Discussion: Q4 Volume 37

[IStanhope]

That’s incredible, IStanhope! Top 50 or so in the world with your first try in the biggest aspiring writer contest in the world? Well done!

Thank you! I've been writing for a long time, but I usually just keep things to myself. I'm trying to get out of that habit and be a little more open with my work. I really like the piece I'm working on for Q1 so far, and I hope I get it finished in time.

[PenMark]

I've been away from the forums for a couple weeks now--real life came knocking on my door--so I never heard that results came in, and the email with my results got sorted into the junk folder, because of course it did. I just noticed a few minutes ago, and...



I am in shock. For real, I pushed away from my desk when I saw and a part of me is still convinced I read something wrong. I was only cautiously optimistic to get an HM sometime in V38... I'm honestly at a loss for words right now, but I think this was exactly the motivation I needed to push through everything that's going on to keep at my writing. Wow.

Edit: Now that I'm all caught up on the stuff I missed, great job, everyone! This really is an amazing showing.

[Eagerink]

Just look at all of these Silver HMs this Q! I count thirteen! This is normally top 50ish in the world. This quarter had so many great stories, it will probably mean top 100 in the world, and it is absolutely FANTASTIC to see so many in one group. Here's the ones I counted:

Eagerink

I was just a regular, unkown-color HM :) but save me as a SHM for next quarter! ;)

[Wulf Moon]

Just look at all of these Silver HMs this Q! I count thirteen! This is normally top 50ish in the world. This quarter had so many great stories, it will probably mean top 100 in the world, and it is absolutely FANTASTIC to see so many in one group. Here's the ones I counted:

Eagerink

I was just a regular, unkown-color HM :) but save me as a SHM for next quarter! ;)

Thanks. Swapped you for PenMark, who just posted an SHM!

Next time, Eagerink!

[babooher]

Normally, as soon as I don't win here (I can't call an HM or SHM a loss), I look for possible markets for the story. This quarter's SHM touches on issues of voting (but not contested elections) and I'm thinking that I might want to let things cool down a bit before I send it out. Thoughts?

[Wulf Moon]

RabenWrites wrote:

Any other advice as to how best polish a story that's already on the edge of one's skill set?

Silver is great and shouldn't take much. You may want to read through with certain aspects of writing in mind.

Sensory pass: In each scene - pick from the five (or six, etc.) senses that ground the reader to the scene. Make sure the narrative includes those senses. Not all scenes must include all senses but remember that our experiences are much more than visual. Smells tap memories more strongly than visuals and tapping the reader's memories connects them to the story. Include as many senses as fit.

Tell vs. Show pass: Do global searches for "to be" verb conjugations and rewrite sentences that are glaringly Telling. Do global searches for sensory verbs like felt, heard, saw, smelled, etc., as these are indicative of Telling. (Example: 'She smelled apple pie' or 'Baked apple and cinnamon floated in the midnight air.')

Thematic pass: Ensure that theme is reinforced in each scene, whether overtly or subtly. It should be there, ready to pounce on the astute reader.

Research/continuity pass: History, Science, and data of all kinds, if applicable to the real world, should be accurate. This kind of continuity should also be adhered to in stories that take place in created universes: Magic has rules and consequences, Physical laws are applied to everything, Morality is defined, Governmental systems maintain an internal continuity, whether or not they make sense.

Give it a Rest: Don't look at the work for a week or two. It's okay to think about it but don't look. Your subconscious may have something to say about the story that grinding away at the thing will not reveal.

Have fun and good luck,
Kent

Lots of great advice given to RabenWrites by everyone. Kentagions advice here is especially good, and I enjoyed it. On one of his points, I've actually had a post it note stuck to my pen holder for some time to remind me I need to write a Super Secret on this. It says, "Full sensory details for immersive experience."

Right on, Kentagions! Or in here, Write on, Kentagions!

[Wulf Moon]

Reposting my commendation on Volume 37 Q4 results because WotF made a nice comment on it. Read down to the bottom to see it. May it inspire if you've been at this awhile. I was at it for twenty-five years; I know how it can feel at times. Cheers!

THIS IS THE GREATEST SET OF RESULTS I'VE EVER SEEN IN MY MANY YEARS IN THE FORUM! CONGRATULATIONS, FORUMITES!!!

First, if you didn't place this Q and see all these wonderful results, don't feel bad. The Forum scoops up like a dragnet the great writers swimming in the international sea. They want to win this contest, so they come here. You are one as well. Your day will come, and likely did in quarters past. Keep believing, keep learning, keep writing, and keep submitting. This is the way.

Second, we have HMs like the sands of the sea. Always. Well done, all of you! We make this look easy. I assure you, it is not. Getting an HM in this particular Q4 is a great honor. Know why? Dave said he's never seen so much quality writing in a quarter before. It was a phenomenal difference. And you proved you have The Right Stuff. Well done!

But here is where we go OFF THE CHARTS AND BREAK THE BAROMETER! SILVER HMS!

Just look at all of these Silver HMs this Q! I count thirteen! This is normally top 50ish in the world. This quarter had so many great stories, it will probably mean top 100 in the world, and it is absolutely FANTASTIC to see so many in one group. Here's the ones I counted:

PenMark
Rabenwrites
Babooher
JC Archer
Istanhopes--his first entry in the contest gets a Silver!
RSchibler
BlackInk
D.Kav
AlexH
CCrawford
clisle
Lambent
and a special shout out to Beth Powers, because she's had so many HMs and just broke through to the next level! Woot!

Incredible results, WotF Forumites! Jolly good show!

And then our Semifinalists:

Dustin Adams
Disgruntled Peony
and a special shout out to Kingswood, because he just broke through to the next level as well! Woot!

Finally, our Finalists that have chosen to announce:

Christopher Henckel
Brittany Rainsdon
Galen

We stand on pins and needles awaiting your final results! SUPER-DUPER CONGRATULATIONS, FINALISTS!

SO. MANY. HONORS! BEST. SHOWING. EVAH!

Keep up the great writing, WotF Forum. As you can see, there is a good reward for your hard work.

ALL THE BEAST!

Wulf Moon
Forum Moderator

P.S.: You may not know this but Writers of the Future is very much aware of the good work you are doing in here. As they see your results climb, they take note of your name and truly are rooting for you to win. They know when you are getting close because they closely watch the results. They know the names of those that have been at this for years, and Joni calls those names first when Finalists are revealed--she is hopping happy for them, as any that have received that call will readily tell you. Never think your work is in vain. The Contest can only choose three each quarter because they have an annual anthology that can't hold any more than what they already include. But please don't view your writing as inferior just because someone won, or earned a higher rank, and you did not. That's contests, that's publishing. We all have to be able to grin and bear it, knowing if we stick with it, our day will come, here, or elsewhere. But it's a lot easier to bear when you see it's your friends walking up on that stage. It makes you happy for them, because you know them, you saw the work they put into this to get to that place they're now at. And it helps you realize that they are just like you, working hard to create and improve their creations. If your friends can do it, so can you. That mindset can give you much power to forge on.

Keep that attitude. That is not just how you win this contest, that is how you win in life.

And if you have any doubts WotF is not watching, or does not care how hard you've been trying, well, you must not have had The Call yet. I truly hope you stay the course and receive that wonderful moment. In the meantime, here's an email I just got from one of the top officers in WotF HQ after seeing all your wonderful results:

"This is so awesome Moon!

I am always super excited when I see a name I recognize on these lists. I have never met any of them. I have just seen them entering for so long and I find myself rooting for them.

Thanks so much for keeping them inspired!"

You Forumites are what inspires. Keep up the diligence in writing. There is a good reward for your hard work.

[Eagerink]

P.S.: You may not know this but Writers of the Future is very much aware of the good work you are doing in here. As they see your results climb, they take note of your name and truly are rooting for you to win. They know when you are getting close because they closely watch the results. They know the names of those that have been at this for years, and Joni calls those names first when Finalists are revealed--she is hopping happy for them, as any that have received that call will readily tell you. Never think your work is in vain. The Contest can only choose three each quarter because they have an annual anthology that can't hold any more than what they already include. But please don't view your writing as inferior just because someone won, or earned a higher rank, and you did not. That's contests, that's publishing. We all have to be able to grin and bear it, knowing if we stick with it, our day will come, here, or elsewhere. But it's a lot easier to bear when you see it's your friends walking up on that stage. It makes you happy for them, because you know them, you saw the work they put into this to get to that place they're now at. And it helps you realize that they are just like you, working hard to create and improve their creations. If your friends can do it, so can you. That mindset can give you much power to forge on.

Keep that attitude. That is not just how you win this contest, that is how you win in life.

And if you have any doubts WotF is not watching, or does not care how hard you've been trying, well, you must not have had The Call yet. I truly hope you stay the course and receive that wonderful moment. In the meantime, here's an email I just got from one of the top officers in WotF HQ after seeing all your wonderful results:

"This is so awesome Moon!

I am always super excited when I see a name I recognize on these lists. I have never met any of them. I have just seen them entering for so long and I find myself rooting for them.

Thanks so much for keeping them inspired!"

You Forumites are what inspires. Keep up the diligence in writing. There is a good reward for your hard work.

Thanks for this Moon!

[Galen]

A belated congrats to all for the incredible showings here. So many HM, Silvers, Semi's and Finalists. And of course, "R" is for "Righteous as these are the subs that take the greatest courage of all.

Go Forumites, go!

(I am pleased to report I was one of the Finalists this quarter, which is a personal best for me. I did not win or place, but I'll happily take it. Congrats to the winners whomever you are! But if you will permit me a moment of vanity, I've been waiting a long time to bust out a certain smilie and may never get another chance...)



P.S. Thank you to Rebecca Treasure, Disgruntled Peony and Tom Woodward for their invaluable guidance on my submission. I don't get to post smilies without them.

[RSchibler]

Galen I am so thrilled you made finalist and bummed you didn’t place but mostly thrilled. Congratulations!

[disgruntledpeony]

(I am pleased to report I was one of the Finalists this quarter, which is a personal best for me. I did not win or place, but I'll happily take it. Congrats to the winners whomever you are! But if you will permit me a moment of vanity, I've been waiting a long time to bust out a certain smilie and may never get another chance...)

[CCrawford]

(I am pleased to report I was one of the Finalists this quarter, which is a personal best for me. I did not win or place, but I'll happily take it. Congrats to the winners whomever you are! But if you will permit me a moment of vanity, I've been waiting a long time to bust out a certain smilie and may never get another chance...)

Congratulations!!!

[Wulf Moon]

A belated congrats to all for the incredible showings here. So many HM, Silvers, Semi's and Finalists. And of course, "R" is for "Righteous as these are the subs that take the greatest courage of all.

Go Forumites, go!

(I am pleased to report I was one of the Finalists this quarter, which is a personal best for me. I did not win or place, but I'll happily take it. Congrats to the winners whomever you are! But if you will permit me a moment of vanity, I've been waiting a long time to bust out a certain smilie and may never get another chance...)



P.S. Thank you to Rebecca Treasure, Disgruntled Peony and Tom Woodward for their invaluable guidance on my submission. I don't get to post smilies without them.

Nicely done, Galen! Top 8 in the WORLD! And if you did it once, you can do it again. You know how to hit the bullseye!

WAY TO GO!

[Reuben]

A belated congrats to all for the incredible showings here. So many HM, Silvers, Semi's and Finalists. And of course, "R" is for "Righteous as these are the subs that take the greatest courage of all.

Go Forumites, go!

(I am pleased to report I was one of the Finalists this quarter, which is a personal best for me. I did not win or place, but I'll happily take it. Congrats to the winners whomever you are! But if you will permit me a moment of vanity, I've been waiting a long time to bust out a certain smilie and may never get another chance...)



P.S. Thank you to Rebecca Treasure, Disgruntled Peony and Tom Woodward for their invaluable guidance on my submission. I don't get to post smilies without them.

Awesome!

[Thomas Woodward]

A belated congrats to all for the incredible showings here. So many HM, Silvers, Semi's and Finalists. And of course, "R" is for "Righteous as these are the subs that take the greatest courage of all.

Go Forumites, go!

(I am pleased to report I was one of the Finalists this quarter, which is a personal best for me. I did not win or place, but I'll happily take it. Congrats to the winners whomever you are! But if you will permit me a moment of vanity, I've been waiting a long time to bust out a certain smilie and may never get another chance...)



P.S. Thank you to Rebecca Treasure, Disgruntled Peony and Tom Woodward for their invaluable guidance on my submission. I don't get to post smilies without them.

So incredibly happy for you, Galen! Huge congrats!!!

[PenMark]

(I am pleased to report I was one of the Finalists this quarter, which is a personal best for me. I did not win or place, but I'll happily take it. Congrats to the winners whomever you are! But if you will permit me a moment of vanity, I've been waiting a long time to bust out a certain smilie and may never get another chance...)

That's so exciting! Congratulations!

[Chezecaek]

Late seeing the email as I wasn't expecting it. Got an R. This is a tough one for me 'cause I got an honorable mention last time and several people told me they liked this story better than that one, including an editor, so that gave me hope. Ah well.

[RSchibler]

Late seeing the email as I wasn't expecting it. Got an R. This is a tough one for me 'cause I got an honorable mention last time and several people told me they liked this story better than that one, including an editor, so that gave me hope. Ah well.

Take a long hard look at my signature and don’t give up. Rs are proof you’re trying new things and sending the stories out.

[Henckel]

A belated congrats to all for the incredible showings here. So many HM, Silvers, Semi's and Finalists. And of course, "R" is for "Righteous as these are the subs that take the greatest courage of all.

Go Forumites, go!

(I am pleased to report I was one of the Finalists this quarter, which is a personal best for me. I did not win or place, but I'll happily take it. Congrats to the winners whomever you are! But if you will permit me a moment of vanity, I've been waiting a long time to bust out a certain smilie and may never get another chance...)



P.S. Thank you to Rebecca Treasure, Disgruntled Peony and Tom Woodward for their invaluable guidance on my submission. I don't get to post smilies without them.

Congratulations, Galen!

That is amazing. Sending a big virtual high-5 your way.

[Dustin Adams]

So, Henkel said grats, but didn't offer his final placement...
I believe there's a girl in glasses we're also waiting to hear from...

[AlexH]

Commiserations but mostly congratulations to our Q4 finalists here (mentioned in the Super Secrets thread, Dustin). It must be hard to get so close, but it proves you've got what it takes to win.

I just realised from my signature that I received four Rs before my first HM and four HMs before my SHM. At the same rate, I'll be a finalist in 3 years!

[Henckel]

So, Henkel said grats, but didn't offer his final placement...
I believe there's a girl in glasses we're also waiting to hear from...

Sorry, I'm still getting over my emotional blow.

I didnt win. I'm finalist. Nothing more

[Wulf Moon]

Commiserations but mostly congratulations to our Q4 finalists here (mentioned in the Super Secrets thread, Dustin). It must be hard to get so close, but it proves you've got what it takes to win.

I just realised from my signature that I received four Rs before my first HM and four HMs before my SHM. At the same rate, I'll be a finalist in 3 years!

Alex, great meeting you in my Fyrecon master class! I love these international friendships we are making at virtual cons, the silver lining of the pandemic. As to your comment here, that can be pretty close to the truth. Keep writing, my friend. It’s how you turn the dream into reality. Cheers!

[Wulf Moon]

So, Henkel said grats, but didn't offer his final placement...
I believe there's a girl in glasses we're also waiting to hear from...

Sorry, I'm still getting over my emotional blow.

I didnt win. I'm finalist. Nothing more

Christopher, it’s not “nothing more.” It’s everything! You just got validation that your writing is at Olympic level competition grade. Top 8 in the world out of thousands of entries is something to be proud of! I’ll say the same thing to you I said to Brittany. Go watch the Pixar short “Boundin’.” You’ve got a pink kink in your think!

Proud of you, challenge beastie. I’ve watched how much progress you’ve made. Well done!

[kentagions]

Sorry, I'm still getting over my emotional blow.

I didnt win. I'm finalist. Nothing more

Hey buddy,

I understand that hit. Mine was just a month ago. We'll drink to it someday.

HOWEVER, please understand this. A best-selling author AND editor of a best-selling anthology judged your story fit for publication! Soon, your name will be enshrined for posterity and will forever be associated with that honor.

You do have the right mindset, that this show isn't over until you win. You've shown a meteoric rise in your development as a writer and earning a Finalist placement shows that. Finalist in Writers of the Future shows everyone in the industry that you have the skill, the imagination, and the work ethic to be a pro. Write another one and win.

Best of luck,
Kent

[thegirlintheglasses]

Guys!!! I apologize for not posting my final results here sooner. Was at fyrecon all weekend and actually got my second call during Wulf’s class.

I.... did not win.

Joni told me I was number FOUR and said some nice things about my story the judges had told her. Oooh it stung this time. A bit of an emotional roller coaster. But *Shrug* that’s publishing, and honestly listening to everyone talk about desensitizing rejection at the con helped. It happens. It’ll continue to happen. As long as we’re on the path and continue to walk, we will get there. I’ll keep the faith and continue to enter. Who knows what the next story will hold? What YOUR next story will hold?

You guys are rockstars!

Also, huge congratulations Galen and Chris!!!! What a quarter!!!

[Dustin Adams]

To quote a famous time-traveling scientist, "Damn, Damn."

And because this was #3... "Damn."

[BlackInk]

I can't imagine the sting of coming so close and not getting it but man, you are all so inspiring!

[Galen]

Thanks guys! I really appreciate it.

And super congrats to Henkel and thegirlintheglasses!!

[AliciaCay]

A belated congrats to all for the incredible showings here. So many HM, Silvers, Semi's and Finalists. And of course, "R" is for "Righteous as these are the subs that take the greatest courage of all.

Go Forumites, go!

(I am pleased to report I was one of the Finalists this quarter, which is a personal best for me. I did not win or place, but I'll happily take it. Congrats to the winners whomever you are! But if you will permit me a moment of vanity, I've been waiting a long time to bust out a certain smilie and may never get another chance...)



P.S. Thank you to Rebecca Treasure, Disgruntled Peony and Tom Woodward for their invaluable guidance on my submission. I don't get to post smilies without them.

Well done, sir. *Tips Hat*

P.S. I would like to second that shout-out to Mizz Peony and Mizz Treasure. They are beautiful humans and give excellent writing guidance. ♥