Hatrack River Writers Workshop: Fear and Loathing on Phobos

This is topic Fear and Loathing on Phobos in forum Open Discussions About Writing at Hatrack River Writers Workshop.

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Posted by Nexus Capacitor (Member # 1694) on :

I think I may have inadvertently ruined my chances for the Phobos contest. I was reading through EricJamesStone’s blog (from the other thread) and he had a link to a letter he wrote to James Maxey about his book “Nobody Gets the Girl.”

I looked upon the letter in horror as I realized he was describing the EXACT same scientific concept I used in my short story. I’m reasonably sure the stories are nothing alike. For instance, my characters do not resemble comic book super-heroes. But, I can’t imagine the fine folks at Phobos saying, “Oh boy! Another story about Quantum Superposition and Uncertainty used to alter reality! Just what we were hoping for!”

What’s worse--it’s my fault. I didn’t bother to research the only novel that Phobos has published!!!

So, am I over-reacting? Or have I doomed my story?

If any of you would be interested in reading my ill-fated story, let me know.

Posted by EricJamesStone (Member # 1681) on :

quote:
So, am I over-reacting?

Well, until someone actually observes you, your state is actually a superposition of over-reaction and non-over-reaction.

If your story is good enough in other respects, I don't think the fact that it deals with quantum superposition used to alter reality will be a problem.

Heisenberg's driving down the highway when he gets pulled over by a cop.
The cop says, "Do you know how fast you were going?"
Heisenberg replies, "No, but I know exactly where I am!"

Posted by pickled shuttlecock (Member # 1714) on :

quote:
Well, until someone actually observes you, your state is actually a superposition of over-reaction and non-over-reaction.

Can I puke? Would that bother anybody?

Seen on a bumper sticker: "Heisenburg may have been here."

[This message has been edited by pickled shuttlecock (edited August 20, 2003).]

Posted by Nexus Capacitor (Member # 1694) on :

Aaarrrggghh! I was observing myself! Since I observed myself over-reacting, I must be!

Posted by EricJamesStone (Member # 1681) on :

quote:
Can I puke? Would that bother anybody?

Well, as long as I don't have to observe it...

Posted by reid (Member # 1425) on :

Your Heisenburg bumper sticker reminded me of my favorite bumper sticker...

Has Kekule's Ghost Benzene?

Posted by Nexus Capacitor (Member # 1694) on :

I just read the preview of Maxey's book at www.nobodygetsthegirl.com. It's excellent! Now, I'm going to have to run out and buy it 'cause I'm hooked.

Anyway, it was nothing like my story. Sorry for panicing in such a public way.