This is a critique group for writers that will be entering a story into the first quarter of 2013 in the Writers of the Future contest (30th year). Anyone is welcome to join, but please follow the directions below for doing such.
Currently, the group is empty.
If you want to join the group this quarter, please post the current members list in a reply to this post with your name added at the bottom.
Tentative deadlines for this quarter are as follows:
Sept 1st: Start writing Oct 14th: First drafts out for crits Nov 7th: Second drafts out for crits Nov 30th: Mail in final drafts
[Note: The official entry deadline for this quarter is Dec 31st; however, this group's deadlines are set up so that all entries can be entered well before the deadline and hopefully beat the rush at the end of the quarter.]
When you send out drafts for critique, please do so in a generic format so that everyone will be able to open your file. (eg. rtf, txt, pdf. doc and docx [Microsoft Word] files are usually okay too, but you may get asked to resend in a generic format.) Also, please try keep to proper manuscript format so that we can all learn how these things should be correctly submitted. Last, we swap stories via email with addresses listed in the forum. So, be sure to keep your email address current on your profile here at Hatrack. The entire group of entrants this quarter will be split into smaller subgroups when it comes to critting. The subgroups should be in the realm of 4-7 people. So don't get too worried if the size of the whole group gets pretty big.
Also, a word about story limits. The officially published limitation for a Writers of the Future short-story submission is 17,000 words. There is, however, also a page-space limit that comes into play because of hard-copy publication issues. Thus there is an unpublished and fairly-hard limit of 68 pages of properly-formatted manuscript (check out the Vonda McIntyre link below). So when you're writing your entry, be sure to keep both of these story limits in mind.
Finally, (and I know that for some of you this will go without saying) if you sign up to swap stories and/or give critiques please give a full critique of the full story. Don't bail on a story just because it "isn't for you". If there is too much violence/profanity/sex in a story, you have the right to stop reading, make a comment saying so, and return the story to the author unfinished (this is what the Wotf judges will do, after all. Well, minus the comment.). Otherwise, please be respectful of the unspoken agreement that we each make to give a full, valid critique to every member of the group that submits a story. Also, try not to do too much re-writing in your crits. It gets tedious sometimes if there are more than just a few examples, and we're all pretty smart here. Thanks.
P.S. -- If you're a regular in this critique group, you may have noticed that I did not add myself to the group this quarter. I've reached a condition of serious failure on multiple levels of my life due to not being able to give up anything on my list of "what I want to do". This has come on after finally graduating from school, getting a real job (whatever that means), and trying to re-learn how to live in the resultant chaos. So, unfortunately, I've decided to bail on my short story writing for the next year or so, and allow myself to focus on other aspects of my life that I feel need some serious attention. I feel horrible about having to make this decision, but don't think that I have anything else right now that I can give up first. I AM still planning on running this critique group every quarter because I really feel like it does a lot of good for a lot of people and really only requires minimal effort on my part. So, best of luck to everybody this quarter. I plan on seeing great things happen with your entries time around. -- Dan
Posted by Osiris (Member # 9196) on :
Woohoo first response. I'm in!
Osiris
[ September 04, 2012, 01:22 PM: Message edited by: Osiris ]
Posted by rabirch (Member # 9832) on :
I'm in.
Osiris rabirch
Posted by Owasm (Member # 8501) on :
I'm going to pass this quarter for the first time in I don't know how long. I've got three novels I want to get up and two anthologies before the end of the year. (self-pubbed) and I don't think I'll have the time.
Good luck to you all!
Osiris rabirch
Posted by lizluka (Member # 9916) on :
I'm in! First timer, so I'll try to keep up with how everything works:)
Osiris rabirch lizluka
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
Osiris rabirch lizluka LDWtiter2
I may have started it already. Haven't quite made up my mind, but it will be a different style for me, kinda cyberpunkish. If it goes as planned.
Don't know how David feels about that type of story but I have read something in that type in WotF before.
Posted by Utahute72 (Member # 9057) on :
I'm still working on last quarter's but what the heck.
Osiris rabirch lizluka LDWtiter2 Utahute72
Posted by mbwood (Member # 9525) on :
Add me to the list.
Osiris rabirch lizluka LDWtiter2 Utahute72 mbwood
Posted by AWSullivan (Member # 8059) on :
Ahem... add me please.
Osiris rabirch lizluka LDWtiter2 Utahute72 mbwood AWSullivan
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
Boy, my r-s are sounding like T-s these days.
But a good gtoup...we will do good.
Posted by Osiris (Member # 9196) on :
Hmm, so do we need break up into two groups?
Posted by WriterDan (Member # 6456) on :
I'll post the groups next week. First round deadline is Oct 14th. I always forget that it's not the 7th myself. Posted by Osiris (Member # 9196) on :
To quote someone we all know:
"I love deadlines. I like the whooshing sound they make as they fly by."
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
I think that was the motto for half the people in the Q4 group...that includes me. I was a bit late too.
Posted by Utahute72 (Member # 9057) on :
quote:Originally posted by WriterDan: I'll post the groups next week. First round deadline is Oct 14th. I always forget that it's not the 7th myself.
Or there abouts
Posted by mbwood (Member # 9525) on :
Hello, WriterDan; we need your administrative skills to crack the whip on us recalcitrant writers... whatever we are. Can you list the groups for the first round of exchanges... please?
Are you ready? Are you really ready for some Monday night critting?
Posted by Osiris (Member # 9196) on :
Ugh, I'm so behind. Been busy as I've taken on some contract business writing gigs.
Posted by AWSullivan (Member # 8059) on :
So I wrapped up a story last night, very short. Too short really to be considered for WotF at 1600 words. the story I was working on for WotF is stalled and needs several more hours of love.
Anyway, I think I need to bow out or just send my shorter story and enjoy the benefit of your critiques despite it never being destined for WotF.
Thoughts?
Posted by rabirch (Member # 9832) on :
At this point, my best choice is a story that got a flat reject at WotF, but has had a serious overhaul of its beginning after comments at the Baen's Bar Universe Annex. I think it's got a much better chance now. (Have a feeling the reader didn't get past the first page the first time.) Wish I had something brand new, but like AWSullivan, all my new stuff is either too short or just doesn't feel contest-appropriate.
Posted by WriterDan (Member # 6456) on :
quote:Originally posted by Utahute72:
quote:Originally posted by WriterDan: I'll post the groups next week. First round deadline is Oct 14th. I always forget that it's not the 7th myself.
Or there abouts
Yeah, weekends are bad for me. lol.
So here we are, and the groups stand as thus:
Group 1: Osiris lizluka Utahute72 AWSullivan
Group 2: rabirch LDWtiter2 mbwood
Please review the suggestions in the first post of this discussion thread. Trade in-group this time. If there are any new-comers from this point out, they'll go to Group 2 first. Best of luck, everyone.
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
Looks like I'm joining the ranks of the late. I have 600 words on my story. Got started really late on it obviously.
Not sure completely where it is going and just got an idea that could change what little I knew. Something I have never seen in a story or novel. I'm sure I'm not the first one to come up with the idea and there could be a dozen or more stories written my the Masters with this idea but I have to decide if that idea is for this story or a new one later. It came from a throw away line by a very minor character.
So I only a little bit of an idea of how long...between 4,000 and 8,000 words even right now I would be slightly surprised if it goes over 7. If it takes too long I may have to try an older story this quarter.
Posted by Utahute72 (Member # 9057) on :
I mean that I'll hit somewhere within a week or two of Dan's deadlines, if I'm lucky. No aspersion on you Dan, I'm impressed with you ability to continue to do this.
Posted by Osiris (Member # 9196) on :
I have an alpha draft from a story from two quarters ago that I never subbed. I generally find I need two cycles of the WoTF crit group to be satisfied enough with a story to sub it.
So I need to do a revision of that alpha draft before I send it out. I believe some of you have seen it. I'm guessing I'm going to need two weeks from today before I can send it out to the group.
AWsullivan I'm fine with you participating even if you don't think you will sub the story. This is about all of us helping each other get better.
Posted by lizluka (Member # 9916) on :
quote:Originally posted by Osiris: AWsullivan I'm fine with you participating even if you don't think you will sub the story. This is about all of us helping each other get better.
Here here! Send it along. I should have mine ready to send out to you guys by...Saturday? I could send it now, but I just discovered a gaping omission and I'd rather plug the hole before I take anyone's time Posted by mbwood (Member # 9525) on :
I'm gonna assume that 'LDWtiter' is LDWriter... So, here it comes. Check your e-mail.
Posted by AWSullivan (Member # 8059) on :
Awesome. I'll send mine out this evening then!
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
I'm having some problems with my story having to do with the opening. I'm not sure if the first thousand-100 words have enough suspense and such. On top of that it's rather late so maybe I will save that one for Q2 especially since it's rather late. I do have one other old story that I still like, even though no one else does, it has suspense, danger and someone fighting their own emotional baggage to win. Only two things. The danger is to the MC only and the opening is cliche-ish. Even though hopefully done in a way to make it okay. But that is one thing the crits are for.
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
Since I haven't gotten a clear answer on what David thinks is a short story--mine was just under 4,000 words--I decided on one that is over 6,000.
Now of course it needs critting even though it has been a time or three. So I will be sending it out hopefully Tomorrow night. I need to spell and proofreader check it and make sure the body is in good shape after I deleted my name and address etc.
Posted by AWSullivan (Member # 8059) on :
Shoot it my way LD. I'll take a look.
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
Not quite done with it. It has too many Was-s and such. A lot more than I thought for the time I wrote it.
Posted by mbwood (Member # 9525) on :
Okay, it's November 7. Are we ready for round two of the crits? In group 2, I got both submissions (and returned them) and ready for more feedback.
What's next?
Posted by rabirch (Member # 9832) on :
OMG, is it that time already???
Wow. I'm so deep in NaNo I'd lost my train of short story thought.
Also checking in from group 2, I got and sent both my crits, so I'm ready to go whenever we get the go-ahead.
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
Slowly working on the revision of my story...make that very slowly...because of NaNo. Even though we have 'till the end of Dec I may end up with only one revision. Partly because of how much work is needed. I hadn't realized how bad a shape it was in. Of course the writing in my newer stories need a bunch of help also but this goes beyond that...so far anyway.
Posted by lizluka (Member # 9916) on :
So I assume we shift the groups around for the second go? I'm busily getting my revisions worked in, but I should be ready to send it back out by Monday, if we're exchanging things by then.
Posted by History (Member # 9213) on :
I apologize for intruding.
I have sincere admiration for each of you who possess the dedication (and command the time) to craft a story each, or nearly every, quarter; and have first drafts completed so early that you can submit them one month before the contest deadline.
It's been a year since my last WOTF submission, but I have finally written a story that may, possibly, be appropriate (sf, alt history, PG-13), although the first draft is on the longer side at 11.5K and it does contain some Yiddishkeit (Jewish characters, references, and words).
Although I am late to this party, I would welcome the opportunity to trade critiques with anyone, from either or both groups--unless this is not permissible.
Respectfully, Dr. Bob
Posted by WriterDan (Member # 6456) on :
Day late and a dollar short...
Well, here we are, and here's the group list again:
Group 1: Osiris lizluka Utahute72 AWSullivan
Group 2: rabirch LDWriter2 mbwood History
As usual, you're always welcome, Dr. Bob. Plus it's always nice to have a fellow doctor in the house. I put you in Group 2.
As per our modus operandi here, if you're listed in Group 1, send your story to those in Group 2 this time around, and if you're listed in Group 2, send your story to those in Group 1.
Best of luck!
Posted by lizluka (Member # 9916) on :
Thanks WriterDan:)
Posted by mbwood (Member # 9525) on :
er, Doctor Bob;
I'm willing to swap crits if you are. Some have said that my crits are harsh, which may be true. However, I call 'em as I see 'em, which comes from writing fiction for a quarter century.
Lemme know if you want a tough crit.
mbwood
Posted by History (Member # 9213) on :
Thanks everyone. You too, mb. Story sent.
Respectfully, Dr. Bob
Posted by History (Member # 9213) on :
MB,
I've completed your story crit and emailed it to you.
May it be as helpful to you as it has been to other Hatrackers who've gone on to becoming WOTF finalists and IGMS authors. (If only I had equal success critiquing my own stories. ).
If members of Group 1 have stories ready to send me, I'd suggest the earlier the better. I return to a full work schedule beginning Monday.
Respectfully, Dr. Bob
[ November 10, 2012, 10:20 PM: Message edited by: History ]
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
I haven't received any from the second round yet. My story won't be revised until Dec so I may have to skip the second round. However if I get my NaNo novel ahead enough I will be able to work on Q1 but I will do the crits.
Speaking of that. Dr. Bob you know how much I enjoy your stories so if you don't mind getting a crit back until the first part of Dec your can send yours to me. If that is too long I'll understand.
Posted by lizluka (Member # 9916) on :
Just sent mine out to Group 2. Thanks in advance! If anyone didn't get my email please let me know and I'll resend.
Posted by History (Member # 9213) on :
Hi, LD. That is kind.
I do greatly appreciate your past support and I have been humbled that you "like" my stories (except the "psychological horror" ones ).
This one is 11.3K. Not as long as my Kabbalist stories but still a novelette by word count. I hope it is not too long that it abuses your kind offer. I'll send you the latest corrected proof.*
Respectfully, Dr. Bob * Note: If anyone from Group 1 hasn't started critiquing my entry yet and would like this further corrected text, just email me.
Posted by History (Member # 9213) on :
Checks watch. Taps it. Sunday, November 18th. Taps it again. Onky 12 days remaining before "mail in final drafts."
Still waiting with blue pen in hand for your manuscripts, Osiris, Utahute72, & AWSullivan. The faster you can get them to me the better (with my crazy schedule). If they all appear in my mailbox that last week I may not be able to critique and return them to you in time. Just saying.
Respectfully, Dr. Bob
Posted by rabirch (Member # 9832) on :
I apologize, both for not having sent out my round 2 submission, and for not having returned the one I've received. Hadn't been realizing it was NaNoWriMo in November.
I will have to admit that I won't be submitting my Q1 until after the month has ended. Bad writer!
Anyways, just wanted to say I'm still here and haven't fallen off the face of the earth, I'm just swamped. So, again, apologies. Will try to get on top of this ASAP.
Rebecca
Posted by mbwood (Member # 9525) on :
Hello, Osiris, UtahUte72 & AWSullivan;
I'm waiting to get your submissions (and Thanksgiving is coming fast, along with deer season, which means time gets tight).
I've already done History and Lizluka's pieces.
I've received crits from Dr. Bob and UtahUte72 (Thank you very kindly!)
Now, folk, tempus fugit.
mbwood
Posted by Osiris (Member # 9196) on :
I'm almost there. I'm aiming to send out my story by the end of the week and then get to critiquing the stories sent to me.
And I'm okay with missing the deadline and submitting the story at the last minute, or even letting it slide to next quarter. I'd rather get it done right than fast. So that means if I send it late, don't feel you absolutely have to bend over backwards to get it to me for this quarter.
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
I still haven't mead any headway with my version two. Maybe tomorrow. Or later this weekend. I'm a bit ahead on my Nano Novel so that gives me a wee bit of time to work on it.
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
Still not done with my revision but I have done one crit and sent it back...I also am almost done with one for Dr. Bob.
I can't recall any others but did anyone else send a story to me?
I want to make sure, I have forgotten one or two over the years.
Posted by History (Member # 9213) on :
I surmise WOTF Group time in November is tough both because of Nano and the holidays. It's December and time to submit and move on to my next story.
My thanks to MWood, JHanzelka, LDWriter, NTchan, and LizLuka for their critiques.
Respectfully, Dr. Bob
Posted by lizluka (Member # 9916) on :
Thanks Dr. Bob, and thanks for your crit as well:) Good luck with the contest!
Posted by Osiris (Member # 9196) on :
Okay, I'm throwing in the towel on this quarter. Though I'm ALMOST done with my revision I don't think after waiting so long I have any right to expect that people will get it back to me in time to revise again before the end of the month. So, I'm bumping my story from this quarter to next. See ya over there, and good luck everyone!
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
Mine is now revised.
Would anyone be able to look it over? I don't want a full crit, I just need some help to find all of those pesky nitpicks that seem to be invisible to me. Mine is just under 7,000 words.
And Osiris how long is yours?
Depending on length and if you don't mind me taking a week, I can do yours. Of course I'm not sure how much help one crit from me would be.
[ December 08, 2012, 11:36 PM: Message edited by: LDWriter2 ]
Posted by Osiris (Member # 9196) on :
Well I've bumped my story to the next quarter. I have another story in the Innocentive Medical Science Fiction Contest that I will submit for this quarter if I here that it didn't win before the end of the month.
The story I originally intended for this Q is about 10K words. Since you signed up for next quarter, might as well wait until then.
Posted by lizluka (Member # 9916) on :
LDWriter2, I'd be happy to take a look if you want to send it my way.
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
Thanks,
Later this afternoon or since we're Christmas tree shopping maybe tonight I'll send it.
Posted by lizluka (Member # 9916) on :
Got it:)
Posted by mbwood (Member # 9525) on :
I sent my entry in today.
Many thanks to Dr. Bob, UtahUte72, LDWriter, LizLuka for their crits. Good luck in the contest.
mbwood
Posted by lizluka (Member # 9916) on :
Great job mbwood! Good luck:)
Posted by Osiris (Member # 9196) on :
Well, Innocentive had the courtesy of rejecting my submission to their contest before this quarter ended, so I've just subbed the story to WoTF for this quarter.
Did anyone else get a plain white screen after submitting? It kind of made me wonder if the submission went through properly. I did get an e-mail saying 'thank you for your submission'.
Good luck everyone!
Posted by rabirch (Member # 9832) on :
Congratulations to everyone who has submitted!
I'm making final revisions on my Q1 story, which is not the one that I started with, "Guardian."
While I was workshopping "Guardian" here, I also had it up for comments at Baen's Bar and it was accepted for publication at the Grantville Gazette Universe Annex. It will be in the January issue.
Thank you to everyone from this group who critiqued it. Your comments were incredibly helpful and made it a better story.
My next story in the WotF line should be fully edited and submitted within the next week.
Good luck to everyone!
Posted by lizluka (Member # 9916) on :
Congratulations Rebecca! That's awesome Posted by rabirch (Member # 9832) on :
Thanks, Liz!
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
I be done with mine. It be sent already...Urrg maties.
No, it's not talk like a pirate day I just felt like it.
However I did just send my story in.
I don't know---great story, got a couple of good crits for it, added stuff I have learned over the last year or so including what David likes, It's an older story I redid sections of, rewrote some smaller sections, it should be pretty clean of nitpicks...not sure about all the commas though.
I didn't do as much work on it as Q4, maybe half as much, so maybe this one isn't over done.
Posted by Tim (Member # 9989) on :
Osiris,
That huge blank screen scared me the first time I submitted, too. If you scroll up for a few pages, you'll see a "Thank you for your submission" message.
Must be a bug in the Wisehive submission system, I guess.
In other news, I'm new to this forum and relatively new to the contest. This will mark my fourth entry in a row. I should fare better on this one, I hope.
Posted by lizluka (Member # 9916) on :
Good luck, Tim!
Posted by snapper (Member # 7299) on :
When are we going to hear something?!?
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
Over on the WotF forum it has been stated that David is either done or very close to being done. It sounded like he might send all rejections to Joni at one time. Joni meanwhile is either busy with the awards thing coming up and/or out of town--I was a little confused by that.
So it is expected that we won't hear anything for another two weeks and maybe not for a couple of days after the Awards thing. Evidently she usually pauses with sending out rejections and phone calls when the Awards thing is close. She's too busy with it to do both.
However since David has come onboard in his current position he and Joni have surprised people more than once.
Posted by snapper (Member # 7299) on :
Reports are coming in. Hold onto to something
Posted by JenniferHicks (Member # 8201) on :
I got yet another HM. That makes 10 for me.
Posted by lizluka (Member # 9916) on :
HM.
Posted by Osiris (Member # 9196) on :
Rejection. Funny thing this is the story that received an HM two years ago, and I returned to it to see how two years of skill development could improve it. I cut cut cut and refined and I think this version is much better, but it gets a rejection. Oh well, c'est la vie.
Posted by JenniferHicks (Member # 8201) on :
Different judge, different tastes.
The story I entered in Q1 was exactly the same story, no revisions, that got a silver HM from KDW a couple of years ago. Really I was running an experiment on the taste differences between KDW and DW, and it turned out how I expected. DW is a harder customer for me to please.
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
quote:Originally posted by Osiris: Rejection. Funny thing this is the story that received an HM two years ago, and I returned to it to see how two years of skill development could improve it. I cut cut cut and refined and I think this version is much better, but it gets a rejection. Oh well, c'est la vie.
Well, it's a different person reading them at first and he seems to be tougher than the late ms Wentworth--different tastes for sure.
But I haven't heard yet but because of an E-mail snafu I may not. Especially as it looks like at least the semi-finalists have been notified. No phone calls which probably means the best I can get is a HM. Well maybe a Sliver but I'm still not sure how those are awarded.
Posted by Osiris (Member # 9196) on :
Right, it was just a reminder for me that what makes a story 'good' is a lot more subjective than I'd like to admit because I like to believe that hard work always yields results, when in fact, it is just half the equation. Posted by History (Member # 9213) on :
This is only my 4th WOTF submission. Most of my stuff is inappropriate.
I have never been in the first batch of rejection notices but enjoy the anticipation of the oft-proved rejection as much as I do having my blood drawn using a blunted rusty needle by a nurse with Parkinson's disease.
Respectfully, Dr. Bob
Posted by mbwood (Member # 9525) on :
Well, I got my rejection via mailer@wizehive.com, fully automated, including the automated sympathy.
I dunno, I've sent in a story that previously got an HM, however, I may have polished up too much. Sure is hard to figure out. I'll give it a couple more tries and if nothing comes of it, I'll concentrate on my mainstream stuff and getting novels up on Amazon.
Remember the first rule of writing... Write! mbwood
Posted by History (Member # 9213) on :
As I've posted elsewhere on Hatrack (I forget where), My takeaway from reading the last two anthologies has been:
1) submit science fiction 2) create a unique believable alternate/alien world/setting 3) create characters who are part of and yet in conflict with the world/setting. 4) the protagonist (and, if you can, the world/setting) must face internal and external conflict and be changed by their resolution at the story's end. 5) no "adult" themes (sex, gender-preference issues, graphic violence, no preaching)
I may or may not be correct in this, but this is my assessment to date.
I'm also behind you, Axe. I really would like to emulate you and gain some cred with pro-published shorts before returning to novel-writing. But we'll see, I'm more attuned to, and love, the larger canvas and even my "shorts" are long.
Respectfully, Dr. Bob
Posted by JenniferHicks (Member # 8201) on :
quote:Originally posted by axeminister: When you read Alisa Alering's story, you'll see what I mean. I can't imagine myself ever writing like that. (style).
Me neither. I cringe at description just for description's sake. If I'm going to use description (which I do), I want it to serve the story in some way. Which is why I will never get anything higher than an HM from DW. At this point, I'm entering every quarter out of habit more than anything else.
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
quote:Originally posted by History: As I've posted elsewhere on Hatrack (I forget where), My takeaway from reading the last two anthologies has been:
1) submit science fiction 2) create a unique believable alternate/alien world/setting 3) create characters who are part of and yet in conflict with the world/setting. 4) the protagonist (and, if you can, the world/setting) must face internal and external conflict and be changed by their resolution at the story's end. 5) no "adult" themes (sex, gender-preference issues, graphic violence, no preaching)
I may or may not be correct in this, but this is my assessment to date.
I'm also behind you, Axe. I really would like to emulate you and gain some cred with pro-published shorts before returning to novel-writing. But we'll see, I'm more attuned to, and love, the larger canvas and even my "shorts" are long.
Respectfully, Dr. Bob
I think you're almost right.
David has said he would take most any type of story. More on this in my post on the Q3 thread.
Actually, Dr. Bob I think you're stuff that takes place in the past might work better. I was thinking of a shorter one I read that could take place in medieval times. You might have to add some to it to give it more emotional zing and try-fail cycles but it would fit in a number of ways.
Posted by RyanB (Member # 10008) on :
quote:Originally posted by axeminister:
When you read Alisa Alering's story, you'll see what I mean. I can't imagine myself ever writing like that. (style).
Which is to say you've already read her story. Is it available somewhere? Or did you critique it or get private access some other way?
Posted by History (Member # 9213) on :
quote:Originally posted by axeminister: Dr. Bob, after reading your (brilliant) stuff, the only thing I might suggest is simplifying your plot/world problem and focusing in on the minutia.
Aleph: Thank you for the compliment.
Bet: The problem with "simple plots" is that I find them often too simple and unengaging--which is my major complaint about the short pieces I see at DSF, for example--yours, of course, exluded.
Gimel: Oh. I love "minutia", which I define as the internally consistent little elements in voice and language that sensually bring to life the characters and the wonder of their alternate world/setting within the reader's imagination. This is what I understand as "transport(ing) your reader." May I assume this is what you means as well? I found Nick Tchan's The Command For Love (WOTF v.28) and Patrick O'Sullivan's Maddy Dune's First and Only Spelling Bee (WOTF v.27) perfect examples of this.
Contrarily, I've been warned by some here to tone this down. You know, in that some of my stories are "too Jewish".
quote:I'm serious about Alering's story. Not only did it thrill DW, but it came in first for the quarter. The plot (IMO) is remarkably simple. Girl meets mysterious boy in war-torn country. But it is absolutely saturated with details. I really felt like I was standing next to them.
I'm looking forward to reading her story.
quote:Transport your reader. And just to be a total snob, I'm going to repeat that. Transport your reader.
Axe
Yes, sir.
Respectfully, Dr. Bob
[ March 21, 2013, 01:23 PM: Message edited by: History ]
Posted by History (Member # 9213) on :
quote:Originally posted by LDWriter2: Actually, Dr. Bob I think you're stuff that takes place in the past might work better. I was thinking of a shorter one I read that could take place in medieval times. You might have to add some to it to give it more emotional zing and try-fail cycles but it would fit in a number of ways.
I am not sure which story you mean, LD. I've only written two, to date, that could be loosely considered "medieval."
Erev Tov, a 13th century eastern Anatolian (i.e. Turkey) Jewish fable, which has been kindly well-received by many--except WOTF where it received a routine rejection.
...and a forschbise flash piece of a rabbinic mystic, an orphaned girl, and a Babylonian storm demon, which I wrote for one of our WOTF challenges (I lost) and for DSF (rejected). It has now become a near-completed novelette/near novella.
Based on my above assessment of WOTF volumes through Vol. 28, neither would be appropriate for WOTF.
However, if Axe is correct, and Mr. Wolverton is interested in "medieval" f/sf, then perhaps something with a medieval alternate world bent along the line of MZB's Darkover of GRRM's Game of Thrones, but "original" might work.
I will give it some thought. Thank you.
Respectfully, Dr. Bob
[ March 21, 2013, 01:25 PM: Message edited by: History ]
Posted by Owasm (Member # 8501) on :
I generally write medieval sword and sorcery stuff, but I don't write flowery and I don't immerse my characters in the five senses. (and I don't write stories with insect monsters like he does) So I haven't had any luck with DW at all. My style and his expectations do not mesh.
Posted by Osiris (Member # 9196) on :
Dr. Bob,
Have you tried submitting anything to Shimmer? I recently received a nice personal rejection from them for a ancient Egyptian fantasy piece I wrote. The encouraging thing about the rejection is that they said they loved the setting I created and rarely see it, and wanted to see more. Though I haven't read your work yet, it occurs to me that your fantasy work, from your description it sounds unique in avoiding the conventional tropes of Western civilization, may be similary received, or with luck, accepted.
Posted by History (Member # 9213) on :
Dear Osiris (and LD and Axeminster and everyone...),
For me, it is this camaraderie, support, and sincere interest of Hatrack River Forum Members (under the moderation of Ms Woodbury) to help one another fulfil our potential as flegling writers (and to achieve publication) that brings me back to the Forum so regularly. May HaShem bless you all.
Osiris, I have not yet submitted anything to Shimmer, a delightful venue btw, because I have yet to write something of sufficient brevity (i.e. <5000 words) as required by their guidelines [http://www.shimmerzine.com/guidelines/fiction-guidelines/].
I have written a modern Judeo-Egyptian fantasy piece, one of my Kabbalist Rabbi Cane stories, but it is thrice the permissible length for Shimmer. >sigh< But it was so much fun to write.
We should share stories someday.
Respectfully, Dr. Bob
Posted by JenniferHicks (Member # 8201) on :
(And I hope no other Hatrackers are hiding on the list because I've reached my quota for exclamation points for the month.)
Posted by snapper (Member # 7299) on :
Damn it! There goes my big April fools day announcement.
Congrats Doc. I thought you were a resident of Utah? I asked Joni if any Utahians made it. You Deserets corner the speculative market.
Posted by rabirch (Member # 9832) on :
WOOHOO!!! Congratulations, Snapper and Dr. Bob!
So very pleased!
(I got a very shiny form R for Q1)
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
Hold the Fort.
Dr. Bob is a Finalist????
Hey, you must have known for at least that last note. I was going to say that in my last note it was the flash story I meant but I believe that would be Okay for WotF if longer. But...
Of course this time the phone calls and rejections seem to have started the same time and evening but there may have been three posts up there that you knew.
Man, Good going at getting it and keeping it a secret. That story was good.
Snapper Congrats to you, you deserve it too.
But haven't you been close before?
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
As for me
Nothing yet.
Which most probably means that Joni didn't get my E-mail about the new E-mail address and as stated before the best I could get is a Silver HM. But that's doubtful it is my writing after all.
Posted by History (Member # 9213) on :
Mazel tov, Frank! (and "Hey!" you got top billing!)
A first for me. Nick Tchan posted it to my facebook timeline before I did!
And, yes, LD, Joni called me Tuesday evening just as I got home. I have always appreciated your feedback and support, and that of so many others here.
Anyway, ultimately I may not be one of the three winners, but it is encouraging, and an honor just to be nominated. . . . . . ...but I do look so svelte and distinquished in a tuxedo.
Just sayin'.
Respectfully, Dr. Bob
Posted by Meredith (Member # 8368) on :
Congratulations to both of you.
Posted by Osiris (Member # 9196) on :
Frank, big congrats! Reading that we have two finalists put a big grin on my face this morning.
Bob! Wow! Didn't someone in the 'I love/hate writing' thread tell you the darkest hours is just before the dawn? Even if you don't win, this is some serious sunlight on that literary gloom.
And yes, we should swap stories some day.
Every time I think I should give up on WoTF, fellow Hatrackers get nominated and my spirits are renewed. If I may be so bold as to say it ,this isn't a win for just Frank and Dr. Bob, it is a win for all of us.
Posted by Owasm (Member # 8501) on :
Congratulations to you both!
Posted by wirelesslibrarian (Member # 9513) on :
Congratulations to Frank and Dr. Bob! May the pair of you claim 1st and 2nd place, in no particular order. Either one would be pretty fine, right?
Posted by Kathleen Dalton Woodbury (Member # 59) on :
Wishing there were a happy dance graemlin available.
Way to go, Frank and Bob! Have a great time at the workshop and the ceremony.
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
Just found out that evidently not all responses have gone out.
I don't know if I'm the only one here not to hear anything but Yikes.
Just when I got my emotions settled that I wasn't going to get one this time too.
Posted by History (Member # 9213) on :
Just spoke with Joni. She is very nice. I'll not be on the podium next April. They do wish to hold on to the story as a potential (no promises) "filler." Seems Jerry Pournelle liked it.
Extending all my good vibes toward Frank.
Respectfully, Dr. Bob
Posted by Tim (Member # 9989) on :
Congratulations to the finalists from this quarter! Sorry to hear that you did not place, Dr. Bob. I'm sure you'll be up there soon enough.
I received an Honorable Mention. It was my first so I guess that means I'm on the right track.
![[Smile]](smile.gif)
I always forget that it's not the 7th myself. ![[Wink]](wink.gif)
Thanks.![[Frown]](frown.gif)