This is a critique group for writers that will be entering a story into the second 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:
Dec 1st: Start writing Jan 14th: First drafts out for crits Feb 7th: Second drafts out for crits Feb 28th: Mail in final drafts
[Note: The official entry deadline for this quarter is Mar 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 Thus there is an unpublished and fairly-hard limit of 68 pages of properly-formatted manuscript (check out the Vonda McIntyre link below).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.
[ December 05, 2012, 02:14 PM: Message edited by: WriterDan ]
Posted by snapper (Member # 7299) on :
A show of hands for all those in favor of beating Dan with whiffle-ball bats for posting this in December?
Posted by History (Member # 9213) on :
Raises hand. Can we coat the bats with something smelly?
Posted by Grumpy old guy (Member # 9922) on :
No idea what you're talking about, but I'm always ready for a good dust-up.
Phil.
Posted by lizluka (Member # 9916) on :
Well if Dan survives, then count me in for Q2;)
lizluka
Posted by WriterDan (Member # 6456) on :
Yeah, yeah. I know. Just keeping to the schedule...
--Bruised&StinkyDan
Posted by Osiris (Member # 9196) on :
Eternal slacker that I am, I come here from the previous quarter like a student asking his teacher for an extension on their homework. So count me in this time. I already have a story that will be on time for the first round of crits.
So, I'm assuming the list is as follows:
Phil lizluka Osiris
Not sure if Dan is in or not.
Posted by axeminister (Member # 8991) on :
Phil lizluka Osiris Axeminister
I'm in unless I win.
...
...
I'm in.
p.s. if anyone is done before the deadline, you have my permission to just send to me. Assuming you're in my group. Which I'll assume of the first four names other than mine.
Axe
Posted by mbwood (Member # 9525) on :
Yes, I'm in.
Phil lizluka Osiris Axeminister mbwood
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
Phil lizluka Osiris Axeminister mbwood LDWriter2
Mine is half way done or so, maybe I can finish it this time.
Posted by Grumpy old guy (Member # 9922) on :
I didn't even realise I'd committed myself to this, I don't even have an outline, let alone a clue. But, I'll give it a go and I do have a story in mind.
But, if I don't have anything that I'm ready to submit, I'm still happy to critique so keep me in the loop.
Phil.
Posted by Osiris (Member # 9196) on :
I'm one scene away from having this ready for crits. Is anyone else ready or almost ready?
Posted by axeminister (Member # 8991) on :
I'm not, but you can send my way whenever. I've got my first draft done but I want to do extensive work on it before sending.
I have 3 weeks. Eek!
Axe
Posted by Meredith (Member # 8368) on :
I may just have found the ending for the story that was an HM winner under the previous judge. Some of you (mbwood, LDwriter2) have already read and critiqued it.
I'll throw my hat in the ring again:
Phil lizluka Osiris Axeminister mbwood LDWriter2 Meredith
Posted by A Yeatts (Member # 9500) on :
I'm in too. Send to me whenever. But I'm nowhere close to mine being ready.
Phil lizluka Osiris Axeminister mbwood LDWriter2 Meredith AYeatts
Posted by Grumpy old guy (Member # 9922) on :
Well, I've finished the first draft of my first short story. But, I've got a question: how short is too short? At the moment I've got 2900 words. I could stretch it longer, I suppose.
Phil.
Posted by Meredith (Member # 8368) on :
I think WotF's minimum is 1000 words. My HM story was 3400, so I think you're fine.
Posted by rabirch (Member # 9832) on :
My Q3 finalist was 2700 words. So no, 2900 is not too short.
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
Now is the time to decide which story to do.
The one I started and am about half way through even though I'm tempted to start it over again as I said before, or the one I just have an opening for and a vague idea of what it is about.
One is SF and the other probably is but not for sure, UF and/or paranormal.
Unless I decided to send in a pure fantasy story I am revising that is. I might be able to put in some more emotional angst and one or two more tries even though there might be enough of those. The only humans are in the background. It's longer than I set out to do--about 7,500 words--so it could work. Of course shorter stories can work too but this one seems about right.
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
Pardon me for adding this here but someone, maybe more than one, has mentioned wanting the WotF anthologies. Try seven for $39.95 for the rest of the month. At the Galaxy Press web site here at the bottom of the page.
Posted by Grumpy old guy (Member # 9922) on :
Having just formatted my MS as outlined in the link above, I went to the WotF rules and saw this.
quote:Entries submitted electronically must be double-spaced and must include the title and page number on each page, but not the author's name. Electronic submissions will separately include the author's legal name, pen name if applicable, address, telephone number, email address and approximate word count.
Do they mean on a separate cover page, or in the body of the e-mail?
Phil.
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
Neither.
When you sign onto their submission page there is a section to fill all that out. Then you click on the attach button to attach your story. Or is it "story here" button? Egads, I forget the exact wording but it's easy to figure out. You have to click on various I did this or that buttons too. Like read the rules, No name on the manuscript and such.
You have to do an E-mail address and come up with a password before you get to that page. You can use that password to keep track of your story but I've never done that.
If by chance my memory is playing tricks on me since I've sent six different E-submit stories in the last week, someone will correct me.
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
Hey, you have your Q2 story already?? ??
Posted by Grumpy old guy (Member # 9922) on :
Yes, LDWriter2. Finished the first draft over the weekend. It's not all that long, about 2900 words but I like it. I'm going to let it sit for a week or so before I look at it again.
How are you doing?
Phil.
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
Just noticed that I should of put in "finished already, already"
But I'm still trying decide which story to send in. I think I will work on the one I got half way done last quarter but if for some reason I don't get it ready in time--such as working on two novels to get them ready for publishing--I will hold one I just finished in reserve.
Which means I need to get working on that story again or start it over again because it seems beyond what I usually do and if I start over maybe I can shake that feeling. Not sure why I feel that way though. It is different than what I usually do--I tried for half cyberpunk but probably just put in a tiny bit if that and it's a different area of SF for me--but that shouldn't be enough to give me that feeling...maybe I feel I can't do the story in my head justice. Which is why I should do it but as I said we will see.
[ December 24, 2012, 08:55 PM: Message edited by: LDWriter2 ]
Posted by WriterDan (Member # 6456) on :
Merry Christmas, everybody!
Posted by Utahute72 (Member # 9057) on :
I decided to pull the plug on this quarter, so I'll just roll that story over to the upcoming one, so I'm in.
Phil lizluka Osiris Axeminister mbwood LDWriter2 Utahute72
Posted by Utahute72 (Member # 9057) on :
quote:Originally posted by LDWriter2: Neither.
When you sign onto their submission page there is a section to fill all that out. Then you click on the attach button to attach your story. Or is it "story here" button? Egads, I forget the exact wording but it's easy to figure out. You have to click on various I did this or that buttons too. Like read the rules, No name on the manuscript and such.
You have to do an E-mail address and come up with a password before you get to that page. You can use that password to keep track of your story but I've never done that.
If by chance my memory is playing tricks on me since I've sent six different E-submit stories in the last week, someone will correct me.
LD is correct. Your cover sheet will include all the information, so just have your manuscript page numbered and titled.
Posted by Osiris (Member # 9196) on :
Looks like Meredith fell off the list accidentally, just posting this to re-add her so the error doesn't propagate forward:
Phil lizluka Osiris Axeminister mbwood LDWriter2 Meredith Utahute72
Posted by axeminister (Member # 8991) on :
Sadly, I'm going to have to remove myself from the list. My job/work has exploded and to be honest, I'm not sure I'm going to have enough time to write my story let alone critique others.
Phil lizluka Osiris mbwood LDWriter2 Meredith Utahute72
Posted by Meredith (Member # 8368) on :
It also looks like AYeatts got dropped, too.
Phil lizluka Osiris mbwood LDWriter2 Meredith AYeatts Utahute72
Posted by A Yeatts (Member # 9500) on :
Thanks for popping me back on, Meredith! I didn't think my stories were that painful to crit... ;P
I'm still in. Second half of the list feel free to send when ever you're ready.
Posted by Grumpy old guy (Member # 9922) on :
Why am I at the top? I didn't start this, did I?
I just checked, I was third to open my stupid mouth and stick a size nine boot in it. Hmm.
lizluka Osiris Phil mbwood LDWriter2 Meredith AYeatts Utahute72
I copy, I paste, I delete, I make a little space for myself, and now I feel all cosy and warm in among the pack.
Phil.
Posted by Utahute72 (Member # 9057) on :
Sorry A, it was probably me. Poor typing skills.
Posted by Grumpy old guy (Member # 9922) on :
Jan 14 is closing in on us fast. Who's ready, or nearly ready to go? I am.
I know it needs work, but I'm letting it percolate at the moment. Also, it gives me some emotional distance for when it gets the #$@%& ripped out of it.
Phil.
Posted by Meredith (Member # 8368) on :
I know mine needs another pass. And I'm still not happy with the ending.
Posted by Grumpy old guy (Member # 9922) on :
Meredith, who ever is. I've had the worst case of angst over my last line for two weeks so far. And I'm still not happy with it.
Phil.
Posted by Osiris (Member # 9196) on :
quote:Originally posted by Grumpy old guy: Jan 14 is closing in on us fast. Who's ready, or nearly ready to go? I am.
I know it needs work, but I'm letting it percolate at the moment. Also, it gives me some emotional distance for when it gets the #$@%& ripped out of it.
Phil.
I've been ready for a while. Just waiting to see who I'll be sending it to.
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
I'm almost done. But I still need to go back over it, not only to find nitpicks and such but I added a new character halfway through that I need to introduce earlier.
Not sure if I will be done on time. Last quarter I was really late, I got only one set of crits but I returned some too.
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
Still almost done but I'm closer. I could very well finish it by Sunday night.
I have the bad feeling hunch that I'm putting too much in it. More like stuff for a novel. It's already longer than I expected. But it could be okay, if it's a novelette but it may not be quite that long. But it's a big concept so a longer story might be more appropriate, we shall see.
And I may have Q3 written already.
Posted by Meredith (Member # 8368) on :
Sorry. With what just landed on my desk, I think I'm going to have to bow out for this quarter and try again next time.
lizluka Osiris Phil mbwood LDWriter2 AYeatts Utahute72
Posted by Grumpy old guy (Member # 9922) on :
Sorry to hear that Meredith. Look forward to next quarter.
Phil.
Posted by Grumpy old guy (Member # 9922) on :
Well, according to my watch it is 5:44PM on Monday the 14th of January 2013.
Anyone who wants Gog (and no, that was not the deliberate intent when I made up the handle) to savage their 1st draft MS, feel free to send it. I'll do it in the nicest possible way -- heh, heh, heh (maniacal chuckle).
Phil.
Posted by Osiris (Member # 9196) on :
I'm just waiting for WriterDan to break us up into two groups. *hint hint* Posted by A Yeatts (Member # 9500) on :
I'm guessing here so correct me if wrong:
Group 1: lizluka Osiris Phil mbwood
Group2: LDWriter2 AYeatts Utahute72
I'll get mine out today to Group 2. Feel free to send to me anytime.
Posted by A Yeatts (Member # 9500) on :
But I bow to the whim of WriterDan if I've overstepped or somehow discombobulated the process! Posted by lizluka (Member # 9916) on :
I'm doing a last-minute switch on my Q2 plans and using a different story. It should be finished today or tomorrow, then I'll get it out! In the meantime, feel free to send stories my way if you're ready Group 1 Posted by Grumpy old guy (Member # 9922) on :
Yeah, and I thought I was so ready. I just realised yesterday that I have to 'explain' where my MC got certain information he just casually drops on people. So, now I'm trying to 'brief' him without letting the cat out of the bag for the reader.
Yes, I AM being deliberately manipulative. I'm doing it because I can.
Exit stage left: Laughing hysterically.
Phil.
Posted by WriterDan (Member # 6456) on :
That's fine, Anna. I don't mind a little help every now and then.
Here's a re-list for officiality's sake. (Yes, that's a word. It's in the Book of Dan.)
Group 1: lizluka Osiris Phil mbwood
Group2: LDWriter2 AYeatts Utahute72
Send your story to everyone in your group. If we have someone want to jump in (there's a very slim chance that this will be me...very slim but present), they'll be going to Group 2.
Best of luck this time around, everyone.
Posted by Grumpy old guy (Member # 9922) on :
Umm, err. . . well, give me another day -- please. I'm willing to accept, but I want to get a short scene finished before I send out my missive.
Phil.
Posted by RyanB (Member # 10008) on :
Is it too late to join? I have a draft that's ready.
Posted by WriterDan (Member # 6456) on :
@RyanB: Not at all. Feel free to send your story off immediately to Group 2. Be sure to (re-)read the first post of this thread to see what will be expected of you. Thanks for joining!
Group 1: lizluka Osiris Phil mbwood
Group2: LDWriter2 AYeatts Utahute72 RyanB
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
I have received one story.
I was hoping mine would done this weekend but the revision and spell-proofreader check may not be finished until Monday. That depends on how much computer time I get.
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
Still working on mine
I redid the opening again. I hope I didn't mess it up bad but I have had all types of trouble with that opening. I think it's closer to what I first envision it to be. I had to modify that vision when I finally wrote it out when I wrote it originally. Now when I went back to add more of the five human senses to the opening--I had only sight--I also rearranged sentences so it is, as I said, closer to what it should be.
I also had to redo other sentences as I went along. I mentioned one character sooner, deleted a couple of points I never made use of and tried to cut a few of the He-s at the start of sentences. Not done yet. I played around too much and I had to do more work on this one to cut the stupid mistakes and unused stuff than usual for my stories. It better be one of my better stories when I get done.
Started the crit on the story I have received.
Posted by RyanB (Member # 10008) on :
I sent my draft out to the three others. Haven't received any yet though.
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
I finished the crit and the revision of my story- hopefully it will go out Monday night.
Posted by RyanB (Member # 10008) on :
Couple of questions. Is it better to submit paper or electronically? I read that semi-finalists get critiques. Do you only get these if you submit paper and a SASE to get it back? Is the main reason to send a SASE so you might get notes jotted down from the judge(s)?
Posted by Osiris (Member # 9196) on :
quote:Originally posted by RyanB: Couple of questions. Is it better to submit paper or electronically? I read that semi-finalists get critiques. Do you only get these if you submit paper and a SASE to get it back? Is the main reason to send a SASE so you might get notes jotted down from the judge(s)?
I prefer electronic, and from what I understand, electronic subs get an answer faster. I am curious if they print out all the electronic subs before reading them, so that they evaluate both electronic and paper subs to make sure they are judging all of them the same.
Posted by RyanB (Member # 10008) on :
quote:Originally posted by Osiris:
quote:Originally posted by RyanB: Couple of questions. Is it better to submit paper or electronically? I read that semi-finalists get critiques. Do you only get these if you submit paper and a SASE to get it back? Is the main reason to send a SASE so you might get notes jotted down from the judge(s)?
I prefer electronic, and from what I understand, electronic subs get an answer faster. I am curious if they print out all the electronic subs before reading them, so that they evaluate both electronic and paper subs to make sure they are judging all of them the same.
I read a comment (I think linked from the OP) that made me believe she reads electronic submissions electronically (something about author names in the filename).
Posted by mbwood (Member # 9525) on :
Hi, Group 1; I've received and critted three submissions, sending them back to their authors, however, I've only got one crit back on my submission (Thank you, Liz)... If you haven't got your piece back, please let me know.
mbwood
Posted by Grumpy old guy (Member # 9922) on :
mbwood, I sent my crit to you on Jan 19. Perhaps it's been tagged as spam? Might have been shunted into that folder.
If it's not there, I'll re-send -- just e-mail me.
Phil.
Posted by Osiris (Member # 9196) on :
quote:Originally posted by mbwood: Hi, Group 1; I've received and critted three submissions, sending them back to their authors, however, I've only got one crit back on my submission (Thank you, Liz)... If you haven't got your piece back, please let me know.
mbwood
Hi Malcolm and rest of Group 1,
I've received critiques from everyone Thank you all. I've critiqued one story, and am in the process of the critiquing the second. I plan to have finished both Liz's and Malcolm's no later than Sunday. I'm just juggling a lot of projects, but will get it back to you soon.
Posted by mbwood (Member # 9525) on :
Phil - I found it. Thanks, mbwood
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
I sent out the second story I revived--hopefully the got it.
And received three crits for my story real quick. Wow.
Posted by WriterDan (Member # 6456) on :
Only because I know if I wait until tomorrow to post this, I'll forget to do it.
Group 1: lizluka Osiris Phil mbwood
Group2: LDWriter2 AYeatts Utahute72 RyanB
As before, for the second round of critiques (this one):
If you're listed in Group 1, send your story to those listed in Group 2; If you're listed in Group 2, send your story to those listed in Group 1.
Easy peasy, lemon squeezy.
Posted by Grumpy old guy (Member # 9922) on :
Thought that might be the case. Will be ready day after tomorrow. Sweltering in almost 40 degree C temps today and tomorrow -- and me out in the noon-day sun for, well, a long time.
Phil.
Posted by Osiris (Member # 9196) on :
My story is ready for Group 2, and I'm also ready to receive stories from Group 2.
Posted by A Yeatts (Member # 9500) on :
I'm not quite finished yet but Group 1 feel free to send whenever you're ready.
Posted by mbwood (Member # 9525) on :
Okay, I've sent my story off to Group 2 and am now ready to critique Group 2's stories.
mbwood
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
Mine is going to be a bit late. I haven't started the second revision yet.
Hopefully this weekend.
Posted by lizluka (Member # 9916) on :
Everyone in Group 2, feel free to send yours my way whenever you're ready I'll have mine out in the next day or two.
Posted by Grumpy old guy (Member # 9922) on :
Hellooo Group 2. Been a heck of a week and the weekend is looking just as bad. I may not be up to my usual speed in replying.
On that note, there appeared to be different expectations in what a critique meant in the first draft phase. For me, a critique is a broad-brush look at plot, structure, setting, character etc. An edit, on the other hand, is where I'd take a large axe to your manuscript and make holous-bolous changes and insert acerbic comments. But I wouldn't change your story.
So, to avoid confusion, you can have from me either a critique or an edit. I'm sorry I can't do both, they both require a different mindset in my case. (Obviously a male failing)
Anna, I received your story, which treatment do you want. A considered, big-picture evaluation or the Grumpy old guy chewing up your pencil? And I extend that to all contributors -- ask for one and be careful what you ask for. I don't bite, but I can nibble savagely.
Phil.
PS: I'm ready to get your ms, I'll be sending out mine tomorrow. And, as a pps, check your spam folder if you don't get anything either as a submission or a critique.
[ February 08, 2013, 02:38 PM: Message edited by: Grumpy old guy ]
Posted by Grumpy old guy (Member # 9922) on :
A ppps, if there is even such a thing. I don't mind giving feedback and answering questions -- so don't be shy if I've said something you want to know more about.
Phil.
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
Okay, sent mine tonight.
And I have received three stories to crit. Hopefully the first one will go back by Monday.
Posted by Osiris (Member # 9196) on :
For anyone waiting on a crit from me, I'll be sending them out this week, and thank you to those from Group 2 who have sent me crits already.
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
I sent one in and about three-fourths of the way finished with the second. Probably send that one out tomorrow night.
I haven't received any back but that is Okay, I have plenty of time and probably wouldn't work on it right now anyway.
Make that received one.
[ February 12, 2013, 01:03 AM: Message edited by: LDWriter2 ]
Posted by lizluka (Member # 9916) on :
I've returned crits to everyone who sent me one--if anyone has sent me their story but not gotten a crit back, please let me know and I'll resend it:)
Posted by Grumpy old guy (Member # 9922) on :
LDWriter2, I haven't received your ms, yours neither Utahute72. And, sorry A Yeatts for not saying thank you for your crit sooner.
Phil.
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
I sent it Phil.
Unless I sent it to the wrong person.
But check your spam anyway.
Posted by Grumpy old guy (Member # 9922) on :
Louis, I've checked spam and trash -- you're not there, can you resend?
Phil.
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
I will probably Saturday.
Hmm, I may have forgotten, did you change your E-mail address without changing it here? A couple hatrackers did change addresses as I recall.
Posted by Grumpy old guy (Member # 9922) on :
No, I haven't. I got your critique though. Thanks for that.
Phil.
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
I resent the story and he got it evidently.
But I have one more story to crit for here. I think I'm doing it out of order of when I received it but it should be done by Wednesday or earlier.
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
I've done them all I think, if someone hasn't gotten a crit from me for a story you sent please say so.
Oh, looks like my Q2 is a dud.
Three out of six critiquers don't get it or think it's too involved. Usually when that many don't like it goes no where.
Of course they go no where even if people like them.
I'll still edit it and send it in.
Posted by Grumpy old guy (Member # 9922) on :
Well, it seems that life, the fates and circumstance have all conspired to ruin my day. I won't be submitting my story to WotF this quarter, maybe another go, next time. To all who've provided critiques and feedback: Thank-you so very much.
So many of the suggestions were useful in polishing the story and have even prompted some structural changes. I shall put Caitlin aside for a few months and let it 'mature'. When I get around to doing the re-write, I hope some of you may be interested enough to want to have a read.
Again, thanks for the help all of you have provided.
Phil.
Posted by RyanB (Member # 10008) on :
Don't give up. You have until March 31st to submit.
Posted by Osiris (Member # 9196) on :
I've critiqued three stories from group 2 (all the ones I received - if you are expecting a critique from me and haven't received it, let me know, as I probably missed the e-mail for your story), and received all my critiques. Thank you all for your comments and good luck to everyone!
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
quote:Originally posted by Grumpy old guy: Well, it seems that life, the fates and circumstance have all conspired to ruin my day. I won't be submitting my story to WotF this quarter, maybe another go, next time. To all who've provided critiques and feedback: Thank-you so very much.
So many of the suggestions were useful in polishing the story and have even prompted some structural changes. I shall put Caitlin aside for a few months and let it 'mature'. When I get around to doing the re-write, I hope some of you may be interested enough to want to have a read.
Again, thanks for the help all of you have provided.
Phil.
I agree with Ryan even though it took me a while to get back tho this.
Your story is written after all and you have to the last day to mail it in or if you do it electronically you may have to 11 that night. I would say five to 12 but they sometimes cut it off early.
You know how much time you need to work on it but even if it's not quite polished as you want it to be try it anyway.
Posted by mbwood (Member # 9525) on :
I decided that I couldn't improve my story any more, so, with its warts and pimples, I sent it in.
I believe I've critted all of the submissions sent to me. If you haven't, well, send it and I'll turn it around as fast as I can.
Good luck to all with their stories.
mbwood
Posted by RyanB (Member # 10008) on :
This was my first time doing a Hatrack group and my first time submitting to WotF. I just wanted to say it's been a great experience so far. I received many helpful comments which I think have greatly improved my story.
I also read several great stories and I hope my comments helped their authors half as much as their comments helped me.
Thanks everyone and Good Luck!
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
My Q2 story was sent in tonight,
For those who have read it, I cut around 500 words, that is with a few I added. That was with help.
More people disliked than liked it by a good percentage. Which is probably not good but THANKS a bunch you all.
A very hard story, the opening was a pain to get the way I wanted it and other sections were redone and/or moved. I quit working on it for a while but it's done and sent.
Posted by Osiris (Member # 9196) on :
As usual, I am squeaking in at the last minute. This will be the first time I submitted a story I wasn't completely happy with, but here goes nothing.
Good luck all.
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
Yea.
The more stories the more we will have even more finalists and winners.
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
Been awhile since anyone has posted here, while we wait.
But I want to say that my birthday is toward the end of the month and it would be great to get a phone call from a certain Nice lady with a lovely voice between now and a day or two after.
According to the Quarter thinkers over at WotF forum it is possible that phone calls could go out between now and then.
Of course if I get one, that is another matter.
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
Rejections have started.
Posted by RyanB (Member # 10008) on :
I noticed that Dave has been talking about reading entries in his kicks. I wonder how long it takes to sift through 1000+ entries?
Posted by RyanB (Member # 10008) on :
BTW, Q2 was my first ever entry. I successfully put it out of my mind these last few months, but now that rejections have started I'm all nervous again.
Being my first entry, I had pretty much written it off as a loser. At this point I have no idea whether it was any good or not. But there's something about having your work judged in a high-stakes contest that's nerve wracking.
At least I have this quarter's story to think about.
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
Mine came in last night, instead of waiting for the last batch like usual.
On another forum I had mention how it would good to get a call from a certain lovely lady this week because of my birthday at the end of the week. But no birthday gift from David even if technically someone could say it would a gift from me to myself--and with a lot of rejections coming in at the moment, no gifts from any other editor either, not even a nice personal comment. Scott P over at F&SF would probably tell me to spend more time on the stories if he said anything.
[ June 19, 2013, 11:25 PM: Message edited by: LDWriter2 ]
Posted by A Yeatts (Member # 9500) on :
Honorable Mention. Posted by RyanB (Member # 10008) on :
Congrats, AY!
I forgot to mention that I'm also excited to see how everyone else in group did. When last quarters' results were announced I knew a few of the names from around here. But I actually got to read your HM story and the others in the group (though not the final/submitted versions I guess).
So the results will be doubly or triply exciting this time.
Posted by A Yeatts (Member # 9500) on :
Thanks! I appreciate all the feedback on my Sunshine story. It's still a favorite of mine. Going to clean it up a tad and send it off for submission elsewhere.
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
I forget if I read this story by your Yeatts,
But I seem to be the first rejection here and so far the only total one. The second one isn't a surprise but the first one is.
[ June 21, 2013, 05:03 PM: Message edited by: LDWriter2 ]
Posted by Owasm (Member # 8501) on :
Not a member of the group this quarter, but I recieved an HM. My first under the Wolverton regime.
Posted by axeminister (Member # 8991) on :
Congrats, Ken and Anna!
Anyone else?
Axe
Posted by A Yeatts (Member # 9500) on :
You did, Louis. This was the scifi/dystopian noir... Downcity/Upcity.. with all the body mods and the Dolls. Your crit was very encouraging and helpful.
Congrats, Ken! You broke the DW ceiling.. onwards and upwards!
Thanks, Axe! I fell off my 10K this month. Back on it soon I hope.
Anna
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
Now, I recall it. That was an interesting and different story, it should be published somewhere.
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
Oh BTW one little detail I forgot to mention earlier. Just wee fact that you may not know yet.
The Finalists are out
But evidently not all the HMs nor Semi-finalists. Maybe not all the Rs either.
As I said I was the first R here.
Posted by snapper (Member # 7299) on :
Reporting in with a HM. WAs hoping for a repeat performance this quarter, but I suppose knowing that I'm 6 for 6 in the honors department under DW means that I am striking a chord with the man.
Posted by RyanB (Member # 10008) on :
I finally got the result from my Q2. It was an R.
Oh well. That was my first ever entry. I feel better about my Q3 thanks to those in that group.
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Thanks.![[Smile]](smile.gif)
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