Okay. With everything I've got going and coming up, I'm probably totally crazy to suggest this, but when has being crazy ever stopped me? Don't answer that.
So, I propose a first chapter challenge. In self defense, I'm going to put a cap of 3000 words on it. If your first chapter is longer than that, tough. IME, most agents who ask for a writing sample along with the query only want five to ten pages. 3000 words is a tad more generous than that.
We'll run this something like the WotF group. That means:
If we get too many people, we'll break it up into smaller groups. Then the winner from each group will be read by all participants and be voted on again.
E-mail your chapter directly to your critique partners. Same with critiques. Only the votes need to come through me.
Vote for the chapter that would most make you want to read on. Five points for a first place vote, three for second, one for third.
Schedule:
Sign up by adding your name to the list by March 1st.
Groups assigned (if necessary) on March 2nd and email your chapters.
First round of critiques and votes by March 31st.
Second round (if necessary) by April 15th. (The number of chapters should be smaller. If not, I may move this date.)
[ February 15, 2012, 02:40 PM: Message edited by: Meredith ]
Posted by Meredith (Member # 8368) on :
Participants: Copy this list and add your name. If you include your title and genre, I'll try to match up the first groups (if needed) as much as possible.
Meredith, SEVEN STARS, YA Fantasy
[ February 14, 2012, 08:52 PM: Message edited by: Meredith ]
Posted by snapper (Member # 7299) on :
Does it have to be a novel, Meredith? I have two works that are long novelettes or short novellas (depending on your definition) that are broken up into chapters.
Posted by wirelesslibrarian (Member # 9513) on :
Yes, please. I've let my novel sit for too long.
Meredith, SEVEN STARS, YA Fantasy wirelesslibrarian, EXPIRATION DATE, MG Fantasy
Posted by genevive42 (Member # 8714) on :
I'll enter that challenge with 1500 words.
Meredith, SEVEN STARS, YA Fantasy wirelesslibrarian, EXPIRATION DATE, MG Fantasy genevive42, FORGED WITH FIRE AND STEEL, Fantasy
Posted by Meredith (Member # 8368) on :
quote:Originally posted by snapper: Does it have to be a novel, Meredith? I have two works that are long novelettes or short novellas (depending on your definition) that are broken up into chapters.
Who am I to discriminate?
Posted by RoxyL (Member # 9096) on :
This sounds wonderful! A question, though. My chapters are very short (the first is only 925 words long). Can I do two chapters to equal ~2400 words (that's about 12 pages)?
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
Okay I give it a shot, even though I have four to choose from but I think I know which one to use. This is the one I have been calling New Mage but decided it's time for a better title. This isn't it but it's closer.
Meredith, SEVEN STARS, YA Fantasy wirelesslibrarian, EXPIRATION DATE, MG Fantasy genevive42, FORGED WITH FIRE AND STEEL, Fantasy LDWriter2, TWO STRUGGLES, Urban Fantasy
Posted by Owasm (Member # 8501) on :
I will likewise give it a shot. Meredith has read most of my novel beginnings, but that's okay, I've read a draft of Seven Stars. It should be fun.
Meredith, SEVEN STARS, YA Fantasy wirelesslibrarian, EXPIRATION DATE, MG Fantasy genevive42, FORGED WITH FIRE AND STEEL, Fantasy LDWriter2, TWO STRUGGLES, Urban Fantasy Owasm, The Reluctant Mage, YA Fantasy
Posted by MartinV (Member # 5512) on :
I wouldn't call it a novel but I'll play along. My actual novel has longer chapters so I'm putting in my short story (the bugger's not so short anymore).
Meredith, SEVEN STARS, YA Fantasy wirelesslibrarian, EXPIRATION DATE, MG Fantasy genevive42, FORGED WITH FIRE AND STEEL, Fantasy LDWriter2, TWO STRUGGLES, Urban Fantasy Owasm, The Reluctant Mage, YA Fantasy MartinV, Clockworks Warrior, Steampunk Fantasy
Posted by shimiqua (Member # 7760) on :
Meredith, SEVEN STARS, YA Fantasy wirelesslibrarian, EXPIRATION DATE, MG Fantasy genevive42, FORGED WITH FIRE AND STEEL, Fantasy LDWriter2, TWO STRUGGLES, Urban Fantasy Owasm, The Reluctant Mage, YA Fantasy MartinV, Clockworks Warrior, Steampunk Fantasy Shimiqua, FUNNY TRAGIC, CRAZY MAGIC, YA Urban Fantasy
Posted by RoxyL (Member # 9096) on :
Well, one way or another, I'm definitely in.
Meredith, SEVEN STARS, YA Fantasy wirelesslibrarian, EXPIRATION DATE, MG Fantasy genevive42, FORGED WITH FIRE AND STEEL, Fantasy LDWriter2, TWO STRUGGLES, Urban Fantasy Owasm, The Reluctant Mage, YA Fantasy MartinV, Clockworks Warrior, Steampunk Fantasy Shimiqua, FUNNY TRAGIC, CRAZY MAGIC, YA Urban Fantasy RoxyL, MOTHER OF PEARL, YA Fantasy
Posted by MattLeo (Member # 9331) on :
I've got couple of first chapters kicking around I could chip in. *Baudwynn and the Rising Star* is a fantasy/satire; *The Keystone* is a romantic comedy/space opera. Any preferences? I notice everyone else is doing some kind of fantasy.
Posted by Meredith (Member # 8368) on :
@RoxyL: Bearing in mind that some agents will ask only for the first chapter, I won't complain as long as the entire submission is 3000 words or less.
@MattLeo: Whichever you want. Yeah, the list is heavy on fantasy right now, but it's only been one day and the deadline isn't for a couple of weeks. I wouldn't be surprised if there was some science fiction before we're done.
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
I may not be able to continue though. I have more to cut out of the chapter than I thought unless I want to leave you guys with half of a battle.
I do need to cut much of the back ground I put in anyway but I don't know if I can cut that much and finish the battle.
Posted by Meredith (Member # 8368) on :
quote:Originally posted by LDWriter2: I may not be able to continue though. I have more to cut out of the chapter than I thought unless I want to leave you guys with half of a battle.
I do need to cut much of the back ground I put in anyway but I don't know if I can cut that much and finish the battle.
There are still a couple of weeks. Just let us know by March 1st.
Posted by genevive42 (Member # 8714) on :
quote:I may not be able to continue though. I have more to cut out of the chapter than I thought unless I want to leave you guys with half of a battle.
I do need to cut much of the back ground I put in anyway but I don't know if I can cut that much and finish the battle.
Is there no breaking point before the battle? I ask because the judging is supposed to be based on which chapter would most make you want to read on. Can you work your existing material aiming for that criteria?
Just a thought.
Posted by Natej11 (Member # 8547) on :
quote:Originally posted by RoxyL: Well, one way or another, I'm definitely in.
Meredith, SEVEN STARS, YA Fantasy wirelesslibrarian, EXPIRATION DATE, MG Fantasy genevive42, FORGED WITH FIRE AND STEEL, Fantasy LDWriter2, TWO STRUGGLES, Urban Fantasy Owasm, The Reluctant Mage, YA Fantasy MartinV, Clockworks Warrior, Steampunk Fantasy Shimiqua, FUNNY TRAGIC, CRAZY MAGIC, YA Urban Fantasy RoxyL, MOTHER OF PEARL, YA Fantasy Natej11, CORSAIRS, YA Fantasy
Just wanted to add a thanks for organizing this. After taking an extensive writing break for various things, including a part time editing job, I finally decided to sit down and get this book done. I'm grateful for anything that helps keep me motivated .
Posted by Tiergan (Member # 7852) on :
quote: Meredith, SEVEN STARS, YA Fantasy wirelesslibrarian, EXPIRATION DATE, MG Fantasy genevive42, FORGED WITH FIRE AND STEEL, Fantasy LDWriter2, TWO STRUGGLES, Urban Fantasy Owasm, The Reluctant Mage, YA Fantasy MartinV, Clockworks Warrior, Steampunk Fantasy Shimiqua, FUNNY TRAGIC, CRAZY MAGIC, YA Urban Fantasy RoxyL, MOTHER OF PEARL, YA Fantasy Natej11, CORSAIRS, YA Fantasy Tiergan, KNIGHTS VALOR, Fantasy
Alright I am in.
Posted by MattLeo (Member # 9331) on :
Okee dokee, I'll buck the trend and contribute a sci-fi chapter:
quote: Meredith, SEVEN STARS, YA Fantasy wirelesslibrarian, EXPIRATION DATE, MG Fantasy genevive42, FORGED WITH FIRE AND STEEL, Fantasy LDWriter2, TWO STRUGGLES, Urban Fantasy Owasm, The Reluctant Mage, YA Fantasy MartinV, Clockworks Warrior, Steampunk Fantasy Shimiqua, FUNNY TRAGIC, CRAZY MAGIC, YA Urban Fantasy RoxyL, MOTHER OF PEARL, YA Fantasy Natej11, CORSAIRS, YA Fantasy Tiergan, KNIGHTS VALOR, Fantasy MattLeo, THE KEYSTONE, Space Opera/Romantic Comedy
Posted by rcmann (Member # 9757) on :
I have one that has been gathering dust for a dismally long time. I would like to get back to it, now that I have some hope of getting feedback.
Meredith, SEVEN STARS, YA Fantasy wirelesslibrarian, EXPIRATION DATE, MG Fantasy genevive42, FORGED WITH FIRE AND STEEL, Fantasy LDWriter2, TWO STRUGGLES, Urban Fantasy Owasm, The Reluctant Mage, YA Fantasy MartinV, Clockworks Warrior, Steampunk Fantasy Shimiqua, FUNNY TRAGIC, CRAZY MAGIC, YA Urban Fantasy RoxyL, MOTHER OF PEARL, YA Fantasy Natej11, CORSAIRS, YA Fantasy Tiergan, KNIGHTS VALOR, Fantasy MattLeo, THE KEYSTONE, Space Opera/Romantic Comedy rcmann, THE PATTERNS OF CHAOS, Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Posted by snapper (Member # 7299) on :
Bummer. The novella opening I wanted to enter is too long. Looks like I'm out
Posted by RoxanneCrouse (Member # 9172) on :
I'll add a first chapter. Fantasy YA
Posted by Meredith (Member # 8368) on :
quote:Originally posted by RoxanneCrouse: I'll add a first chapter. Fantasy YA
In that case:
Meredith, SEVEN STARS, YA Fantasy wirelesslibrarian, EXPIRATION DATE, MG Fantasy genevive42, FORGED WITH FIRE AND STEEL, Fantasy LDWriter2, TWO STRUGGLES, Urban Fantasy Owasm, The Reluctant Mage, YA Fantasy MartinV, Clockworks Warrior, Steampunk Fantasy Shimiqua, FUNNY TRAGIC, CRAZY MAGIC, YA Urban Fantasy RoxyL, MOTHER OF PEARL, YA Fantasy Natej11, CORSAIRS, YA Fantasy Tiergan, KNIGHTS VALOR, Fantasy MattLeo, THE KEYSTONE, Space Opera/Romantic Comedy rcmann, THE PATTERNS OF CHAOS, Sci-Fi/Fantasy RoxanneCrouse, NO TITLE GIVEN, YA Fantasy
(That way, I can keep count of who's in, which will help with making up the groups.)
Posted by Crank (Member # 7354) on :
This sounds like fun.
Meredith, SEVEN STARS, YA Fantasy wirelesslibrarian, EXPIRATION DATE, MG Fantasy genevive42, FORGED WITH FIRE AND STEEL, Fantasy LDWriter2, TWO STRUGGLES, Urban Fantasy Owasm, The Reluctant Mage, YA Fantasy MartinV, Clockworks Warrior, Steampunk Fantasy Shimiqua, FUNNY TRAGIC, CRAZY MAGIC, YA Urban Fantasy RoxyL, MOTHER OF PEARL, YA Fantasy Natej11, CORSAIRS, YA Fantasy Tiergan, KNIGHTS VALOR, Fantasy MattLeo, THE KEYSTONE, Space Opera/Romantic Comedy rcmann, THE PATTERNS OF CHAOS, Sci-Fi/Fantasy RoxanneCrouse, NO TITLE GIVEN, YA Fantasy Crank, ORACLE OF SENTRY RIDGE, YA
S!
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
quote:Is there no breaking point before the battle? I ask because the judging is supposed to be based on which chapter would most make you want to read on. Can you work your existing material aiming for that criteria?
Just a thought.
I called it a battle but it's more than that. My MC finds someone that needs help, the people after that person find them and they head out back where the battle happens. Even there I'm not sure if battle is the right term. There's a fight against two groups. One group is almost a cliche but the main fight is against something you don't expect to find in the back alley of a city. I hope anyway.
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
I cut around one and half to two thousand words and am half way through the chapter but still have 3,600 words to go. Gonna be tough.
Posted by RobED (Member # 9720) on :
Meredith, SEVEN STARS, YA Fantasy wirelesslibrarian, EXPIRATION DATE, MG Fantasy genevive42, FORGED WITH FIRE AND STEEL, Fantasy LDWriter2, TWO STRUGGLES, Urban Fantasy Owasm, The Reluctant Mage, YA Fantasy MartinV, Clockworks Warrior, Steampunk Fantasy Shimiqua, FUNNY TRAGIC, CRAZY MAGIC, YA Urban Fantasy RoxyL, MOTHER OF PEARL, YA Fantasy Natej11, CORSAIRS, YA Fantasy Tiergan, KNIGHTS VALOR, Fantasy MattLeo, THE KEYSTONE, Space Opera/Romantic Comedy rcmann, THE PATTERNS OF CHAOS, Sci-Fi/Fantasy RoxanneCrouse, NO TITLE GIVEN, YA Fantasy Crank, ORACLE OF SENTRY RIDGE, YA RobED, SHATTERED EMPIRE, SCI-FI/Fantasy
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
I need to get my going, I want to read Martin's
Steampunk fantasy --- great.
Rob's sound's interesting also.
Most seem to be some form of fantasy which is okay , most of which sounds good also. Including NO TITLE GIVEN
Of course maybe I should just write a new chapter, I can make sure it's only 3,000 words. I do happen to have a page in a new UFnovel but then again how about a steampunk western or steampunk UF?
Posted by Meredith (Member # 8368) on :
Whatever you want, LD. I know you have more than one book in the works.
Posted by Crashburn274 (Member # 9687) on :
New here; what does WotF mean?
Meredith, SEVEN STARS, YA Fantasy wirelesslibrarian, EXPIRATION DATE, MG Fantasy genevive42, FORGED WITH FIRE AND STEEL, Fantasy LDWriter2, TWO STRUGGLES, Urban Fantasy Owasm, The Reluctant Mage, YA Fantasy MartinV, Clockworks Warrior, Steampunk Fantasy Shimiqua, FUNNY TRAGIC, CRAZY MAGIC, YA Urban Fantasy RoxyL, MOTHER OF PEARL, YA Fantasy Natej11, CORSAIRS, YA Fantasy Tiergan, KNIGHTS VALOR, Fantasy MattLeo, THE KEYSTONE, Space Opera/Romantic Comedy rcmann, THE PATTERNS OF CHAOS, Sci-Fi/Fantasy RoxanneCrouse, NO TITLE GIVEN, YA Fantasy Crank, ORACLE OF SENTRY RIDGE, YA RobED, SHATTERED EMPIRE, SCI-FI/Fantasy Crash, LAST DAYS OF FUSPMAR, Fantasy
Posted by genevive42 (Member # 8714) on :
WotF = Writers of the Future, an ongoing contest for amateur fantasy and sf writers
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
Oops, today's the 25th whatever chapter I use I better get going, none are that short... with the possible exception of one I still need to check.
If I work on nothing else today, not counting chores, I can get the shortening of my original choice done.
If that doesn't work out I can try my newest first chapter which has only 1,900 words to cut. And an interesting battle. Or another First Chapter that doesn't really have a battle.
Posted by aspirit (Member # 7974) on :
Meredith, thanks for grouping entries by genre. I'm hoping such grouping will minimize the influence of personal biases.
Participants: Meredith, SEVEN STARS, YA Fantasy wirelesslibrarian, EXPIRATION DATE, MG Fantasy genevive42, FORGED WITH FIRE AND STEEL, Fantasy LDWriter2, TWO STRUGGLES, Urban Fantasy Owasm, The Reluctant Mage, YA Fantasy MartinV, Clockworks Warrior, Steampunk Fantasy Shimiqua, FUNNY TRAGIC, CRAZY MAGIC, YA Urban Fantasy RoxyL, MOTHER OF PEARL, YA Fantasy Natej11, CORSAIRS, YA Fantasy Tiergan, KNIGHTS VALOR, Fantasy MattLeo, THE KEYSTONE, Space Opera/Romantic Comedy rcmann, THE PATTERNS OF CHAOS, Sci-Fi/Fantasy RoxanneCrouse, NO TITLE GIVEN, YA Fantasy Crank, ORACLE OF SENTRY RIDGE, YA RobED, SHATTERED EMPIRE, SCI-FI/Fantasy Crash, LAST DAYS OF FUSPMAR, Fantasy aspirit, REFLECTIONS IN THE NIGHT, YA Romantic Sci-Fi
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
Decided Two Struggles is out. No way I can cut another 3,500 words.
However I decided that my new novel, "Stone Within" Has a first chapter I can cut down to 3,000 words even if I have to cut more for this challenge than I would normally.
But Two Struggles needed the cutting and so does Stone Within's chapter so this was in no way a waste of time. I believe Two Struggles is better now--- if I can get chapters two and three the way I want them. I revised some of Stone, so far, and I took out a couple of things I needed really need anyway. Changed something else so as they say it's all good.
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
Same genre so :
Participants: Meredith, SEVEN STARS, YA Fantasy wirelesslibrarian, EXPIRATION DATE, MG Fantasy genevive42, FORGED WITH FIRE AND STEEL, Fantasy LDWriter2, STONE WITHIN, Urban Fantasy Owasm, The Reluctant Mage, YA Fantasy MartinV, Clockworks Warrior, Steampunk Fantasy Shimiqua, FUNNY TRAGIC, CRAZY MAGIC, YA Urban Fantasy RoxyL, MOTHER OF PEARL, YA Fantasy Natej11, CORSAIRS, YA Fantasy Tiergan, KNIGHTS VALOR, Fantasy MattLeo, THE KEYSTONE, Space Opera/Romantic Comedy rcmann, THE PATTERNS OF CHAOS, Sci-Fi/Fantasy RoxanneCrouse, NO TITLE GIVEN, YA Fantasy Crank, ORACLE OF SENTRY RIDGE, YA RobED, SHATTERED EMPIRE, SCI-FI/Fantasy Crash, LAST DAYS OF FUSPMAR, Fantasy aspirit, REFLECTIONS IN THE NIGHT, YA Romantic Sci-Fi
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
How's 3,021 words?
Posted by genevive42 (Member # 8714) on :
I don't see a problem with 3,021 words. Anyone else?
Posted by genevive42 (Member # 8714) on :
I will ask, Meredith, do you think we really need almost a full month for crits and voting? I know it may depend on the size of the groups, but that seems like a long time when there's a 3k cap.
Posted by MAP (Member # 8631) on :
Wow, this thing is huge. Sorry guys, I think I'm going to add one more.
Participants: Meredith, SEVEN STARS, YA Fantasy wirelesslibrarian, EXPIRATION DATE, MG Fantasy genevive42, FORGED WITH FIRE AND STEEL, Fantasy LDWriter2, STONE WITHIN, Urban Fantasy Owasm, The Reluctant Mage, YA Fantasy MartinV, Clockworks Warrior, Steampunk Fantasy Shimiqua, FUNNY TRAGIC, CRAZY MAGIC, YA Urban Fantasy RoxyL, MOTHER OF PEARL, YA Fantasy Natej11, CORSAIRS, YA Fantasy Tiergan, KNIGHTS VALOR, Fantasy MattLeo, THE KEYSTONE, Space Opera/Romantic Comedy rcmann, THE PATTERNS OF CHAOS, Sci-Fi/Fantasy RoxanneCrouse, NO TITLE GIVEN, YA Fantasy Crank, ORACLE OF SENTRY RIDGE, YA RobED, SHATTERED EMPIRE, SCI-FI/Fantasy Crash, LAST DAYS OF FUSPMAR, Fantasy aspirit, REFLECTIONS IN THE NIGHT, YA Romantic Sci-Fi MAP, BONDED, Fantasy
Posted by Meredith (Member # 8368) on :
quote:Originally posted by LDWriter2: How's 3,021 words?
I'm not going to fight over 21 words. Let's say it rounds to 3000.
As for the entire month for critiques--did you see the top post about what else I'm critiquing in the next couple of months? I have an average of ten critiques every month for my other writing group. Another one or two from here. Plus an entire novel for next month and two for April. We might not all need that much time, but I'm betting I will.
Right now, it looks like probably 3 groups, depending on what happens in the next few days.
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
Wow, a lot of novels here. Which is good.
But instead of asking how many of us are participating maybe ask how many aren't?
I could be off of course but it seems like this is most of those who visit the treehouse on a regular bases.
Neat.
Posted by genevive42 (Member # 8714) on :
quote:did you see the top post about what else I'm critiquing in the next couple of months?
Sorry, missed the finer details of that. My apologies. I completely see why you chose the schedule you did.
Posted by TempestDash (Member # 9026) on :
I would like to play, if I might. I've been sitting on my work, un-critiqued and unpublished for far too long. Though my first chapter is just over 4k words, I guess I'll have to trim a bit...
Participants: Meredith, SEVEN STARS, YA Fantasy wirelesslibrarian, EXPIRATION DATE, MG Fantasy genevive42, FORGED WITH FIRE AND STEEL, Fantasy LDWriter2, STONE WITHIN, Urban Fantasy Owasm, The Reluctant Mage, YA Fantasy MartinV, Clockworks Warrior, Steampunk Fantasy Shimiqua, FUNNY TRAGIC, CRAZY MAGIC, YA Urban Fantasy RoxyL, MOTHER OF PEARL, YA Fantasy Natej11, CORSAIRS, YA Fantasy Tiergan, KNIGHTS VALOR, Fantasy MattLeo, THE KEYSTONE, Space Opera/Romantic Comedy rcmann, THE PATTERNS OF CHAOS, Sci-Fi/Fantasy RoxanneCrouse, NO TITLE GIVEN, YA Fantasy Crank, ORACLE OF SENTRY RIDGE, YA RobED, SHATTERED EMPIRE, SCI-FI/Fantasy Crash, LAST DAYS OF FUSPMAR, Fantasy aspirit, REFLECTIONS IN THE NIGHT, YA Romantic Sci-Fi MAP, BONDED, Fantasy TempestDash, NEWTON'S CROSSING, Space Opera
Posted by aspirit (Member # 7974) on :
Future members of my group(s),
Will you please mention in your e-mail what kind of critique you'd prefer? I'd rather not go into a paragraph-by-paragraph analysis if you want only to know if the first chapter as a whole makes sense, or give a general two-line response if you're hoping for detailed feedback.
~aspirit
Posted by aspirit (Member # 7974) on :
Also, may we include a logline (or really brief summary) of our novel with our first chapter? Editors and agents generally receive a query letter and synopsis with a novel's opening, and the readers of a published book get a cover blurb. It seems like without any idea of the overall novel, we won't be able to judge the first chapter as well.
Posted by Meredith (Member # 8368) on :
quote:Originally posted by aspirit: Also, may we include a logline (or really brief summary) of our novel with our first chapter? Editors and agents generally receive a query letter and synopsis with a novel's opening, and the readers of a published book get a cover blurb. It seems like without any idea of the overall novel, we won't be able to judge the first chapter as well.
That's a great idea! Go for it.
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
I was wondering something along the same lines as aspirit.
My novel isn't finished but I thought of a very short synopses of the chapters I do have as well as an overall two to five sentence synopses of the basic story idea.
Posted by Meredith (Member # 8368) on :
quote:Originally posted by LDWriter2: I was wondering something along the same lines as aspirit.
My novel isn't finished but I thought of a very short synopses of the chapters I do have as well as an overall two to five sentence synopses of the basic story idea.
Unless there's a compelling reason, I'd stick with a log line or a couple of paragraphs, similar to a query.
Posted by MartinV (Member # 5512) on :
I'm putting mine up without a log line. I want to see if the first chapter gives enough information that the reader knows what is happening.
Posted by Crank (Member # 7354) on :
quote:I'm putting mine up without a log line. I want to see if the first chapter gives enough information that the reader knows what is happening.
I'm considering the same move. The opening scene I'm submitting is from the third story in a series. This (if I go through with omitting a log line or synopsis) will be my way of determining how much assumption seeps into the opening scenes that come after the detailed descriptions and settings of the first (or second) story in the series. This is one of the reasons I picked this story. Should be an interesting learning experience.
S!
Posted by MattLeo (Member # 9331) on :
Well, about the logline, I'm not sure it's here or there with respect to the goal of the contest:
quote:Vote for the chapter that would most make you want to read on.
If the reader can't figure out whether he wants to read on from the first 3000 words, a logline isn't going to change things. It's a fair bet that *everybody* who will read your manuscript will have read at least the equivalent of a log-line and probably a short blurb or query letter.
Personally, I think that that a logline and query should be part of this exercise if we are playing the part of agent when we read (in which case the third novel in a trilogy would be a tall order to sell). If we are playing readers when we do this, we should have a logline and snappy back cover blurb. If we are playing writers in your critique group, a brief explanation of what your manuscript is trying to do is in order.
Or you could just provide the chapter and leave it at that, but even so I don't think it's reasonable to use judges in this contest as guinea pigs.
This should be a test of skill at opening a story, which is hard enough without complicating things. If you turn in something to find out whether it's incomprehensible, you're wasting our time if it *is* incomprehensible. I for one have critiqued enough incomprehensible manuscripts. If the author needs help, I don't mind. I wouldn't even mind if you sent me the manuscript explicitly for that purpose. But slipping a manuscript that you suspect is incomprehensible into a pile I'm committed to read is something I *would* mind you doing. I want to read your *best effort*.
Posted by MartinV (Member # 5512) on :
I'll second that, MattLeo.
Posted by Tiergan (Member # 7852) on :
Not doing a logline here either. I have done the query challenge, the elevator pitch. Now I want to see what my chapter does on its own.
Posted by MattLeo (Member # 9331) on :
quote:Not doing a logline here either. I have done the query challenge, the elevator pitch. Now I want to see my chapter does on its own.
That's OK by me, as long as you expect the chapter to stand on its own. If there's any reason apart from writing quality that the chapter might not stand alone (e.g. if the book is in the middle of a series), then I think it's inconsiderate to dump the chapter on readers without some background information.
Personally, I'd prefer a logline and some story background with every submission.
What a first chapter has to do is launch the story. That obviously includes making the reader want to read *on*. What it doesn't have to do is make the reader want to read the story in the first place. That's done outside the first chapter, in a query letter or a cover blurb. Omitting that information won't get you a more accurate read on the quality of your first chapter, it will get you a *less* accurate response because readers will have to guess how they were sold on reading this book in the first place.
But if you're determined to make me figure out what you're up to, I'll do my best to guess and evaluate your piece accordingly. Likewise if you don't want that information from me, I'll hold it back and let you do the same.
Posted by Tiergan (Member # 7852) on :
I guess what i dont want to do is have to read a 2-page synopsis with every chapter. I'll be the first to admit I havent read every line on this post, but I fear that is what it was heading for. As far as a logline, I dont mind a quick paragraph of what the story is about, might help, but I feel it should be limited.
Posted by Meredith (Member # 8368) on :
All right. We'll make it similar to a query or a back-cover blurb. No more than 300 words max.
Posted by wirelesslibrarian (Member # 9513) on :
In the words of Dana Carvey as George Bush...
Not gonna do it
Posted by MattLeo (Member # 9331) on :
Tiergan -- I absolutely agree that a full synopsis would be a bad idea. We don't want people judging the synopsis rather than the chapter. A one or two paragraph orientation is exactly what I had in mind.
Meredith -- this sounds like a good plan. Just remind people not to judge the blurb.
Posted by RoxyL (Member # 9096) on :
Personally, I can't help but judge writing by all the information I have available. If someone gives me a synopsis, I don't read it first.
I read the chapter, write preliminary notes, then read the synopsis and see how my first impressions stack up.
Otherwise, I know I will have assumptions and preconceived notions of the story and won't be able to give a true assessment of how the writing stands on its own.
Just my two cents.
Posted by shimiqua (Member # 7760) on :
Since we are going to have to spit into groups anyway, could we have a group who are first chapter only, and a group that is chapter/logline?
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
I was thinking of just giving a two to five sentence synopses to the other two chapters. To give an idea of where it's going.
Something like "she reads a logline of the book and jumps up and down because it gave away too much. She hits her head and sees stars because she missed the part about the low ceiling." Only shorter.
Posted by Meredith (Member # 8368) on :
quote:Originally posted by shimiqua: Since we are going to have to spit into groups anyway, could we have a group who are first chapter only, and a group that is chapter/logline?
Since I'm announcing the groups very soon, I doubt that's practical. Those who want to include a logline will, clearly differentiated from the chapter, and readers will use it or not as they see fit.
Posted by aspirit (Member # 7974) on :
It seems everyone has different interpretations of the terms in my original question. Here's what I meant.
Logline - A single sentence that summarizes a major conflict in the novel. May also be thought of as the blurb commonly found on book covers or ads.
Really brief summary - A paragraph that summarizes a major conflict in the novel. May also be thought of as the novel's elevator pitch.
I intend to provide a single sentence, which several of you have already seen elsewhere on this site, and I would prefer to see a sentence-long summary for each first chapter.
If someone provides no summary, then no worries on my part. I'd still like to know what kind of critique that someone wants.
If anyone sends me an entire page worth of summary, I'm going to read the first paragraph (or first few lines) and skip over the rest to read the chapter. I'll base my vote on that. I will then write my critique based on anything and everything that's given, provided I have enough time.
Posted by aspirit (Member # 7974) on :
By the way, almost every reader has a preconceived notion of a novel before reading the first chapter.
For my part, I'm providing a logline so y'all understand that the story is science fiction. Like much spec fic that takes place on modern-day Earth, the speculative elements don't appear until after the first chapter. The goal of my first chapter is to introduce the two main characters, one of the main antagonists, the primary setting, and some of the themes.
Would a logline be necessary? Maybe not. But agents, editors, and random readers would have an idea of the main plot. Would they still want to read on after the first chapter? That's my question and the reason I'm entering this challenge. And that's why, with Meredith's permission, I'll be providing a logline.
Vote however you desire. I'm more interested in the critiques than in how I place. (Wow, is that a change in me?) Skip over my logline if you want to, and forget that you've ever seen it on Hatrack if you can. Just know that if you complain about the lack of spec elements in my entry, I'm going to assume you didn't take your role seriously. I've done what I could to be clear about what type of story it's opening into.
Posted by Tiergan (Member # 7852) on :
No summary for me.
I am sending my whole book. And you will read it. And you will like it. And...
I am really bored at work, and have too much work to do to be reading the forum, but my brain is fried and it is only Thursday.
Meredith, thanks for doing this. The first chapter is oh so important. I am up for a little short blurb, just dont want to read 2 pages synopsis Posted by MattLeo (Member # 9331) on :
Well, I'll put the logline and on paragraph story summary at the back of the chapter, so anyone who *doesn't* want to read them won't be forced to.
Posted by genevive42 (Member # 8714) on :
MattLeo, I think you have a good idea. Then the reader can have the option. Also, consider a sentence at the top of the manuscript: "Logline/summary at end of document".
Just a thought.
I probably won't put anything, but at most a single sentence.
Posted by MattLeo (Member # 9331) on :
Sure. The point is to be considerate of the judges' time. If a judge feels his time is spent better without a logline and a 1-2 paragraph summary, don't force them on him. On the other hand, if your story might mystify a judge, don't waste his time making him scratch is head.
Posted by Owasm (Member # 8501) on :
Criminy sakes! All of this bother about an introductory sentence? Now if there was a summary or a synopsis, I can see that.
I'll be putting a little blurb that follows the title in mine. It takes about two or three seconds to read (five, if you sound it out aloud)and then let you plunge into my chapter.
Good luck to all!
Posted by RobED (Member # 9720) on :
when are the groups coming?
Posted by Meredith (Member # 8368) on :
Here are the groups:
Group 1: Meredith, SEVEN STARS, YA Fantasy wirelesslibrarian, EXPIRATION DATE, MG Fantasy RoxyL, MOTHER OF PEARL, YA Fantasy Natej11, CORSAIRS, YA Fantasy RoxanneCrouse, SAVING AVALON, YA Fantasy Shimiqua, FUNNY TRAGIC, CRAZY MAGIC, YA Urban Fantasy Crank, ORACLE OF SENTRY RIDGE, YA
Group 2: Owasm, The Reluctant Mage, YA Fantasy LDWriter2, STONE WITHIN, Urban Fantasy genevive42, FORGED WITH FIRE AND STEEL, Fantasy Tiergan, KNIGHTS VALOR, Fantasy Crash, LAST DAYS OF FUSPMAR, Fantasy MAP, BONDED, Fantasy
Group 3: MartinV, Clockworks Warrior, Steampunk Fantasy TempestDash, NEWTON'S CROSSING, Space Opera MattLeo, THE KEYSTONE, Space Opera/Romantic Comedy rcmann, THE PATTERNS OF CHAOS, Sci-Fi/Fantasy aspirit, REFLECTIONS IN THE NIGHT, YA Romantic Sci-Fi RobED, SHATTERED EMPIRE, SCI-FI/Fantasy
I did my best to put like things together for the first round.
Owasm, I put you in group 2 because we've both already read each others' first chapter. This gives us the best chance of fresh input.
Martin, steampunk is generally sort of between fantasy and science fiction and the science fiction group was the smallest.
Good luck everybody and good crits all 'round.
[ March 02, 2012, 06:08 PM: Message edited by: Meredith ]
Posted by TempestDash (Member # 9026) on :
Forgive my naivete, but we should just look at each member in our group's profiles and e-mail our chapters directly, correct?
Posted by genevive42 (Member # 8714) on :
MAP, I didn't see an e-mail address in your profile.
Other than that, I've sent mine out to Group 2.
And TempestDash, yes, you check each person's profile and extract their e-mail there.
Posted by TempestDash (Member # 9026) on :
In that case: RobED, you have no e-mail address in your profile. Posted by MattLeo (Member # 9331) on :
Ditto on RobED -- I've sent the MS to everyone else in Group 3.
Posted by RobED (Member # 9720) on :
Sent out my emails, so you should be able to find it there.
Posted by MAP (Member # 8631) on :
Sorry all. I don't know how to fix my profile.
My e-mail is maryannpope@live.com
Posted by aspirit (Member # 7974) on :
MAP, scroll up to the top of the page (any page on the forum). Look for these links:
Post New Topic Post A Reply my profile | search | faq | forum home
Click on "my profile". Click on "Edit Profile". Enter your e-mail address in the appropriate field. Then click the "Update Profile" button at the bottom of the page.
You might want to remove your e-mail address from your post after updating your profile. It seems that spammers are more likely to grab addresses from discussions than from the Hatrack profiles. (By the way, I think I haven't ever received spam because of my profile.)
Posted by Owasm (Member # 8501) on :
I've sent mine off to all in Group 2. If you haven't received my chapter, let me know.
Posted by genevive42 (Member # 8714) on :
I've sent mine to you now, MAP. Let me know if you don't receive it.
Posted by aspirit (Member # 7974) on :
I've sent my chapter to Group 3. Tempestdash, MattLeo, and RobED--I've received yours.
Posted by MartinV (Member # 5512) on :
I sent mine. Have fun!
Posted by RoxyL (Member # 9096) on :
Mine is sent as well. Let me know, Group 1, if you didn't get it.
And thanks again, Meredith, for putting this on.
Posted by Crank (Member # 7354) on :
I just sent my story to Group 1.
I've received stories from Meredith, Shimiqua, Natej11, and RoxyL.
Roxanne, there was no attachment on your email. Can you resend, per favore?
Game on!
S!
Posted by MAP (Member # 8631) on :
Mine is sent to Group 2. Anyone let me know if you didn't get it or have trouble opening it.
I've got genevive42 and Owasm so far.
@Aspirt, thanks, I'll do that.
ETA: Thanks Meredith for putting this together.
Posted by RoxanneCrouse (Member # 9172) on :
Sorry about the missing attachment. I've been sending a lot of emails today.
Posted by Kathleen Dalton Woodbury (Member # 59) on :
On the Edit Profile page under the Email Address heading, there are also a couple of "radio buttons" that let you indicate whether your email address is visible to people.
If the radio button that says "No, hide my address and do not allow members to mail me" is the one activated, your email address won't show on your posts, even if it is in your profile.
Posted by Tiergan (Member # 7852) on :
Alright all in Group 2, email is away.
Posted by Meredith (Member # 8368) on :
I sent mine out this morning.
I've got everyone's from Group 1 except wirelesslibrarian's.
Posted by wirelesslibrarian (Member # 9513) on :
I'll be sending my chapter out tomorrow. Have a few tweaks to apply and never could find a spare minute today.
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
Thought I posted this already, I hope it wasn't on some thread in another forum here.
Anyway, I sent my chapter tonight and earlier I received four. Reading, doing the very simple comments people want and voting may take a week or two but I have all month I believe. Plus I need to wait for one more.
Posted by RobED (Member # 9720) on :
Any chance, if everyone gets their stuff in earlier, if the timeline would move forward?
Just judging by the chapters I received, I don't think I'm going to need an entire month.
Posted by genevive42 (Member # 8714) on :
Finished four crits, just waiting for a chapter from Crash.
Posted by Meredith (Member # 8368) on :
quote:Originally posted by RobED: Any chance, if everyone gets their stuff in earlier, if the timeline would move forward?
Just judging by the chapters I received, I don't think I'm going to need an entire month.
We'll see. The full novel I was expecting to have for critique this month has been delayed. So, maybe. That's all I'm going to say.
Posted by aspirit (Member # 7974) on :
Group 3 is waiting for a revised chapter from rcmann.
RobED, if we finish early, then we could work on critiques from Feedback or other areas until the the second round. Meredith said she'll need the full month.
Posted by rcmann (Member # 9757) on :
Go ahead without me. Just dump the one I sent before.
The last few days worth of storms have been hitting pretty hard in my family's area. The latest one flattened my wife's home town. I mean, devastated it. No one in the family died, but several neighbors that we knew did get killed. Many more are still missing and being searched for in the rubble. At the moment I am in no frame of mind to do an effective crit on anything.
Sorry for this. I'll try to make it up somehow in the future.
Posted by RobED (Member # 9720) on :
I didn't receive anything from rcmann. Am I correct in understanding you won't be submitting and that group 3 only has five members now?
Posted by aspirit (Member # 7974) on :
rcmann, please don't worry about us. Of course your thoughts would be with your family and old friends.
RobED, rcmann sent three e-mails to the rest of Group 3, but for some reason or another, your e-mail wasn't included. In his last e-mail, he stated that he's withdrawing from the challenge, so there's only five of us.
Posted by RobED (Member # 9720) on :
Thanks.
Good luck rcmann.
Posted by MattLeo (Member # 9331) on :
rcmann -- I'll critique your MS anyway if you want. Do what you have to, and the critique will be waiting for you when you're ready to look at it.
Posted by Meredith (Member # 8368) on :
rcmann, take care of what you need to do now. There's no rush. I've allowed a whole month for this first phase. If you need all of that, fine by me. Even if you need more time.
The main thing isn't meeting any deadline. It's helping each other make our work better.
If you want to rejoin later, the door's open.
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
My thoughts and prayers to you rcmann, I don't blame you for not wanting to do anything about writing right now.
An update:
Seems like I miscounted I only had three stories received. One, the first one received, I've sent back with a few comments.
I've received one crit.
I'm waiting to decide how to vote until I read all I'm suppose to get.
Posted by RoxanneCrouse (Member # 9172) on :
rcmann good luck with your family and friends. My thoughts are with you.
Posted by Crashburn274 (Member # 9687) on :
What is the proper format for commenting? Can everyone understand the comments as they appear in a *.doc (word 97) format? I use Openoffice and Google Docs, so I can use several formats.
Posted by Meredith (Member # 8368) on :
As far as I know, the comment boxes work fine. I can read them in my older version of word. And, yes, they work on .rtf files, too.
If anyone has a specific problem with this, speak up.
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
Those side comments usually don't come through for me unless you send it pdf.
But right now it looks like we will be getting a new computer with a new word processor. Apple's new one is called pages. Don't know how comments will translate to pages but we shall see.
Posted by TempestDash (Member # 9026) on :
quote:Originally posted by Meredith: As far as I know, the comment boxes work fine. I can read them in my older version of word. And, yes, they work on .rtf files, too.
If anyone has a specific problem with this, speak up.
I tend to embed my comments using red colored text either within the text (if it's something like punctuation) or after the paragraph in question if I have a concern about how something was expressed.
I'm assuming that't not objectionable in some way. I'm doing most of my critiques on a tablet and I'm... uh, embarrassed to admit I don't know how to make the comment boxes in either OpenOffice or Polaris.
Posted by RobED (Member # 9720) on :
quote:a concern about how something was expressed.
I'm assuming that't not objectionable in some way. I'm doing most of my critiques on a tablet and I'm... uh, embarrassed to admit I don't know how to make the comment boxes in either OpenOffice or Polaris. [/QB]
In Open Office go to the Insert dropdown menue and choose comments.
Shortcut is Ctrl+Alt+N
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
For me embedded comments seem to work fine even colored ones. I say seem to to because once or twice the colored ones didn't come over but most of the time no problem.
Posted by snapper (Member # 7299) on :
If it will help, I can take up rcmans obligation. I can do the crit and judging on his behalf. That way, his story can stay in the competition and he needn't to worry about fitting in time he doesn't have.
Let me know if this is acceptable to everyone.
[ March 05, 2012, 01:21 PM: Message edited by: snapper ]
Posted by Meredith (Member # 8368) on :
Sounds good to me. And very generous.
How about those in Group 3?
Posted by rcmann (Member # 9757) on :
I deeply appreciate the offer. Truly. But the fact is, my first chapter is much too long. What happened is that I had it already written, several years ago. Problem was, the version of LibreOffice I am using does/did not give an accurate word count for some reason. It is far too long to meet the guidelines, and I simply didn't have the time or attention to chop it.
(not my blog)
Posted by TempestDash (Member # 9026) on :
quote:
Vote for the chapter that would most make you want to read on. Five points for a first place vote, three for second, one for third.
This instruction has me slightly puzzled. Are we supposed to vote 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places within our group? I was under the impression this was sort of a single-elimination contest and only the highest voted chapter moves on. How do the points work?
Posted by Meredith (Member # 8368) on :
Each of you votes for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place finisher in your group.
I will compile the points based on five points for 1st, 3 points for 2nd, and 1 pt for 3rd.
Then the first place finishers from each group will be read by the group at large for voting.
There's no real prize, other than getting a few more readers.
As always, the main point is the comments and critiques we get from the others in our group.
Posted by genevive42 (Member # 8714) on :
Finished, except for voting. Meredith, are you ready to start receiving votes?
Posted by Meredith (Member # 8368) on :
I've already recieved three, so yes. I can take the votes any time.
Posted by MattLeo (Member # 9331) on :
I've received two crits (MartinV and aspirit) and coincidentally have sent crits to the same people. That means I'm waiting for crits from RobEd and TempestDash and they're waiting for mine.
I should be done on my end the end of this week.
Posted by TempestDash (Member # 9026) on :
quote:Originally posted by MattLeo: I've received two crits (MartinV and aspirit) and coincidentally have sent crits to the same people. That means I'm waiting for crits from RobEd and TempestDash and they're waiting for mine.
I should be done on my end the end of this week.
Odd. I sent you your crit on Monday. Grumpynerd at Yahoo?
Posted by MattLeo (Member # 9331) on :
TempestDash -- got it. It was just buried under a pile of other messages.
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
I need to send out my next crit.
At least these crits are easy to do. Posted by MAP (Member # 8631) on :
Meredith, I've sent in my vote. Please let me know if you didn't get it.
Everyone in group 2, you should all have a crit from me. Please let me know if you didn't recieve it, and I will resend it.
Thanks everyone for sharing. I really enjoyed reading them. Posted by genevive42 (Member # 8714) on :
How's everyone doing?
Posted by Meredith (Member # 8368) on :
Well, I'm doing better than I expected, mostly because the full novel I was expecting this month didn't materialize. I still have one story to read and two crits to do for this challenge. (Doesn't count my other writing group.)
I've received five sets of votes, so far.
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
I'm going a bit slow, I think I have two more chapters to do.
So far it's going to be hard to decide which votes to give.
And looks like it was easy to decide where my entry landed, as usual.
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
Hmmm, thought I had another chapter. Found an E-mail while I was sending the third crit. Evidently I downloaded the other chapter but I have no idea what happen to it after I got it.
So unless I find another one I have two more chapters to do.
Posted by Tiergan (Member # 7852) on :
I think I am on the last crit now. I havent sent any in yet. Hope to do so tonight, or tomorrow depending how the day goes.
Posted by TempestDash (Member # 9026) on :
I sent out all my crits last Monday and received one back. Still waiting on the others.
Posted by MartinV (Member # 5512) on :
I've sent my crits to everyone in group 3 except rcmann since the received text is 67 pages long and doesn't appear to have chapters so can't really find chapter 1.
Posted by RobED (Member # 9720) on :
I received two crits and sent out two crits so far.
Posted by rcmann (Member # 9757) on :
Mine is irrelevant. Dump it.
I still have two to go.
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
I believe I sent all the crits in. If I missed one let me know.
And I sent in my votes.
There was one chapter that really beat out the others, beautiful descriptions, great pacing, Wonderful MC-- all good. Thought about giving it all the votes but don't think you can do that The First chapter for Stone Within.
Obviously I'm joking, I know where my chapter is going to land, which isn't that much of a surprise.
Kinda fun challenge there, I assume it's not all the way over since there will probably be a second voting but still close enough to say this though.
Posted by rcmann (Member # 9757) on :
I sent all my crits back. I figure since I withdrew I won't vote, but I liked all of them. One more than the rest, but all were decent. There aren't any bad writers here.
Posted by snapper (Member # 7299) on :
Psst! All you novelist. Here is something for you.
Like how I buried it in the middle of this thread? A very short window for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Check it out.
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
Second in a life time...
They did it last year.
But hmmm, classical fantasy. I do have one novel about ninety percent done, I haven't touched for months. I've been wanting to finish it anyway. Actually it might be YA but that looks okay here.
Of course I would have to finish it, have someone read it over and revise it before the end of April.
Posted by Meredith (Member # 8368) on :
I just sent my last crit. I've recieved three.
Eight votes are in, which is just less than half. So far there are clear leaders in groups 1 and 2, although nobody's so far ahead that the lead couldn't change. Group 3 is too early to call with only one vote in.
Posted by genevive42 (Member # 8714) on :
Tiergan, did you send out those crits? Not rushing, just wondering if I missed something.
Posted by MartinV (Member # 5512) on :
I sent my votes in yesterday.
Posted by Natej11 (Member # 8547) on :
Sent my crits to everyone in my group. I'll get to the votes tomorrow.
By the by, is there anyone who didn't get my crit?
Posted by Tiergan (Member # 7852) on :
quote:Originally posted by genevive42: Tiergan, did you send out those crits? Not rushing, just wondering if I missed something.
Sorry, got bogged down. Really strange because I went right through the stories. Then put them on the back burner to think about, if something else came up. Any how, I am going to give them a once over later today, then out they go.
Posted by MattLeo (Member # 9331) on :
Group three should have my critiques now:
MartinV: critiques exchanged. TempestDash: critiques exchanged. aspirit: my critique sent, waiting for hers. RobED: my critique sent, waiting for his.
apirit, RobED: if you've sent me your critique of Keystone, let me know because for some reason I haven't received it.
Posted by Crank (Member # 7354) on :
Group One!
I've received crits from everyone in my group. Thanx for your thoughts and efforts!
I returned my crit of Natej11's chapter just a few minutes ago.
Meredith's chapter is up next.
I still have Shimiqua's chapter to go after that.
I will have those two crits out sometime mid week. If it keeps raining throughout the weekend and they call off our Sunday morning street hockey game, I will finish the crits sooner.
S!
Posted by aspirit (Member # 7974) on :
I've sent my votes to Meredith and exchanged critiques with everyone in Group Three (MartinV, TempestDash, RobEd, and MattLeo).
We have a week to go until the deadline for Round One.
Posted by RobED (Member # 9720) on :
I sent and received all of mine.
Posted by TempestDash (Member # 9026) on :
Same here, I've sent and received all of mine. I think group three is essentially done now.
Posted by Meredith (Member # 8368) on :
Here's what I know:
I can officially declare the winner of Group 2. I was close right up until the last votes were in. Everyone got at least one vote. But:
Genevieve42 is the winner MAP took second place and Owasm is in third
The other two groups are still in play. I'm missing three votes from Group 1 and two votes from Group 2. You know who you are. By the weekend, so will everyone else if I don't have your votes.
Personally, I've sent all my crits and received four back.
Less than a week to go, people.
Posted by genevive42 (Member # 8714) on :
Wow, I thought for sure MAP would get it. Her piece was really great! I enjoyed yours a lot too, Owasm.
Thanks Group 2.
[ March 26, 2012, 05:20 PM: Message edited by: genevive42 ]
Posted by MAP (Member # 8631) on :
No way, genevive, yours was awesome.
Congrats on winning.
Posted by Owasm (Member # 8501) on :
Thank for you gracious acceptance speech, Genevive. In my book, you both are winners. I had you both at 1 and 2, but I won't reveal which.
Posted by TempestDash (Member # 9026) on :
quote:Originally posted by Meredith: Here's what I know:
I can officially declare the winner of Group 2.
[...]
The other two groups are still in play. I'm missing three votes from Group 1 and two votes from Group 2. You know who you are. By the weekend, so will everyone else if I don't have your votes.
I'm presuming that you meant you're missing two votes from Group _3_ seeing as you declared the winner of Group 2 already. Posted by Meredith (Member # 8368) on :
quote:Originally posted by TempestDash:
quote:Originally posted by Meredith: Here's what I know:
I can officially declare the winner of Group 2.
[...]
The other two groups are still in play. I'm missing three votes from Group 1 and two votes from Group 2. You know who you are. By the weekend, so will everyone else if I don't have your votes.
I'm presuming that you meant you're missing two votes from Group _3_ seeing as you declared the winner of Group 2 already.
You got me. I'm missing two votes from Group 3 not Group 2. All votes are in for Group 2.
Posted by snapper (Member # 7299) on :
Geez, taking you all long enough. What are you doing? Writing a novel?
I am curious if everyone has checked out the link to Angry Robot and I'm also curious on who is planning to submit to them.
Posted by genevive42 (Member # 8714) on :
My novel isn't quite finished so I'm not shopping it yet.
Posted by Meredith (Member # 8368) on :
I've received one e-mail that indicates a level of confusion. Here's the deal:
You send your critiques directly to your crit partners in your group. This is the real point of this challenge (and just about any other challenge on Hatrack), so pull your weight here.
You e-mail your votes directly to me. I'm keeping tabs on who's voted and how many points everyone has. When I can, I'll declare the winners.
If you don't vote or if I learn that you haven't done your crits, I reserve the right to disqualify your entry.
Posted by rcmann (Member # 9757) on :
To make sure there's no confusion in my group. I did do the crits and returned them. But I am not voting because my entry was withdrawn. So don't wait for a vote from me.
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
Well, I don't have any ready to go that would fit with what Angry Robot wants this time. My one classic fantasy is still only three fourths to eight-five percent done.
Posted by Meredith (Member # 8368) on :
Okay, guys. Tomorrow is the deadline.
Two people still have not sent me their votes: RoxanneCrouse and RobEd.
I also personally have not recieved a crit from Roxanne Crouse who is in my group.
Anybody else still missing critiques?
No critique, no votes, no reasonable excuses = disqualification. Any excuses had better be pretty good. There was a nice long time allowed for this challenge. If I can manage it without having running water for the last four days, what's your excuse? (Also, being without running water makes me crabby. )
Posted by RobED (Member # 9720) on :
Ah! Apparently I had some connection issue and my votes I sent weeks ago were saved as a draft. Resent now.
Posted by Meredith (Member # 8368) on :
Got them, RobEd. And I can now declare the winner of Group 3. It was close.
1st place: MartinV
2nd place: MattLeo
3rd place: TempestDash
Group 1 is even closer. Only 1 point separates the current leader from a 3-way tie for second place. I'll declare the winner tomorrow as it currently stands if I don't hear from RoxanneCrouse today.
Posted by Meredith (Member # 8368) on :
No word, no votes, and no crit (at least for me) from RoxanneCrouse. She's out.
The winner of Group 1 is Shimiqua.
Only one point back, the three runners up for second are: NateJ11 RoxyL and Me.
Okay, now for the real prize. The first place winners can now send their chapters to the other two groups for another round of critiques and final voting.
Given the competition, I know these will be good. Enjoy, everyone.
Posted by genevive42 (Member # 8714) on :
For convenience, I've reposted the groups below as I believe they are. I removed RoxanneCrouse and rcmann because I don't believe they are voting and I've bolded the winners for each group. Please let me know if anything is incorrect.
Group 1: Meredith, SEVEN STARS, YA Fantasy wirelesslibrarian, EXPIRATION DATE, MG Fantasy RoxyL, MOTHER OF PEARL, YA Fantasy Natej11, CORSAIRS, YA Fantasy Shimiqua, FUNNY TRAGIC, CRAZY MAGIC, YA Urban Fantasy Crank, ORACLE OF SENTRY RIDGE, YA
Group 2: Owasm, The Reluctant Mage, YA Fantasy LDWriter2, STONE WITHIN, Urban Fantasy genevive42, FORGED WITH FIRE AND STEEL, Fantasy Tiergan, KNIGHTS VALOR, Fantasy Crash, LAST DAYS OF FUSPMAR, Fantasy MAP, BONDED, Fantasy
Group 3: MartinV, Clockworks Warrior, Steampunk Fantasy TempestDash, NEWTON'S CROSSING, Space Opera MattLeo, THE KEYSTONE, Space Opera/Romantic Comedy aspirit, REFLECTIONS IN THE NIGHT, YA Romantic Sci-Fi RobED, SHATTERED EMPIRE, SCI-FI/Fantasy
Posted by genevive42 (Member # 8714) on :
RobEd - I didn't see you e-mail address in your profile.
Otherwise, I've sent mine out to everyone in Groups 1 & 3.
Meredith, what's the deadline for this round?
Also, do we finalists vote or just comment? Will it throw the numbers off to only be getting two votes from each of us?
Posted by MartinV (Member # 5512) on :
Wow, I see my name in bold there. Didn't expect that. Thanks for the confidence boost, guys and gals. I might actually smashword this one in the next three weeks.
I will send my 1st chapter (minus some spelling errors that were reported by the group) to everyone this evening.
Posted by Meredith (Member # 8368) on :
The deadline is April 15th. With only two additional chapters to read, that should be easy.
Hmm. I don't see why finalists shouldn't vote.
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
Good I wanted to read Clockworks. Even though I must say that name is catching on, seems like I've seen at least three Clockwork something or another in the last couple of months. Including a "Clockworks Vampire".
Looks like I got my one and two places reversed.
Third Place was the one I voted for even though I blew the title. Did someone change it to Reluctant on me or did I just misremember?
I had one HM just in case.
I kinda, sort of wondered who came in last--not really it was a good guess who-- but according to Meredith it was a three or four way tie in Group two. That's surprising.
Posted by Meredith (Member # 8368) on :
quote:Originally posted by LDWriter2: Good I wanted to read Clockworks. Even though I must say that name is catching on, seems like I've seen at least three Clockwork something or another in the last couple of months. Including a "Clockworks Vampire".
I kinda, sort of wondered who came in last--not really it was a good guess who-- but according to Meredith it was a three or four way tie in Group two. That's surprising.
No, second place was a three way tie in Group 1, not Group 2.
Posted by MAP (Member # 8631) on :
I just did my first read through of all the finalists, and I have to say that you guys all rock. Seriously, this is some high caliber writing. In my book, you are all winners and should be rich and famous authors.
Voting is going to be tough.
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
Meredith I meant last place not third. I see the confusion since technically third is last.
I meant who got the least votes
But you said everyone in group two got one vote.
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
Oh speaking of steampunk I received a catalog that showed at least three steampunk outfits for girls. Nothing for guys.
But I know of one character who would love the first outfit shown. Posted by MAP (Member # 8631) on :
Sheena and Martin, you should have critiques from me.
Meredith, you should have my votes.
If any of you haven't recieved them, let me know and I'll resend.
Thanks for the challenge Meredith. It was a lot of fun to see what everyone has been working on. Posted by genevive42 (Member # 8714) on :
I'm still without an e-mail address for RobEd. Can anyone help?
Posted by genevive42 (Member # 8714) on :
I got RobEd's e-mail and sent it off.
Otherwise I've commented and voted. I feel honored to be in the company of these great finalists. Whoever wins, it's been all sorts of fun.
Thanks Meredith, for putting this together.
Posted by Tiergan (Member # 7852) on :
Hey all, I got Sheena's chapter for the final critique. Shouldnt I have 2?
Posted by genevive42 (Member # 8714) on :
Yes, you should have gotten one from MartinV.
Posted by Tiergan (Member # 7852) on :
Alriht than, I am missing MartinV. If you can send it to me MartinV I will get my stories critted and voted and in.
Thanks
Posted by MartinV (Member # 5512) on :
I realized I forgot to send mine to RoxanneCrouse. I just sent it along with another one to Tiergan.
So far, I've received six reviews. I've written reviews for the other two group winners but I haven't send them yet in case I decide to add something.
Posted by Tiergan (Member # 7852) on :
Hey guys, sorry about the delay. Stuck in Canada for the week. Yarmouth. Food was too good, now sick, and worshipping the old porcelain goddess, feels like college days all over. Have read the stories, if time permits today will get at least votes in, crits may have to wait until tomorrow. Or Sunday.
Posted by Meredith (Member # 8368) on :
I have seven votes so far. That means eight people haven't voted, yet. Sunday is the deadline. In this case, I will announce the winner however many votes I have.
I hope everyone is getting their final crits. That's the real prize.
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
Hmm, I was thinking of "Clockwork Warrior" and that novel I mention "Clockwork Vampire" and I came up with my own title. Would make an interesting story.
Posted by MartinV (Member # 5512) on :
Just sent reviews to both Shimiqua and genevive42. I think I'm not really entitled to voting but if I had to choose which one I enjoyed more I would have a really difficult time.
Posted by Crashburn274 (Member # 9687) on :
My vote is (finally) in. Couldn't decide between the more interesting milieu and the more interesting main character. I imagine most people would vote for the latter, but in the end I am more interested in exploring a fascinating world. Good job to everyone!
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
Hmm Crash for my tastes that fascinating description would fit at least two of the worlds. But your tastes could be more toward the type of world you voted for.
(Shoulder shrug) that is why we have votes. Posted by aspirit (Member # 7974) on :
I've sent my votes and all of my critiques as of today.
Hopefully, my husband won't be too upset when he finds out how little time I had left to work on our tax returns. It'll be okay. Unlike me, he has tomorrow off of work.
Posted by Meredith (Member # 8368) on :
And the winner is . . . .
Shimiqua for FUNNY TRAGIC CRAZY MAGIC.
Congratulations!
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
Good work there, Shimiqua
To Meredith too for all the extra work you put in... thanks
But what was the scoring for those three?
Posted by Meredith (Member # 8368) on :
quote:Originally posted by LDWriter2: Good work there, Shimiqua
To Meredith too for all the extra work you put in... thanks
But what was the scoring for those three?
I will say that each of the finalists got more than one first place vote.
Posted by genevive42 (Member # 8714) on :
Congrats Shimiqua!
Posted by MartinV (Member # 5512) on :
Congratulations, Shimiqua.
Thank you all for reading and for sending reviews. They definitely improved my writing and brought me to a solid place.
Posted by snapper (Member # 7299) on :
Congrats sheena. I'd like to read it. Could you send it to me?
Posted by MAP (Member # 8631) on :
Congrats Sheena!!!
And thanks Meredith for running this.
Posted by RoxyL (Member # 9096) on :
Congrats, Sheena! All the stories were very strong. And thanks, Meredith, for putting this on.
Posted by Owasm (Member # 8501) on :
Good writing challenge. Congratulations to Sheena and congratulations to everyone who participated.
Posted by shimiqua (Member # 7760) on :
No freakin way!!
I'm going to put this win in my query letter.
Also in my "Close my eyes and squeal to myself" letter that is addressed only to me.
I was really impressed with Genevieve and Martin's story. Thus my shock.
Snapper, do you want just the first chapter?
Posted by Tiergan (Member # 7852) on :
Congrats Shimiquia!!! Well done. There was some stiff competition out there.
While I had voted already, still trying to finish my last two crits. Recovered enough from the stomach bug to make it home on the 6 seat airplane(tiny, tiny) over the border, but stomach didnt hold out much after that. I hope by tomorrow I on the mends.
Posted by snapper (Member # 7299) on :
Yes please. 1st chapter.
Take a deep breath everyone. New challenge starting soon.
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Sorry, got bogged down. Really strange because I went right through the stories. Then put them on the back burner to think about, if something else came up. Any how, I am going to give them a once over later today, then out they go.
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