Uncle Moon Wants YOU!

[Wulf Moon]

Gunhild Jacobs, Executive Director of Author Services, Inc. (Writers of the Future), has asked me to do a blog about the many benefits of the Forum. I thought it would be nice to include a few brief quotes in the article from some of you! I mean, you're Forumites, you've been here awhile, you know best how this place has helped you and what the spirit here is like.

If you'd like the chance to be quoted on the blog, please write a post of no more than three sentences of what this place means to you, what it's done for you, what you've learned here, the friends you've made, the critique help--anything that you feel would help those on the outside see the benefits. Pick something that has meant the most to you and give me a quotable quote!

Do end your comment with a dash like this.--Wulf Moon.

Why? This gives me the name you want your quote associated with should I use it. If you're uncomfortable leaving your name or pseudonym, you can do initials, like W.M. or W. Moon. Whatever you wish to be quoted as. Location might be nice as well, especially if I can pick up on an international vibe in my selections. This is a global contest, so it is a global forum.

Remember: if you're posting a quote to this topic, you are giving me permission to quote you and your name as provided, to be published in my article, and to have it posted on the Writers of the Future Blog. Okay, let's see what you've got! I told WotF I'd have the article done by this Friday, so the early bird gets the worm! Lay on!

And...THANK YOU!

All the beast!

Wulf Moon

[SwiftPotato]

I definitely attribute part of my win to having found the WotF forum. It's full of kind, knowledgeable people, some who have been submitting for multiple years. Everyone there is rooting for each other and compiling all the information they can get in order to win. Wulf Moon's Super Secrets thread especially is chock full of helpful tips for how to write a story that will win the contest. If you're trying to win this contest, the forum is an invaluable resource and a space full of friends waiting to be made.--Leah Ning

[Retropianoplayer]

I had never heard of Writers Of The Future contests, their Forums, their galas. The moment I viewed their annual awards ceremony on You Tube, I was amazed Wulf Moon devoted no less than 25 years of his life before he won. In this creative field where product surpasses demand, Wulf Moon showed an atypical persistence in attaining this goal, especially since earning a living as a writer is no guarantee of income. After winning the contest, he's devoted his life to sharing secrets of his success and tips on winning this contest which you'll find in this Forum.--Retropianoplayer

[CCrawford]

I have learned so much about how to improve my stories, and have seen my writing grow just in the past few months of applying what I've learned here. I've also found some amazing critique partners through the forum, and their feedback has helped so much in pointing out my blind spots so I can take my writing to the next level. I'm not usually a forum-type-of-person; I actually lurked in the forums for a LONG time before ever posting anything. But I'm very glad that I took the leap and started engaging and being active, and especially that I joined Wulf Moon's Super Secrets challenge this year. Everyone in the forums has been so encouraging, and I'm continually learning from and being inspired by all the other forumites! This has been an amazing tool for growing as a writer and for finding a like-minded writing community. -- C. Crawford

[oishisushi911]

I joined the forum in 2017 but I was never active here until I found Wulf Moon’s Super Secret thread two years later. Once I found that, I started to cast away my fears and regain the confidence I needed to push forward with my desire to write at a pro level (submitting stories to WotF being one part of that goal). I soon found priceless support from the other writers on here who had the same high level of motivation, and I experienced vast improvement in both my dedication to writing and my writing skill itself as I discussed issues and exchanged stories for feedback.
—R.J.K. Lee (Tochigi, JAPAN)

[zeeteebeez]

The WotF forum is a place where new writers who are serious about being professional writers can congregate, meet others like themselves, and learn what it takes to WIN.

I have no doubt that when I break in, whether through WotF or elsewhere, the forum and the friends I have made there will be one of the biggest reasons why. — Z.T.

[Peter Glen]

I discovered the forum via the Writers of the Future podcasts. Once I'd signed up to the site, I was drawn to Wulf Moon's Super Secrets, where I've since gained valuable insights into the craft and the science fiction and fantasy publishing industry. The forum is a great community of like-minded and dedicated writers, and it's always a thrill when someone from the forum has a win. --Peter Glen

[Dustin Adams]

I've met and cheered several winners, and now best-selling authors during my time on the WotF forum. I've learned from acolytes and pros alike without feeling disparaged or belittled. When my time comes to win, and it will, I'll credit the forum as my major source of inspiration from setting goals to getting critiques to steady submissions. - Dustin Adams

[Andy Dibble]

Most of us on the forum, even winners such as myself, are at a similar place in our development as writers. That makes for a congenial and supportive environment. I'm glad to say I've made friends. --Andy Dibble

[storysinger]

I've been a part of the forum for a few years and have enjoyed mingling with fellow writers. I especially enjoy seeing someone from the forum win the contest or pro out as some do.
When Wulf Moon started his Super Secrets it created an extra level of accountability that everyone shares on a daily basis. I feel like my day doesn't start until I check the forum to see what's being discussed. ---Don Sweeney

[Wulf Moon]

Thank you for your comments about the WotF Forum. These are great! More, more! I know there are many of you. :)

WotF also wants me to include the benefits of the Forum in the following categories:

1. Writing tips--the comments above have some nice points already on this.
2. How to write a short story
3. Critique circle--I know many of you swap your first pages, do critique swaps, and have critique circles to help one another.
4. How to start a story--many new writers don't have a clue how to begin a story, but want to learn how to write. Did any of you get the courage to write your first story or ideas on how to start a story from the Forum?

Again, anyone is free to comment on anything they've benefited on from being in the Forum. I'm just listing some things I will definitely be covering in the article, like the benefit of critique circles, and the benefit of having friends that "get you" and what you do. Feel free to make additional posts if you have something to add.

Mucho thanks, amigos!

Wulf Moon

[JVAshley]

Participating in the forums has brought me closer to the fearless writing warrior I want to be. I am quicker to start and finish a piece with the quarterly threads giving a defined time frame and a built-in cheer squad. Plus, having a shared goal with my fellow forumites makes the waiting process of publishing a team sport instead of a lonely slog.--JV Ashley

[chuckt]

If I ever am fortunate enough to be standing at the podium in Hollywood, at the top of my thank list will be the forum and its members. The members there are extraordinarily supporting and helpful. Honestly, what I learned by hanging out there, and the places the members pointed me to for help, have made all the difference in my writing. John D. McDonald said you needed to write a million words before you really knew what you were doing. I found a shortcut: The Writers of the Future Forum. --Chuck Thompson

[KD Julicher]

The Writers of the Future Forum are the best place for entrants to congregate. I value the camaraderie and shared wisdom there from other entrants and past winners both. It's turned the Contest into a real community for me. I've made friends, cheered wins, mourned losses, and found story swap partners. Anyone who actually wants to win Writers of the Future should d themselves a favor and join. You'll learn what judges like and why, when results are likely to come out, and hear strategies from recent winners. -- K. D. Julicher

[Wulf Moon]

Thanks for all the great quotes about the Forum! I used all that I could. Sorry if I couldn't fit yours in--I tried! The article should be on the Writers of the Future blog soon!

Thanks to all that welcome new members on the Introduce Yourselves topic. It's a little daunting announcing to strangers that you are here. Having friendly people that warmly welcome you really helps. It's also great seeing all the help going on with critique swaps. Keep up the good work! You are famous for your kindness!

Don't miss that upcoming blog article. I said a lot of nice things about you guys...and I meant it!

Cheers!

Wulf Moon
Forum Moderator

[HermioneLee]

Friendly, helpful, inspiring...I just can’t say enough good things about the forum. The past winners are all selfless and shared their tips with new writers. The forum friends are always willing to provide support and assistance to one another. Together, we've congratulated the winners and encouraged friends who were rejected. We watched each other grow, improve and succeed.
Because of the forum, I found a community of friends who shared my devotion, dedication and obsession for writing stories. - Hermione Lee