I just learned yesterday that Phobos Entertainment will be having another contest this year. Submissions begin April 1 and close on July 31. A $500 prize will be awarded to each of the 12 winners, and they offer publication in their anthology.
So far, Hatrack has had a shining history in this contest. The first year, the story by my wife and I won one of the spots (published under my name). Last year, one of Dave Baker's stories won, too.
To keep this tradition going, I propose a challenge. Everyone who has writing aspirations has until May 1 to complete a SF story of up to 7500 (less is probably preferable). Then, let the story sit for a couple of weeks to a month so that you can get a better perspective on it. Then rewrite, get feedback, rewrite again, and whatever else you need to do to polish it. Then submit it in July.
If nothing else, you have a chance for OSC to read the story, since he's been one of the judges in the past.
So, would anyone like to sign up for The Challenge? Remember, the honor of Hatrack is at stake!!
[ March 20, 2003, 03:13 PM: Message edited by: AndrewR ]
Posted by Jon Boy (Member # 4284) on :
If I say yes and then flake out, will there be any dire consequences? (Other than the burden of shame, that is.)
Do you have a web address for the contest?
Posted by Destineer (Member # 821) on :
quote:Last year, one of Dan's stories won, too.
Correction: my IRL name is Dave.
It's a good contest. Dealing with Phobos is a bit of a hassle, but it's more than worth it for new and aspiring writers.
Since I'm probably going to flake out myself, I certainly hope not!
Here are the contest rules. It hasn't been updated from last year's contest yet, but I've been assured that there will be another one this year, with only very minor changes.
EEEEKKK! Sorry, Dave. I'll change the initial message. (I knew it was either Dan or Dave...) (You wrote "Ukaliq and the Great Hunt," right?)
[ March 20, 2003, 03:08 PM: Message edited by: AndrewR ]
Posted by jehovoid (Member # 2014) on :
Where can we read some of last years winners?
Posted by Destineer (Member # 821) on :
Ha ha, nope... "Warrior Heart" is mine. Not your fault forgetting... there were about a trillion instances of the name "David" in last year's winners.
Well, only three.
Posted by AndrewR (Member # 619) on :
The first anthology, "Empire of Dreams and Miracles" is available at your local bookstore, and right here at the Hatrack River store.
"Hitting the Skids in Pixeltown" should be coming out any day now. (Dave will probably have more info on this.)
Posted by Destineer (Member # 821) on :
Early September is the release date.
Posted by Belle (Member # 2314) on :
The fact that a publisher is interested in one of my non-fiction works has bolstered my confidence a bit.
I have not written any speculative fiction in a while, I suppose I could give it another whirl and see what happens.
So, I'm in. May 1 is the deadline, right?
Posted by Ophelia (Member # 653) on :
We'll see how much time I have in Germany. I'm guessing not a lot, but you never know.
It also depends on whether I can fix the huge problem I currently have with a very pivotal scene in the once SF storie I actually think I can write right now.
Posted by Ralphie (Member # 1565) on :
Curse this inability to write!
However, since I'm the primary demographic for Sci-Fi that you writers would be aiming to please, I'll gladly read anyone's story and give them very specific, honest criticism.
Cause those who can't, critique. Posted by Belle (Member # 2314) on :
If it was a hack romance contest, Ralphie baby, you and I would RULE! Posted by Ralphie (Member # 1565) on :
Even then I would only be able to spit out a paragraph or two.
Everyone, including myself, has wanted to be a writer at some point. Then you realize the ugly truth: Man, this is HARD.
Posted by Dragon (Member # 3670) on :
You have to be 18 Posted by AndrewR (Member # 619) on :
As Tom Hanks said in "A League of Her Own":
Of course it's hard. It's supposed to be hard. If it wasn't hard, then everybody would do it. Posted by Dan_raven (Member # 3383) on :
I will give it a try. I'm just finishing up a fantasy peice, so doing some Sci Fi should be good for me.
Now, where did I put that story idea?
Posted by Tristan (Member # 1670) on :
You have to be a US resident . I've never written any real story. It would have been fun to have the incentive to give it a shot.
Posted by Belle (Member # 2314) on :
Andrew and Destineer, what length would you say is optimal? I'm afraid if I use the one I'm thinking of, it will stretch to 6000 or so.
I know 7500 is the upper limit, but I don't want to not be considered because mine is on the long end.
Posted by Doug J (Member # 1323) on :
Already working on a story. What is the limit?
Posted by ae (Member # 3291) on :
Sad that it's only open to U.S. citizens. Sad that one needs to be 18 or above. Also sad that the prize money isn't significantly higher for non-top-3 winners than payment in the better magazines.
(Caution: above post contains sour grapes!)
Posted by Bob_Scopatz (Member # 1227) on :
Count me in.
I intend to write my story "Ice Cream" (or whatever title hasn't already been taken by some already published work).
Wish me luck!
I have been a lazy bum for over a year now, but this idea feels good.
I didn't win anything in year 1 Phobos and I was very discouraged by the whole thing. But then I decided that my stories both needed some more work anyway. Then I lost one of them in a hard drive crash!!!
Posted by mackillian (Member # 586) on :
Possibly.
Posted by :Locke (Member # 2255) on :
This sucks. I'm not allowed to enter Phobos because of age restrictions. My writing is terrible, but I would at least like to be able to enter.
Posted by blacwolve (Member # 2972) on :
I'd like to try, I have a fantasy idea that I have the end of written, but need incentive to write the beginning of.
Does it have to be sci- fi, or can it be spec fiction? Also, I turn eighteen in July, will I be eligible?
Posted by blacwolve (Member # 2972) on :
I just figured out the rules, I'm not old enough. Posted by advice for robots (Member # 2544) on :
I'll give it a whirl. Though I do not know the way.
Posted by CalvinMaker (Member # 2032) on :
Similar to BlacWolves's question, I turn eighteen in August, so is the submission time strictly July or does it span over a few months?
Posted by CalvinMaker (Member # 2032) on :
Guh, didnt see his second post. Which means I obviously can't enter either. Which is very annoying considering I already have a few short stories I could have entered with.
Posted by Diosmel Duda (Member # 2180) on :
I'm in.
And I have a meat cleaver to weild at anyone who flakes out!!! (Not really; please don't blow the whistle on me)
I'm willing to crit up to four stories after we've all finished them. I give long, detailed critiques to those who want them.
Posted by Jon Boy (Member # 4284) on :
quote:And I have a meat cleaver to weild at anyone who flakes out!!!
Was that threat directed at me? You're just jealous of my . . . um . . . incredible sonnet writing skills. Or something.
*blows whistle on Diosmel Duda*
[ March 20, 2003, 11:14 PM: Message edited by: Jon Boy ]
Posted by Scott R (Member # 567) on :
I'm in (again).
And this time, I'll submit more than one. . .
Posted by blacwolve (Member # 2972) on :
Her, I'm female
yea we should have a mini hatrack contest on our own for those of us who aren't eligible.
Posted by AndrewR (Member # 619) on :
So far it looks like we have:
Jon Boy Belle Ophelia Dan_raven Doug J Bob_Scopatz advice for robots (a natural ) Diosmel Duda Scott R
Ralphie has volunteered to critique, as well as Diosmel Duda (for up to 4).
And Diosmel Duda is our official Enforcer. (Fortunately, she doesn't know my address. )
You have to be 18 as of the starting date, which is April 1, to enter, so :Locke, blacwolve and CalvinMaker are apparently out.
Cool, ya all. Anyone else like to sign up?
Belle: I doubt there is any "optimum" length for the stories. Mine was about 3100 words; most of them looked like about 5000 words. But if they say "7500 words maximum," I'm sure they mean that. So 6000 words should be fine.
Posted by Jon Boy (Member # 4284) on :
I'm also willing to critique. I don't know how many, but four sounds good. If I can do more, I'll let you guys know.
<--Thinks Diosmel should register the name The Enforcer.
Posted by Dan_raven (Member # 3383) on :
Hey kids don't whine. There are actually more contests out there for young writers than for old fogeys. Do a web search and you should find a load.
My plan, steal the Romance Writing thread, set it in outter space, and I'm in.
Posted by Olivet (Member # 1104) on :
I haven't written a short story since... fourth grade. That, and my total lack of any ideas means...
I'm in!
It's not just the challenge, its the joy of falling on my face knowing that Ron will kiss the owies. Posted by jeniwren (Member # 2002) on :
I'm in. Though I suspect this is going to be like NaNoWriMo.....*beats self up* nonono...positive thinking....positive thinking.... Count me in.
Posted by knightswhosayni! (Member # 4096) on :
I, Like olivia, haven't written a short story since fithgrade or so. And since I just got my newest novel off the ground, I won't be writing one anytime soon.
I'll be happy to critique, though.
Ni!
Posted by mackillian (Member # 586) on :
*ahem*
Posted by Elysium (Member # 1705) on :
Bob:
quote:I intend to write my story "Ice Cream" (or whatever title hasn't already been taken by some already published work).
Sadly, Jeffrey Ford just recently had a story published on scifi.com entitled "The Empire of Ice Cream", and what a story it is too.
bumpety bump.
Posted by mackillian (Member # 586) on :
okay, I have a story.
anyone want to read it?
Posted by blacwolve (Member # 2972) on :
yes
Posted by larisse (Member # 2221) on :
Mac,
I'd like to read it. E-mail's in the profile .
Posted by Godric (Member # 4587) on :
Count me in to write a story. Usually I have a hard time writing anything but historical or contemporary fiction (world creation throws me for loops) but I do have an idea for a short scifi story that's been floating around in my head for awhile now.
Posted by Irami Osei-Frimpong (Member # 2229) on :
I'm game.
Posted by Dan_raven (Member # 3383) on :
I hit my first roadblock with this story. I was going to ask for help from everyone. Instead, while typing out the problem, I thought of the answer.
So, ummm. Thanks for all your help.
[ March 24, 2003, 02:21 PM: Message edited by: Dan_raven ]
Posted by Belle (Member # 2314) on :
Anytime Dan, we're here for you.
Posted by Nato (Member # 1448) on :
Well, I think I'll try to write something. I was debating whether to try or not most of yesterday and I think I'm going to.
Wish me luck!
Posted by Dan_raven (Member # 3383) on :
I think NATO could come up with a solid story. But if the UN tried, it would be a jumbled mess that probably wouldn't get passed the security council. Even then, and editing would be impossible.
Posted by Destineer (Member # 821) on :
Belle - Just noticed your question about length. I don't think it's a problem (for magazines I think it's more of an issue than it is for anthologies). My story was almost 6,500 words.
Posted by Belle (Member # 2314) on :
Thanks, Destineer, but I don't need the info now.
I'm withdrawing. I realized that all of my SF stories are just not that good. *laughs* The story that is (hopefully) on its way to being published is inspirational, and the novel I'm working on is Christian fiction. Unlike all my previous attempts at novels, I've actually made it through an entire plot outline, and character sketches. This novel is falling into place, and it's flowing so smoothly i don't want to mess up the momentum. So I'm going to devote myself exclusively to it for a while, in hopes of getting something novel-length actually finished finally, after three years of trying.
Posted by AndrewR (Member # 619) on :
We’re about half-way to the deadline for the first draft.
We have signed up:
Jon Boy Ophelia Dan_raven Doug J Bob_Scopatz advice for robots Diosmel Duda Scott R Olivet jeniwren mackillian (who cheated by finishing the story just before she signed up! ) Godric Irami Nato pooka
For critiques, we have: Ralphie Diosmel Duda Jon Boy kwsi (you didn’t expect me to spell it out, did you? ) dwk
Personally, I’ve been a slacker. I’ve been thinking about the story often, trying to get a handle on the main characters, but I’ve yet to write any additional words to the fragments I previously wrote. So, considering the amount of time left, I think my efforts would be best utilized in making a suit of cleaver-proof armor.
Or maybe writing like crazy for a few hours.
So how is everyone else doing?
[ April 10, 2003, 06:02 PM: Message edited by: AndrewR ]
Posted by dkw (Member # 3264) on :
You can add me to the critique list if you need another.
Of course, if no one finishes a story, then you won't need anyone to critique, will you? Get to writing, all of you! Posted by Jon Boy (Member # 4284) on :
quote:So how is everyone else doing?
*dodges question*
Whew! That was close.
Posted by pooka (Member # 5003) on :
What the hey, count me in! I apparently have plenty of free time to spare! Tricia
Posted by AndrewR (Member # 619) on :
OK, I've added you guys (gals?) to the previous list.
So, how are the rest of you doing?
Posted by mackillian (Member # 586) on :
I finished the damn story AFTER I signed up! AFTER!
dkw, wanna read my story?
Posted by Nato (Member # 1448) on :
Alright, Now fourth quarter's beginning for my school and I've got barely any classes. (The evils of block scheduling didn't allow me to take a science or second language class this year, so I've got lots of free space)
This should be good for my writing..
And I'm working on a movie as well.
Posted by CalvinMaker (Member # 2032) on :
Slackers.
I just finished my fourth story in the past 6 months last night.
::Is very happy about that::
Posted by Irami Osei-Frimpong (Member # 2229) on :
I'm scrambling. I work on it everyday, and it's shaping up to be the best story I've ever written. So even if it doesn't win any awards, I like my progress as a writer. I'm at a little over 9,000 words with half of the story written. My notes and outline for the story take up 53 pages, single spaced in ten point font, and that's not even the stuff I have in another notebook by hand.
My target is 14,000 words, I don't want to go over that. It's still to big for Phobos, but it would be nice to write one really good short story.
Posted by Scott R (Member # 567) on :
I have started five short stories, and finished none.
Posted by blacwolve (Member # 2972) on :
I'll critique, anytime after this week.
Posted by Zalmoxis (Member # 2327) on :
I feel your pain, Scott. I have notes, background and fragments on some 12 short stories, but can't seem to find the big block of time (3-4 hours [or more]) needed to actually get the first draft written.
Here's what happens: the ideas come to me while I'm drifting off to sleep or while I'm walking at various points on my commute. I jot down everything on my BART ride home. Sometimes I get a chance in the evening or on a Saturday morning to type everything into Word and maybe to add a bit more, but it's never enough time to do anything substantial.
So. Sign me up for the challenge, Andrew. Maybe a commitment will help spur me to get something done.
Posted by jeniwren (Member # 2002) on :
I have my story idea, and am interested in it enough to keep working on it. Might make the deadline.
Posted by Scott R (Member # 567) on :
Thing is, I started this contest with ONE idea. I now have five different short stories with three pages written on each.
Bleh. . . Maybe if I just cut and pasted them all together to make one big hyper story. . .
Posted by dkw (Member # 3264) on :
Mack, OF COURSE I want to read your story. What a silly question.
dkw275@hotmail.com
Posted by pooka (Member # 5003) on :
Bump... Hope remembering this gives some of you the same charge of adrenaline it gave me!
Posted by Gottmorder (Member # 5039) on :
Well there's no way in hell I'd be able to write a good story before the dealine, but if you still want, I'd be more than happy to volunteer to critique.
Posted by Belle (Member # 2314) on :
Bleh. I just struggle so hard with short stories. They intimidate me.
Good thing I already withdrew from the challenge, 'cause I wouldn't have made it.
Good luck everyone! Mack's in the only one I've read so far (and I *lurved* it.) I have no doubt the hatrack winning streak will continue.
Posted by mackillian (Member # 586) on :
I'd still like to know how that story came out of my head and onto paper. o_O
Posted by Ophelia (Member # 653) on :
Hmmm. I think I'm dropping out. I'm just far too excited about other writings to concentrate on this. And even those other things aren't getting written, because I'm a busy little girl right now. So, yeah. Good luck to everyone. Posted by AndrewR (Member # 619) on :
I gave everyone an extra week (mainly because I was too lazy to post), but it’s time to mosey on up to the bar and pay the piper.
How many of you finished your stories?
We have:
mackillian (who finished first!! ) (although I still think she cheated ) Jon Boy Dan_raven Doug J Bob_Scopatz advice for robots Diosmel Duda Scott R Olivet jeniwren Godric Irami Nato pooka
For critiques, we have: Ralphie Diosmel Duda Jon Boy kwsi dwk Blacwolve Gottmorder
For myself, I have not finished the story, but I have made significant progress. I’ve been writing bits and scraps of it for a couple of years now, but now I have the first draft of the entire middle written out (in longhand ). So if I can pull together the scraps for the first and last part, and type in the middle, I will actually have a story. A lousy story, of course, but a story.
For those who finished, let me repeat my original suggestion: don’t send it in yet. Let it sit for a month or so, and then take another look at it. Polish it up some more. Then send it in. The month of distancing can make your critique much clearer, and should make the story much better. (It certainly can’t hurt, right? )
Posted by Diosmel Duda (Member # 2180) on :
I'm close. I can finish it this week, if I get my rear in gear.
I'm glad you brought this back up, because I was a little insecure about asking people if they'd finished when I hadn't. The meat cleaver is still safely stashed away, for those of you who are worried.
Posted by Jon Boy (Member # 4284) on :
Alas, it appears that I have been an überslacker and haven't finished a story. Or started one. Yeah. I know. I'm a terrible human being.
And now, I live in constant fear of the meat cleaver.
Posted by Irami Osei-Frimpong (Member # 2229) on :
I think I can do it.
Posted by Doug J (Member # 1323) on :
Jon Boy, join the club.
Posted by Zalmoxis (Member # 2327) on :
Not that I was ever on the list, but it's looking more doubtful for me. I just got an invitation to submit something elsewhere, and I actually have a completed story that I could polish and send in. No prize money, but assuming it all comes together, and my story is accepted, it would be my first published story.
Posted by Doug J (Member # 1323) on :
Does a college newspaper count as being published?
Posted by jeniwren (Member # 2002) on :
My story sucks. But I found an older piece that I think I'd like to finish. Would anyone be willing to read it and tell me what they think?
Posted by Irami Osei-Frimpong (Member # 2229) on :
Send it over. I'll be constructive. *hand on his heart*
Posted by jeniwren (Member # 2002) on :
Should be there now, Irami. Thank you!
Posted by jeniwren (Member # 2002) on :
*bump* Anyone else willing?
Posted by advice for robots (Member # 2544) on :
I kinda tanked on it. I was well aware of the deadline but I couldn’t get anything coherent together. Can I still have a few more days?
Posted by jeniwren (Member # 2002) on :
as far as I'm concerned, afr, you can have a few more weeks.
I should clarify that I'm *not* sending out the sucky story I started for this challenge. I found a much older, much much better unfinished story and would like comments on it. (I got to thinking that it might have sounded like I wanted someone to read a story I think sucks. )
Posted by Irami Osei-Frimpong (Member # 2229) on :
I read and commented on Jeniwren's story yesterday, and I'm still thinking about it today. It's got some cool undertones, and I look forward to the next draft.
Posted by twinky (Member # 693) on :
Urgh. I keep wanting to write, but everything I try comes out like crap. I'm directionless.
Posted by larisse (Member # 2221) on :
jeniwren,
I would have posted sooner, but my email was on the fritz, and I didn't want to take the chance I wouldn't be able to access any e-mail you sent me. I would love to read your story. I am still debating on writing a story for the Phobos contest.
Just use the e-mail address in my profile.
Posted by mackillian (Member # 586) on :
*polite cough*
C'mon ya'll. Where are your stories?!
Posted by docmagik (Member # 1131) on :
Can I PLEASE get in on this still? I promise to have a story in by Wednesday. Friday at the latest.
Posted by mackillian (Member # 586) on :
No. You must be Uber-Fast. *gets stick*
Posted by Diosmel Duda (Member # 2180) on :
Hey, if you want a read, send a copy to brinestone@hotmail.com (not the address in my profile, please). Use a very obvious subject line, such as "Phobos Story" or "Jatraquero" or something. Don't mention Viagra, or I will delete it without thought. Posted by Scott R (Member # 567) on :
Check this out-- save your work on a hard disk.
This morning, I was going to do some writing on a short story I was planning to submit to the contest. I had saved it on a floppy disk so I could take it back and forth to work, and had felt an odd prompting to put it on a hard disk somewhere.
Idiot me, I didn't.
The disk broke. The pin that keeps the little door shut popped out. That's two months work down the drain.
Posted by Jon Boy (Member # 4284) on :
Oh, man! That utterly suctions, Scott.
If anyone wants me to read stuff, just send it to the email address in my profile.
And I'm seriously going to start writing something. Probably not for Phobos, but I really need to write something. It's been way too long since I've written anything. Shame on me.
Posted by Ophelia (Member # 653) on :
Heh. I know that feeling, Jon Boy. Last year I was so prolific! This year, even when I was sitting at home for a few months, I didn't write much more than a few poems. The ideas are still flying around like crazy, but they just won't stay on paper. What happened?
[ May 12, 2003, 05:12 PM: Message edited by: Ophelia ]
Posted by blacwolve (Member # 2972) on :
I'll be happy to read and critique, just send it to the address in my profile, and tell me when you need it by. If you don't have a date, make one up, or I'll never get around to it.
Posted by Destineer (Member # 821) on :
Scott, if you break the door-like protective cover off of the disk entirely to expose the recording part of the disk you should be able to put it in a computer and use it. It will be very easy to damage after that, though, so you should just get all the data off it and throw it away.
Posted by Scott R (Member # 567) on :
Destineer-- yeah. I was thinking this over as I drove home last night, and realized that the door was only there to protect the disk inside. I popped it off this morning, and I'm back in business.
Posted by AndrewR (Member # 619) on :
A month late, but I've finally done it. I've finished an acceptable draft to my story.
Now all I have to do is get a few people to look at it and tell me if Connie Willis all ready did the story in Remake.
Anyone else finish something for Phobos (other than mackillian and jeniwren)?
And, have you submitted it yet?
Posted by Dan_raven (Member # 3383) on :
Oh, we were supposed to finish the story THIS YEAR.
Not even close. I bombed out.
Posted by jeniwren (Member # 2002) on :
Andrew, I'd love to read it. I love Connie Willis, though "Remake" was not one I warmed up to.
And I can't be on the list. I haven't finished my story. I don't know how it ends.
Posted by AndrewR (Member # 619) on :
*Sigh* Well, sometimes stories need to percolate for a while before they are ready. (You don't want to know how long some of my stories have percolated... ).
Thanks for looking at the story. I haven't read Remake, but from what I know, my story seems to have a somewhat similar premise, and I'm worried I've inadvertantly copied some of her ideas.
I'll send you an e-mail.
Posted by larisse (Member # 2221) on :
Andrew,
I'd like to read your story. My e-mail is of course in my profile.
I am working on some stories, but I doubt anyone of them could be ready for Phobos.
Posted by jeniwren (Member # 2002) on :
larisse, did you ever get a chance to read mine? I didn't hear back from you.
Posted by Destineer (Member # 821) on :
Speaking of Phobos-related stuff, Anthology II just got a brand new cover illustration. I'm gettin' pumped.
I'm not doing the contest this year. I have a couple stories I might send to Phobos eventually, but I want to try them with the magazines first. And right now I'm trying to focus on my novel-to-be.
[ June 11, 2003, 12:15 AM: Message edited by: Destineer ]
Posted by larisse (Member # 2221) on :
Jeniwren,
Oh dear. I didn't get it. I don't think it got through to my e-mail. Try again would you because I really wanted to read it.
*larisse goes to kick her e-mail*
Posted by Diosmel Duda (Member # 2180) on :
This doesn't really belong here, but I don't think it deserves its own thread. I'm stuck on my novel--dead stuck. I know what comes next, and it should be a very exciting part of the story, but I'm not motivated to write it at all. I need someone to give me an objective, honest, even brutal critique of the 75 pages I have, so I can clean it up to the point where I like it again. Some parts I think are very good; others are a little slower, but I'm not sure what your opinion will be. Anyone who'd be willing to give it a read would receive two dozen virtual chocolate chip cookies and a huge thanks. Posted by Head Ditch Digger (Member # 5085) on :
I will read anything anyone wants to send as long as they don't mind an honest opinion about story line, character development and what not. I am not an English major and therefore will not comment on grammatical errors, it would just be wrong anyway. My Email is sdajzc@cox.net
Posted by mackillian (Member # 586) on :
So, um...are we going to get cracking?
What's the website's address anyway?
Posted by larisse (Member # 2221) on :
Mack,
Here is the link for the Phobos Writing Contest.
Posted by mackillian (Member # 586) on :
larisse, did YOU get my story?
Posted by blacwolve (Member # 2972) on :
DD- I would read it, if it doesn't have to be finished too soon, and if you can get it to me, cause it sounds like it owuld be too big for my email to handle. Oh, and if you still need someone to.
Posted by Diosmel Duda (Member # 2180) on :
Email me your address and I'll mail it to you. Thanks, blacwolve!
Posted by jeniwren (Member # 2002) on :
DD, I missed your request. I'd be happy to read it also. You have my email addy, don't you?
Posted by dkw (Member # 3264) on :
DD, I still owe mack comments on the story she sent me (sorry mack, this week, I promise), but if you're not in a big hurry I'd be glad to read.
dkw275@hotmail.com
edit: messed up my own e-mail addy!
[ July 01, 2003, 01:48 PM: Message edited by: dkw ]
Posted by Head Ditch Digger (Member # 5085) on :
DD I am still willing to read it also.
sdajzc@cox.net
Posted by blacwolve (Member # 2972) on :
blacwolve@yahoo.com
Posted by larisse (Member # 2221) on :
Mack,
I am so sorry. I did receive your story, and I read it. I just haven't had time to really sort out my thoughts on it. I will tell you that I loved it. I'll sit down this week and reread it so that I can make sure my critique is fresh.
Posted by larisse (Member # 2221) on :
DD,
I too would love to read your story, but I need to get some critiques done before I commit to reading anything else. I am behind... waaaay behind... but I wouldn't have it any other way.
*looks at pile of reading material then looks at piles of virtual cookies... next week perhaps *
Posted by mackillian (Member # 586) on :
S'okay larisse.
Posted by docmagik (Member # 1131) on :
Anybody up to read one more? It's just a little fella (less than 3000 words).
Doc
Posted by larisse (Member # 2221) on :
doc,
I'd be happy to read it. Just send it my way. My e-mail's in my profile.
Mack,
I hope you got my critique. For some reason, netscape wouldn't let me open your e-mail so I couldn't just do a simple reply. I had to get it from your profile, and I hoped I copied it alright. Let me know if you didn't receive it, and I will send it again.
Posted by mackillian (Member # 586) on :
Got it. Finally finished editing the story, story now sent to Phobos.
*crosses fingers*
Posted by blacwolve (Member # 2972) on :
*sighs*
I know I'm going to regret this.
Send it to me, doc, and then fend off DD when I finish your short one before her long one.
Posted by AndrewR (Member # 619) on :
All right, mac! Glad to hear you sent it off.
I'm still working on mine (when I can find a moment or two). I hope to get it in at the last second, but I may trip up at the finish line. I keep thinking of things that might lend a bit more depth to the story, but I'm not sure, and may end up ruining it instead. Oh, well.
But I'm glad to hear that we have at least one entry to preserve our honor! Posted by docmagik (Member # 1131) on :
Well, I shot out two stories this evening. Any other last minute entries?
Doc
Posted by Godric (Member # 4587) on :
I submitted my story with about 25 minutes to spare! Procrastinators of the world, unite! Posted by Godric (Member # 4587) on :
Oh! And good luck to everyone who submitted anything!
Posted by larisse (Member # 2221) on :
Just wanted to wish all that entered good luck. Thanks to all the people who allowed me to read your work. It was great fun. Maybe next year I will get up the gumption to submit my own.
Posted by Amka (Member # 690) on :
I entered a story. We'll see what happens.
Posted by AndrewR (Member # 619) on :
You're one up on me, doc. I submitted my one story on Wednesday (even though it still needed a bit more revision... )
Good luck to everyone who submitted, and congratulations. Because even if your story doesn't win (and, just looking at probability, the chances aren't good), the story is completed. Which is the hardest step of all in writing.
And there are always other markets you can submit to later. Posted by docmagik (Member # 1131) on :
So, for you folks you have entered before, will they really have results by the fifteenth? I seem to remember them not being so good about this the first year, but I didn't follow the second year . . .
Posted by AndrewR (Member # 619) on :
This year they gave themselves a break. The results are due Oct. 15, instead of in September. Hopefully they will be on time this time.
So we still have a couple of more weeks of sweating to do. Posted by mackillian (Member # 586) on :
You know, SOME of us had managed to forget about the contest entirely, therefore eliminating the sweating.
*glares at dogmagik*
Posted by docmagik (Member # 1131) on :
Yeah, I know. According to the official OSC "what emotions to have when you've sent out a story" timeline, I am supposed to be in, "my story is worthless drivel," so that when I get it back I can say, "Of course! I expected to get this back!"
I was never good at getting my hopes down.
You'd think the pile of rejection slips would teach me something, neh?
Posted by mackillian (Member # 586) on :
Yes. Watch out for papercuts.
Posted by docmagik (Member # 1131) on :
So anybody else want to guess OSC's trip to Israel is going to delay the results? Or have all you already received notice that you've won?
Posted by AndrewR (Member # 619) on :
Well, I haven't heard anything (which, of course, means absolutely nothing). And I can't recall if they first notify the winners or just publish the results.
According to the rules, the judges will make their final decisions by Oct. 15. But they never said anything about compiling the results by then. So we may have a few more days before we know.
So...drumroll please...
Posted by Amka (Member # 690) on :
Ugh. I hate waiting.
Sits in a corner and pouts.
Posted by docmagik (Member # 1131) on :
Well, it's pretty much midnight in New York, where they're based out of, so the fifteenth has come and gone. Andybody want to call them and ask about when they want us to make our acceptance speeches? Thier phone number is listed on their website.
Posted by Dude Love (Member # 2437) on :
Is it too late for me to enter this?
Posted by Destineer (Member # 821) on :
Phobos is slow.
Pixeltown is in stores now, by the way. It's weird that they don't have a front-page announcement about it on Hatrack. Guess Alvin Maker takes higher priority.
Posted by docmagik (Member # 1131) on :
Well, I gave them a ring. Apparently they're about a month behind. They still haven't got the finalists chosen and sent to the jury. But they will have everything ready, "before the holidays."
And they were really nice about all my questions.
Posted by mackillian (Member # 586) on :
sweet jebus.
Posted by AndrewR (Member # 619) on :
It must be because they got so many good entries from all of us, they are having an impossible time in deciding. Yeah, that's it. That's the ticket...
Thanks for the info, docmagik.
Posted by CalvinMaker (Member # 2032) on :
*will be submitting a story next year now that I'm 18*
*missed the age deadline by 9 days or something like that*
Posted by docmagik (Member # 1131) on :
Looks like this thread is approaching its one year anniversary.
![[Smile]](smile.gif)
![[Eek!]](eek.gif)
![[Wink]](wink.gif)
![[Frown]](frown.gif)
![[Razz]](tongue.gif)
![[Embarrassed]](redface.gif)
That, and my total lack of any ideas means...![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif)
![[Mad]](mad.gif)
)![[Angst]](graemlins/angst.gif)