This is topic Wotf Critique Group -- 2011 Q03 in forum Hatrack Groups at Hatrack River Writers Workshop.


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Posted by WriterDan (Member # 6456) on :
 
This was a critique group for writers that entered a story into the third quarter of 2011 in the Writers of the Future contest (28th year).

After the end of the quarter, entries submitted have been responded to as thus:

Finalists:
Dustin Adams (axeminister)
Trina Phillips (genevive42)

Honorable Mentions:
Jennifer Hicks (JenniferHicks)
Dan Smyth (WriterDan)
Louis Doggett (LDWriter2)
James Hanzelka (Utahute72)
Melanie Meadors (mrmeadors)

Congratulations to everyone that submitted!

If you participated in the group and got some kind of award for this quarter, let me know and I'll add you to the list.

These are our Woo-hoos!

(Original posts from the quarter shown below)

[This message has been edited by WriterDan (edited September 09, 2011).]
 


Posted by dtn (Member # 9174) on :
 
I want in. That puts the group up to two.

WriterDan
dtn
 


Posted by aspirit (Member # 7974) on :
 
Double-Dan. This group is forming already?
 
Posted by snapper (Member # 7299) on :
 
Oh for crying out loud. I just started writing my Q2 story...
 
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
 
I agree with aspirt and Snapper.


Except my story is written and almost ready for WotF...I hope.

Have to decide rather to use another old story for Q3 or try to write a new one.

Actually, I have a new one that most probably needs all types of help but may not be the type of SF they like.


I do have an idea about twisting time around but that's kinda cliche-ish. And then there's an old SF type of story where MC goes looking for a better than usual space ship lost hundreds of years ago. That was to be a novel but I might be able to shorten it to a rather long short story. But that's kinda cliche-ish also.


[This message has been edited by LDWriter2 (edited March 01, 2011).]
 


Posted by Dark Warrior (Member # 8822) on :
 
I'm in...grrrr
 
Posted by WriterDan (Member # 6456) on :
 
Can I mention how much I love all the positivity and optimism that is just overflowing in this topic's posts? You people are great. ROFL. Glad to have you!

Can't really say that I'm all on top of things right at the moment either, but if any of you are like me, the you need this motivation as well.

Let's get to it.
 


Posted by bwthomason (Member # 9321) on :
 
Count me in for another go.
 
Posted by Utahute72 (Member # 9057) on :
 
What the heck, got to start somewhere, count me in.
 
Posted by axeminister (Member # 8991) on :
 
I'm on the fence.
I really want to get my novel done and queried and out there.
Well, Lemme thinks more.
Meantime, here's the list all tidied up.

WriterDan
DTN
Dark Warrior
bwthomason
Utahute72

Edited to add, I'd just like to say I marvel at you folks who can submit every quarter. I'm barely holding on to a 6 mo submission pattern. Regardless of how you place, that's pretty impressive.

Axe

[This message has been edited by axeminister (edited March 03, 2011).]
 


Posted by JenniferHicks (Member # 8201) on :
 
Of course I'm in.

WriterDan
DTN
Dark Warrior
bwthomason
Utahute72
JenniferHicks
 


Posted by Utahute72 (Member # 9057) on :
 
So I was thinking I would use the story I did for the inhuman challenge as a start. Is this a good idea or better to start fresh.
 
Posted by Dark Warrior (Member # 8822) on :
 
Axe, if I had a wife and kids and had to get up at 4:30 am to write I doubt I would get half as much done as you have.
 
Posted by snapper (Member # 7299) on :
 
Use that one Ute. I recommend that you'll need to double its length. I think it needs it to make the story more active and provide depth to your character.
 
Posted by Utahute72 (Member # 9057) on :
 
Thanks Snapper that's exactly what I had already planned to do with it anyway.
 
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
 
BTW, I want to join, should have said that earlier.



 


Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
 
Another BTW.

For those who do join up could you place your name on the manuscript? Most do that anyway but sometimes I get a little confused with so many stories and chapters coming in and going out lately. I might be one of the ones who don't list my name all the time but in my case I know my own stories...most of them anyway.
 


Posted by genevive42 (Member # 8714) on :
 
I'd love to join, but I really want to work on my novel and I've found I can't do both effectively. This is a great group. Maybe I'll be back next quarter if I need a break from the big book.
 
Posted by Meredith (Member # 8368) on :
 
Okay to join if I'm not really sure I'll be sending the story in?

I've been concentrating on the novels. The only other short story I have right now isn't really as good as the one that just got rejected. At least, I don't think so.

Plus, it's already had a few rejections of its own. And I'd have to come up with a new title for it, since it's been in F&F for short stories.

I don't think this is the complete list, but it was the last one I could find:

WriterDan
DTN
Dark Warrior
bwthomason
Utahute72
JenniferHicks
Meredith

[This message has been edited by Meredith (edited March 05, 2011).]
 


Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
 
Oops, I was reading the posts too fast and I both didn't notice and forgot something at the same time.

so here is my correction.


WriterDan
DTN
Dark Warrior
bwthomason
Utahute72
JenniferHicks
Meredith
LDWriter2
 


Posted by RobinWeeks (Member # 9441) on :
 
I'm in! Thanks for helping me figure out how to get here, Meredith!

WriterDan
DTN
Dark Warrior
bwthomason
Utahute72
JenniferHicks
Meredith
LDWriter2
RobinWeeks

[This message has been edited by RobinWeeks (edited March 05, 2011).]
 


Posted by mrmeadors (Member # 6378) on :
 
I'm nervous, but I'm going to give this a shot. Heh I'm more nervous about the crits than I am about entering the contest (I belong to a writing critique group where I am one of two fantasy writers... not very much pressure there, only a few people read much fantasy, so there's not much basis for comparison. Here, however.... gulp!). What "flavors" of fantasy seem to do well in WOTF? I've read the winners several years ago, I'm not sure if the story I have in mind would work well for them.


WriterDan
DTN
Dark Warrior
bwthomason
Utahute72
JenniferHicks
Meredith
LDWriter2
RobinWeeks
mrmeadors
 


Posted by Utahute72 (Member # 9057) on :
 
mrmeadows, Crits are your friend. They help you identify weak points of your piece. Unfortunately with mine there are a lot of weak points, but that's why were here right. If we knew it all and were experienced we'd all be successful published authors.
 
Posted by axeminister (Member # 8991) on :
 
mrmeadors,
The fantasy that I can recall having read in the last few volumes of WotF had nothing to do with elves, mages, or fairies.

Fantasy is fantastic, not elftastic.

Last year's winner Living Rooms was the closest I've seen.

Axe
 


Posted by mrmeadors (Member # 6378) on :
 
LOL oh, good, I don't do elves (and that is why I never know... some people really like their pointy-ear fiction!).

Last night, an idea that just might be good came to mind--and it is science fiction. So it may not be an issue after all...

Thanks guys!
 


Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
 
The story I am sending in has a legend about a giant, and a little bit of magic but no elves-singing or not, no dwarves, no wizards(just a tiny bit of magic), no orcs or trolls, no epic adventure...I still consider it fantasy.


As I was typing that out I thought of a story plot...probably been done, probably would have to be humorous and kinda obvious but still I will try to put my twist on it.


Whenever I get to writing it. It needs to gel some more.
 


Posted by Owasm (Member # 8501) on :
 
Messed up Last Quarter (still have a story out there for review). Every quarter is a chance to do better. I'm in.

WriterDan
DTN
Dark Warrior
bwthomason
Utahute72
JenniferHicks
Meredith
LDWriter2
RobinWeeks
mrmeadors
Owasm
 


Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
 
I think I have the story I'm going to be using for Q3. It won't be the one I was thinking of writing. That one will more than likely be 2 to 3 thousand words. Even though since I haven't written it yet, I could be wrong.
 
Posted by Wordcaster (Member # 9183) on :
 
Mind if I join?

I sent in my first WOTF entry a week ago and I have a story in my head for next quarter. The deadlines posted look like a good pace for my next entry.

WriterDan
DTN
Dark Warrior
bwthomason
Utahute72
JenniferHicks
Meredith
LDWriter2
RobinWeeks
mrmeadors
Owasm
Wordcaster
 


Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
 
Now to work on Q3's story.

I just sent in Q2's and I can now concentrate on the next one. Some of the time, that is, I still need to write on my other stuff after all.

[This message has been edited by LDWriter2 (edited March 26, 2011).]
 


Posted by JenniferHicks (Member # 8201) on :
 
I'll probably finish the first draft of my Q3 story tonight. I've been working on it, on and off, for about a month.
 
Posted by dtn (Member # 9174) on :
 
Cool that you're done already! I'm maybe half way through my Q3 story.
 
Posted by Wordcaster (Member # 9183) on :
 
Just reached my half-way point. Better get a move on!
 
Posted by Delli (Member # 9202) on :
 
Think I'm going to have a go this time, looking forward to it!

WriterDan
DTN
Dark Warrior
bwthomason
Utahute72
JenniferHicks
Meredith
LDWriter2
RobinWeeks
mrmeadors
Owasm
Wordcaster
Delli
 


Posted by mrmeadors (Member # 6378) on :
 
I'm about halfway as well, but for some reason, this story is behaving strangely for me. The way the story is evolving... it's not how I had planned it, and so it's taking me longer to write it than usual. Hopefully I'll be done with a decent draft by mid-month!

M
 


Posted by genevive42 (Member # 8714) on :
 
I may end up jumping in after all, but I won't make it official until I have a solid start on my story idea.
 
Posted by Christopher (Member # 6336) on :
 
Hello, all. I'm back.

I'm in. I might not get a story out to you guys for a while, but I'm ready to read.

WriterDan
DTN
Dark Warrior
bwthomason
Utahute72
JenniferHicks
Meredith
LDWriter2
RobinWeeks
mrmeadors
Owasm
Wordcaster
Delli
Christopher

[This message has been edited by Christopher (edited March 31, 2011).]
 


Posted by Wordcaster (Member # 9183) on :
 
First drafts due next week?

Oh boy... I need a breakthrough on my disjointed mess. *gulp*
 


Posted by mrmeadors (Member # 6378) on :
 
I hear you, Wordcaster. I'm almost done with my roughish draft, and it is an unwieldy mess. All of a sudden, it seems like nothing "happens" in the story. I think I just need to finish and go through it, cut all the excess, and rearrange things so that there is action throughout the whole thing. This story really worked itself out in a weird way for me, differently than stories usually "happen" for me, so maybe that's why.

I just hope the end result works out!
Mel
 


Posted by genevive42 (Member # 8714) on :
 
Nope, doesn't look like it's going to happen this quarter. THe novel is just being too insistent.
 
Posted by mrmeadors (Member # 6378) on :
 
Finally finished my draft... it ain't pretty, but it's done. I'll let it sit a few days and look at it again. Maybe it will grow better with age?
 
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
 
quote:

Finally finished my draft... it ain't pretty, but it's done. I'll let it sit a few days and look at it again. Maybe it will grow better with age?



That's what the crits are for. But you still have time to make it at least "plain Jane" if it really is as ugly as you think.
 


Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
 
quote:

Nope, doesn't look like it's going to happen this quarter. THe novel is just being too insistent.

I know how you feel, my novels are taking up way too much short story time. That would probably be true even if there was just one I was working on.
 


Posted by Wordcaster (Member # 9183) on :
 
quote:
Nope, doesn't look like it's going to happen this quarter. THe novel is just being too insistent.

I'm going to have to bow out as well. It's not that I can't finish the story. In fact, I'm pretty much done (except for the ending, but it's in my head).

I'm halting my short story because it won't win. Nor will polishing help it to win. It's a novella in a short story format -- it's not the right story for this contest. Plus, part of it is a common trope that KDW mentioned on her forum anyway.

Sorry for the late drop out. I still plan on entering in the next quarter, just not with the story that I prepared to exchange with the team. Good luck all!
 


Posted by genevive42 (Member # 8714) on :
 
I might have inadvertently lied. I'm going to jump in and will be happy to start doing crits. But I know my story will be late in getting out. Hopefully not too late. Regardless, I'm in.

WriterDan
DTN
Dark Warrior
bwthomason
Utahute72
JenniferHicks
Meredith
LDWriter2
RobinWeeks
mrmeadors
Owasm
Wordcaster ?are you out for sure?
Delli
Christopher
genevive42


 


Posted by WriterDan (Member # 6456) on :
 
So, I don't know about anyone else, but the group is looking fairly large to me, and I don't know if I can hack 7 crits in the time I have. Thus, I'm going to suggest that we split in three for this round of crits. As such, groups for round 1 of crits this quarter are:

Group 1:
WriterDan
bwthomason
Meredith
mrmeadors
Christopher

Group 2:
DTN
Utahute72
LDWriter2
Owasm
genevive

Group 3:
Dark Warrior
JenniferHicks
RobinWeeks
Delli

If anyone wants to offer more of their services to those outside their group (possibly in hopes that their story will get more crits in return) feel free to do so. What is being asked for though, is listed above.

Hope everyone is doing well with their story. Still more to write for me. Wish this dang dissertation weren't sucking up so much of my time, but things is the way they is.
 


Posted by Brendan (Member # 6044) on :
 
I can join group 3 to make it even numbers, but I am not sure whether I will finish my story in time. So I may have to brush up an old one.
 
Posted by Dark Warrior (Member # 8822) on :
 
As word spreads that 25-50% of our group consistently places HM or higher each quarter this group is going to grow. I can see dozens here someday My hopes are to have a Hatrack sweep of 1st-3rd in an upcoming quarter.
 
Posted by bwthomason (Member # 9321) on :
 
I have capacity this weekend to start reading subs for group one if you guys have stories ready. My first draft is done, so I can send that whenever you are ready as well.

Brian
 


Posted by mrmeadors (Member # 6378) on :
 
Hi Brian, Mine will be ready by tomorrow night the latest. I'm just having some angst issues over tense right now (past vs. present, and even if the story seems better to ME in present, would it do as well in WotF?).

But anyway, I'll be ready to do crits this weekend as well .

Melanie
 


Posted by genevive42 (Member # 8714) on :
 
Writer Dan, how's it going to work when we send out for the second round? What group is going to send to whom?

By the way, if you're not in my assigned group and want a crit, I'll be happy to swap anytime. (Mine is still a week or so from being done.)
 


Posted by dtn (Member # 9174) on :
 
I wouldn't have too much angst over tense. I've read both 1st and 3rd in the WoTF Anthologies.
I'm in Group 2 but I'm running a little behind in finishing my story. Hoping to have the draft done this weekend. Just letting you all know.
 
Posted by Utahute72 (Member # 9057) on :
 
OK, since I'm new to this how does it work? I take it I send my story to each one in the group and they send one back to me to read and comment on. Correct?
 
Posted by WriterDan (Member # 6456) on :
 
@Utahute72: Yup. Then, when round 2 comes along, everyone in your group (including you) will send to the members of another group.

@genevive42: I'll assign which group sends to which when the deadline for 2nd round crits comes up. Someone has to do it, I guess.

@mrmeadors: Write it how you think it's best, and don't worry about catering to anyone's tastes but your own. If you write stories how you like them, then you'll indubitably find readers out there that'll like em as well.

On a side note, I sent a short story into IGMS last night. My first ever to that venue, and only my second story ever to a non-WotF publication house. Scary, but not as difficult as it was the first time. Snapper, you might be interested to know that it was Dead Bird.
 


Posted by Delli (Member # 9202) on :
 
Do I send out my story now? or wait until people in my group say they are ready? Sorry, newbie here!

I'm happy to receive and do crits whenever people would like to send them to me.
 


Posted by Brendan (Member # 6044) on :
 
Go ahead, Delli. Its past the date for the first draft. Some, like me, are just slow. But I'll do your crit.
 
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
 

I'm a little confused, are we doing the three group set up one person suggested?

Or sending it to everyone? As far as I can tell there has been no official word or that everyone has agreed.
 


Posted by Utahute72 (Member # 9057) on :
 
I assumed it was the three group set, so I sent my story to those in my group. If anyone outside the group would also like to exchange I can do that too, just send me your story and I will reply in kind.
 
Posted by genevive42 (Member # 8714) on :
 
Yes, for now, send it to the people in your group. Just before 2nd drafts are due out, Writer Dan in all his glorious wisdom (and I mean that sincerely), will let us know which groups to send to. Unless you do something on the outside, not everyone will get everyone's story. Two groups will see your story.
 
Posted by JohnColgrove (Member # 9236) on :
 
Question: Is it too late for me to join? I already have my first draft completed so that's not a problem. Origionally I submitted it to Asimov's but it got rejected.
 
Posted by dtn (Member # 9174) on :
 
I'll let Writer Dan answer your question of if you are too late to join. My guess would be "no" but I don't know.

So, I've received two stories from my group.
I have probably 3k words left to write on mine. My goal - finish that tonight. Polish story tomorrow. Send out on Tuesday. Begin crits either Tuesday night or Wednesday.
So, to all in my group - Sorry for the delay

[This message has been edited by dtn (edited April 19, 2011).]
 


Posted by JenniferHicks (Member # 8201) on :
 
Update on mine: I finished the first draft of what I thought could be my WotF story a couple weeks ago. Upon further reflection, I've decided I don't like the story. I can do better. So I'm starting from scratch. That means those in my group for the first round won't get a story from me.
 
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
 
I sent out mine tonight. I have received one story and one notice of being late.

But it seems like half of us are behind, evidently some more than others. Must be a slow time for writing. In whatever case it looks the late people are not alone.
 


Posted by Delli (Member # 9202) on :
 
Have sent out my story - but have just been looking at it now with fresh eyes and man oh man, it is quite the rough draft. Sorry guys!
 
Posted by mrmeadors (Member # 6378) on :
 
I have sent my story out to my group. Meredith and bwthomason should have received my crits. Please let me know if there was any problem with the files.

Melanie
 


Posted by Meredith (Member # 8368) on :
 
I didn't receive your crit. I should have your crit to you tonight or tomorrow.
 
Posted by Owasm (Member # 8501) on :
 
I'm not near being ready. My story is outlined, but the prose is yet to flow from my fingers.
 
Posted by genevive42 (Member # 8714) on :
 
I'm about 7/16 done. I had intended it to be a shorter one, but it's not turning out that way.
 
Posted by mrmeadors (Member # 6378) on :
 
Meredith--I tried again, hopefully it worked this time.

Melanie
 


Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
 
genevive42 7/16 ?? that's an odd percentage. What not quite half way?


Did you get mine? Hopefully it's in better shape than last time.
 


Posted by Utahute72 (Member # 9057) on :
 
Well LD, I'm 78/142 through with your story.
 
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
 
Sounds like another almost but not quite half way mark.


I'm afraid I'm at the not quite starting mark of the one story I have received.

Forget my fractions would that be 0/0 or 0/1.0 or both?
 


Posted by genevive42 (Member # 8714) on :
 
Zero divided by anything is still zero.
 
Posted by Brendan (Member # 6044) on :
 
quote:
Zero divided by anything is still zero.

Ah, not quite. Zero divided by zero can be anything - remember l'Hopital's rule. Hmm, I wonder how this story would go... (The discoverer of this theorem, having convinced the academic mathematical community of its validity, was bashed to near death upon attempting to convince the wider community, in a similar manner to astronomers that took away the planetary aspirations of Pluto, and that's why we call it l'Hopital's rule.)
 


Posted by genevive42 (Member # 8714) on :
 
l'Hopital's rule?
 
Posted by dtn (Member # 9174) on :
 
quote:
I have probably 3k words left to write on mine. My goal - finish that tonight. Polish story tomorrow. Send out on Tuesday. Begin crits either Tuesday night or Wednesday.
So, to all in my group - Sorry for the delay


My 3k words turned into 6k. This one's going to be close to 15k - woah! But it's all out there on paper/disk now. I'm still on track. I'll polish it up a bit tomorrow and send it out - then begin crits on Wednesday!
Note the time of this post A full-time worker/part-time writer's life I guess...

[This message has been edited by dtn (edited April 19, 2011).]
 


Posted by Utahute72 (Member # 9057) on :
 
Well one thing that all this procrastination has helped is I can work on one thing at a time, I should be done with LD's story by the time I see any more. Worked out perfectly for me. I might even be able to sneak an entry into the current challenge in the meantime.
 
Posted by WriterDan (Member # 6456) on :
 
@JohnColgrove: Sorry I'm a little slow on the draw this quarter. Sure you can join. Send to group 3. Glad to have you on.

@Group3: Send your story to JohnColgrove if you haven't already.

Updated group listing for first quarter crits:

Group 1:
WriterDan
bwthomason
Meredith
mrmeadors
Christopher

Group 2:
DTN
Utahute72
LDWriter2
Owasm
genevive

Group 3:
Dark Warrior
JenniferHicks
RobinWeeks
Delli
JohnColgrove

[This message has been edited by WriterDan (edited April 19, 2011).]
 


Posted by JohnColgrove (Member # 9236) on :
 
cool thanks I'll send my story out right now.
 
Posted by JohnColgrove (Member # 9236) on :
 
Just so everyone knows, I'm a slow reader
 
Posted by dtn (Member # 9174) on :
 
Okay - my story's out to group two. It's a beast - sorry.
Let me know if you didn't receive it.
 
Posted by Owasm (Member # 8501) on :
 
Group 2: I'll have my first draft out by the weekend and probably get your drafts to you before then.
 
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
 
I have two stories now and one crit.

The second one must be yours dtn.
 


Posted by JohnColgrove (Member # 9236) on :
 
I just felt like saying to group three that when you crit my story you're probably just confirming what I already know

[This message has been edited by JohnColgrove (edited April 20, 2011).]
 


Posted by genevive42 (Member # 8714) on :
 
John, if that's the title of your story, you should remove it from your post. It can cause problems with the anonymity requirement for WotF. In general, don't mention your title or too much of what the story is about on these boards.
 
Posted by JohnColgrove (Member # 9236) on :
 
Oh ok. Guess I didn't realize that.
 
Posted by genevive42 (Member # 8714) on :
 
Just looking out for you. I'd hate for anyone to get disqualified over something like that. The same goes if you post an opening in Fragments and Feedback. Don't use the real title and don't say it's for WotF.
 
Posted by WriterDan (Member # 6456) on :
 
Looks like I missed one. Sorry, Brendan. Group 3 also has Brendan, so if you're part of it, check to be sure you've swapped with him as well.

Updated 1st crit groups:

Group 1:
WriterDan
bwthomason
Meredith
mrmeadors
Christopher

Group 2:
DTN
Utahute72
LDWriter2
Owasm
genevive

Group 3:
Dark Warrior
JenniferHicks
RobinWeeks
Delli
JohnColgrove
Brendan
 


Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
 
Okay, now have three crits. And I think still only two stories.


But so far all three has the same basic criticism, at least for the opening.

And it looks like I failed again, I don't think any of the three saw what I was trying to set up.

Most be something else that has changed for writing stories. I know I have read Masters that had similar openings. But than again people like Isaac Asimov were better at the beginning than I will ever be at this rate.

For me it just like some of the good, old fashion SF I used to read. Of course grammar, certain scenes etc., need to be fixed but that's not the plot.
 


Posted by JohnColgrove (Member # 9236) on :
 
I might as well say it now. I don't think I'll get my story revised in time to send off to group three again, but I will try. Reason I say this is becuase I'm the type of revisor that has to start from scratch in order for the revision to be successful. So sorry in advance
 
Posted by genevive42 (Member # 8714) on :
 
I've got two scenes left, possibly three. And then some reworking for stuff I discovered and smoothened along the way.

It's getting there.
 


Posted by WriterDan (Member # 6456) on :
 
Smoothened? ROFL Smoothened?

Love it. Absolutely LOVE IT.

Sorry to say, I'm still nowhere on my story. Well, no further than I was...um...forever ago. I have three scenes left to write and they will get done...sometime soon. I'm so specific it's making me sick.

On the up side, my dissertation is about 30 pages from having the first draft complete, and after that's done I should have much more time to devote to my story for this quarter. Um. And the crits I owe people... They're coming! I promise!
 


Posted by Owasm (Member # 8501) on :
 
I finished my first draft tonight. 12,000 words of good old fashioned space opera. My, I didn't intend it to be that long, but we'll see after the critiquers get their claws into it. I'll be sending it out in three days or so. I've got to let it sit and then go through a couple of good edits and then out it goes.

Thank you, group, for your patience.

[This message has been edited by Owasm (edited April 26, 2011).]
 


Posted by genevive42 (Member # 8714) on :
 
Sign in the bathroom of a Chinese hotel in Beijing:

Please Use the mat to guard against smoothening.

No joke. I've loved the word ever since.
 


Posted by dtn (Member # 9174) on :
 
Yes. I have a mat in my own bathroom to guard against smoothening as well.
 
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
 

I think I received all my crits now, and sent out two. At least I hope I did, Just realized I've gotten E-mails with the same title confused.


Can't blame it on old age either, lack of sleep maybe and/or too many projects and E-mail conversations going on at once. Or tired eyes, blurry eyes can misread things.
 


Posted by Utahute72 (Member # 9057) on :
 
I've gotten Crits from everyone in the group and reviewed 3 of 4. So on to rewriting mine.
 
Posted by Meredith (Member # 8368) on :
 
I expected to be a lot busier with this right now. I've received one crit and two stories, both of which I've already returned.

Does anyone from another group want to do an extra exchange?
 


Posted by genevive42 (Member # 8714) on :
 
Firstest draft is finished but not ready to go out. It needs to sit a day or two and then I'll polish it to the best of my ability. This one did a lot of developing as it went.
No sense having y'all tell me what I already know is wrong with it.

Thanks for your patience.
 


Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
 
genevive42

Firstest ?!?


Making up words now???

Yeah, I know we are writers we can do that.

 


Posted by genevive42 (Member # 8714) on :
 
Okay, finally, my first draft is out to Group 2. I hope your red pencils are sharpened.
 
Posted by WriterDan (Member # 6456) on :
 
Dang. How did this sneak up on me so fast? Anyhow, here we are. As a reminder post, these are the current groups:

Group 1:
WriterDan
bwthomason
Meredith
mrmeadors
Christopher

Group 2:
DTN
Utahute72
LDWriter2
Owasm
genevive

Group 3:
Dark Warrior
JenniferHicks
RobinWeeks
Delli
JohnColgrove
Brendan

For round 2 crits:

if you're in Group 1, send to the Group 3 list;

if you're in Group 2, send to the Group 1 list;

if you're in Group 3, send to the Group 2 list.

Anyone else think the word "Group" just looks funny? lol. Must be too late for my feeble mind to handle it...
 


Posted by Owasm (Member # 8501) on :
 
Late. Feeble.
 
Posted by Meredith (Member # 8368) on :
 
I'll have my story ready in a few days. I was waiting on the last crit from Group 1, but it doesn't look like that'll be coming at this point.

I haven't seen Christopher's crit or his story, either one.

[This message has been edited by Meredith (edited May 07, 2011).]
 


Posted by WriterDan (Member # 6456) on :
 
Ditto, Meredith.

You haven't seen mine either.

Hope the crits that you did get were helpful though. That's what we're all here for.
 


Posted by Meredith (Member # 8368) on :
 
quote:
Ditto, Meredith.
You haven't seen mine either.

Hope the crits that you did get were helpful though. That's what we're all here for.


True, but if I remember correctly, you at least said yours was going to be late. And I did get your crit, which was very helpful.

Haven't heard a thing from Christopher.

Back to work on my story.
 


Posted by Utahute72 (Member # 9057) on :
 
Yea, I'm still working on mine after the slice and dice I got from round one.
 
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
 

I think I have received two stories and sent out one crit. I need to do the other one tomorrow. Your story Trina.

And as I said already I have received all of my crits. Even though there seems to one missing. I can't figure out who so it's probably my imagination.

That means I need to be working on my story except that it seems to be not the right type.
 


Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
 
Sent my second crit.


Kinda small sample here but I think we have a couple of good chances of getting at least a HM or two so far.


For some of us.

 


Posted by JenniferHicks (Member # 8201) on :
 
I am ashamed to admit I haven't written even the first word of my Q3 entry. I've been pounding away at an anthology submission that has a deadline of May 15. Now that the first draft of that is done, I can start on WotF. I'll probably finish my first draft after this critique group is done for the quarter and end up begging for readers. *sigh*
 
Posted by WriterDan (Member # 6456) on :
 
I'll probably be in your boat too, Jennifer. Surprise, surprise, surprise. Don't worry overly much.
 
Posted by dtn (Member # 9174) on :
 
Due to unexpected circumstances, I'm afraid to say that I am pulling out of this quarter. I'll have to try for next time.
 
Posted by Delli (Member # 9202) on :
 
Hey guys, really sorry but I'm going to have to pull out also. A wee bit sleep deprived this month and my story just needs such a lot of work that I won't have it ready. Thanks for your help this far though Hope to see you again in another quarter (except for those that win of course! )
 
Posted by WriterDan (Member # 6456) on :
 
Updated groups, after a couple dropouts:

Group 1:
WriterDan
bwthomason
Meredith
mrmeadors
Christopher (??)

Group 2:
Utahute72
LDWriter2
Owasm
genevive

Group 3:
Dark Warrior
JenniferHicks
RobinWeeks
JohnColgrove
Brendan

For round 2 crits:

if you're in Group 1, send to the Group 3 list;

if you're in Group 2, send to the Group 1 list;

if you're in Group 3, send to the Group 2 list.
 


Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
 
Thanks for all that extra work Dan. Not to mention the work you did originally.
 
Posted by snapper (Member # 7299) on :
 
Halfway through this quarter and I haven't even begun to think about my submission.

Edited to fix my third grade spelling education

[This message has been edited by snapper (edited May 18, 2011).]
 


Posted by JenniferHicks (Member # 8201) on :
 
I'm with you, Snapper. I still haven't written a word. But six weeks is plenty of time, right?
 
Posted by snapper (Member # 7299) on :
 
I still do have my Q1 entry that was never entered. I could use the time to tighten it up a bit more.
 
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
 
snapper your story is leaving??? That's a shame.


Sorry couldn't help that.


But you could use that one again.


And Jennifer six weeks is plenty of time to write a story. You may not have much time to get it critted though, depending if you work well under pressure.
 


Posted by genevive42 (Member # 8714) on :
 
I haven't received anyone's second draft. So if you sent one, try again.

As for me, I'm going to start my revisions on Sunday or Monday. I hope to have my second draft out by the end of the month. I've gotten some great input and think I know the push and pull I need to do to make this story better. Thanks to all of my first draft readers.
 


Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
 
I haven't sent mine out yet. I keep forgetting it.

I thought I might send it out tonight but it needed a bit more work and I kept getting interrupted. So tomorrow, unless something else comes up.


[This message has been edited by LDWriter2 (edited May 19, 2011).]
 


Posted by Brendan (Member # 6044) on :
 
I'm not sure how many in my group are still active. Jennifer Hicks is running late on her draft, and Delli pulled out - those were the only two I have received a critique from so far - not quite enough to see any real trends. I haven't sent it to the second group yet because I was hoping to revise it before I did. (Actually, I have had a third critique, so genevive42 isn't fresh eyes either, and I was hoping for a guy to look at it, as it is intended to resonate with men, well, nerds, well, think Lenard or Raj from big bang theory. So far everyone that has given a critique is female.)
 
Posted by JohnColgrove (Member # 9236) on :
 
I guess I should've said something earlier, but I have to pull out, not as much time as I thought I'd have
 
Posted by JenniferHicks (Member # 8201) on :
 
After a few days of prep work (character development, world-building, etc.) I started writing last night and am at a whopping 400 words. My goal is a minimum of 500 words a day, which should get me to "the end" with time to spare.

@LDWriter2: I actually tend to muck things up on rewrite, so less revision time and fewer critiques work to my advantage.
 


Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
 

I should have mentioned this before but the story I will be sending to the second group is different from for the first group. Every one of them said the original story was too boring and one said it was too old fashion for WotF. But the boring comments carried more weight since each person said it.
 


Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
 
And Jennifer that sounds good. I need to do a bit of revision myself but I have found that my best writing is three revisions or less. A couple of times four. But none of my stories that have had five to ten revisions have every done even a quarter well.
 
Posted by WriterDan (Member # 6456) on :
 
Updated groups:

Group 1:
WriterDan
bwthomason
Meredith
mrmeadors
Christopher (??)

Group 2:
Utahute72
LDWriter2
Owasm
genevive

Group 3:
Dark Warrior
JenniferHicks
RobinWeeks
Brendan

For round 2 crits:

if you're in Group 1, send to the Group 3 list;

if you're in Group 2, send to the Group 1 list;

if you're in Group 3, send to the Group 2 list.

Also, if anyone needs a new set of eyes on their story, feel free to shoot it my way. I've already emailed Brendan about doing that. Right now I'm trying to find the motivation to finish my story. Writing this dissertation has taken more out of me than I expected it would. Consider this a kick in the pants for everyone. Including me!

 


Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
 
Okay, sent in my story and sort of gotten one critique back. Boy, that was quick, especially with my writing.

But unless I lost another story, I haven't received any yet.
 


Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
 

I have received four crits so far but no stories.


Well, maybe one. I've been doing a lot of crits lately for here and another site and it seems like I did one for hatrack. But it would have been just one.
 


Posted by JenniferHicks (Member # 8201) on :
 
I haven't received any stories, either. It seems our critique group as a whole is rather quiet this quarter.
 
Posted by Meredith (Member # 8368) on :
 
quote:
I haven't received any stories, either. It seems our critique group as a whole is rather quiet this quarter.

You must have gotten mine because I got a crit back from you.
 


Posted by Owasm (Member # 8501) on :
 
no stories from Group 3 yet. Not a one. But then, I haven't sent mine out yet. Coming in a couple of days... it's simmering for a while before a final look through.

[This message has been edited by Owasm (edited May 31, 2011).]
 


Posted by JenniferHicks (Member # 8201) on :
 
Meredith, I meant in this round. I did critique a few stories, including yours, for previous rounds.
 
Posted by Utahute72 (Member # 9057) on :
 
I'm in the same place as OSWAM, I have completed the rewrite, working around some computer issues and family issues, but I want to let it mellow for a couple of days to make sure it works.
 
Posted by Nick T (Member # 8052) on :
 
Hi,

Is it too late to join this group? I've got a draft that I'm pretty sure won't win and I (mostly) enjoy doing crits.

Nick
 


Posted by axeminister (Member # 8991) on :
 
Nick,
The next quarter's group just started up.

http://www.hatrack.com/forums/writers/forum/Forum2/HTML/000260.html

This one is winding down.

Axe
 


Posted by genevive42 (Member # 8714) on :
 
My second draft will be going out to Group 1 tonight, after a final polish.

Thanks everyone.
 


Posted by genevive42 (Member # 8714) on :
 
It's been sent. I look forward to your comments.
 
Posted by Nick T (Member # 8052) on :
 
Hi Axeminister,
I was hoping to do a crit round for the third quarter, not start a story with the intention of entering into the fourth quarter. I have a completed story and I’m happy to do a round of crits for everyone else.

Nick

 


Posted by mrmeadors (Member # 6378) on :
 
Put my story in the mail over the weekend... Godspeed, brave packet! Now I can concentrate on Q4...if my allergies allow it.

Melanie
 


Posted by genevive42 (Member # 8714) on :
 
Hi Nick,

I'll show you mine if you show me yours.

My story is on its way. Send yours whenever you're ready.
 


Posted by axeminister (Member # 8991) on :
 
Nick,
Gotcha.

I'll be hard copy mailing mine this week.
After doing the electronic thing once - and receiving no rejection/HM/Win nor reply to my query regarding said entry - I've decided to go back to mailing it. =)

Axe
 


Posted by Utahute72 (Member # 9057) on :
 
So do I take it from the comments that snail mail is the way to go?
 
Posted by genevive42 (Member # 8714) on :
 
I've done electronic the last couple of times and had no problem. I will be doing it again.
 
Posted by JenniferHicks (Member # 8201) on :
 
I haven't had trouble with the electronic submissions system. I'm paranoid that it will eat my story at some point, but until that happens, I will continue to submit online.
 
Posted by Utahute72 (Member # 9057) on :
 
Thanks.
 
Posted by Meredith (Member # 8368) on :
 
I've finished my revisions. Beefed up the magic system and adjusted the ending, among other things.

Would anybody be willing to give it a quick read to make sure I didn't create other problems before I send it off?
 


Posted by Owasm (Member # 8501) on :
 
Send it along. I'll read.
 
Posted by genevive42 (Member # 8714) on :
 
I'll read.
 
Posted by Utahute72 (Member # 9057) on :
 
I'll read it Meridith. Also is anyone in group 1 still around and looking a stories.
 
Posted by JenniferHicks (Member # 8201) on :
 
I'll read for anyone who still needs it. That's with the understanding that when I finish my story, I'll need a couple of readers, too. I'm about two-thirds done. Talk about taking it to the wire.
 
Posted by Utahute72 (Member # 9057) on :
 
Boy, I thought I was slow Jennifer, I'd gladly read yours.
 
Posted by JenniferHicks (Member # 8201) on :
 
I'm not being slow per se. I spent the first month of the quarter writing a story for a different market, and that put me behind on WotF. But I figure that as long as I hit the "submit" button by June 30, it's all good.

Oh, and edited to say: Thanks for the offer. I'm sure I'll take you up on it.

[This message has been edited by JenniferHicks (edited June 08, 2011).]
 


Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
 
Meredith and Jennifer I'll read both of yours since no one has sent me any stories yet.


But if suddenly I get a bunch it might take a couple weeks.
 


Posted by Utahute72 (Member # 9057) on :
 
Yea, I haven't seen anything from group 3 either.
 
Posted by mrmeadors (Member # 6378) on :
 
Wow, in the past two days I've gotten three stories to crit. I"m going to try my best to get to them, but June is very busy for me, and I was also hoping to get some done on my Q4 story in the next couple weeks. After this weekend I may have a bit more time. Sorry--I had cleared my May schedule, thinking I would get more stories then, so everything is in June now . But I'll try to get on them ASAP.

Melanie
 


Posted by Utahute72 (Member # 9057) on :
 
Melanie

A wise man told me this week that your own stuff should come first. OK, it was snapper, but nonetheless.
 


Posted by WriterDan (Member # 6456) on :
 
I'd say he qualifies.
 
Posted by genevive42 (Member # 8714) on :
 
If anyone needs a crit, regardless of what group they're in, I find myself with an empty queue. Send it on.
 
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
 
I have one story I need to crit this weekend.


I believe that makes the second one I received this time.


I might be able to do one more if anyone absolutely need one more crit. I may not be able to say much depending,


 


Posted by thomaskcarpenter (Member # 9192) on :
 
If anyone still needs a Q3 crit let me know. I didn't do an exchange this quarter with you all but I'm always free to give feedback if needed. Send it along to my email if the need is still there.

Tom
 


Posted by JenniferHicks (Member # 8201) on :
 
I hope to finish my first draft tonight. I'd love for you to take a look at it, Thomas. (I'm cutting it way too close this quarter.)
 
Posted by Meredith (Member # 8368) on :
 
Just sent mine off. Fingers crossed.
 
Posted by Brendan (Member # 6044) on :
 
You can send it my way too, Jennifer, if you want.

 
Posted by JenniferHicks (Member # 8201) on :
 
Thanks Brendan. I sent my story to three people, and the opinions went from "this needs some work" to "this is a hot mess" (paraphrasing there). In any case, I'm taking one last crack at Q3 by writing yet another story. This will be the third one for this quarter. I'm determined to write something that has at least a shot at doing well.
 
Posted by Meredith (Member # 8368) on :
 
Well, I was going to offer to read, Jennifer. Maybe the next story when that's ready.

And I thought I was cutting it close.
 


Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
 
Jennifer I may be misunderstanding what you mean but isn't "this needs work" one of the reasons we send it to be critiqued? Or did the person mean "It needs a whole lot of work"?


It's your story of course and you know what was meant more than me but one it was a mess... paraphrased... doesn't mean it can't be worked on. last quarter I abandoned a story after four out of five said it was too boring for WotF. It could have been fixed but I felt like it would change the story too much.

A side issue here but should the "meant more than me" be "meant more than I"? In the wider world there's been an on and off discussion about the proper use of I and me lately and I've gotten confused.
 


Posted by JenniferHicks (Member # 8201) on :
 
This story would take lots of work. When I do heavy revisions to what's already written, I make a story worse. Always. In order to fix the many problems, I would have to rethink the entire thing and start from scratch, and I just don't have the passion for this particular story to do that right now. No passion = halfhearted effort = mediocre story. At least for me it does.

However, I am quite excited about this new story. I'm already 2,000 words in since last night. What I'm doing with it feels right (as opposed to the previous story, which did not). At this pace, I should have the first draft done by Friday. It isn't an easy decision to drop a story this close to the deadline, but I do feel that I am doing the right thing.

I should point out that, yes, critiquers are there to tell us what we're doing right and wrong. My critiquers did their job very well, and I thank them for it.

[This message has been edited by JenniferHicks (edited June 22, 2011).]
 


Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
 

I hope I didn't butt in there with only half an understanding. But I can see how you would feel that way. And good this new story is coming along so quickly and you like it.

Sounds like you have a good one going,
 


Posted by JenniferHicks (Member # 8201) on :
 
I wasn't making myself clear, so it's all good.

Time to go write another scene or two.
 


Posted by WriterDan (Member # 6456) on :
 
Stories due this Thursday, people!

Anyone still working on one? Sounds like Jennifer might be. I definitely need a bit more time with my entry, and I'll probably take some later on tonight. I'm so sick of dissertation right now, it's killing me.

For those that are done: CONGRATS!

For those that aren't: Get busy!! Consider this the heap o' motivation that I need, just shot in your direction.

Was a great quarter. Thanks, everyone, for participating and helping our skillz to grow. See you on the other side.
 


Posted by genevive42 (Member # 8714) on :
 
I'm still working. I had to rewrite my ending and tonight I'm doing a polish edit. Hopefully I'll be able to call it done after that, but I may do one more read through tomorrow night. I want it to be as perfect as possible, but I'm also getting a little bleary-eyed looking at these words.


 


Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
 
Oops, that's right. That was one of my goals for today. Looks like I may not be able to work on my other novel after all. Still have a five part crit to finish.
 
Posted by JenniferHicks (Member # 8201) on :
 
I finished my first draft about 3:15 a.m. last night. I got an extra inspirational boost yesterday from attending a book signing for Vol. 27 winner Aaron Hughes (who won on his first try, btw).

So that was five frantic days of writing and not going to bed any earlier than 2 a.m. I'm beat. I still have to do a polishing edit before I submit. On the good side, I think this story is vastly superior to my previous one.
 


Posted by thomaskcarpenter (Member # 9192) on :
 
Send it over if you need a quick read Jennifer.

Tom
 


Posted by genevive42 (Member # 8714) on :
 
Finished my polish edit. I think. I hope.

One day to simmer and a quick re-check and off it goes.
 


Posted by mrmeadors (Member # 6378) on :
 
BEst of luck everyone!!!

Mel
 


Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
 
Okay, just sent mine in. Got the confirmation. Had a bad moment there. I double checked for my name just before I clicked on submit. Found it under the title of the story..., I deleted that. when I called the story back up it was gone.... quickly made another file. But no way to delete or cancel the original file finally figured I could replace it, so renamed the file slightly and replaced the original. It worked, the page stated the new file name was there. I guess I will find it if the wrong file got sent anyway but so far everything is go.


Now I can thank everyone who spent so much time on the story. I appreciate all the work, however long the crits were. I changed a few things on my own; got rid of some -ing words and was-s, shortened- redid some sentences, as well as changed most but not all of the suggestions. So again Thanks.



 


Posted by Owasm (Member # 8501) on :
 
So late. And with a different story than I started with. Now on to the 4th Quarter!
 
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
 
I need to start revising the 4th quarter story.


As well as revise a novel, finish another one and work on a third- maybe even start a new one- and crit a couple of stories for critter and one chapter for here. Seemed like there was something else. Don't think it's any other crit.

One thing I need to do is look over a couple of web sites so I can get my story on smashwords.

Love these writing vacations.


[This message has been edited by LDWriter2 (edited June 28, 2011).]
 


Posted by genevive42 (Member # 8714) on :
 
Mine's in. Fingers crossed.

Good luck everybody.
 


Posted by axeminister (Member # 8991) on :
 
Whew!
What a relief.
Now, on to the next quarter!

Axe

p.s. enjoy the fruit - ninja.
 


Posted by JenniferHicks (Member # 8201) on :
 
I just submitted mine, too. That makes 11 straight quarters and counting.
 
Posted by WriterDan (Member # 6456) on :
 
Got my draft out. Finally. I've sent it off to a bunch of people in the group, just in case somebody has a bit of time available tonight. If not, no big deal. I know that it IS opening night for TF3. If anyone else is open, and I didn't send it to you, AND you're willing, let me know. Thanks, everyone, for making this a great quarter. Luck to you all!
 
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
 
Good one Jennifer.

I don't know how many consecutive submissions I've had to WotF but it's not even ten much less eleven.

All together it's quite a bit more but I skipped a few quarters in a row a while back and now it's one or two every so often.


But I would like to see a list of those who entered this quarter. By nice to know how many and who they are.


LDWriter2



 


Posted by Utahute72 (Member # 9057) on :
 
Wow Jennifer and I thought I was stubborn. That's gotta be some kinda record for beating your head against a wall.
 
Posted by genevive42 (Member # 8714) on :
 
Dan, I sent my crit last night. Let me know if you didn't get it. Good luck.
 
Posted by Grayson Morris (Member # 9285) on :
 
Well, Jennifer's wall is pretty shiny: she's gotten a Silver HM, hasn't she? Just a matter of time before she breaks even higher.
 
Posted by Brendan (Member # 6044) on :
 
I hope I got mine in. I got it rejected from the website - it said it loaded but then rejected it, asking for a new name for the file. I tried .docx, then .rtf, changed the name several times, but the red box kept appearing. I have now looked at it from home, and it says that my second attempt worked, when I look at the site, but I have had no confirmation email.

Does it do an automatic email - I got an email last quarter to confirm it was there. I have now sent an email to Joni, asking her to confirm its arrival. Being in Australia, its too late to get it post-dated on the 30th.


 


Posted by JenniferHicks (Member # 8201) on :
 
Every time I have used the e-sub system, I have received an automatic reply that my story was entered. Good luck getting a reply from Joni, Brendan.

There must be people who have entered more consecutive times than I have, just as there must be someone out there with more HMs (yes, one of mine is silvery) without getting anything higher. But I told myself almost three years ago that I would enter every quarter until I either won or proed-out, and so far I've stuck to that.
 


Posted by axeminister (Member # 8991) on :
 
quote:
I hope I got mine in. I got it rejected from the website - it said it loaded but then rejected it, asking for a new name for the file. I tried .docx, then .rtf, changed the name several times, but the red box kept appearing.
Same here. Very frustrating. Fortunately this was two weeks ago, so I just mailed it.

Axe
 


Posted by Utahute72 (Member # 9057) on :
 
You know sometimes you need to just keep beating on that wall until it eventually falls down. I'm just impressed with her stamina.
 
Posted by Utahute72 (Member # 9057) on :
 
Just for the record mine went in through the site just fine. Got an e-mail right back.
 
Posted by genevive42 (Member # 8714) on :
 
Same, mine submitted fine electronically.
 
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
 

Utahute72 that can give you an awful headache though. Or make you like Fiona's mother in Shrek Three. I know from personal experience. But in my case the wall did finally go down so it might in this case also.
 
Posted by thomaskcarpenter (Member # 9192) on :
 
I think this quarter might be sub number ten or eleven for me, I'm not sure. I'm on the same track, Jennifer, I'm either going to win or pro-out. Hopefully that happens sooner rather than later.

Tom
 


Posted by Brendan (Member # 6044) on :
 
Looks like I might have submitted. Made it an rtf and tried again just now.
 
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
 
That would be good Brendan. But if I recall correctly they were people who sent in a story never got a confirmation but their story still ended up getting through and was judged.


So if nothing then ask if they received it.
 


Posted by Utahute72 (Member # 9057) on :
 
So how many did we end up getting in?
 
Posted by WriterDan (Member # 6456) on :
 
Just submitted mine. Clock on my computer says I made it by 3 minutes. Got my email. Doesn't say which quarter I was entered in though. Maybe I should suggest to Joni that they put that in the email. Anyhow, thanks for all the suggestions I got. You guys all made the difference.
 
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
 
Utahute72 I asked that question also but no one seems to be counting.
 
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
 
Good for you WD And I think you're right they need a bit more on that confirmation E-mail.

But they are on Pacific time I believe, or does it say differently in the rules for E-submitting? I don't recall at the moment even though I must have looked.
 


Posted by Utahute72 (Member # 9057) on :
 
OK, I counted 11

Utahute72
Writer Dan
Brendan
thomaskcarpenter
JeniferHicks
axeminister
LDwriter2
OSWAM
MrMeadors
genevieve42
melanie

[This message has been edited by Utahute72 (edited July 01, 2011).]
 


Posted by mrmeadors (Member # 6378) on :
 
mrmeadors and melanie may be the same person... my first two initials are M.R. It makes things very confusing. I wish I could change my username... On other groups people refer to me as Mr. Meadors, LOL.
 
Posted by axeminister (Member # 8991) on :
 
WriterDan should be at the bottom of that list because he sent his entry in with only 3 minutes to spare. =)

Axe
 


Posted by Meredith (Member # 8368) on :
 
Missed me, too. I submitted with about a week to spare.
 
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
 
Utahute72 Thanks for posting the list.


Eleven is enough to win First, second and third plus semi-finalists with a couple of silver HMs... we can take over the awards ceremony nahhaha haha....

BTW It's LDWriter2. Humph... How gauche...

I got dibs on First Place...............


Yeah, right.
 


Posted by Utahute72 (Member # 9057) on :
 
OK, I was switching back and forth, so I probably substituted Melanie for Meridith, so the list should be.

Utahute72
Writer Dan
Brendan
thomaskcarpenter
JeniferHicks
axeminister
LDwriter2
OSWAM
MRMeadors
genevieve42
Meredith

[This message has been edited by Utahute72 (edited July 02, 2011).]
 


Posted by mbwood (Member # 9525) on :
 
Hello,

I was unaware of this BB, however, I did enter WotF 2011 Q3, so, I guess my name goes on the end of the list. I hope this doesn't offend anyone...


Utahute72
Writer Dan
Brendan
thomaskcarpenter
JeniferHicks
axeminister
LDwriter2
OSWAM
MRMeadors
genevieve42
Meredith
mbwood


Good luck to all.

Remember the first rule of writing... Write!
MBW

p.s. I just received my HM certificate for 2011Q1 (no, I did not enter Q2) - it's really quite spectacular.
 


Posted by WakefieldMahon (Member # 9555) on :
 
Yes, what mbwood said

Utahute72
Writer Dan
Brendan
thomaskcarpenter
JeniferHicks
axeminister
LDwriter2
OSWAM
MRMeadors
genevieve42
Meredith
mbwood
WakefieldMahon

I will definitely be seeking your help for future entries thanks to those who have welcomed me so far
 


Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
 
So the judging starts in a few days???


I read somewhere that they wait a month to make sure of any late overseas entries.
 


Posted by JenniferHicks (Member # 8201) on :
 
KDW finished the semi-finalist critiques for Q2 about a week ago, and she takes some time off before starting the next quarter. It'll probably be pretty soon, but we have a long wait ahead of us. I'm guessing the first results will trickle out around the middle of September.
 
Posted by axeminister (Member # 8991) on :
 
Louis, the wait is definitely killer, but it's every 3 months, so just make sure to have a story in each time and how long it is won't matter.

Or you can skip two quarters like me and feel the wait interminably.

Axe
 


Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
 
And to take a few days off.

But if you take a quarter off why are you waiting? I don't wait during the quarters I take off. They're just a big blank of nothing.


Well, to WotF that is, not for general writing.



 


Posted by JenniferHicks (Member # 8201) on :
 
Update from KDW on her message board:

I'm plugging away on reading entries. One thought comes to mind this quarter:

Please be sure you turn off Track Changes, Comments, and that function (whatever it's called) that numbers each sentence. Also, make sure you don't center your text.

I guess that's more than one thing!
 


Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
 
Not sure how to turn off that function, what ever it's called. I didn't know it did it. If my word processor does it or not. I'm sure mine doesn't do Comments. Don't know about Track changes either.

[This message has been edited by LDWriter2 (edited August 17, 2011).]
 


Posted by axeminister (Member # 8991) on :
 
Louis,
Yours isn't centered, it's right justified.
Also, I always get things single spaced.

I just change it after I receive it tho. (not sure Joni would take the time to do that.)

Axe
 


Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
 
axeminister, Hmmm, that's the way I always send it in. My last HM was sent that way.
But in that case I'm not sure what Centered looks like.

No complaints about that even though a couple of magazines have commented on other mistakes... Sometimes I wonder if they like me much over at Strange Horizons, I've made the most manuscript mistakes with them over the years. Just a tiny handful but still.
 


Posted by axeminister (Member # 8991) on :
 
....This is centered,
........things
....are always in the
........middle.

(sorry about the periods, the BBoard doesn't recognize spaces it seems.)

Books are all right justified. Pick up any book.

Please don't send your stuff single spaced to WotF. You're just hurting your chances.

Send to me any way you'd like. Takes 5 seconds to switch it. =)

Axe

[This message has been edited by axeminister (edited August 18, 2011).]
 


Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
 
I do send all my stories out double spaced. Well, to most markets. Some of the E-mags want it differently. Single spaced with extra space between paragraphs and no paragraph indentation.

If I haven't double spaced it as I write it, I usually do it after I do all the revising and spell checking. I think I have forgotten a couple of times over the years... that's easier to do with e-submissions... but it would be a small number.

Then I have to redo for those markets I referenced up top there.
 


Posted by JenniferHicks (Member # 8201) on :
 
KDW says this morning on her message board, "I sent my results back yesterday."

So we might start seeing some results soon.
 


Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
 


Hmmm, part of me perks up when the phone rings but a larger part expects an E-mail. With basically one word.
 


Posted by JenniferHicks (Member # 8201) on :
 
I've been doing this long enough that I usually have a pretty good feel for how my story will place. (Last quarter's semi was an exception because I was sure I had an HM coming.) This time around, I have no clue. I think it's a fantastic story -- one of my best -- until the last page, when I flub the ending. (Of course I didn't realize I was flubbing the ending when I sent the story in.) How it places will, I think, depend on how much weight KDW gives to that mistake.
 
Posted by Osiris (Member # 9196) on :
 
I'm not in this quarter, but just wanted to wish everyone good luck! Hope one of you are a finalist this time!
 
Posted by JenniferHicks (Member # 8201) on :
 
According to Duotrope, rejections are starting to trickle out. Good luck everyone! (I'm going to keep busy by working on the Q4 story now.)
 
Posted by Utahute72 (Member # 9057) on :
 
Yea, I have zero expectations for my submission.
 
Posted by Owasm (Member # 8501) on :
 
Ha. Utahute72. (Go Utah, Go Pac12!) I just reread my Q3 story and must admit, I join you in a lament. I discovered three typos in the first five pages. Alas.

[This message has been edited by Owasm (edited September 01, 2011).]
 


Posted by JenniferHicks (Member # 8201) on :
 
My flubby ending obviously cost me. Honorable mention. Oh well. There's always next quarter.
 
Posted by WriterDan (Member # 6456) on :
 
HM for me too. Good company I'm in though.
 
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
 


Well, I was right... mostly. It was a partial rejection. In other words a HM.
 


Posted by axeminister (Member # 8991) on :
 
Where are you guys seeing the names?

The blog still has last quarter's winners.

Altho it was fun to read Nick's name again. =)

Axe
 


Posted by JenniferHicks (Member # 8201) on :
 
Joni sent out the notifications by e-mail.
 
Posted by axeminister (Member # 8991) on :
 
Ugh, now I have to check my gmail every x minutes.
Nothing yet, and my phone ain't ringing...

Axe
 


Posted by genevive42 (Member # 8714) on :
 
I'm with you axe. I put a new ending on this story that most of you didn't see and I'm hoping for it to do well, but my phone's not ringing either.
 
Posted by genevive42 (Member # 8714) on :
 
Doesn't look like any more results are going out for now. With the long weekend, I guess we'll all be in suspense for awhile. Please enjoy your regularly scheduled weekend and try not to think about this.
 
Posted by snapper (Member # 7299) on :
 
Is there a fall version of april fool's day? No?

In that case no news from me.
 


Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
 
as to the results not being on the blog. She asks permission and what name we want to use. So there probably will be some soon if not already.


And I seem to get most of my returns toward the beginning. I was going to say all of mine but I think I received two complete rejections late. As in the finalists were already announced.
 


Posted by Utahute72 (Member # 9057) on :
 
I got an interesting phone call from Joni tonight as I walked back in the house from a weekend at Bear Lake. No she didn't tell me I won the third quarter contest. She asked if I had seen an e-mail from her. When I told her no she was perplexed. Evidently she had sent out all the honorable mentions last week and had heard nothing back. I did tell her that three members of the site had reported getting HMs and gave her the names. So the HMs are out, but you may not know it because there appears to be a glitch in Joni's e-mail.

BTW you can also add me to the HM list. Which for me was a positive considering it was my first submission anywhere.
 


Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
 
Hmm, I wonder if that means she didn't get my return E-mail with my name and address?
 
Posted by Owasm (Member # 8501) on :
 
Hmmm. Maybe there is still hope. But I doubt it. Anyway, I turned my focus to Q4 a long time ago.
 
Posted by Utahute72 (Member # 9057) on :
 
OSWAM, I would be surprised if yours didn't garner at least an HM.
 
Posted by JenniferHicks (Member # 8201) on :
 
I sent Joni a return e-mail as well. Huh. Maybe I'll try again.
 
Posted by Grayson Morris (Member # 9285) on :
 
How odd. (I posted this info over at the WOTF forum, btw.) Utahute72, had you already received HM notification before Joni called? I'm wondering if the glitch is in the notification e-mails going out, or in Joni receiving people's replies. (Or, probably, both.)

Huh.
 


Posted by Utahute72 (Member # 9057) on :
 
No, I hadn't heard anything.
 
Posted by Utahute72 (Member # 9057) on :
 
Over on the WOTF forum, Brad Torgerson notes that Joni is having trouble with outgoing e-mail.
 
Posted by Grayson Morris (Member # 9285) on :
 
Where are you looking, Utahute72? I don't see anything at forum.writersofthefuture.com - is there another forum for WOTF? (Another place to refresh obsessively at the end of each quarter? ;-) )
 
Posted by Utahute72 (Member # 9057) on :
 
OK, well it appears that Joni has her problem solved. I just got an e-mail from her and she is resending the notifications to the HM list.
 
Posted by Utahute72 (Member # 9057) on :
 
OK, my bad Grayson, it appears that was back in July. So this may be part of an on-going issue.


Here's the forum I'm seeing this on

http://forum.writersofthefuture.com/

[This message has been edited by Utahute72 (edited September 06, 2011).]
 


Posted by mrmeadors (Member # 6378) on :
 
I haven't heard anything yet... I had kind of high hopes for this one. But I'm trying not to think about it...

Melanie
 


Posted by Utahute72 (Member # 9057) on :
 
We'll hold good thoughts for those that haven't heard yet that it's because you will be getting better news.
 
Posted by JenniferHicks (Member # 8201) on :
 
I received the HM re-notification. Apparently anyone who responded to the earlier e-mail was sending to the wrong address.
 
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
 

I received the second notice also. But I also got the first one but evidently they didn't get my reply. I wonder who did. One of her sentences makes it sound like someone-like a hacker- did it purpose.

Hmmm, that's right it went to my spam file.


her note not my reply.

[This message has been edited by LDWriter2 (edited September 07, 2011).]
 


Posted by mrmeadors (Member # 6378) on :
 
Yay!! I got honorable mention!!! My first . I am very happy.

Melanie
 


Posted by Utahute72 (Member # 9057) on :
 
Congrats Melanie. Yours was another I read I thought deserved at least an HM. I know a lot of people on here are down on the HMs, but I was reading another thread from the contest that said if you got an HM you were in the top five percent of entries. I don't know how true that is, but if it is that's not anything to feel bad about. It's probably that your story just didn't click as well as another one in the pile.
 
Posted by JenniferHicks (Member # 8201) on :
 
Congrats, Melanie!
 
Posted by Owasm (Member # 8501) on :
 
Congrats to you all.
 
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
 
Hmmm, Utahute I didn't realize there were a lot of people here down on them. The quarter before this one seemed to get a lot of congrats for HMs. Some of us might be not so excited about them but I don't think that is the same as down on them.

Or have I missed some conversations? That is possible.


And I add my congrats to Melanie. Niiice.

[This message has been edited by LDWriter2 (edited September 07, 2011).]
 


Posted by Utahute72 (Member # 9057) on :
 
LD, you referred to it as a rejection with exceptions.
 
Posted by JenniferHicks (Member # 8201) on :
 
I am definitely down on getting an HM. My first one had me dancing in the living room. The second one, too, because it meant the first one wasn't a fluke. After that, they started to feel like old hat. Now I'm on number six, and it comes on the heels of two quarters in which I placed better, so it feels like a step down. It's all a matter of perspective.
 
Posted by Utahute72 (Member # 9057) on :
 
Jennifer, I can definitely see your point, but since I'm a glass half full kinda guy, I would look at it as your writing is consistently good, but maybe the material doesn't quite fit KDW's view as well as some others.
 
Posted by Grayson Morris (Member # 9285) on :
 
Finalists have been announced:

http://news.yahoo.com/3rd-quarter-finalists-writers-future-contest-announced-author-070909240.html

Huge congratulations to Trina Phillips!!!! Any other Hatrackers on that list?
 


Posted by Nick T (Member # 8052) on :
 
Congrats Trina!
 
Posted by Nick T (Member # 8052) on :
 
There's a Dustin Adams in that list, who might be Axeminister...I'm still trying to think of whether I "know" anyone else.
 
Posted by axeminister (Member # 8991) on :
 
Edited for the sake of everyone's sanity.

Moved to the blog http://dustinadams.wordpress.com

Axe

[This message has been edited by axeminister (edited September 09, 2011).]
 


Posted by Meredith (Member # 8368) on :
 
Congratulations to both of you, Trina and Dustin.
 
Posted by Brendan (Member # 6044) on :
 
Awesome Dustin, Trina. Absolutely Awesome. Have we had two in the same final before?



 


Posted by thomaskcarpenter (Member # 9192) on :
 
Grats Trina and Dustin!

Tom
 


Posted by Nick T (Member # 8052) on :
 
Hi Brendan,

Patrick O'Sullivan and I were in the same final for Q4 2010 (that bastard). Don't know any further back than that.

Nick
 


Posted by Grayson Morris (Member # 9285) on :
 
Congratulations, Dustin!!!!!!!! Woo hoo!!!!!!
 
Posted by History (Member # 9213) on :
 
Mazel tov!
 
Posted by mrmeadors (Member # 6378) on :
 
AWESOME!!! Congratz you guys!!!
 
Posted by Owasm (Member # 8501) on :
 
Great job. Congratulations to both of you.

It was an honor to critique your story, Genevive.

BTW, Where do they post the winners and HMs?

[This message has been edited by Owasm (edited September 08, 2011).]
 


Posted by RoxyL (Member # 9096) on :
 
I'm not in the group, but want to add a huge Congrats to you both, and all the HM's, too.
Excellent!
 
Posted by JenniferHicks (Member # 8201) on :
 
Congrats to you both! Maybe you will follow up Brad and Adam and make it the second time with two Hatrack winners.
 
Posted by Utahute72 (Member # 9057) on :
 
Congrats guys. That's a pretty good batting average for this group.
 
Posted by Osiris (Member # 9196) on :
 
Trina, Dustin, big hearty congrats to the both of you!
 
Posted by genevive42 (Member # 8714) on :
 
Thanks all.

Despite Dustin's 'revelations of mediocrity', I hope we both win. I read and critiqued his story twice before his final edit and it's great, fully deserving of a win. I look forward to playing tour guide when he comes to LA for the workshop and awards ceremony (whether I win or not).

I was very excited to learn that we were both finalists. His cryptic e-mail tease had me accusing an entirely innocent person of having loose lips. Glad I didn't say anything before I learned the truth.

It's interesting that when Joni called, she didn't identify the organization, she just gave her name. My heart paused for a moment, then I remembered to breathe and I realized this was The Call. I was actually working on the outline for my next WotF entry when the phone rang. We talked for a bit where I kept saying 'wow' and how I'd given up on this quarter because I thought she would have already made the calls.

After I got off the phone, my excitement kept me from being able to focus on anything. Of course, I made all the requisite phone calls. No one in my family is tech saavy enough to leak the big secret. Then my boyfriend took me out for a celebratory dinner, but being late and a Monday, we ended up at Carrows. I got a more proper celebration on Wednesday night.

So now is the big wait and the wondering what I might have done to make the story better. On Dustin's advice, I haven't looked over my story. Evidently there's a risk of finding typos that will drive you crazy at this stage.

So thanks to everyone who read and critiqued and help me make this a better story. Your input has been spectacular.

Fingers crossed – for both of us.



 


Posted by Brad R Torgersen (Member # 8211) on :
 
Dustin has now, of course, doomed himself to 1st place.

Well done, Trina and Dustin both.

Folks, seriously, all you have to do is keep trying. You can get there. Dustin and Trina are up for the big win. Hopefully the judges are swift and the placement can be announced before too much agony has been endured.

=^)
 


Posted by Utahute72 (Member # 9057) on :
 
I do have to admit my ears picked up on Monday night when my wife came out of the house holding the phone saying, "It's Joni from Writers of the Future." Alas only checking to see if I had seen the e-mail.
 
Posted by Kathleen Dalton Woodbury (Member # 59) on :
 
What great news! Good for both of you, Dustin and Trina. And best wishes on the judging.
 
Posted by Delli (Member # 9202) on :
 
Wow! That's awesome! Congrats guys!
 
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
 
I'm late to this but Congrats Trina Congrats Dustin


Yeah there's room you could both get in. Probably deserve it too.
 


Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
 

Utahute
quote:

LD, you referred to it as a rejection with exceptions

I didn't really mean it as a put down of HMs, just not as excited as some.

In a way I kinda feel the same way as Jennifer but not for the same reason.

My first three HMs, the third one is the one Joni called and the first one listed on their blog, I got by myself with one to three revisions of each story. Now I need all the help I can get from the people here and a few revisions to get one. I seem to have forgotten how I once wrote.

Still not sure why Joni called me except she seemed to have called everyone that quarter.


 


Posted by axeminister (Member # 8991) on :
 
Ack!
Brad, don't say that. I have to stay under Fate's radar...

Actually, I'm going to move that long post to my blog where folks have to volunteer to read it, instead of it filling up pages of the forum.

@Owasm. Aw, come on Ken, was it not an honor to read mine too?

*story time*

I'm as green as can be. Sure I've been writing for years, but I've never submitted anywhere or really given my writing out for anyone to read. I finally find this forum, finally join, then finally join this group.

I send out my behemoth of a story and rub my hands together in anticipation of my first crit telling me I have a masterpiece.

Ken's crit comes in. I open the e-mail with a smile. He says: (paraphrasing) "If I didn't have to critique this, I would have stopped reading early on."

I was like, "hmm." Then I was like, "I wonder if I can find out where this guy lives based on his IP #, which has been logged..."

As it turns out, of course, the advice was perfectly sound, and exactly what I needed to hear. I scrapped the story completely, and rewrote it from word one.

Axe
 


Posted by Owasm (Member # 8501) on :
 
You know what, Axe? I looked back at my emails to try and find your story. I thought I worked on it, but couldn't find evidence. I did for Genevive.

So it is DOUBLY an honor to have given you both input. It looks like that may be as close as I'm going to get to a win.

Anyway, I sincerely hope you both tie with a 1st.
 


Posted by axeminister (Member # 8991) on :
 
Ken,

I believe I sent it to you on April 14th, 2010.

But please don't read that old version. I think only like 2 people in the whole world liked it.

Axe


 


Posted by WriterDan (Member # 6456) on :
 
Figures that the one day I don't check this freaking forum is the day that everything happens... lol

WOO-HOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Big time congrats for Trina and Dustin!!! Best of luck your way for the next level. Will be waiting to hear about the results of that one, as I'm sure you will each be too. Let us know asap.

Updated my "Woo-hoo list" on the first post of this discussion. If anyone has more for me to add, send a note my way.
 


Posted by Grayson Morris (Member # 9285) on :
 
Has anyone heard from any semifinalists and silver HMs? Has everything already gone out? I still haven't heard a thing, and Joni responded to my e-mail saying to please be patient. Anyone else waiting, too?

[This message has been edited by Grayson Morris (edited September 10, 2011).]
 


Posted by Brendan (Member # 6044) on :
 
Yes, I'm waiting too, and I think snapper hasn't heard yet either. Thanks for the update.
 
Posted by Meredith (Member # 8368) on :
 
Nothing here, either.

Seems like last time I got my rejection before the finalists were announced.

[This message has been edited by Meredith (edited September 10, 2011).]
 


Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
 
So we have two finalists and four who haven't heard. Not too shabby.

With everything going on now I'm not sure whose stories I critted so I'm not sure if I read any of these.


 


Posted by Owasm (Member # 8501) on :
 
I haven't heard anything, yet. Although I'm not putting too much thought to it.

However it is SF and the story is about saving the world...
 


Posted by JenniferHicks (Member # 8201) on :
 
The list is up of all placements for Q3.

http://www.writersofthefuture.com/node/702
 


Posted by Meredith (Member # 8368) on :
 
Hmm. Well, I guess that makes this another rejection. Presumably that email will come or else it got eaten in the same glitch that caused trouble with the HMs.

Congrats to everyone who placed.
 


Posted by axeminister (Member # 8991) on :
 
82 HMs
4 S-HM.

Slow quarter? Or is she getting pickier?

Glad to see Steffenwolf on there again.

Axe
 


Posted by Brendan (Member # 6044) on :
 
I'm still unsure. I entered the story on the last day and had trouble the day before. The confirmation came the day after, so I am not sure which quarter it got entered. What are your recommendations, should I follow up?
 
Posted by JenniferHicks (Member # 8201) on :
 
Yes, send a query to Joni. You should know which quarter you were entered in, especially if you have another story lined up for Q4.
 
Posted by Grayson Morris (Member # 9285) on :
 
A straight rejection here, too. There were lots of those in that last group waiting to hear, it seems. It's kind of hard to swallow, but having folks I know write well rejected along with me makes me feel better. It doesn't mean I'm a bad writer, or even that I wrote a bad story; it just means KD didn't like it.

Right? :-)
 


Posted by Owasm (Member # 8501) on :
 
Right!

*He says, noting that he never received word, either.*
 


Posted by Utahute72 (Member # 9057) on :
 
Have we heard anything from our finalists yet? Any wins?
 
Posted by JenniferHicks (Member # 8201) on :
 
Even if they had heard, they couldn't say anything here in a public forum. There's a gag order on finalists until Joni posts the winners. And, as far as I know, no announcement has been made.
 
Posted by genevive42 (Member # 8714) on :
 
Haven't heard anything and it's starting to drive me crazy. There's a reason writers aren't entirely sane.
 
Posted by JenniferHicks (Member # 8201) on :
 
Ha! Well, I guess I'm wrong about them not being able to say anything ...
 
Posted by genevive42 (Member # 8714) on :
 
We can't say anything if we've heard. But what is there to say when there's nothing to report?
 
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
 
Anyone else get an E-mail about your certificate?


Joni would like to know you got it and if you are displaying it she would like a pic to show the designer.


Hmmm, mine is just laying on top of the previous one, I would like to do something with them besides let them collect dust yet not be too showy, but I haven't decided what yet... that doesn't help Joni though.
 


Posted by Utahute72 (Member # 9057) on :
 
I didn't get and e-mail, but I did get the certificate.
 
Posted by genevive42 (Member # 8714) on :
 
The crickets are still chirping and driving me crazy.
 
Posted by JenniferHicks (Member # 8201) on :
 
Sorry to hear that. Waiting sucks.

I saw a couple of "personal rejections" on Duotrope in the past week and thought maybe that was non-winning finalists logging their results. I guess not.
 


Posted by snapper (Member # 7299) on :
 
Was that a phone I hear ringing!!! Oh, sorry. Just another cricket.
 
Posted by genevive42 (Member # 8714) on :
 
The 'personal rejections' might have been the semi-finalists getting their critiques.
 
Posted by axeminister (Member # 8991) on :
 
At least the wait is over.

Look for the press release, sans my name.

Axe

[This message has been edited by axeminister (edited October 10, 2011).]
 


Posted by genevive42 (Member # 8714) on :
 
ditto
 
Posted by JenniferHicks (Member # 8201) on :
 
Well, crap.

You should be proud of your achievement in reaching the finalist level. Neither Brad nor Nick won on their first time as finalists, either. You both made it there once and you'll do it again.
 


Posted by Osiris (Member # 9196) on :
 
Yes, it is definitely a big achievement you two. You must be so close now, please don't give up.
 
Posted by Dark Warrior (Member # 8822) on :
 
Shenanigans!!!! Quite a justification of how close you are though. Selfishly, I look forward to being able to crit more of your work.
 
Posted by Brad R Torgersen (Member # 8211) on :
 
Making Finalist and -not- winning ranked as the toughest rejection I'd ever gotten in 17 years of rejections. No question about it. I literally felt like the universe was conspiring to keep me from my dream of becoming a published author. WOTF was my best shot, and when my first Finalist did -not- win, well.... I've said it before, several times. The dark night of the soul. When you have to look in the mirror and ask yourself: how much do I -want- this thing?

If you conclude that you cannot walk away, then you need to give yourself a day or two to get over the hurt, take some time to re-gather yourself, then you need to get back to it. A rejection is a rejection is a rejection, and if you closed within striking distance once, then you need to double down and close to within striking distance again. It can be done. That's the great thing about WOTF: you're not restricted to, "One shot, one kill." You can enter as many times as it takes.

Patience, and persistence, win.
 


Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
 
So close yet so far as the old saying goes. But still both of you did get close... a whole lot closer than I have ever gotten and a few others around here. So congrats for that much.

And you will do better in future stories.
 


Posted by Utahute72 (Member # 9057) on :
 
Sorry to hear that guys, I had high hopes for a win from this group.

Brad, your "One Shot, One Kill" reminds me of my time as a tank platoon leader.

[This message has been edited by Utahute72 (edited October 11, 2011).]
 


Posted by Brad R Torgersen (Member # 8211) on :
 
Utahute, Marines or Army?

Either way, hooah from this CW2, thank you for your service.
 


Posted by snapper (Member # 7299) on :
 
I shouldn't answer for Ute but he's a humble guy.

Jim is a published author and you likely read his work before Brad. He wrote many of the technical manuals for the army (I read a short bio of his). I also believe you guys are neighbors. Utah must put alphabet soup in their drinking water considering the amount of writers I see live there.

I salute both of you and am very grateful to your service.
 


Posted by genevive42 (Member # 8714) on :
 
Thanks for the encouragement gang.

Before I knew I had a Finalist entry, I had already shifted my focus to my novel series, so I might not revisit WotF for some time.

The thing is, I know my writing is good enough and after a certain point it's about editor preference and market fit. Honestly, my semi-final story was a better story and almost unanimously better received by the crit group (for that quarter). It's convinced me that once you start receiving any sort of recognition in WotF, you're writing is pretty much there. I also think your writing can be top quality and you might never receive even an HM from WotF because it doesn't suit their expectations. Just something to think about.

The other thing I will note is that axe and I both had alien pov stories. My semi was also alien pov. My question is whether an alien pov story has ever won the contest? Does anyone know? It might be another data point, it might not.

For now, I'll just wish everyone that's continuing in this pursuit a hearty "Good luck!" and if I decide to break from the novels and write something short you'll definitely see me drop into a crit group once again. You guys are great! Thanks for all your help.


 


Posted by JenniferHicks (Member # 8201) on :
 
Genevive, I do hope you try again. Your semi and finalist spots prove that you're right there at the top.

I don't know about alien POV, but I read a story in Vol. 5 last night from the POV of a hovercraft's computer system trying to interpret the vagueness of its captain's command "Get us out of here." I loved it.
 


Posted by Utahute72 (Member # 9057) on :
 
Brad, Army. Spent a couple of years in Armor with the 7th Cav and 2nd Armored and another 18 as a Chemical officer with those units and others.
 
Posted by Brad R Torgersen (Member # 8211) on :
 
HOOAH!

=^)
 


Posted by History (Member # 9213) on :
 
My regards (and respect) to you both in appreciation of your service.

Respectfully,
Dr. Bob
MAJ USA MC (1980-1992)
 


Posted by genevive42 (Member # 8714) on :
 
Winners are up:

http://www.writersofthefuture.com/node/705
 


Posted by axeminister (Member # 8991) on :
 
Wow, they totally misspelled my name.

William Mitchell isn't even close to Dustin Adams.

I need to get that fixed.

Axe
 


Posted by WriterDan (Member # 6456) on :
 
I mourn with the both of you.

And yet, my selfish side can't help but find solace in the fact that this allows me another opportunity to stand with you both in the winner circle at some future date. Sorry. Like I said: selfish. lol. Best of luck with your future stories.

Hope to see you two around. Until then.
 


Posted by axeminister (Member # 8991) on :
 
Well, I found out today that my finalist won't be the 13th story in the V28 anthology. (Which you can pre-order on Amazon for you Nick T fans.)

So, let's all get those stories in for V29 and take over Los Angeles next year.

Axe
 
Posted by OliverBuckram (Member # 9655) on :
 
Red alert. Duotrope reports rejections have begun for most recent quarter.
 
Posted by JenniferHicks (Member # 8201) on :
 
quote:
Well, I found out today that my finalist won't be the 13th story in the V28 anthology. (Which you can pre-order on Amazon for you Nick T fans.)
Sorry, Dustin. You'll make it in there. Just keep at it. As for Nick's story, I'm excited to see it in print.

quote:
Red alert. Duotrope reports rejections have begun for most recent quarter.
I noticed one rejection being logged, too. But one is all I've seen. Unless a whole batch of them land tonight, we can probably consider it an anomaly.
 
Posted by axeminister (Member # 8991) on :
 
Finalist Alistair Kimble said he logged his rejection today for Q4. He told us not to panic. =)

I have a feeling we won't see Q1 for a few weeks yet. Possibly not until March. I base this on how early in the year the awards ceremony is this year compared to earlier years.

But who knows, KDW is a work horse.

Thanks for the encouragement Jennifer.
I'd like to point out you spelled we'll wrong.
You spelled it you'll.

Axe
 
Posted by JenniferHicks (Member # 8201) on :
 
I'll predict the first round of Q1 rejections going out in mid-February -- hopefully with none of us among the unlucky.

quote:
Thanks for the encouragement Jennifer.
I'd like to point out you spelled we'll wrong.
You spelled it you'll.

[Smile]
I've critiqued winning stories in Q2 for two years in a row now, and the streak must continue. Someone here needs to write a winner, and of course I wouldn't object if it were me.
 


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