This was a critique group for writers that entered a story into the third quarter of 2012 in the Writers of the Future contest (29th year).
After the end of the quarter, entries submitted have been responded to as thus:
Finalist: Rebecca Birch (rabirch)
Honorable Mention: Jennifer Hicks (JenniferHicks) Anna Yeatts (A Yeatts) Frank Dutkiewicz (snapper) Melanie Meadors (mrmeadors) Dustin Adams (axeminister)
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)
[ November 21, 2012, 01:33 AM: Message edited by: WriterDan ]
Posted by WriterDan (Member # 6456) on :
@Dustin: Where would I be without you? Seriously. Like, lost in Kansas playing with my marbles but without a head. Thanks, man.
@EveryoneElse: We're up for another quarter, peoples! Hope you're all game. Posted by axeminister (Member # 8991) on :
Dan, how else are you going to win this thing if you don't post this thread?
Several finalists and winners have come straight from here, so...
WriterDan Axeminister
Posted by Owasm (Member # 8501) on :
I'm in for another quarter.
WriterDan Axeminister Owasm
Posted by Utahute72 (Member # 9057) on :
Dang already, I'm still fumbling around with this quarter's entry.
WriterDan Axeminister Owasm Utahute72
Posted by Osiris (Member # 9196) on :
Okay, I'm in this time. When it comes to critiquing others works, I'm going to change from how I've done it in the past, though. On first drafts, I'm doing an alpha crit (no line comments, just comments on story-telling aspects), and on the second drafts, I'll go 50/50 on line comments and story-telling comments.
WriterDan Axeminister Owasm Utahute72 Osiris
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
Thought about using the fantasy I just wrote but it's a bit short at just under 4,000 words and I think I would need to lengthen a scene or three to make it more adventurous.
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
Hmmm, I need to decide which story. There's a UF story that has already been written, that by coincidence seems to meet some of the characteristics of the types of stories they put in 27. Probably needs lots of critiquing since it's my writing.
There's the fantasy I just wrote and revised. Ditto with the writing.
Or I can try a not yet written SF that is a bit dark and what I call quiet- with maybe a little violence. I think I just came up with most of the opening and most of the ending. Now if I could come up with most of the middle.
But to do that I would have to take time out from getting two of my novels ready. I decided it's been way too long, so I will cut down on my writing and mainly work on those two novels. I need to get them published one way or another. And of course I need to finish revising Q2's story. I keep forgetting.
Posted by A Yeatts (Member # 9500) on :
Utter rookie to this group but I'd love to give it a try.
WriterDan Axeminister Owasm Utahute72 Osiris LDWriter2 A Yeatts
Looking forward to it! Anna Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
Rats, can't make up my mind on which story to use. One I just wrote, one I have already or a third one I started but am not sure about.
On another thread, 2012 Q01, snapper suggests they like struggles. I can see that but all three stories have that. If I decide not to use the the one I just wrote I can put the first 13 on the F&F for stories and get some help with nitpicks and bad writing.
I know it's my choice, I'm just venting a little.
Posted by pivot (Member # 9771) on :
Another (enthusiastic) rookie
WriterDan Axeminister Owasm Utahute72 Osiris LDWriter2 A Yeatts pivot
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
Good new comers are very welcome and add to our chance at someone getting in.
Not to mention the learning that can happen.
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
Oops, maybe change of plans.
I thought I had finished revising a story I wrote over four months ago but never got around to revising, At one point I lay down for a minute a rested my eye while I waited for my wife to finish with her Craft site, The idea popped into my head to use it for Q3. But I thought there isn't really all that much struggle- as has been discussed on another thread- in it but my muse said, oh but there could be very easily. Instantly I came up with ways to add more struggle not only physical but emotional also. So he has to fight an outward opponents and his own tiredness and "every thing goes wrong" attitude.
They story is UF which doesn't seem to go over too big with WotF but will shall see. Dr.Bob- who is good writer- has had problems with that genre and WotF. Without knowing the specific stories he sent in maybe they didn't have the right type of struggle. Maybe, maybe it wouldn't make a difference. I decided to take that chance.
At the very least this story will be improved, there will be more action and tension- more than one type I hope- plus my MC will change. More description of setting, of the human senses and more getting into my MC's mind. All of which is suppose to make a story a better tale. So if it works only half as well as I hope, it will be- as I said- a better story no matter what WotF feels about UF. Of course they are my problem with commas and it will still be my writing.
A PS I'm not an editor for a contest so I am quite satisfied with the amount of and type of struggle in Dr. Bob's Rabbi stories.
Sorry I forgot the good Rabbis' name. I would like to read enough of them to remember it.
[ March 24, 2012, 11:13 PM: Message edited by: LDWriter2 ]
Posted by Crank (Member # 7354) on :
I'm in!
WriterDan Axeminister Owasm Utahute72 Osiris LDWriter2 A Yeatts pivot Crank
S!
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
Good, the more chances of winning for the group. Not to mention more chances of learning something about writing.
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
You all got your writers on?
I have three stories I could use but I'm pretty sure I know which one I will be using. Unless the first critiquers say it's not right, that has happened once or twice.
I'm taking a chance but we're supposed to do that too. Anyway, I'm three fourths of the way done. The 14th is going to come quickly.
Posted by Utahute72 (Member # 9057) on :
I see there are a few of us still beating our heads against the wall. I ran across a post by Dark Warrior on what KD Wentworth had to say about the contest from a couple of years ago, don't know if everyone has seen it. The information dovetails nicely with the post by Axe thumbtacked above.
Seems like some of us have had this problem more often the last few quarters.
Posted by WriterDan (Member # 6456) on :
I'm a few days late. Sorry, folks. Here are the groups for this first quarter:
Group1: WriterDan Owasm Osiris A Yeatts Crank
Group 2: Axeminister Utahute72 LDWriter2 pivot
Send to the people in your group this time around. If anyone else shows up, they can slide into Group 2. More than that, they better have a real good reason for showing up so late... lol.
Let's get swapping, people!
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
Hmm, thought we had to the Fourteenth was that suppose to the be the Fourth? Or are you just being a bit earlier to get people on the ball?
Posted by axeminister (Member # 8991) on :
Dan's really late for last quarter, but early for this one. We still have a few days.
Axe
Posted by Osiris (Member # 9196) on :
I've written 8k, with climax and denouement left to write. Anyone else close to being finished with their 1st draft?
Posted by Owasm (Member # 8501) on :
Nope. I went back to the drawing board last night. New concept that I'm excited about. Now I'm trying to match plot to concept.
Posted by mbwood (Member # 9525) on :
Ah, um, I apologize for arriving late to the party. I have a short piece as a candidate and would like feedback from this esteemed group...
Group1: WriterDan Owasm Osiris A Yeatts Crank
Group 2: Axeminister Utahute72 LDWriter2 pivot mbwood
Thank you for your understanding. I'm prepared to offer my comments and crit to fellow writers.
Remember the first rule of writing... Write! mbwood
Posted by mbwood (Member # 9525) on :
Er, I guess I sent my piece to the wrong group (thank you, Osiris for the head's up).
Okay, time for a re-send.
Sorry about that. m.b.wood
[ April 10, 2012, 08:29 PM: Message edited by: mbwood ]
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
mb I think you're fine. At least with your timing. You might be the last person to place your name on the list but your the first one to send out your story... at least in group two.
I was going to wait 'till closer to the 14th but oops it is closer. This weekend then-- I will shoot for Friday night.
Almost finish anyway. But the spell check and new proofreader might take a while.
But changing the topic a bit. Since it's been decided that we can send in stories again- as long as they weren't finalists. I thought about sending in my first HM again. I'll just add a touch more struggle and run it through you guys or who ever does Q4.
Posted by Osiris (Member # 9196) on :
quote:Originally posted by LDWriter2: But changing the topic a bit. Since it's been decided that we can send in stories again- as long as they weren't finalists. I thought about sending in my first HM again. I'll just add a touch more struggle and run it through you guys or who ever does Q4. [/QB]
Oh, it has? I didn't know about that. I've been working on my HM story, too, cutting down from the 17k monstrosity it was to something much shorter. I won't use it for this quarter, but maybe for a future one.
Posted by WriterDan (Member # 6456) on :
I'm a genius. I was shooting for the 7th, which is obviously the date of the "second" crit swap. Oh well. At least the groups are up beforehand, eh? Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
Okay, sent mine. The spellcheck, and proofreading didn't take as long as I feared. Not sure if that is good or a sign I missed a lot of nitpicks.
The proofreader software is interesting. It does help and even helped me to change a word or three when I noticed I had the same word to close together.
We shall see how it reads.
Posted by axeminister (Member # 8991) on :
Mine's out to group two.
Please let me know if you didn't receive it.
Axe
Posted by pivot (Member # 9771) on :
Will send my draft out later today! Hoping to fix up a few things before then.
What is this 'new proofreader software' you mention (maybe I missed this earlier on the thread?)? Is that the feature bundled into word, or a standalone package?
Posted by Owasm (Member # 8501) on :
I'm way behind. I will crit, but I don't expect to get a story out before the end of next week.
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
pivot it came included in my new word processor. I finally broke down and bought a new one... pages by apple. A lot cheaper than when I checked on a few years ago.
It's way different from my old one. I've had to find certain menu items and they have renamed other items. In some ways that's neutral, in some ways it's good; like the proofreader, in some ways it's bad. I can't seem to do a .rtf in a full format. In other words the headers don't go through. At least in one test.
I need to remember to see about watching one of their how -to videos
Posted by pivot (Member # 9771) on :
Thanks for the info on the proofreader - I'm mostly stuck on word and scrivener, but it's good to hear about other options.
I sent out a draft tonight, let me know if you don't get it and I'll send it again tomorrow. First draft on a first attempt at this thing - I suppose that deserves a celebration! (no matter how _rough_ the draft is Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
I was going to say that I may have gotten three stories which meant there was one more to come in, and despite the fact that pivot sent one to herself-I happened to notice that when I glanced at the people she sent the same E-mail to-- there are only four stories to do this time around.
But I remembered that it was only two stories. I received a crit already... 'tis good. That was really quick especially for the type of crit it is.
And I found out another good thing about pages. I can now receive side comments.
I have a habit of saying things like this.
But according to the list of deadlines I have a little bit so my crits will probably start showing up somewhere between Wednesday and Friday.
[ April 15, 2012, 12:57 AM: Message edited by: LDWriter2 ]
Posted by A Yeatts (Member # 9500) on :
Sent mine to group one. I haven't received one from anyone else. Please let me know if you're in my group and didn't get my email. Thanks! Anna
Posted by History (Member # 9213) on :
Soft voice in passing: Sometimes I think "I'll participate in Writer Dan & Co.'s next WOTF Critique Group." But while I sometimes can make the WOTF entry deadline, I can never make this Group's 1st two weeks of the quarter deadline. Tough group.
Respectfully, Dr. Bob
Posted by Osiris (Member # 9196) on :
Bob, a lot of people don't hit the deadlines on the nose. Consider them more of a suggestion. People still crit each others work even if it comes in a little late.
Posted by Osiris (Member # 9196) on :
quote:Originally posted by A Yeatts: Sent mine to group one. I haven't received one from anyone else. Please let me know if you're in my group and didn't get my email. Thanks! Anna
Mine will go out to group 1 sometime this week.
Posted by Crank (Member # 7354) on :
quote:Osiris: Mine will go out to group 1 sometime this week.
Same with mine. Thursday, more than likely. No, wait...the Capitals are playing that night. Friday, more than likely.
Anna, I received yours.
I'm psyched about doing this. I've been out of the WotF loop for far too long.
S!
Posted by mbwood (Member # 9525) on :
Well, I've received one crit from UtahUte72, but no one else in Group 2.
I've finished doing crits on all pieces sent me.
How about it, writers?
mbwood
Posted by pivot (Member # 9771) on :
I'm sending out crits this afternoon, slowed by a crisis at home.
On a related note, I will be withdrawing from the critique group (#2) but you all should still have four in the group. Those who would still like a follow-up crit are welcome to send me their story second-draft.
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
pivot does that mean you don't want or need a crit?
I might be the only one who hasn't sent one out yet but I did say this week.
Well, actually I sent one out.
Posted by axeminister (Member # 8991) on :
I've gotten all mine back save Louis, which I'm looking forward to.
Great info from all. I'm looking forward to editing.
Then look out group two!
Er. Group one...
Bah.
Axe
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
I was hoping to send out one more tonight but it took me probably an hour to figure out my new word processor. I needed to add headers and the file didn't want to header. Finally I copied my story and placed it on a blank file. That worked, even though I never did figure out how to undo the header on the first page.
They changed-added-renamed so many menus sometimes I want to throw it out and go back to my old one. A lot less complicated.
Anyway, I read axe's story. And I will get to it tomorrow and one other I read last night. Guys you need to put your names some place on the file. I have to go back to the e-mails to figure out who sent what. I know WotF doesn't want names but you can delete them.
By reading it I know three things I will be saying about axe's story. I'll save it for the E-mail but I have that much figured out at least.
Posted by xenomaniac (Member # 9790) on :
Yello folks!
is it too late to enter the WotF crits group? I'd like to join teh same as I am shooting for sending one of mine for the WoTF contest this quarter.
Kindly let me know guys, this is going to be my first stab at WoTF and am super excited
Regards Xenomaniac
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
Well, if pivot is out you could take their place... But you need to see what any one else says.
I sent one to Axe already today and later be doing another.
Sent one to Wood, that leaves one for sure and one maybe and another new maybe.
But pivot are you still around and do you still want a crit?
[ April 22, 2012, 12:57 AM: Message edited by: LDWriter2 ]
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
Okay, sent the third one.
Hmm, no one else has responded to Xeno, so you can send me your story anyway.
And I will probably do pivot's story anyway.
Posted by Osiris (Member # 9196) on :
@ Xeno, I have no problem with you jumping in now with group two. I think most of us are kind of behind.
I actually just finished my first draft. Came in a bit longer than I wanted at ~11,000 words.
Posted by Utahute72 (Member # 9057) on :
Yea, I'm open, and can give it a read.
Posted by mbwood (Member # 9525) on :
Okay.
mbwood
Posted by WriterDan (Member # 6456) on :
@Xeno: We'll put you in Group 2, if that's okay with everyone (Only looking for dissenting votes here), because Pivot will be out for Round 2.
Anyone in Group 2 is open to send their first round story to Xeno, and Xeno should send his/her story out to the current listing for Group 2 (below).
The next victim...err...volunteer to join the critiquing will go to Group 1, where we will do our best to not eat their brains...err...story for lunch.
Group1: WriterDan Owasm Osiris A Yeatts Crank
Group 2: Axeminister Utahute72 LDWriter2 pivot (no round 2 crits) mbwood Xenomaniac
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
Okay my story will be going out to Xeno soon. I'll be expecting his.
But with pivot, does that mean we still send out round one crits?
Posted by Crank (Member # 7354) on :
Group 1:
So far, I've received stories from A Yeatts and Osiris.
Mine will go out either tomorrow or Saturday. The goal is to get is finished before the Capitals start their second round of the playoffs...which will essentially mark the end of my attention span towards writing, and then it won't be ready until the 4th quarter.
S!
Posted by axeminister (Member # 8991) on :
Well, I'm starting a new story. Lucky you, group 1, you get to read a first draft again!
However, this is a re-write of an older story, so I'm hoping to "get it right" this time. Hopefully I've matured enough as a writer to get my intended point across.
Axe
Posted by mbwood (Member # 9525) on :
Xeno, I sent you my story (a shorty), so I'm waiting to get yours. I've received crits from all of the other members of Group 2 (thank you very much!). I've also sent back crits to Group 2 except you, Xeno.
I've done enough story polishing that I'm almost ready to move to the next group.
mbwood
Posted by Owasm (Member # 8501) on :
I am still working on my story. Sorry that I'm so tardy. I just finished a novel first draft.
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
I haven't gotten one yet from Xeno.
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
An aside here but the E-mail from Joni ended as she normally does with an exhortation to write the next story.
I had to send in my name and address for HM certificate so I added I am working on the next one and it will be even better, which I hadn't really felt for a while. But I realized later that the next one has been sent in already. The one I commented on was the one after the next one. Posted by Crank (Member # 7354) on :
I sent my story to Group One yesterday. Let me know if you didn't get it.
S!
Posted by A Yeatts (Member # 9500) on :
Crank, I got it. I'll get it back to you shortly. Anna
Posted by Osiris (Member # 9196) on :
So far I've sent my story out to group 1, received, critiqued and returned Anna's story, and received Crank's story, which I should have back to him sometime this week.
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
I'll probably be sending mine out to group one tonight or tomorrow.
Just have to run it through the spellcheck and check for a couple of words.
Posted by axeminister (Member # 8991) on :
Mine was sent to group 1 yesterday. Anna confirmed.
If anyone DIDN'T get it - please let me know.
Have yet to receive any from G1.
Axe
Posted by mbwood (Member # 9525) on :
Hello,
I sent my short piece to Group One today. Please advise if you did not receive it.
I have not received anything from Group One.
mbwood
Posted by Osiris (Member # 9196) on :
I received stories from mbwood and axe. I should hopefully get to them next week (this week, I have to do crits for my live group that meets this Saturday)
I am going to send group two my story now. I would like to say it is a revision, but it isn't, because I've only received one critique and I just prefer to get more feedback before revising. I hope everyone is okay with that.
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
Mine will be going out tomorrow night. I ended up with less computer time last night and I also went to bed early. Tonight I was going to send it but realized I hadn't sent it through my proofreader and may not have sent it through my spellcheck. Take too long to do both and send it tonight.
Good thing I sent it through the proofreader, found a few too many sentences that started with But and a couple of phrases that sounded funny. And few other mistakes.
I have received one story--Osiris's
Posted by A Yeatts (Member # 9500) on :
Axe and mbwood... I've received and am reading yours now. I'll try to have them back to you in a day or two. Trying to finish up my revisions before sending out to group 1.
Posted by A Yeatts (Member # 9500) on :
Okay... sent mine out to all of Group 2 so let me know if you didn't receive it.
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
Sent mine earlier tonight.
We shall see if my writing is better than usual.
Posted by Owasm (Member # 8501) on :
I think I've responded to all of my original group (except from Writer Dan) and a couple from Group 2.
I'm sorry for my massive tardiness. I'm using a story from a few quarters ago, that I sent an earlier version in error. With, regrettably, a new reader, I'll just resubmit after I get a few critiques here.
Posted by Osiris (Member # 9196) on :
I've received stories from all of group 2 except Xenomaniac. Thank you Ken and James for your feedback on my story.
Posted by A Yeatts (Member # 9500) on :
I think I've responded to everyone who has sent me a story. If I'm still holding out on anyone, please let me know. I didn't realize how quickly the inbox would fill up and I'm afraid I've lost track.
Thanks so much for all your critiques so far. So helpful!
Anna Posted by Crank (Member # 7354) on :
Group One I've critted and returned stories for A Yeatts and Osiris. Asit turns out, I've critted Owasm's entry once before, so he will send me a different story at a time of his convenience. I've not received WriterDan's story.
Thanx, Group One, for taking the time to offer up your thoughts for the benefit of my story.
Group Two I've received stories from mbwood, axeminister, and LDWriter2.
Malcolm, you will be receiving my crit soon.
Also: I will send all of you in Group Two my revised story before the end of next week.
S!
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
I have received and critted two stories.
I think I have received two crits. I say think because seems like it should be three but I can't find the third one so I will have to double check my e-mail on that address later.
Make that three crits received. But that one is a new one. The mysterious one is still hidden...maybe I dreamed it or am thinking of another story.
[ May 19, 2012, 06:48 PM: Message edited by: LDWriter2 ]
Posted by Osiris (Member # 9196) on :
I just sent my last critique, and have received critiques from everyone except WriterDan and Xenomaniac.
If I anyone expecting a critique from me hasn't received it, please let me know.
Posted by WriterDan (Member # 6456) on :
Sorry I've been a bit absent this time around, all.
The WriterDan clan is now +1 though. Girl -- 8 lbs, 19in
Bring on the narcolepsy...
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
Congrats Dan
Posted by JenniferHicks (Member # 8201) on :
Congrats Dan! Say goodbye to sleep for about the next six months, but it's worth it.
Posted by snapper (Member # 7299) on :
Hey Dan, you're the family man! Congrats bud. Hmmmm, I wonder if we'll see a change in your writing. I can see sleep deprived hero's battling the injustice done to the little guy. Oh! And maybe the female companion will be the brilliant, thoughtful partner who isn't a love interest.
In anycase, don't let that baby scream because you have to finish that eloquent and thought provoking phrase before it flees from your mind.
Enjoy that little angel of yours.
Posted by Brendan (Member # 6044) on :
Wonderful news Dan.
Posted by Owasm (Member # 8501) on :
Best excuse in the world. Congrats.
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
After this happy news getting back to the thread.
I received one more story I need to start critting.
I think that leaves one or two I still need to receive.
And I think I still need one or two crits too. If one is from Dan I won't worry about it. Posted by Osiris (Member # 9196) on :
quote:Originally posted by WriterDan: Sorry I've been a bit absent this time around, all.
The WriterDan clan is now +1 though. Girl -- 8 lbs, 19in
Bring on the narcolepsy...
Congrats Dan! I'll be joining you in about two weeks. We've got a little girl on the way as well. Precocious she is, looking to come two weeks before the due date. Hoping I'll have time to revise my story and submit it for WoTF before then, but I might just save it for next quarter. Would rather do it right than quick.
Posted by Utahute72 (Member # 9057) on :
Congrats Dan, and premature congrats to Osiris. Hopefully you guys will get some time to write in between family duties.
Just a note that any delivery has to be better than my last one.
Posted by Crank (Member # 7354) on :
Congrats to Dan! Future congrats to Osiris!
quote:JenniferHicks: Say goodbye to sleep for about the next six months, but it's worth it.
Six months would be a tolerable stretch. I haven't slept in 20 years!
S!
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
All these new E-mails remind me I need to get going on the final revision of my Q3 story. I received three crits and maybe another one on the way but I need to get going on it before I get that one, if it's a new one.
Posted by Crank (Member # 7354) on :
Home stretch time! I'm dedicating the next few days to getting my story ready for submission. So, if you have not had an opportunity to critique my story yet, do not worry about it. You're off the hook. WriterDan, as far as I'm concerned, gets an automatic pass anyway...he has more important things to attend to.
Thanx to everyone for the excellent feedback...some of the comments I anticipated...some bore insights I would have never realized in a million years...all were appreciated, and they weighed heavily in the debate I've been having with myself whether or not I even want to submit this story to WotF.
Either way...rock on!
S!
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
Yeah, need to decide if I should do away with the opening and change the way it's done. Three or four people advised me to. If I do I will need to work on during my first week of vacation and send it in last moment. I like it the way it is and the whole story was built from that opening scene. But if I really need to get rid of it so be it. Got to think on it.
Of course the way I am working now even if I don't change it the last revision may take that long anyway.
Posted by Osiris (Member # 9196) on :
quote:Originally posted by Crank: Congrats to Dan! Future congrats to Osiris!
S!
Thank you Crank! I'm leaning toward letting my story slide to next quarter. With the baby coming any day now, I'm finding it too hard to focus on revising my story, and like Dan, once the baby is born I'll probably be too busy for the next month or so to revise.
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
Okay submitted Q3
For those who have read it, I changed the title to something or another instead of thingamajig. I think it fits more what was going inside of him.
Posted by Crank (Member # 7354) on :
My 2012 Q3 entry is out the door!
Now, it's time to write something else...which I've actually already started doing.
S!
Posted by axeminister (Member # 8991) on :
Yay Crank!
Still working on mine.
Just one more reader's feedback, then I'm sending it.
Probably June 30th.
Axe
Posted by Owasm (Member # 8501) on :
Q3 is in. So I've still got two stories in the WotF hopper.
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
Joni did it to me again.
Saw that I had an E-mail about my WotF submission. First thought was "Hadn''t heard David was done with Q2, which means Oh no, not even a HM this time".
It was Joni declaring my submission for Q3 is entered in the contest. Winners announced in Sept.
And yes I am formulating my next story. Actually I already did. Posted by JenniferHicks (Member # 8201) on :
I got the same e-mail. I thought it was going to be my Q1 response. Joni asked for an e-mail back to confirm I had gotten the confirmation. My response included an added note that I was much more interested in receiving a response on my Q1 entry than worrying about when Q3 results will come down. (Hint, hint ...)
Posted by mbwood (Member # 9525) on :
When I get three confirmations (on June 7, 11 & 15) addressed to 'Entrant' about my entry for Q3, which was sent on June 6, I begin to wonder about the organization. Of course, there was the usual request for acknowledgement of the e-mail. I'm hoping for better results with my Q2 & Q3 submissions than what happened with the Q1. Oh, yes, there was a note that the results for Q2 would be out in June. (Don't hold your breath!)
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
mb was the first one just a one sentence confirmation?
I received that one but I don't count it.
This one though was more for sure.
I need to reread it, I don't recall a request for a confirmation for the confirmation.
But as to Q2, it's possible that the first rejections could go out before the end of June. Or if David does it differently all could go out by the 30th. Well, if they pushed it they could.
Winners are another matter.
Posted by mbwood (Member # 9525) on :
Louis - yes. mbwood
Posted by Utahute72 (Member # 9057) on :
Anyone up for a read before I send in my Q3 story?
Posted by mbwood (Member # 9525) on :
Hey, Utah;
send it my way. I'll read it. mbwood
Posted by Utahute72 (Member # 9057) on :
Well its gone, just under the wire again. Thanks for the read mb, great comments, I didn't get them all incorporated, but they helped make it a better story. I would like to have some physics discussions sometime.
Posted by genevive42 (Member # 8714) on :
I know I didn't do the crit group this time, but I did submit a story. I'm staying in the loop because it's a story that HM'd with KDW. It's also gotten some good feedback from other places. So I thought it might be a good data point to see how Dave Farland responds to it, better, worse or the same. I'll let you know when I hear.
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
And sorta of too bad you didn't wait there are five to seven of us who are doing that for Four.
I think you could still place your name on the list of those who sent a story in.
Speaking of which is there a list for those who sent a story in?
Posted by Utahute72 (Member # 9057) on :
Here's the list as near I can tell:
Utahute72 LDWriter2 Genevieve42 Crank OSWAM
A few others I wasn't sure about so feel free to expand the list.
Posted by axeminister (Member # 8991) on :
Utahute72 LDWriter2 Genevieve42 Crank OSWAM Axeminister
Posted by mbwood (Member # 9525) on :
Utahute72 LDWriter2 Genevieve42 Crank OSWAM Axeminister mbwood
Posted by JenniferHicks (Member # 8201) on :
Utahute72 LDWriter2 Genevieve42 Crank OSWAM Axeminister mbwood Jennifer Hicks
Posted by Strycher (Member # 9821) on :
Utahute72 LDWriter2 Genevieve42 Crank OSWAM Axeminister mbwood Jennifer Hicks Strycher
Posted by rabirch (Member # 9832) on :
Utahute72 LDWriter2 Genevieve42 Crank OSWAM Axeminister mbwood Jennifer Hicks Strycher rabirch (if this is just a list of who submitted to Q3)
Posted by MJNL (Member # 9686) on :
Utahute72 LDWriter2 Genevieve42 Crank OSWAM Axeminister mbwood Jennifer Hicks Strycher rabirch (if this is just a list of who submitted to Q3) MJNL
Posted by mrmeadors (Member # 6378) on :
Utahute72 LDWriter2 Genevieve42 Crank OSWAM Axeminister mbwood Jennifer Hicks Strycher rabirch (if this is just a list of who submitted to Q3) MJNL mrmeadors (holy smokes I'm alive! subbed at the last minute)
Posted by Strycher (Member # 9821) on :
quote:Originally posted by rabirch: (if this is just a list of who submitted to Q3)
That's my understanding. If it's some other list, I may need to be removed . . . Posted by Owasm (Member # 8501) on :
Dave Farland's Daily Kick:
No awakening beginnings. They won't make it through the first 13. My entry? awakening beginning. It's different that usual, but he was pretty adamant.
Read his Daily Kicks. He's telling us what will work with him and what won't.
Posted by Utahute72 (Member # 9057) on :
This is just a list of those that entered into Quarter 3.
Posted by A Yeatts (Member # 9500) on :
Utahute72 LDWriter2 Genevieve42 Crank OSWAM Axeminister mbwood Jennifer Hicks Strycher rabirch (if this is just a list of who submitted to Q3) MJNL mrmeadors A Yeatts
Posted by Crank (Member # 7354) on :
quote:Owasm: No awakening beginnings. They won't make it through the first 13. My entry? awakening beginning.
Just before submitting one of my stories to WotF, I 'adjusted' an awakening beginning scene to where my MC had a waking hallucination instead. The story earned an HM, but I do not know if my adjustment earned that placement or kept me from an even higher ranking. It will be curious to see if Mr. Farland allows for such variations of the 'awakening' approach. Of course, my Q3 entry didn't have that kind of an opening, so I'm safe this time.
S!
Posted by greenroom (Member # 9692) on :
quote:Originally posted by A Yeatts: Utahute72 LDWriter2 Genevieve42 Crank OSWAM Axeminister mbwood Jennifer Hicks Strycher rabirch (if this is just a list of who submitted to Q3) mrmeadors A Yeatts Greenroom
Added myself and removed MJNL.
Posted by Grayson Morris (Member # 9285) on :
(Hi all, haven't posted here in eons. Hope you're all doing well!)
quote:Originally posted by A Yeatts: Utahute72 LDWriter2 Genevieve42 Crank OSWAM Axeminister mbwood Jennifer Hicks Strycher rabirch (if this is just a list of who submitted to Q3) mrmeadors A Yeatts Greenroom Grayson Morris
I have little hope regarding my Q3; my Q2 got a flat rejection from DF, and I think the two stories have stylistic similarities. Of course, maybe he rejected on something other than style. As far as I can tell, it wasn't any of the things he's listed in his Daily Kicks (unless we have differing opinions of "penetration" and other squiggly concepts, which is entirely possible). Ah, well, upward and onward.
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
quote: have little hope regarding my Q3; my Q2 got a flat rejection from DF, and I think the two stories have stylistic similarities. Of course, maybe he rejected on something other than style. As far as I can tell, it wasn't any of the things he's listed in his Daily Kicks (unless we have differing opinions of "penetration" and other squiggly concepts, which is entirely possible).
I have no idea about mine. My Q2 was different from a lot of my stories. At least the setting was anyway, some of the over coming emotional baggage may have been the same. So Q3 well (shudder shrug) depends what he feels about flashbacks and if he considers the opening cliche-ish. It could be.
And it still is basically my writing too.
Posted by mrmeadors (Member # 6378) on :
My Q3 was just plain....well, weird isn't the right word, but I honestly have no idea if it will do well or not.
Posted by Strycher (Member # 9821) on :
I've read the work of two of the Q1 Winners (including the story that placed first) and one of the Q2 Finalists. If their writing provides a base line for what to expect in future Finalist selections, I think it's safe to say my Q3 isn't going to impress DF. I'm not sure that I have anything in me for Q4 that will impress him either. So, I guess I'm back to writing for my own amusement. Posted by axeminister (Member # 8991) on :
quote:I've read the work of two of the Q1 Winners (including the story that placed first) and one of the Q2 Finalists.
Me too. How bizarre. Like we travel in the same circles or something.
Axe
Posted by Strycher (Member # 9821) on :
quote:Originally posted by axeminister:
quote:I've read the work of two of the Q1 Winners (including the story that placed first) and one of the Q2 Finalists.
Me too. How bizarre. Like we travel in the same circles or something.
Axe
I think that's actually the real benefit of these forums. Swapping stories and then seeing who gets what placement is about as good as actually reading the anthologies.
Posted by JenniferHicks (Member # 8201) on :
I've critiqued the second place story in Q2 for two years running, but not this year. No one whose story I read has told me they're a finalist.
Posted by Grayson Morris (Member # 9285) on :
I've ramped up my get-critiques efforts and found a couple of new crit-mates who aren't afraid to be ruthless. I'm really pleased to have found them!
I may also join the Q1 v30 critique group here -- I think I'm too late for Q4, and I'm about to go on vacation, making me even later. At this point I'm feeling like it's a good idea to get as much feedback as I can on my stories. In the past I've had one or two people read them, but honestly, most people are afraid to step on your toes. I WANT toe-steppage, people! It's the only way to step up my game from decent to awesome.
And feedback from many people also helps highlight what's individual quirk, and what's a fundamental problem with the story itself.
Posted by axeminister (Member # 8991) on :
quote:Originally posted by JenniferHicks: I've critiqued the second place story in Q2 for two years running, but not this year. No one whose story I read has told me they're a finalist.
And I was very bummed this turned out to be true. Posted by JenniferHicks (Member # 8201) on :
quote:Originally posted by axeminister:
quote:Originally posted by JenniferHicks: I've critiqued the second place story in Q2 for two years running, but not this year. No one whose story I read has told me they're a finalist.
And I was very bummed this turned out to be true.
Ha! I bet you are. Sorry my Q2 magic ran out before it got to you.
Posted by axeminister (Member # 8991) on :
Agreed!
Now I have to rely on my "Q3" magic as the only Q3 I've ever entered got me my F from last year.
*shakes dice*
Axe
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
Well, if David's estimate of how long he wanted to work on his stuff was correct he should start reading for Q3 tomorrow. If he goes as quick as he did for Q2 we might be start getting the first rejections a week later.
And Joni said something about that they should be back on schedule next quarter. I think it will more like the quarter after.
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
Boy no News,,. David is not following the same schedule as last quarter, or he hasn't started reading yet.
Posted by JenniferHicks (Member # 8201) on :
He might be reading slower, or he might not have started (though I doubt it). I'm not going to sweat it yet.
Posted by Crank (Member # 7354) on :
Yeah, it's too early for stress. As several very wise people have already suggested, I'm turning my attention towards my next project, which, by the way, is not a science fiction project...and I'm wondering if this choice of what to work on next is a subconsciously-driven form of avoiding the entire science fiction realm completely because I don't want to stress over the verdict of my WotF entry? Hmmmm...that would make a good case study...which, knowing me, would lead to a new science fiction project...which would at some point remind me I haven't heard jack about my WotF entry...
My vacation is not approaching fast enough.
S!
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
Not so much stressing as expecting. Maybe they are caught up all the way by now. Joni said it would be soon, I forget if that was this quarter or next. But it seems to me they will need one more quarter but I could be all wet.
Posted by snapper (Member # 7299) on :
When's he going to start! When's he going to start!
Is this going to be another quarter where he reads and decides on every submission in two weeks?
Posted by JenniferHicks (Member # 8201) on :
The last I heard, DW said in a Facebook post that he was going to start reading Q3 at the start of August. Which means we should get some results soon. I hope.
Posted by rabirch (Member # 9832) on :
That would be nice. I've been holding on to my mellow, but it's starting to fray.
(Not expecting anything exciting, though.)
Posted by mbwood (Member # 9525) on :
As far as I know, Dave Wolverton (or Dave Farland) wasn't at ChiCon (the world SF convention), so that isn't the reason for the delay. I did run into Brad Torgersen while there. He was on a couple of panels.
Posted by snapper (Member # 7299) on :
So what did Brad say?
On an unrelated note, Brad is now squatting in Mike Resnick's house. He reports Mike has so many awards he uses a Hugo for a toliet paper holder.
Posted by mbwood (Member # 9525) on :
Brad was on nine panels (whew!) and I went to the one where he talked about the SF novelette (three markets only) and the marketing issues. Afterwards we talked briefly about novel writing (yes, he is writing a novel) and was interested in the spreadsheet I use to outline a novel, which I sent to him today.
Posted by JenniferHicks (Member # 8201) on :
Update from the WotF forum: A forumite reports having talked with DW at a workshop. He doesn't have the Q3 manuscripts yet but will soon and plans to start judging Q3 next week. So everyone can stop fretting for at least a couple of weeks. Either that or we can let out a collective groan at the confirmation that the wait will go on.
On another note, I finally got my Q2 HM certificate this morning.
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
Good for you Jennifer.
But he hasn't gotten them yet??? Yikes.
Looks like another reading marathon for him.
Posted by JenniferHicks (Member # 8201) on :
Here's something to chew on while we're still waiting (and waiting and waiting and waiting) for results: Joni says the number of Vol. 29 submissions is breaking records. That makes it harder to win (darn it!) but also means those stories that do win will be fantastic.
Posted by thomaskcarpenter (Member # 9192) on :
Heyas, fellow results watchers.
Just stopping by to say hello.
mbwood - I see you went to Chicon. Did I meet you there? I don't know your Hatrack handle so I'm not sure if I met you or not.
--Tom
Posted by mbwood (Member # 9525) on :
Hello, ThomasKCarpenter;
I don't believe we met a ChiCon. I did meet Brad Torgersen and later sent him some material for his novel. I've attended WorldCons since '93 and a couple of weeks ago, BoucherCon (mystery writers). If you plan to go to San Antonio, perhaps we could meet then.
Remember the first rule of writing... Write! mbwood
Posted by genevive42 (Member # 8714) on :
I presume everyone got this, but I thought I'd post it in case anyone is having trouble accessing their e-mail.
quote:Dear 3rd Quarter Entrants,
I'm sending you this robo e-mail to let you all know that we will have results in a couple of days here. As we have 90% of the quarter judged now I theoretically could be sending out notices but it occured to me that a decent amount of applicants may not even have power right now. So I'd like to wait for a few days while about 1/4 of the United States gets back to battery (no pun intended). If you are in New York City, New York state, or New Jersey, or Virginia, or Connecticut or any where on the Eastern Seaboard and you got this notice, please let me know. That means I can send out results sooner than I thought. I'm just trying to be considerate here and don't want a considerable number of people to not get their notices. I know you all want to know the results as soon as possible. I'm trying to make that happen while also being considerate of those who have just been through God only knows what!!!!
P.S. Please don't write to me if you are in California, or some other place that is pretty dry right now -- That includes all of you in Texas!!!
Best,
Joni
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
Hmm, I hadn't gotten it as of an hour or so ago. Probably be there when I check in a few minutes.
Thanks for posting it.
Posted by JenniferHicks (Member # 8201) on :
I got Joni's e-mail. That was considerate of her to let us all know where the quarter stands, and to wait a few more days because of what's going on in the East. I do have to wonder what 90 percent means. Are there entries still unread? Or is DW down to sorting the semis and finalists? Or is he complete done and only the finalist judging is left? I guess we'll know in a few days.
Posted by mbwood (Member # 9525) on :
Hi, for you folk out west, I believe Joni's epistle was an expression of concern and sympathy for those suffering in the cold without power, facing a tough time just trying to get back to a normal life. When faced with this type of situation, writing becomes a low priority...
Power only came back today after failing on Monday, and I'm a lucky one. Tens of thousands (in the Greater Cleveland area) remain without power, with flooding in low-lying areas and roads still blocked by fallen trees with temperatures dipping into the low forties. Survival becomes important.
As bad as it is here, the east coast is far, far worse and will take a long to get back to normal. My heart, thoughts and prayers go out to them.
Posted by Osiris (Member # 9196) on :
quote:Originally posted by mbwood: As bad as it is here, the east coast is far, far worse and will take a long to get back to normal. My heart, thoughts and prayers go out to them.
This East Coaster (and former Cleveland resident, and die-hard Browns fan) thanks you. Fortunately we came through it unscathed, but we have many downed trees in our neighborhood, amazingly none fell on houses, though one fell across our street and knocked a utility pole akilter. One coworker did end up with a tree falling on her house but fortunately none were hurt.
I will say that the power companies are doing a much better job for us this year than last with Irene and the October snowstorm. We had about half the power outages of last year and all but 20,000 homes in Massachusetts are restored as of today.
Posted by mbwood (Member # 9525) on :
Unfortunately, over 100K homes in the Greater Cleveland area remain without power. Many trees blew down, taking power, phone and cable lines. The heavy rain ended last night, but the temperatures remain in the low 40s, compounding the discomfort. Death totals unknown due to communication problems. Power companies working hard to fix problems. Four trees fell around my home, one of which landed on a neighbor's home; another blocked my driveway, which required significant time wielding the chain saw.
Browns' fan, eh? Takes courage to admit that, especially living in Patriots' territory. I guess you know how to handle adversity.
I suspect conditions in New Jersey remain grim, especially in the shore area. They got hit hard by the storm surge, or so the news media says.
Posted by genevive42 (Member # 8714) on :
No place for me this quarter with Wolverton. BTW, this is a story that KDW gave an honorable mention.
Posted by JenniferHicks (Member # 8201) on :
Wait, what? A response?
Sorry to hear it's not a good one. Posted by JenniferHicks (Member # 8201) on :
I just got my response, too. Honorable mention. I thought this story was my best submission ever and had a real shot at finalist, so I'm disappointed.
Posted by A Yeatts (Member # 9500) on :
Honorable Mention! My first... so I'm through the roof excited. Posted by Crank (Member # 7354) on :
No WotF placement for me.
But...the very next email in my inbox was an invitation to rewrite part of a short story I submitted to a different market.
No time or tolerance for wallowing and negativity today.
S!
Posted by Owasm (Member # 8501) on :
Nothing good. Back to NaNoWriMo. I really don't think I'm in sync with Wolverton and backing away from WotF is probably in my future.
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
I'm done with Q3 too.
Posted by Utahute72 (Member # 9057) on :
Yep, I got a reject too. I might go a different direction for the current quarter.
Posted by mrmeadors (Member # 6378) on :
I'm wondering if something went wrong with my story. I just realized that I never got a confirmation that it was received. Posted by snapper (Member # 7299) on :
HM for me. Maybe I should stop sending them trunk stories...
Posted by mrmeadors (Member # 6378) on :
Nope, all went well with my story--got an honorable mention Posted by axeminister (Member # 8991) on :
RaBirch is a confirmed finalist. I haven't received results yet, but no call, so...
Axe
Posted by rabirch (Member # 9832) on :
quote:Originally posted by axeminister: RaBirch is a confirmed finalist. I haven't received results yet, but no call, so...
Axe
That I am, Axe. I got the call last night. Still trying to pick my brain up off the floor!
Hoping for a good result for you.
Congratulations to the HMs and commiserations for the Rs. As a data point, I got two HMs in a row from KD, then the next two were straight Rs, and now a finalist. Any story can win at any time.
Wishing everyone the best in the next quarter!
Posted by MJNL (Member # 9686) on :
Congrats again!
Posted by mbwood (Member # 9525) on :
Hello, Rebecca;
congratulations! I recognized your creative stories and light touch to fiction. I hope your entry goes all the way and my critiques helped you get there. All the very best! I can understand why you got to be a finalist (even though I got a R).
Posted by Brendan (Member # 6044) on :
Woo hoo Rebecca. Top stuff.
Nothing here. But then again, I didn't get one in this quarter. If I did win something this quarter, then it would be some sort of spec fic.
Posted by A Yeatts (Member # 9500) on :
Congrats, Rebecca!!!
Posted by axeminister (Member # 8991) on :
Grats to you too, Anna. A win in the flash contest and your first HM...
I'd say you're on the move!
Axe
Posted by Utahute72 (Member # 9057) on :
Congrats guys, it looks like they are picking some of the better writers on here.
Posted by Owasm (Member # 8501) on :
Congratulations, Rebecca.
Posted by A Yeatts (Member # 9500) on :
It's been a good week! ;P
Posted by rabirch (Member # 9832) on :
Thanks so much, everybody. I'm really grateful to be a part of this community. You all are awesome. Smart, creative, and so willing to help each other (and me!) out with critique swaps and discussions about writing.
Also, Anna, I agree with Axe. Way to go!
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
So congratulations to rabirch and congrats to Rebecca and MR, Jennifer.
They are picking the better writers here.
Anyone I missed?
Hmm, thought about sending out my story--the rejected Q3 one--to F&SF, I didn't quite get that story I wanted to send revised after I received a crit for it. The Q3 one is already critted and ready to go.
But I happen to have heard that Hoboken was hit by Sandy. At least their electricity was. So I'll be waiting a while. But maybe IGMS, if one set of letters didn't like maybe another one will.
Posted by genevive42 (Member # 8714) on :
Congrats all!
Posted by axeminister (Member # 8991) on :
THIRD QUARTER FINALISTS
Jacquelyn Bartel of California Rebecca Birch of Washington (state) Marilyn Guttridge of Oregon Gregory Jeffs of Texas Yue Pang of Canada Charles Schoenfeld of Connecticut Andrea Stewart of California Alex Wilson of North Carolina
I'm obviously behind on populating our list of Woo-hoos for this quarter. If any of you got awards/honors for this quarter or quarter 2, could you send me an email with what you got and I'll put it up in the first post? I'll try to go through all the posts and filter the answers, but I'd rather not miss anyone if at all possible. Thanks.
Major congrats to Rebecca too. I'm pretty sure I've only read one of your stories, and though I don't specifically remember what it was, I do remember being quite impressed. No surprise there for me. Great job!
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
Oh Good Grief...I've gone and forgotten which story was Q3. I wanted to send it to F&SF since they have power and mail again but I can't find that story. I forgot to list it...duh. One I thought was it has been sitting at Analog since Aug. so obviously that isn't it.
The only thing I can think is that I sent in a story again that I sent in a while back.
I think I just deleted all E-mail concerning Q3 too, ugh. But if any of you can recall the title of my Q3 story please E-mail me.
Posted by rabirch (Member # 9832) on :
Got word not long ago that I was not a winner in Q3. Thrilled to have made it as far as Finalist, and I'm looking forward to continuing to submit until I win or pro out.
Posted by Utahute72 (Member # 9057) on :
Sorry to hear that Rabirch, I thought yours was pretty good.
Did you ever find your story LD?
Posted by JenniferHicks (Member # 8201) on :
Keep it up, Rebecca, and congrats on making finalist. Many eventual winners didn't win on their first time in the final eight.
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
quote:Originally posted by Utahute72:
Did you ever find your story LD? [/QB]
I did. My mistake was in forgetting I had split up one story. And than I forgot I retitled it for WotF.
So I found it and sent it out but it still didn't get very far. But I need to send it elsewhere.
But at least it isn't stuck like Q2. That story has been sitting at Analog since Aug. I've checked the status three times it still reads waiting
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