Sending in my WotF entry--reluctantly as usual but I can't seem to resist the temptation. Anyone else?
Posted by ChrisOwens (Member # 1955) on :
I'm doing a last round of edits. Trimming, trimming, trimming--I fear almost too much. I went from 29 manuscript pages down to 24. A true short story instead of a novelette. Then one more readthru pass for typos...
Of course, every time I say, "That's it. All I'll do this time is proofread." I end up editing.
I'm really sick of the story. I can't wait to get rid of it.
Posted by extrinsic (Member # 8019) on :
I'm finalizing revisions. I'm not a Last Minute Louie, but I won't let go for another two weeks.
Posted by JeanneT (Member # 5709) on :
Mine has been through numerous edits and by trusted readers. I'm to the point I couldn't know if I was improving or not. Time to let it go. I'd like to think it was better than the one that got a HM last time, but who knows.
Hey, it's on better paper! <g>
Posted by InarticulateBabbler (Member # 4849) on :
Scrambling to do a complete overhaul--as usual.
Posted by extrinsic (Member # 8019) on :
By the time I've heard the standing of my previous entry I realize why it placed where it did. Two honorable mentions so far for two entries. This one I trust will do as well or better, and I'll know why it places where it does when I receive notification. For now, I at least know what needs to be done to get it to the best it can be. Whether I can remains to be seen. It's close.
An old draft went through Critters and received a wide variety of reactions, glowing praise from the targeted audience (not without considering Ms. Wentworth as the single audience that matters), some balanced and generally favorable reactions, some outright derogatory and one-sided comments. It's rounded through my e-mail writers cell, which proffered the most contributory insights. The opening didn't do well here. C'est la vie. I know I'm on the right track when the comments are all over the landscape. Emerging writers are such contentious personages.
Posted by JeanneT (Member # 5709) on :
Well, I wouldn't say Ms. Wentworth is the only audience that matters, just the first one that matters--assuming it's good enough to get past her.
My own story, I'm pretty happy with. I have no doubt that if it doesn't place at WotF that it will sell elsewhere.
Posted by luapc (Member # 2878) on :
As usual, I'll have an entry ready, but I'm still working on it. This will make the magical 20th entry into the contest, and my 14th in a row. The important thing in this business is persistence, and considering JeanneT's opinion of the contest (at least as far as the liklihood of High Fantasy having a chance), I've got to give her a real clap on the back for continuing to enter! Way to go JeanneT, and good luck to everybody!
[This message has been edited by luapc (edited June 12, 2008).]
Posted by JeanneT (Member # 5709) on :
Please understand that I simply feel that the mostly science fiction writers who are judges have a natural preference for science fiction. That doesn't mean I don't have a lot of respect for them. A certain preference is natural and nothing I consider should be criticized. And I never put it down to genre not winning. That would be making excuses.
I keep saying I probably won't enter and then do. LOL
If nothing else, it gets me to write short fiction. I just read a short story by Mike Resnick and at the end sat there going: Damn. How do I get that good? All you can do is keep trying.
Yes, good luck everyone who's entering.
[This message has been edited by JeanneT (edited June 12, 2008).]
Posted by Bent Tree (Member # 7777) on :
considering a entirely different story Posted by KayTi (Member # 5137) on :
In true last-minute fashion, I am still brainstorming my story.
The truth is, though, when I'm done, the story will write itself in a matter of days. I hope to beg some of my favorite readers to offer crits, do one revision round, then out the door. Think I'll make it? I better, I didn't enter last quarter because I ran out of time. I had run 3 qtrs in a row last year (which corresponded with when I started writing.) I am optimistic, as this story I'm still working on is rich and detailed and I have a ton of backstory and stuff worked out that will help give it depth. Once I finish figuring out that nasty business of plot.
Posted by Crank (Member # 7354) on :
I'm still waiting for the last of the feedback from one of my trusted readers.
Based on what she's told me so far, it matches what I've heard from others and what I've already suspected were the trouble spots. The good news is that they won't be all that hard to fix, and will take no more effort from me than to wire my keyboard to administer an electric shock if I attempt to open any other story file until I've finished work on my WotF entry.
Still...I have a unique ability of turning a huge cushion of time into a mad scramble against the clock. Then next week or so will be a blast.
S! S!...C!
Posted by Crystal Stevens (Member # 8006) on :
I am so envious of everyone. I'm still working on my very first entry but not sure just how long it'll be before I send it in.
Question: My story reads like a modern novel for the first few pages before the fantasy part kicks in. Is this a bad idea? The whole premise of "Someone is Watching" is that an old legend connected with a state forest could very well be true. This is the one that I submitted my 13 lines in the short story forum about the horse abuser. Believe it or not, it is a fantasy that involves an aged elf living in the state forest. So, what does everyone think? Once I finish it and let one of you folks read it for me, do you think it stands a chance as an entry for the WotF, or should I scrap the whole thing and try something different?
Posted by JeanneT (Member # 5709) on :
KD Wentworth has said that she wants to see at least some indication of a speculative element on the first page. Apparently they get a lot of submissions that don't have don't fit that criteria so she wants to see that up front. So I'd try to get something in soon, even a tiny hint would do if the story is strong.
Posted by ChrisOwens (Member # 1955) on :
BTW, she sees too many elves in the slush. So much, that it may be a potential roadblock for you. Of course, if the elf character became something more original...
Posted by Crystal Stevens (Member # 8006) on :
Well, I was going to make him a gnomish-like character, but gnomes aren't very big. I wanted some type of woodland figure connected to myth and legend, but when I did a search, not much came up. I was thinking maybe a sprite? I'm really up to some suggestions on this.
On second thought, maybe I better start a new thread on this subject. I don't want to hijack this one .
Posted by annepin (Member # 5952) on :
I've developed an allergy to my story, but I'm still gearing up to put final touches on it and usher it out the door. Hopefully in the next week.
Posted by extrinsic (Member # 8019) on :
Dryads are wood nymphs, but typically female in Greek mythology. A more specialized dryad is the hamadryad. Creative variations might explore a male nymph, perhaps confused in his gender identity. Hamadyrads' existences are tied to their trees, perhaps a super-hamadryad might be similary tied to the entire forest.
Pan is a familiar character in mythology and fantasy, yet I don't think his MacGuffin value has been exhaused yet. Faun or satyr, demon or benevolent creature, fiction is about inventing new perspectives.
Roll elfin, gnomish, dryadic, and Pan-like qualities into one character? And name his kind something novel?
Posted by JeanneT (Member # 5709) on :
A MacGuffin normally applies to a plot exelment not a character, I believe. Quest objects such the the Ring of Power are frequently referred to as MacGuffins.
Posted by extrinsic (Member # 8019) on :
Webster's disagrees. A MacGuffin can be an object, event, or character used as a plot device. But the definition also suggests that a MacGuffin is not necessarily integral to the plot. The Turkey City Lexicon doesn't disagree with Webster; however, it does distinguish quest objects as plot coupons.
Tolkien brilliantly melded and inverted the traditional application of those two plot devices by using plot coupons as MacGuffins and vice versa and both at once. In my interpretation, the One Ring is a MacGuffin and a plot coupon. Another writer might have posed it solely as a plot coupon or a MacGuffin. Ordinarily in fantasy epics, quest objects are posed as plot coupons. Frodo didn't seek out the ring, but without it coming to him and inciting the quest, the story would not stand.
Lord of The Rings' supporting characters are plot coupons and/or MacGuffins that Frodo picks up along the way to aid him in accomplishing his quest. Another brilliant technique.
Posted by JeanneT (Member # 5709) on :
Perhaps where we differ is that my characters are characters not plot devices. I don't agree that the characters in LotR would fall into that category either. Sam, a MacGuffin? No. Essential to the plot, yes, but a MacGuffin is a derogatory term at best (as is the term "plot coupon") and I would never apply it to any well-drawn character.
However, I'm sure people use these terms in varying ways. Then the debate gets interesting.
[This message has been edited by JeanneT (edited June 13, 2008).]
Posted by ChrisOwens (Member # 1955) on :
I've never thought of it before, but I suppose a character could be a Macguffin, under special circumstances. For instance, in the Gunslinger, it might be argued that the man in black was a Macguffin. By Roland chasing him, it created a series of events that was far more important than who the man in black was himself.
Of course, what Crystal is describing doesn't seem to be a true Macguffin. The wood elf character will likely prove more essential to the story.
Posted by ChrisOwens (Member # 1955) on :
Well--I've sealed the story in an envelope. Accounting for the unforseen, it'll be mailed tommorow. Sink or swim time.
Posted by KayTi (Member # 5137) on :
Hmm, I should probably *write* mine, eh?
<shakes head>
Yep, just call me Down To The Wire Girl.
Posted by JeanneT (Member # 5709) on :
Thought I'd get the word out that someone posted on the WotF forum that the HM announcements for the 3rd quarter will soon be announced. That was fast.
What I don't remember is how long it usually takes to get the no-shows announced. For some reason, I seem to recall that it takes longer for them.
Yes, I'm chewing my nails. I really thought this quarter's story was good. But what will THEY think? *chew chew*
Posted by Zero (Member # 3619) on :
That's the damndest thing about art... it's not like math where it's either right or wrong, so it's almost impossible to guess who will like it and who won't. Still, I hope your work falls into favorable hands.
Posted by JeanneT (Member # 5709) on :
Joni posted on the blog today that the Honorable Mentions will go up on Monday. As I mentioned, at least one person at the WotF forum has posted that he received his HM email--nothing here so far, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed. That's hard when you're biting your fingernails.
And thanks for the good wishes, Zero.
[This message has been edited by JeanneT (edited July 24, 2008).]
Posted by skadder (Member # 6757) on :
I am entering this quarter. I have a story I am going to polish until it shines. Then I am going to spit on it and polish it some more.
Then I am going to an industrial buffer and polish it until--whoops, it disappeared. Damn.
I guess you can polish too much...
Posted by JeanneT (Member # 5709) on :
That's how I've felt about several of my stories lately. LOL Time to stop polishing and send the things on their way.
Posted by JeanneT (Member # 5709) on :
I'll soon have chewed my fingernails down to my elbows on this one. In a way, it would almost be a relief to get an HM email. Then I'd know instead of having months to wait before finding out if it was a total no-show. *sigh*
I think they left patience out of my makeup. Oops.
Posted by Bent Tree (Member # 7777) on :
Fortunately, I haven't been as anxious this time. I have a bunch of subs out though so I guess mine is distributed enough to dull the pain. It is a part of my moving forward aproach. Looks like I'll have Q4 finished before I hear the results of this one.
Posted by cklabyrinth (Member # 2454) on :
So, they're going to post all of the HMs now? Then the only announcements to come would be for semifinalists and above?
Posted by JeanneT (Member # 5709) on :
All I can tell you is what is posted on the blog:
"I'll be posting Honorable Mentions next Monday."
That seems to imply it will be all of the HMs.
Edit: All that would be left is the semi-finalists and above AND the no-shows to be totally accurate. LOL
[This message has been edited by JeanneT (edited July 25, 2008).]
Posted by Kathleen Dalton Woodbury (Member # 59) on :
JeanneT, what's the URL for the blog?
Posted by cklabyrinth (Member # 2454) on :
Just read it myself. It reads to me like the HMs for the 2nd quarter illustrators will be announced on Monday.
What's a no-show, by the way? A story that receives no awards?
Posted by extrinsic (Member # 8019) on :
The Honorable Mentions are posted after they've been notified and after they've notified Joni Labaqui to post their names. The Honorable Mentions are not posted on the blog unless Joni has explicit approval.
The second quarter HMs for both IotF and WotF were announced months ago--in April to be exact. They are announced long before the winners are announced.
Someone already posted on the WotF forum that he has been notified of receiving an HM--I posted that several days ago here.
Quote from the WotF forum on July 21:
quote:I just heard from Joni that my latest submission was an Honorable Mention again.
Edit: Usually it takes weeks to get all the HMs up so I think she may have meant only the first batch, but I have also been told that KD Wentworth and Joni have been trying to expedite the entire process, so maybe they've found a way to get through it more quicklly.
Kathleen, I see that two people have already posted to answer your question about the URL. That is indeed the correct one.
[This message has been edited by JeanneT (edited July 26, 2008).]
Posted by Kathleen Dalton Woodbury (Member # 59) on :
Thank you, cklabyrinth and extrinsic.
Posted by Zero (Member # 3619) on :
When is Q4?
Posted by JeanneT (Member # 5709) on :
Deadline is September 30 I believe. I know what story I'll submit for that one (unless I get lucky and sell it before then lol)
Posted by Zero (Member # 3619) on :
I am so doing this! Witha supportive community such as this one to bounce my fountain of neverending questions and nonwisdom against, how can I fail?
