This is topic Wotf Critique Group -- 2009 Q04 -- Early Submissions in forum Hatrack Groups at Hatrack River Writers Workshop.


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Posted by WriterDan (Member # 6456) on :
 
This is a critique group for writers that will be entering a story into the fourth quarter of 2009 in the Writers of the Future contest (26th year), and do so on an early schedule.

Anyone is welcome to join. If you do though, please follow the directions for such. Currently, the group consists of me:
WriterDan

If you want to join the group for this quarter, please re-post the current names list in a reply and then add your name to the bottom.

Deadlines for this quarter are as follows:

June 1st: Start writing
July 14th: First drafts out for crits
Aug 7th: Second drafts out for crits
Aug 31st: Mail-in final drafts for Q04

Note: The official mail-in deadline for this quarter is September 30th; however, this group's deadlines are set up so that all entries can be mailed well before the deadline and hopefully beat the rush at the end of the quarter.

When you send out drafts for critique, please do so in a generic format so that everyone will be able to open your file. (eg. rtf, txt. Pdf is okay too, but won't allow for in-text comments.)

Sign up now! And let's get busy writing!

Helpful links:
http://www.hatrack.com/forums/writers/forum/Forum5/HTML/000060.html

[This message has been edited by WriterDan (edited December 02, 2009).]
 


Posted by darklight (Member # 5213) on :
 
Surely it's not that time already?

I've just been thinking about my next story. Its either one I'm almost done with, or another I've just, within the last ten minutes, had an idea for which as yet, I don't have a word written for. Mmm... I'll have to think about it.

I'm in, as ever.
 


Posted by Kitti (Member # 7277) on :
 
This is scary. Nooo, it can't be time to start over again!

Yeah, I'm in. I'm tossing around a couple of different ideas at the moment, just need to commit to one (the story of my writing career...)
 


Posted by WriterDan (Member # 6456) on :
 
Yeah, was asking myself those same questions about a week ago when I noticed what month it was. Ugh.

I actually plotted out my next entire short story over the period of about 3 hours just last week though. And I'm REALLY excited about it. Got some inspiration while reading a book -- The Orphan's Tales: In the Night Garden by Catherynne Valente. Just something that one of the characters in the book said struck me, and all of a sudden my mind was off and running. Kind of took me by surprise. No complaints here though.

Happy to see that you're both on board. Looking forward to seeing more good stuff this quarter.
 


Posted by Owasm (Member # 8501) on :
 
I'm in. Don't know what I'm in with yet, but I'm in.
 
Posted by snapper (Member # 7299) on :
 
You guys have it wrong. You think about using something you already have in the works. I believe, if you submitted there, the rights to the Heinlein anthology have expired. So if you haven't heard anything from them, you are free to submit your story elsewhere.
That will be my first choice, if not I have other things in mind.

So yes, snapper is in the house.
 


Posted by WriterDan (Member # 6456) on :
 
But this way, Snapper, it forces me to write more. And for me, that's a good thing.
 
Posted by darklight (Member # 5213) on :
 
So, I've had what I think is a great idea for this time's story. None of those I mentioned in an above post, but something entirely new.

Two things.

One: I realised just yesterday that I have never had a female MC. I've had female characters, but never one that is the focus of a story. This story recifies that anomoly.

Two: This story is going to be quite dark, containing what could be described as mild horror scenes. Do you think that would be ok in accordance with WotF.

Anyhow. Anyone getting anything down for this quarter yet, or are you still working on the present quarter's story? I know I have to put the finishing touches to mine but I just had to get this one started.

It would help if I had a keyboard that didn't have several of the keys missing, and several more that don't work properly because I have a dog that wont keep off of my laptop.

Just to add: Think we're going to need another message up in the general forum to gather some more interest. We don't have many takers this time around as yet.

[This message has been edited by darklight (edited June 17, 2009).]
 


Posted by snapper (Member # 7299) on :
 
What do you mean, darklight? It looks as if we have four for sure. How about if I start the process.

Copy then add your name to the list if you are willing to write and critique others works for this group.

Snapper
 


Posted by WriterDan (Member # 6456) on :
 
Darklight: "Darkness" in a story is fine. They take horror and the works. It just has to be speculative. They do have limits on how much violence/gore and sex they will allow (because this is supposed to be a PG-13 type anthology that is used in High School cirriculums), but that leaves the doors open for a whole lot. Remember the movie, The Ring? That was a 13. And that thing was freaking tripped out. So I say, go for it.

Current list:
Snapper
WriterDan
Darklight
Kitti
Owasm
 


Posted by AWSullivan (Member # 8059) on :
 
If you'll have me... I'm in.

Sorry for the long lay over guys. Been a rough 6 months.

Snapper
WriterDan
Darklight
Kitti
Owasm
AWSullivan

~Anthony
 


Posted by snapper (Member # 7299) on :
 
Welcome back, AW.

And congrats on the HM.
 


Posted by AWSullivan (Member # 8059) on :
 
Thanks! That's two in a row. I'm hoping that this is the beginning of a trend.

~Anthony
 


Posted by shimiqua (Member # 7760) on :
 
I'm in.

Snapper
WriterDan
Darklight
Kitti
Owasm
AWSullivan
shimiqua
 


Posted by Jennywinnie (Member # 8510) on :
 
I swear, this is awesome. I checked out their website.

Snapper
WriterDan
Darklight
Kitti
Owasm
AWSullivan
shimiqua
Jennywinnie
 


Posted by JenniferHicks (Member # 8201) on :
 
I'm in, too

Snapper
WriterDan
Darklight
Kitti
Owasm
AWSullivan
shimiqua
Jennywinnie
JenniferHicks
 


Posted by WriterDan (Member # 6456) on :
 
Stares at JenniferHicks.

She's back!

Hey, congrats on the HM last quarter, girl. Great job. Glad to see that you're going to be around again.
 


Posted by snapper (Member # 7299) on :
 
And congrats to Darklight, AW Sullivan, and Owasm. We need you four to show the rest of us on how its done.

Speaking of which, how is it progressing for everyone?
Anybody got anything done? Started? Outlined?

[This message has been edited by snapper (edited July 01, 2009).]
 


Posted by JenniferHicks (Member # 8201) on :
 
Yes, congrats to all who did well last quarter! As for myself, I really have no clue how I managed an HM. I didn't think the story was that impressive, but it was all I had ready to go by the deadline.

I look forward to reading everyone's stories. I finished my first draft a couple of days ago and am working through some rewrites.
 


Posted by Owasm (Member # 8501) on :
 
My original story is outlined, but as I wrote it the plotline went off the reservation... so I'm struggling with how to get it back.

I just did a rewrite of another that has possibilities. I'll need all the time I can get to give birth.


FYI The HM story was a humorous 2,800 word SF with a wicked twist at the end. It never made it to Hatrack.

Forgive my stupidity, I'm still a newbie. I suppose I can submit the story. Is it too gauche to mention it's a WotF HM?

[This message has been edited by Owasm (edited July 02, 2009).]
 


Posted by darklight (Member # 5213) on :
 
I'm 2k into my story. Unfortunately, some very un-Brittish weather (temperatures of almost 30 degress, which hamper my ability to do anything since I don't do well with the heat) and my starting a new job at the beginning of the week has restricted my writing time but now my son's finished college for the summer he's proving to be a very useful sounding board and researcher. I expect to have it finished and ready for critique in the next couple of weeks though--at least that's the plan.

Thanks for the congrats. I worked six months on that damned Full Moon story, so I'm glad I got something for the effort. And like always (big confession here) I left the final editing to the very last minute, which meant a two day rush to get it polished before the final day to send it out. Same with Q3s. I left the final editing until last weekend then got some kind of virus and had to struggle through it. God only knows what state I sent it out in, and on the Monday, right before printing it off, I spotted a huge error that I had missed reading through it dozens of times, and all the critiquers had missed too. Glad I caught that one!

Looking forward to reading everyone's stories this time around.

Edited to say, thanks to everyone who critiqued the Full Moon story, and the one I sent in for Q3, you know we couldn't do it without you guys giving us the kick up the backside that we need.

[This message has been edited by darklight (edited July 02, 2009).]
 


Posted by AWSullivan (Member # 8059) on :
 
My HM was a story called _Recall_, a time travel piece, that I believe made some rounds here at hatrack though not in a WotF group. I believe it was the Ready For Market group that used to (perhaps still) goes on here.

I honestly sent it as a last resort because I had nothing new written. I'm glad it did well as it is one of my favorites.

I have completed a story that started out as a WotF possibility but the storyline slipped from light horror-scifi to straight up horror with no real speculative element. Back to the drawing board!

~Anthony
 


Posted by snapper (Member # 7299) on :
 
I remembered that piece AW. Well written but the time travel implications gave me a headache
 
Posted by WriterDan (Member # 6456) on :
 
LOL!

Okay, so I just realized how behind I am.

I do have my story for this quarter outlined, but haven't started yet. Just finished my story from last quarter two days ago! After the 4th, it'll be back on the band wagon and we'll see how much I can get done. Hoping it'll come out nice and quickly, but most of the world building is going to be done on the fly, so...

Luck everyone!
 


Posted by Jennywinnie (Member # 8510) on :
 
Ok, so I just have to post my frustration...

I was just finished with a really good rewrite...I literally had just typed out a climax that finally made sense, and the story was finally taking on a life of it's own, and then...

I saved...but came back to touch up one last thing to discover that my whole rewrite is lost. So VERY annoying! How is this possible? **sigh**
 


Posted by WriterDan (Member # 6456) on :
 
You know, I don't think that there's a single writer in the world that hasn't had that happen to them. It's just something that you have to pick up from and keep on going. Now days, I tend to save every draft of my story on multiple computers in multiple formats. Maybe a bit excessive, but I haven't lost any material since I started doing this. Luck to you, for the re-re-write.
 
Posted by JenniferHicks (Member # 8201) on :
 
Oh, man, that's some bad luck. At least it's still early in the process and you have time to redo your rewrite.

My progress: The rewrite is done, and my computer was kind enough to save it. I'm now going to set aside the story and not look at it until it's time to send it out for critique. I've worked on it so much recently, I'm at the point where I need a break.
 


Posted by JenniferHicks (Member # 8201) on :
 
Just thought I'd share something I came across on the WOTF forum. A writer asked judge K.D. Wentworth what the "hinge point" is between stories that receive honorable mention and those that are semifinalists or finalists. Maybe this is something that's been tackled on Hatrack before, but I haven't seen it. Here's the answer:

HMs are stories with one or more excellent elements but that are not going to win for some obvious reason. Sometimes it's that the premise is too familiar and not original enough. Often, it's that the protagonist is too passive or the pace is really slow. Sometimes the story is too long for the amount of plot it contains or, though well written, the protagonist is a jerk. Sometimes the author is deliberately vague about what is going on and the reader (me) loses interest. Sometimes the ending is off, with the story stopping too soon or not resolving the central conflict.

... So now we know what not to do.
 


Posted by darklight (Member # 5213) on :
 
Since its the day of the first send out for critiques, I thought I would check in and see how you're all doing.

As for me, I'm kind of stuck, since I'm not sure whether to go for the flashback scenes I planned on doing, which give the MC the strength to overcome the problem she faces, and tie into things I have mentioned throughout the story so far, or to leave them out and let her find the solution another way.

Anyhow, if any of you have a story ready, send it my way.
 


Posted by JenniferHicks (Member # 8201) on :
 
I just sent my story out. If you didn't get it or can't open the attachment, please let me know.
 
Posted by snapper (Member # 7299) on :
 
Hey! I'm usually the first one to send something out!

I better get my arse in gear
 


Posted by Jennywinnie (Member # 8510) on :
 
Ok, I sent mine out. Some of you have seen me post in the short story section. Now you can see the whole thing.


 


Posted by Owasm (Member # 8501) on :
 
I need a preliminary reading. My story is a little steampunk number set in something equivalent to Victorian-era England. I need a Britisher to help scrub out the obvious Americanisms before I wrap the draft up.

I've asked someone else, but two readings would be better. Any volunteers?
 


Posted by Kitti (Member # 7277) on :
 
I'm not sure I qualify as a Britisher (are we talking spelling, figures of speech, or just general cultural knowledge?), but I can read it for you if you want.
 
Posted by AWSullivan (Member # 8059) on :
 
I'm not british but I can affect a decent accent. I'll read if you need Owasm.

~Anthony
 


Posted by Owasm (Member # 8501) on :
 
I am using British terms of speech. I need a native speaker because I don't want Americanisms in the story. I can pick out British spelling and colloquialisms, but I am oblivious to the some American slang that I would naturally put into a story.

So thanks for your offers... but I'd rather send you the Anglicized versions.
 


Posted by Owasm (Member # 8501) on :
 
I've only gotten a couple of stories to read from the group. I'm sending mine around.

I'm available to crit.
 


Posted by Kitti (Member # 7277) on :
 
I sent mine out a few days ago. If anyone didn't get it, please let me know and I'll be happy to send it again :-)
 
Posted by AWSullivan (Member # 8059) on :
 
I have several stories to crit. Sorry for the delay. Life's been getting in the way.

My story isn't ready just yet but I'll be getting to those crits soon.

~Anthony
 


Posted by WriterDan (Member # 6456) on :
 
I've returned two of the five stories for critting that I've received. Will be getting to the remaining three very soon.

On the writing front, my story is sitting at about 5k words and nearly halfway complete. Will probably end up being about 12k in the end. I'm hoping to have it out soon, but we'll see what happens.

Life does indeed get in the way.

Try not to let it though.


 


Posted by snapper (Member # 7299) on :
 
quote:
On the writing front, my story is sitting at about 5k words and...probably end up being about 12k in the end.

You, WD? Under 13k? No way.

I just sent mine. Let me know if you didn't get it.
 


Posted by WriterDan (Member # 6456) on :
 
rofl.
 
Posted by darklight (Member # 5213) on :
 
A quick update. I've managed to critique and return three of the stories I've received, and expect to have the other three, one of which is almost done, completed and returned by Sunday, then I'm away for a few days.

When my story will be done, only God knows, but I'm hoping to work on it some more while I'm away. Should be out to the group no later than the end of the month.

Sorry for the delay in critiquing your stories.
 


Posted by snapper (Member # 7299) on :
 
Hey DL,

If mine is toward the bottom of that list it may serve me better if I send you an updated version after you get back. Let me know and send yours whenever it is ready.
 


Posted by JenniferHicks (Member # 8201) on :
 
Today is the designated day for sending out the revised draft, isn't it? I better get in gear and finish polishing my story. Is anyone close to being ready to send out?
 
Posted by darklight (Member # 5213) on :
 
Snapper, that's sounds good to me. Send it whenever you're ready and I'll critique when I get back.

JenniferHicks, I wouldn't worry too much about the dates, they're guidelines more than anything. If we can make them, then fine, if not, no worries. I haven't even got a first draft, let alone a second. This story is causing me some headaches, but I know where it's going now, just got to get it down on paper. Most of us are happy to critique any time, just send it out whenever you're ready.

Edited because I don't know the difference between your and you're, aparently.

[This message has been edited by darklight (edited August 07, 2009).]
 


Posted by arriki (Member # 3079) on :
 
Hey, since I have finally reached a good spot in my story, could I join you guys?

Of course, my story is one that some of you have already read earlier versions of since life got out of hand back in Dec and I failed to reach THIS moment back then.

I'm open to critiquing other stories I you don't mind wasing through my opinions.

arriki
 


Posted by snapper (Member # 7299) on :
 
Jump in, Arriki!

Send yours when ready. Let us know when you're ready for ours.
 


Posted by arriki (Member # 3079) on :
 
I take a deep breath. Okay, send me some.

Mine is ready. Who's interested?

[This message has been edited by arriki (edited August 09, 2009).]
 


Posted by JenniferHicks (Member # 8201) on :
 
I'm caught up on critiques and am ready for more. Arriki, send yours along. I should be ready to send out my second draft either tonight or tomorrow.
 
Posted by snapper (Member # 7299) on :
 
Same here, Arikki. I take it that one in F&F is your WotF planned submission? All that is in front of you is Owasm rewrite and that shouldn't take long for me to get through.

So send away!
 


Posted by arriki (Member # 3079) on :
 
Yes, the one if f&f is the same CORY.

I'm sending snapper and JenniferHicks copies.


 


Posted by shimiqua (Member # 7760) on :
 
I'm sorry, but I'm gonna have to respectfully bow out of this group. Life has gone crazy.

Good luck and happy thoughts to all of you.
~Sheena


 


Posted by arriki (Member # 3079) on :
 
Okay. Anyone else have a story draft you want me to look over? Or, willing to take a (I hope) last look at Cory before I send him off?
 
Posted by WriterDan (Member # 6456) on :
 
I don't think I've read it this time around, arriki. Send it to me.
 
Posted by darklight (Member # 5213) on :
 
I'm back from my holiday and now have a finished story that I'll be ready to send out in the next couple of days. She might be a little rough but its getting late in the quarter and I know I need to get some thoughts on it before its too late to edit and tidy up. Hope everyone in the group is up for critiquing.

I've got a couple of stories to critique and am ready for more if you'd like to send them out.

I can't beleive it'll soon be time to start the next quarter's stories but luck has it, I have an outline for one for next time, and a plot for a sequal for this one. I'm feeling pretty good about things right now, hope it stays that way for a while!
 


Posted by arriki (Member # 3079) on :
 
sending CORY to Writer Dan and darklight. Thanks guys.


Next time I'm going back to sf. I've got one that just needs polishing so I may be sending it out way early so I can focus down on one much closer to my heart -- one of my lysiscan stories that has to be cut down -- 29k to what? 16K
 


Posted by WriterDan (Member # 6456) on :
 
So, mine is out. If anyone didn't get it that wants it, let me know.
 
Posted by snapper (Member # 7299) on :
 
Hey Dan.

I think there is something wrong with the file you sent me. I think its missing 5 or 6 thousand words.
 


Posted by arriki (Member # 3079) on :
 
Has anyone else received my critique without the comments off to the side of the text throughout the piece?
 
Posted by snapper (Member # 7299) on :
 
I got them. Has there been a problem with anyone else? I used the same technique you did, arikki, comments within the text and a commentary at the end (mine were in color though). Anyone else receive it differently? Let me know if you didn't.

 
Posted by arriki (Member # 3079) on :
 
Yes, Jennifer Hicks missed all my comments the first time around and didn't tell me. I finally discovered that and resent my first critique. Then I started wondering if any other had gone astray.
 
Posted by JenniferHicks (Member # 8201) on :
 
Sorry, Arriki, I should have said something right away.
 
Posted by WriterDan (Member # 6456) on :
 
lol @ snapper.
 
Posted by arriki (Member # 3079) on :
 
Is there anyone who sent me a story for critqueing that I haven't returned? So far?
 
Posted by darklight (Member # 5213) on :
 
I've sent my story off to the group. Let me know if you haven't received it, or if there's any problems.

I should have arriki's critique back by the end of tomorrow, then I'm on to WriterDan's.
 


Posted by arriki (Member # 3079) on :
 
received it
 
Posted by WriterDan (Member # 6456) on :
 
So, how's everyone shaping up for the "deadline"? One more weekend to go.

As for me, it looks like I'm going to be hugging the real deadline pretty close. Made the last connection that I needed to make for the next draft of mine. Been tossing ideas around for next quarter. Don't know if I should do a re-write of a past quarter's entry (Snapper might get excited about this possibility), try my hand at a humorous urban fantasy, or go with another tough, dark fantasy. Hmmm...

Anyhow, hope things are well with everyone else. As far as I know I only have one more crit to return (Darklight), and after that I'll be free again. Feel free to correct me if I've somehow forgotten yours.

Luck to everyone!
 


Posted by Kitti (Member # 7277) on :
 
I think I'm backing out of submitting this quarter, though I'm still happy to critique for anyone who wants it. I spent the past couple of weeks working on a short for another market and WotF has fallen a bit by the wayside. But who knows, there might still be a miracle....
 
Posted by JenniferHicks (Member # 8201) on :
 
I'm doing one last round of revisions before declaring my story done and will probably get it in the mail soon after Labor Day weekend (during which I'll be happily immersed in the geek heaven that is DragonCon and therefore too busy to write). I'm pretty happy with how this story has turned out.
 
Posted by Kitti (Member # 7277) on :
 
Okay, my first draft that I sent around requires far too much work to finish this quarter, so I've been digging around in my trunk for something I might dust off at the last minute and I have an opinion question for y'all. For WotF success, does the speculative element HAVE to be in the first page (or so)?

Bit of clarification. I have a milieu story where the speculative element doesn't show up at all until page two (in the form of a bizarrely dressed person) and really comes out at page 5/6 (which the MC leaves our world for another one). The beginning's pretty tightly written, so the only way I see to move the speculative element up is to throw it into a "free" paragraph at the beginning.

Thoughts?
 


Posted by arriki (Member # 3079) on :
 
Maybe not a full blown, long paragraph but a hint there in the opening?

Typical stuff like

It all started on Thursday but the moon didn't fall that day

or -- The Ari was watching humanity and had been for a long time. It saw Judy get into her car and drive...

[This message has been edited by arriki (edited September 02, 2009).]
 


Posted by WriterDan (Member # 6456) on :
 
The best way to make sure Kathy keeps reading is to get your speculative element in the first page. End.

That being said, there have been stories in past anthologies that haven't had that. In those cases, the writing was really well-done and pulled the reader into the story with just that. The speculative element, still, wasn't THAT far behind.

If you're looking for an opinion that's a little more pointed, you could always send me the story. Would be happy to take a look at it.
 


Posted by darklight (Member # 5213) on :
 
I'v started a revision of my story, with a new beginning, eliminating that info-dumpish, italicised first scene, and enabling the eradication of those horrible flashbacks. Are there a couple of people who would be willing to read what I have so far, just to be sure I'm on the right track? It's going to be a week at least before the entire thing is ready, so there isn't going to be time for me to ask for a critique of the whole thing, but I'd apreciate some eyes looking over what I have right now. It's about 1500 words, so nothing too big.

In return, if there's anyone who needs someone to look over their edits/revisions, send my way.

Anyhow, hope you've all gotten something you're happy with. Good luck if you've already sent it out.
 


Posted by arriki (Member # 3079) on :
 
Have I read it yet? If not, I'll do so.
 
Posted by darklight (Member # 5213) on :
 
arriki, thanks. You've seen the original story, but if you're willing to look over this small section of rewrite, can I still send it? And if there's anything I can do for you, please send it over.
 
Posted by Kitti (Member # 7277) on :
 
I'll give it a once-over.
 
Posted by WriterDan (Member # 6456) on :
 
Hey all,

So I know we're late in the game, but was curious if anyone would have time to read through my close-to-final draft. Story line is pretty much the same as before, details have changed though. If you do, lemme know.

After thinking about things, I think I'm going to re-draft an old story that got straight up returned to me a couple of years ago instead of writing a new one this next quarter. That way I can get ahead of things and not find myself in this position any more.

Thanks.
 


Posted by darklight (Member # 5213) on :
 
Dan, looks like me and you are in the same boat.

I'm still trying to get my story polished up in time for the end of the month, but some tough family stuff has halted my progress. One final push and I'm sure I'll get mine finished up, just need to clear my head of what's been going on. Anyhow, I'll be happy to give your story a look. Send it over and I'll look at it tomorrow.
 


Posted by JenniferHicks (Member # 8201) on :
 
FYI, the first set of honorable mentions for the third quarter has been posted. Anyone from Hatrack on the list?

http://wotfblog.galaxypress.com/

[This message has been edited by JenniferHicks (edited September 24, 2009).]
 


Posted by AWSullivan (Member # 8059) on :
 
Not I! But I submitted at the last minute last quarter so I didn't expect to be on this round.

~Anthony
 


Posted by annepin (Member # 5952) on :
 
Writer Dan and Darklight, I'm open to reading your stories. I can do a quick turn-around. I didn't submit this time, but I'd like to support you guys!
 
Posted by darklight (Member # 5213) on :
 
I really appreciate the offer, annepin. If it's ok with you, I'm going to take you up on it. I've just finished putting the finishing touches to my story, and will send it over to you.

Thanks so much.
 


Posted by arriki (Member # 3079) on :
 
Have I read and commented on this one yet?
 
Posted by darklight (Member # 5213) on :
 
arriki, you've critiqued my story, and looked at some new scenes I wrote, one of which I had to ditch and start again.

I think I'm about there now, just got a few final touches to put to it, and it'll be in the mail, if not monday, tuesday at the latest. Thanks to everyone for all your help on this story.

Onwards to the next story, and beyond!
 


Posted by WriterDan (Member # 6456) on :
 
And it's off!

Hallelujah, this quarter is over.

Thanks, everyone. This story turned out really good. I appreciate all your efforts on my behalf.

See you all next time.
 


Posted by Kitti (Member # 7277) on :
 
Snuck mine in just before the deadline, too :-) Whew!
 
Posted by snapper (Member # 7299) on :
 
Shouldn't it be about this time when some of submissions received word on how they did?

Anyone hear anything yet?
 


Posted by Kitti (Member # 7277) on :
 
I haven't even heard back that they've received mine, but I did mail it in very late in the competition.
 
Posted by JenniferHicks (Member # 8201) on :
 
I read a post from KDW on another board that she will be sending about a third of the Q4 entries back next week.

http://webnews.sff.net/read?cmd=xover&group=sff.writing.writersofthefuture
 


Posted by JenniferHicks (Member # 8201) on :
 
Update: One-third of the entries were sent back Friday, so maybe we'll see some HMs next week.
 
Posted by WriterDan (Member # 6456) on :
 
First round of HM's posted on the Wotf Blog!

Didn't recognize any names in this bunch, but there are sure to be more to come. Kathy has posted that she sent back a "whopping big bunch" of stories on the 31st, and that the rest are soon to come. So, not much longer to wait for this quarter.
 


Posted by InarticulateBabbler (Member # 4849) on :
 
Congratulations, NickT.
 
Posted by WriterDan (Member # 6456) on :
 
Finalists and semi-finalists for the quarter to be finished by Monday of next week! Watch for those calls people. Wouldn't want to miss this one!
 
Posted by Dark Warrior (Member # 8822) on :
 
I am going through reading the entire WOTF thread on webnews.sff.net

http://webnews.sff.net/read?cmd=blogview&group=sff.writing.writersofthefuture&from=4203

(Link to the following comment on WOTF thread)

KD Wentworth commented on her judging style for picking finalists.

quote:
The sad reality is that if a story does not look like a possible winner very
early on, I have to go on to the next one because (insert very large number
here) stories are waiting for my attention. So put your best ammunition on
the first page!

Other nuggets from same thread

quote:
Re: The tips on the wotfblog...
Kathy Wentworth
Article 4241, Sat 22 Dec 2007 07:32:36a

HMs are stories that have exceptionally well executed plots, concepts, characters,
and/or prose, but just don't rise to the very top of the pile. If you get an
HM, it means you've scored in the top fifteen percent of all entries, which
is no small achievement. And it definitely means you should keep entering.
You're on the right track.


I think I have seen this one posted or linked here before but here it is again

quote:
Re: Semi-Finalists Today?
Kathy Wentworth
Article 4338, Tue 12 Feb 2008 05:29:26p

An Honorable Mention (formerly Quarterfinalist) is a story that has at least one (and usually more) area(s) of excellence, such as prose, characters, premise, setting, or plot, but is not retained for the very small pile of possible Finalists.
Typically, an Honorable Mention means that you have scored in the top fifteen percent of all entries.


Kathy Wentworth
Article 4666, Fri 18 Jul 2008 07:52:18a

quote:
... no one's story gets rejected because of a typo or misspelling. It's incredibly difficult to get all of those out because the eye sees what it expects to see. That's why it's helpful to get someone else to proof for you.

The single most important quality in a winning story is its originality. The people with the best imaginations are the ones with the most potential to have a great career, and getting new writers launched into careers is what the Contest
is all about.


Kathy Wentworth
Article 4811, Thu 09 Oct 2008 07:36:43a

quote:
1. "Smirked" means a mean nasty little smile. It is not an all purpose synonymn for the words "smile" or "grin."

2. The past tense of sink is sank. "We sank the boat." "Sunk" requires an auxillery verb. "We have sunk the boat."

3. Paragraphs are your friend. Become one with your tab key.


Kathy Wentworth
Article 4821, Fri 10 Oct 2008 08:05:59p

quote:
4. When it comes to over the top metaphors and similes ("the night sky put the moon coin away in its black purse"), JUST SAY NO.

5. It's never a good idea to use the word "orb" as a synonynm for "eye" or "sun."

6. Don't start with poetry that you've written yourself.


[This message has been edited by Dark Warrior (edited January 09, 2010).]
 


Posted by snapper (Member # 7299) on :
 
Here is when the torture begins. Death by anticipation.

quote:
Finalists and semi-finalists for the quarter to be finished by Monday of next week! Watch for those calls people. Wouldn't want to miss this one!

One thing that is consistent about that WotF blog is they never do when they say they will do. Monday will come and go and not one Finalist or Semi-F will get notified (I bet).

So I shall sit on my hands, pace the room, chew my fingersnails down to the cudicles (I've been growing them long for this moment), peak out the window looking for the mailman, check my email; for the next two weeks now.

The damn problem is, I have no idea how my entry will do. I'll probably get a thanks but no thanks letter with my script but, what the hell, who knows? Maybe I'll be standing at the podium next August bragging to Skadder and Brad T that my trophy is bigger than theirs.

One can only hope.

 


Posted by Owasm (Member # 8501) on :
 
I've already gotten my regrets email.

Consider it my stepping aside in favor of your majestic entry, Snapper.
 


Posted by Dark Warrior (Member # 8822) on :
 
Another update at SFF Snapper...good luck to you and everyone else.
quote:
Kathy Wentworth
Article 5185, Sat 09 Jan 2010 08:54:22a

I finished the first reading last night and am now sorting. Lots of good stories
this quarter!



 


Posted by WriterDan (Member # 6456) on :
 
Ah, just forget about it, Snapper. Go write some more. That should help to get your mind off of things. That's the only way that I've found I could cope at these times of the year. Just keep writing, and then when the acceptance call/letter comes you can be all the more surprised. Of course, I know, easier said than done. Maybe all this is just for my own benefit. Say something enough and you begin to believe it. Good luck!
 
Posted by snapper (Member # 7299) on :
 
Okay, with a snappy attitude like that you must have received some good news today. Go on, spill your guts Dan.
 
Posted by WriterDan (Member # 6456) on :
 
I wish. 8)

Haven't heard a peep about anything to do with my story yet. Grumble, grumble.
 


Posted by Dark Warrior (Member # 8822) on :
 
According to the WOTF forums some reject notices came in today...hoping the Hatrackers werent among them and still waiting to hear the good news.
 
Posted by WriterDan (Member # 6456) on :
 
So, some searching on the internet has given me a longer list of HM's for this quarter:

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Honorable-Mentions-Announced-prnews-447533415.html?x=0&.v=1

My name is toward the bottom of the list. HM for me. 8)

Anyone else recognize a name? I noticed Louise Booth's name (some of you might remember her), but not any others. Odd, finding out this way--in a national release, instead of on the blog, or by email or mail.

Ah well.

On to next quarter.
 


Posted by Dark Warrior (Member # 8822) on :
 
I dont know her, but recognize Ami Chopine's name from credits in the afterword of Ender in Exile and some hatrackers FB Friends Lists.

Rick Novy is a Hatracker and listed on there.

Hopeful that means some Hatrackers are still in the pool for Finalists

Strange that there is a longer list there than the WOTF pages.

The sub-title makes it sound like that is the complete HM list.

[This message has been edited by Dark Warrior (edited January 12, 2010).]
 


Posted by Kitti (Member # 7277) on :
 
Shoot. I promised my MC a novel if she netted an HM and now I'm actually going to have to write it.... ::grins::

Joni's the one who maintains the blog - she's probably busy trying to get all the mailings sorted out and hasn't put an updated post on it yet.
 


Posted by Dark Warrior (Member # 8822) on :
 
Hey, I don't see a Kitti on the list

Congrats on the HM though
 


Posted by Kitti (Member # 7277) on :
 
I've gone under "Kitti" for other quarters, but OSC convinced me to change it to "Kat." We'll see how long that lasts - I figure no name is set in stone, even if you've already published under it :-)
 
Posted by WriterDan (Member # 6456) on :
 
Ah, but there is a "Kat". I need to learn to look at last names as well as first ones. Should have seen that one.
 
Posted by Dark Warrior (Member # 8822) on :
 
Calls went out today to some finalists. Any good Hatracker news?
 
Posted by snapper (Member # 7299) on :
 
Joni contacted me today, to let me know she got my 2010 first quarter submission.
 
Posted by Dark Warrior (Member # 8822) on :
 
Congratulations on your Q04 Semi-finalist and KD Wentworth Crit Chris.

Q01 stories are in the system and Q02 stories are in the works. More Hatrack success is on its way.
 




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