's depressing. Of course, I expected to be let down by what I found (after having read 18 through 25 already and deciding that I liked only very little of what I found) but I didn't think it was going to be this abysmally bad.
Posted by Osiris (Member # 9196) on :
Doh, I just started reading the 26th anthology for my first one to read. You are scaring me Dan.
So far I've only read Skadder's and started reading Brads.
Posted by WriterDan (Member # 6456) on :
Thank you, Brad.
Seriously. Great story. Why did it only get third place, I wonder? More confusion from my direction about this fact. Great ending too. There's a bundle of maid-and-butlerish dialogue in it and a surprising amount of on-stage sexual content, but everything actually makes sense! What a concept! I really liked this one.
Hope I can find another one that's good before I hit the end. Halfway done now, and at that rate...
Posted by Brad R Torgersen (Member # 8211) on :
Thanks, Dan. Glad you enjoyed it. As to why it got third place, that's a matter of judge taste. K.D. liked it quite a bit, but there are times when K.D. will love a piece and send it up as a Finalist, and the four judges for that quarter will yawn and send it back down unselected. So the best I can say is that you just keep hitting the Contest until you win. If you're getting routine HM, you're close. If you get a Finalist Semi-Finalist, but no win, you're very close. Multi-semis or Finalists, you're going to win eventually.
Posted by Brad R Torgersen (Member # 8211) on :
FYI, the fine-hair-splitting that goes up at the judging stage all comes down to taste. And the truth is, what fits for the judges will not fit for all readers. So I think it's fair to say that reading the anthologies to find a road map to winning is a superb idea, but only pay attention to the stories you like.
I'll repeat again. Read the anthologies. Cover to cover. But when it comes time to really look hard at a particular story or stories, don't look at the ones you hated or didn't care for. Pick the stories -- even if there's only one or two per book -- that you really enjoyed or which seemed good to you, and work from there.
Using a story you hated or did not care for as a guide or roadmap is a bad idea.
Posted by genevive42 (Member # 8714) on :
WD I posted an excerpt from my critique on the Q03 topic in Open Discussions.
Essentially though, what she said kept it from being a finalist is that my main characters were not the decision-makers that could drive the plot.
For my intent for the story, it worked fine - but obviously a little less so for her taste.
It is nice to know why it missed though.
Brad, good suggestions. I think I started out reading the 'less impressive' anthology and yes, I did wonder how a few of those stories ended up winning. I think I shall get another one.
Posted by Dark Warrior (Member # 8822) on :
The crit is copied in the KDW wotf hatrack post too
Posted by WriterDan (Member # 6456) on :
@Brad: Absolutely. That's essentially what I've been doing and getting consistent HMs for each quarter that I submit. It's tough sometimes though to read the anthologies and wonder if I'm a total loon because of how little I find that I like or sometimes that even seems to "fit the mold" of what the Writers of the Future judges want to see. I have been reading all the anthologies cover to cover (well, since volume 18 that is) and agree about not using a story I didn't like as a roadmap to try and win the contest. Write the stuff you like, I say, and if it's good, someone will eventually pick it up.
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
quote: That's essentially what I've been doing and getting consistent HMs for each quarter that I submit. It's tough sometimes though to read the anthologies and wonder if I'm a total loon because of how little I find that I like or sometimes that even seems to "fit the mold" of what the Writers of the Future judges want to see.
I get that when I read magazines but usually not when I read anthologies. Usually though, because of the writing, I can see why a tale was included in a magazine even though I didn't like the story..
But speaking of the WotF Antho has anyone here ever bought the set they offer every time a antho is published? It's usually a copy of the anthology and a book or two on writing. I have thought about it but never get to it, since you have to order the set through their web site.
.