I look forward to hearing all about it later...

So we can all be jealous of each other .

I think next years is going to be back on the east coast, so I'm going to aim for that one. If it's held in Greensboro I'll be able to stay with family, otherwise I'll have to see what other arrangements I can make.

Seriously, it's hard work. I know that when I went, all the work, critique, and staying QUIET (AAAARGH!) was quite a stretch for me, not only as a writer, but as a person. But damn if it wasn't a blast. Wouldn't trade the experience for anything.

And to Autumnmuse, since the posts you put up about your submission have all been editied, I can only assume from the context of the replies that you got rejected because your submission was too good.

All I've got to say is . . DAMN!

I got pretty much no comment back on my submission, until the 'review' session at the end of boot camp where we went over everybody's submissions, 'cause we had some extra time. At that point, I looked at it and groaned. Pretty much every point that had been stressed "DON'T DO THIS!!!" over the past week, I had done in my 1.5 page submission.

I just sat there and shook my head as the firestorm I knew was coming crashed down on me.

But at the end of that review (or mauling, if you prefer), there was ONE thing that made my entire trip. OSC himself said something to the effect of . . "And DESPITE all that, this actually almost works, because you REALLY know how to write action."

For the next week I was on cloud nine because of that one comment.

So while I definitely understand the disappointment about not being able to go, I must say, it's SUPER impressive to get rejected because your story was good enough he doesn't believe it's worth your time/money to go through boot camp. Because, BELIEVE me he does not give praise lightly. WALLOW in that praise, because you can be sure you've earned it.

And now I'm really curious to read some of your stuff.

Again, congrats to EVERYBODY that got accepted. Can't wait to hear the resulting chatter once everybody gets back. It's always a blast.

Happy writing, all.

quote:

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Pretty much every point that had been stressed "DON'T DO THIS!!!" over the past week, I had done in my 1.5 page submission.

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The reason I edited my earlier posts is that I haven't asked OSC for permission to quote him or put any info about his new venture out in public. But, yes, he did reject me because my story was too good (in his opinion). He bought it from me at pro rates, and has bought another one since, and is looking at a couple more. I still can benefit from his wisdom, just through email and the phone instead of in person.

With envy, that is.

Congratulations to those who are going, and especially to you who are not becuase your work is really just that good!

Me? I want to, but cannot. Money is a big obstacle, but the timing is even bigger. I have to play several concerts, weddings, and anthems for locals sports during the summer, so I'm all booked up.

I wanted to comment on the nursing thing, just in case it benefits anyone. (It's also one of my 'things'; I'm trying not to comment anymore on the child-in-lap thing).

First, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding for at least 12 months, and thereafter as long as mutually desired. Usually solids are introduced around 6 months, so that's not quite as much as it would seem.

If breastfeeding is an issue, I would definitely get a good breast pump and contact the dorm/hotel ahead of time to make sure a freezer is made available for your use.

If you do plan on weaning, do it FIRST--AHEAD OF TIME. You do not want to up and leave to wean, and dad will not have an easy time at home.

Elan, I'm SO sorry about what happened for you! How old was your daughter? I know that for us, we waited until our daughter had been nursing like a pro for a month or two before introducing a bottle. I pumped, but we did this so that Dad would be able to feed Eden too and so I could leave the house for Mommy-time without having to worry. After the first couple of months, baby should not be quite as prone to 'nipple confusion'. (Breastfeeding babies are discouraged from using rubber nipples until breastfeeding is well established). Eden was able to switch easily from bottle to breast and back again.

Ok, thanks for that opportunity. Now back on to Boot Camp---

I live in NC and I'm really hoping to be able to attend bootcamp next year. (Sidenote: Baby #2 is due in August so I'll probably be breastfeeding). My problem was, I was going to use this year to try to get GOOD ENOUGH to be accepted! I seriously doubt I have to worry about OSC turning me away for my astounding prowess, but I am starting to wonder on what sort of level the Boot Camp is aimed.

I wanted to check out the Boot Camp threads to get a feel for what goes on, but they're closed. I'm also wondering--are scholarships ever made available?

At that point I felt like it would be rude of me to insist on taking a slot, even though I didn't agree with him. I mean, it is his class. If he doesn't want me to go, what can I say?

But . . . congratulations to all of you, and I hope you consider me attending in spirit. I certainly want to.

I wonder, do any of you think that he would be willing to let me join the private boot camp 2005 forum? Kind of as an honorary member? If that's not appropriate I understand.

ATTENTION ERICJAMESSTONE:

Yes, that was me you met, rather too briefly, at CONduit. You know, I think we sat right next to each other in that Religion in sci-fi/fantasy discussion.

http://www.chuck-a-rama.com/menus.html

As Void said, the food is good, but it's nothing to get excited about. Telling people they really ought to go makes me wonder.

For example, on your first night he will send you out telling you to do research, interview people, etc. and come back with 7-10 story ideas meaning a character, setting, situation and some idea of how it goes. Well, you might dash this off in 3 hours, but maybe it keeps you up until bedtime.

Then on Tuesday night he tells the people staying for bootcamp that they have Wed to write. Thurs, Fri, and Sat are for the workshop and reading the 17 other stories and marking them for clarity, belief, and interest. Well, obviously, you're going to be writing every moment you can spare on Tuesday and Wednesday getting your short done. Maybe you'll be like me and finally get the idea Wed Night. Then you have to write every spare moment you get to get it in plus all the reading. I would plan something before or after the bootcamp, but NOT during.

--Bombay House: Indian (I go every time I'm in the area)
--Brick Oven: Italian & Pizza
--The Italian Place: Go for their Steak and Cheese sandwich only

Plus all the other normal chains. There were a few others out there, but I can't remember the names.