First Four-Fifty Critique Exchanges

[J. Scott Marlatt]

I'd like to do a 450 swap with anyone that's interested.

Either that, or a full swap. Mine's a smidge over 6600. And it's a new one, not one i've traded before.

Let me know,
~Scott

[DavidK]

I'd like to do a 450 swap with anyone that's interested.

Either that, or a full swap. Mine's a smidge over 6600. And it's a new one, not one i've traded before.

Let me know,
~Scott

Hi Scott,

If you're interested PM or email me (using the buttons to the right of this email.) I have my Q2 story ready to go at about 7K, so if you want we can swap first impressions/unread works.

I've got to finish Kylie's story this weekend, and work on my <insert expletive > thesis, but I'll get to it during the week.

David


Over to you Blue Leader ...

[Jeff Bowles]

I dig Stuart's idea of the first 450 and would like to get down on it (get down, I say!) The story in its entirety is in the 13-14k range, but guess how many words the first 450 words of it actually is...man, how'd you guess?

This'll be a new one for me. I've only every critiqued whole stories before. Anybody interested?

[DavidK]

Hello all ... save me from my thesis

I have a 10.8K story and an 8.8K story that I have to throw out somewhere, but they *suck* and I need a 450 word / or a first 1K crit on each of them. If anyone is interested in an IOU or has a story ready to review in return, then I'm happy to do so ... I wouldn't impose a full story read.

Let me know, if your up for one (PM me, or email me). Ah, they are both sci-fi, but not hard sci-fi

Regards,

David

[septimiuss]

My Q1 is almost ready. It’s really nagging me to turn it into a novel, but I say no, no, first you have to go to Wotf just as you are. If you don’t win, then I’ll feed you lots of protein, make you lift weights and work you on the treadmill till you’re big and strong like a real life novel. Then I’m gonna sell you in bookstores so guys can learn from you how to shoot lasers, cast spells, bake delicious pizza and pick up chicks. But first you have to go to wotf and make a scene.


If anyone is interested in the 450 swap, PM.

[s_c_baker]

Per Dustin's suggestion, I've updated the first post to include notes on DF's stated preferences.

[s_c_baker]

Been quiet on the 450 front this quarter! I have 450 words of a Q1 story to swap. If anybody's game, PM or e-mail me.

[morshana]

Been quiet on the 450 front this quarter! I have 450 words of a Q1 story to swap. If anybody's game, PM or e-mail me.

Send me both, Stewart.

[Rebecca Birch]

I'm running into a bit of a stump as to what to submit for Q1. Having just received a story back from Strange Horizons, I'm thinking it may be my best bet, but I'd definitely like to get some eyes on it. I just have a feeling it may not be right for the contest.

Anyone interested in a Q1 First 450 swap, please PM me or drop me an email.

Thanks!

[Dustin Adams]

Alright, folks, let's get this thread moving.
We've only 4 weeks before those early entrants are in for Q3.

So lets see some 450's!

I humbly offer mine in exchange for others.
My work has finally slowed so I will read as many as are offered.

D

Here's the helpful, guideline questions:

1) Does it keep your interest? -

2) Is the plot easy to spot? -

3) Is the protagonist likeable, or at least interesting? -

4) Is there conflict? -

5) Is there a clearly recognizable speculative element? -

6) Setting? 5 senses? Character name?

7) I can haz grammer? -

[morshana]

Alright, folks, let's get this thread moving.
We've only 4 weeks before those early entrants are in for Q3.

So lets see some 450's!

I humbly offer mine in exchange for others.
My work has finally slowed so I will read as many as are offered.

D

Here's the helpful, guideline questions:

1) Does it keep your interest? -

2) Is the plot easy to spot? -

3) Is the protagonist likeable, or at least interesting? -

4) Is there conflict? -

5) Is there a clearly recognizable speculative element? -

6) Setting? 5 senses? Character name?

7) I can haz grammer? -

I'm still finishing up my workshop story (which I'd love to submit for Q2, but can't, of course), so I won't have a beginning just yet, but feel free to send yours when ready!

[Ishmael]

1) Does it keep your interest? - My attention span is good for 2 pages

2) Is the plot easy to spot? - I think so

3) Is the protagonist likeable, or at least interesting? - Could be a bit dull

4) Is there conflict? - So far, only with the digestion

5) Is there a clearly recognizable speculative element? -Oh yes!

6) Setting? 5 senses? Character name? Yes, No (only 2), Yes

7) I can haz grammer? - Even has semicolons

Now, after completing the form, I'm not sure if my 450 is up to scratch, but it does at least exist. So if Dustin / anyone else is willing to swap with me, please drop me a PM.

[s_c_baker]

1) Does it keep your interest? - My attention span is good for 2 pages

2) Is the plot easy to spot? - I think so

3) Is the protagonist likeable, or at least interesting? - Could be a bit dull

4) Is there conflict? - So far, only with the digestion

5) Is there a clearly recognizable speculative element? -Oh yes!

6) Setting? 5 senses? Character name? Yes, No (only 2), Yes

7) I can haz grammer? - Even has semicolons

Now, after completing the form, I'm not sure if my 450 is up to scratch, but it does at least exist. So if Dustin / anyone else is willing to swap with me, please drop me a PM.

[geoedwar]

I have 450 words I'm willing to exchange with anyone who is interested. PM me please.

[s_c_baker]

It's definitely that time again, isn't it?

I also have a 450 up for swaps, I believe. :)

[bobsandiego]

Anyone interested in swapping a 450 set?

[Ishmael]

Bob, if you're still looking for a crit please PM me. I haven't written anything but revisions in a week or so and I definitely need a change of perspective. If you feel so inclined, I could swap you the 600 that I couldn't send to NPR last week.

[austinDm]

I have an opening I'd like to get some perspective on as well, so if Bob or anyone else is still looking for 450 swaps, I'm up for it.

[bobsandiego]

To everyone I swapped with. Thank you so much for your feedback and opinions. It has proven to be valuable.
I think I haven't back all the feedback I promises, but if someone was waiting on one, then I lost track in my email. Just ping me if that has happened.

Again, thank you all

[josephk]

I have a 450 that I'd like to swap with anyone interested. Send PM. Thanks!

[DavidK]

Looking at a new story for this Q, so I have 450 words if anyone has the time to review it and pass judgement.

Thanks in advance, more than happy to swap upwards to 1K also.

David

[s_c_baker]

I'm also switching my stories for the quarter. I'll send you both an e-mail, David and Joseph. :)

[gwasch]

This sounds like it would be really informative, but I don't know where to start...

If anyone's willing to swap with me, go ahead and PM. :)

[Dustin Adams]

So I'm rewriting my story. Big surprise.

I'd love to get an opinion or two on my 450 to see if my new idea/direction is working.

If anyone has the time and gumption, please post here or PM.

Thank ya.

[Imagination Vortex]

I know this is extremely early (only 2 days into the new quarter!), so I completely understand if no one is willing to take me up on this. But I just have this idea I've been working on for quite some time now, and I really want to try and turn it into my Q1 story. I just need to know if I'm going in the right direction. I thought I better get on this as soon as possible because it's probably going to take the whole quarter to get it right. So if anyone can help me I'd really appreciate it!

[Dustin Adams]

Yes!
I have my non-entered, reimagined Q4 that's unseen by eyes other than mine. I too would love to get eyes on the first 2 pages. (I didn't want to ask twice in a row.)
Do you still have my e-mail address?

[Imagination Vortex]

I sent you a PM!

[KbRy]

I'd love to do a 450 swap if anyone is interested. PM me please!

[KbRy]

Got a couple of responses. Thanks! If anyone else would like to exchange I'm still game.

[scifime]

Howdy!

Looking to exchange the first 450 with anyone willing to read my 446-word senseless rant!

Rick