Discussion: Q2 Volume 37

[nreavis]

After several rewrites, breaking up with my manuscript in the parking lot of the grocery store (literally happened, don't ask), an alien abduction (might be lying-but I did watch Galaxy Quest today), and a quest to save the world (I'm definitely lying about this one), at just over 10k words, I have finally submitted my entry for Q2.

[disgruntledpeony]

Waiting on a bit more feedback and then it's on to final edits. This will be the longest original story I've finished, which means its markets will be severely limited, but that's okay. I learned a lot from writing it.

[BeeW]

Been distracted with the world around us all going to hell. But my classes have all moved online, my work is now to be done from home and I'm doing my best to isolate. Suddenly a week to finish my entry doesn't seem too bad.

[R.A.Krueger1]

Well, with my son now being home for at least the next 4 weeks, my writing is taking the backseat to keeping him educated and entertained. My submission for this quarter isn't done yet, and at this point I doubt it will get done. But I'm ok with that. We are getting opportunities to do all the little things together we don't get to do when we are busy running around.
I hope you are all staying safe and healthy!

[HermioneLee]

Just submitted mine! Came down to 12K. I started twitching the second after i pressed the submit button...

[BrandieJ]

I haven't been here in awhile, but I have been working on a new story. Now I am concerned it might be too dark. Any advice on how dark is too dark? It's a fantasy horror piece, but I think the ending is optimistic.

[HermioneLee]

I haven't been here in awhile, but I have been working on a new story. Now I am concerned it might be too dark. Any advice on how dark is too dark? It's a fantasy horror piece, but I think the ending is optimistic.

I think that as long as the ending is good, the judges won’t really care about how dark it is (as long as there’s no excessive violence or sex, like David Farland said)
Good luck on your submission

[BrandieJ]

I haven't been here in awhile, but I have been working on a new story. Now I am concerned it might be too dark. Any advice on how dark is too dark? It's a fantasy horror piece, but I think the ending is optimistic.

I think that as long as the ending is good, the judges won’t really care about how dark it is (as long as there’s no excessive violence or sex, like David Farland said)
Good luck on your submission

Thanks. I guess I'm trying to figure out if the violence is too violent. It is relevant to the plot, so I don't feel it's gratuitous.

[HermioneLee]

I haven't been here in awhile, but I have been working on a new story. Now I am concerned it might be too dark. Any advice on how dark is too dark? It's a fantasy horror piece, but I think the ending is optimistic.

I think that as long as the ending is good, the judges won’t really care about how dark it is (as long as there’s no excessive violence or sex, like David Farland said)
Good luck on your submission

Thanks. I guess I'm trying to figure out if the violence is too violent. It is relevant to the plot, so I don't feel it's gratuitous.

Just write what you love! Be yourself. I always tell myself this when I face problems with writing :)

[empressed]

Is anyone out there experienced with electrical engineering? Even just working with toys and what not. Normally, I'd ask my hubby or brother-in-law for help, but they're both buried in higher work loads than usual due to C-19. A week and a half to go... Argh!

I'll be happy to critique/proof/edit in exchange.

Thanks, Tim! Forgot about that!

[BrandieJ]

Thanks HermioneLee!

[TimE]

Is anyone out there experienced with electrical engineering? Even just working with toys and what not. I've got a scene where I've ……. but I don't know if it's believable. Normally, I'd ask my hubby or brother-in-law for help, but they're both buried in higher work loads than usual due to C-19. A week and a half to go... Argh!

I'll be happy to critique/proof/edit in exchange.

For me, it's believable. But if you like, compare yours with Dave F's 'Hellfire on the High Frontier' in vol 32. He has a clockwork gambler / gunman. At a glance the guy chasing it refers to it as all springs and gears -- and one he's previously met joked 'Us clockworks, we got souls same as the rest of y'all. Ours are just wind-ups.' I'm not going to read it all again, but I don't recall any detailed explanation. Doesn't need it. Neither does yours.
You could buy Vol32 or buy just the story, if you want.

Another point though is to take care not to make your story identifiable to you with what you post - hence I deleted a section from what I quoted from you.
You've got a great story, don't worry too much and don't spoil it with techy details that would be difficult to write and might draw my attention to the unbelievability.

[Woodstock Writer]

Just editing my next entry

[HermioneLee]

Thanks HermioneLee!

[WriterGirl0426]

Well, with my son now being home for at least the next 4 weeks, my writing is taking the backseat to keeping him educated and entertained. My submission for this quarter isn't done yet, and at this point I doubt it will get done. But I'm ok with that. We are getting opportunities to do all the little things together we don't get to do when we are busy running around.
I hope you are all staying safe and healthy!

Ditto that for me. Working from home and trying to keep a third-grader with ADHD focused, motivated and occupied is quite the challenge. Doubtful I'll make a round 2 submission either, but you never know. I probably need it now more than ever, but finding time to write is slim pickings. LOL

But you said a mouthful about opportunity to do all those little things together we'd never otherwise get to do. Time with my child while he's still a child, and at an age where it matters. I need to take advantage of that with my whole being. So... yeah. :) Well said. And you stay safe and healthy, too.

[chuckt]

Well, if you don't have a new story ready, send them the best thing you have in your trunk! I will have to do that this quarter.

[Dustin Adams]

I'm in! First time in two years.
I feel like I should post in the Success! thread...

[disgruntledpeony]

I'm in! First time in two years.
I feel like I should post in the Success! thread...

[JVAshley]

I'm in! First time in two years.
I feel like I should post in the Success! thread...

Excellent Job, Sir Dustin!
It is a success

[KD Julicher]

I'm in! First time in two years.
I feel like I should post in the Success! thread...

Hip hip hooray!

[Andy Dibble]

If anyone want me to review their piece, PM me. I can turn around within a few days. I might ask that you give me feedback on the first few scenes of a piece I've been struggling with.

[Wulf Moon]

I'm in! First time in two years.
I feel like I should post in the Success! thread...

Well done, Dustin! Glad you made it in! Best of success with it!

All the beast!

Wulf Moon

[RSchibler]

If anyone want me to review their piece, PM me. I can turn around within a few days. I might ask that you give me feedback on the first few scenes of a piece I've been struggling with.

I sent mine in already, but please feel free to PM me your piece. I'd be happy to take a look as a reader and a writer. I have a few pieces in the wings that aren't going to WotF, too, if you'd want to swap.

[disgruntledpeony]

I'm in!

[Wulf Moon]

I'm in!

Great news, Liz! I hear it's a good one!

Cheers!

[disgruntledpeony]

I'm in!

Great news, Liz! I hear it's a good one!

Cheers!

It's also my longest submission yet (although well within the confines of the contest). I learned a lot writing it, in any case, so whatever happens I'll be happy.

[Wulf Moon]

I'm in!

Great news, Liz! I hear it's a good one!

Cheers!

It's also my longest submission yet (although well within the confines of the contest). I learned a lot writing it, in any case, so whatever happens I'll be happy.

Pushing our limits helps us to think outside the box, creating truly unique stories and ways of telling a story. Winning stories cannot be mediocre. They must be striking. They must have depth. Give Dave something he hasn't seen before and do it in a way that impresses him both emotionally and stylistically, and you are well on your way to winning over, not just him, but the four finalist judges.

You gave it your all, and then some. It's out in the outer reaches of "and then some" where our winners lie.

All the beast!

Wulf Moon

[Dragonchef]

Finally in for Q2 - thanks to Author Services.
WotF submission page was not liking me at all.
GREAT BIG SHOUT OUT to Joni, for all her help.

[Wulf Moon]

HEAR YE, HEAR YE! THREE DAYS LEFT!

YOU CAN'T WIN IF YOU AREN'T IN!

DON'T LET Q2 PASS YOU BY! YOU CAN DO THIS!

[BrandieJ]

Working on a story I think I can get in before the deadline, but I'm a bit concern about the opening. Much of the supernatural stuff doesn't happen till later in the story, but I know the judges need to know right away that these stories are sci-fi/fantasy. Any tips on how much to foreshadow? How to be clear that there is sci-fi/fantasy at work, even if most of the reveal is coming later?