Discussion - Q2 - Volume 35
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Re: Discussion - Q2 - Volume 35
Thank you, Sataris! Definitely excited to see what comes from Dave's words of wisdom.
1x SF
2x HM
2x R
---
“If you hide your ignorance, no one will hit you and you'll never learn.” ― Ray Bradbury
2x HM
2x R
---
“If you hide your ignorance, no one will hit you and you'll never learn.” ― Ray Bradbury
- disgruntledpeony
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Re: Discussion - Q2 - Volume 35
SHM, here.
If a person offend you, and you are in doubt as to whether it was intentional or not, do not resort to extreme measures; simply watch your chance and hit him with a brick. ~ Mark Twain
R, SF, SHM, SHM, SHM, F, R, HM, SHM, R, HM, R, F
R, SF, SHM, SHM, SHM, F, R, HM, SHM, R, HM, R, F
Re: Discussion - Q2 - Volume 35
Just submitted at five minutes to midnight on the 29th of June. ...
and now I'm going to go pretend to sleep.
and now I'm going to go pretend to sleep.
(2014) V31 Q1 – R
(2018) V35 Q3 – HM
(2019) V36 Q3 – HM
(2019) V36 Q4 – SHM
(2020) V37 Q1 – ?
(2018) V35 Q3 – HM
(2019) V36 Q3 – HM
(2019) V36 Q4 – SHM
(2020) V37 Q1 – ?
Re: Discussion - Q2 - Volume 35
As always, congratulations to everyone that entered. You wrote a story. You sent it to a pro market. The next step on the path is to send it to another pro market. Then you're really doing that writer thing--you're the kind of writer that wants people to read your story, because you've got something to say. : )
PCMC, congrats on your Semifinalist. The critique from Dave is a wonderful consolation, and can help you win in the future, plus see ways to strengthen this piece to sell to another market.
Dustin and Liz, well done. I don't have to tell you this--it's for the record. Silver HM means you were in the final pile and you made Dave sweat. He had to put a microscope on your pieces to find a flaw. Or he had five stories of space opera pandas this time, and one of them sang so loud, he had to take her. It doesn't mean you won't win with your space opera panda stories next time, should you choose to send them back up on the stage. I suggest Wagner. Ride of the Valkyries has got a good beat, and you can dance to it.
We normally have some Finalists. Keep watching, everyone. For some reason, this is where they nest. : )
Fortune favor the brave!
~Moon~
PCMC, congrats on your Semifinalist. The critique from Dave is a wonderful consolation, and can help you win in the future, plus see ways to strengthen this piece to sell to another market.
Dustin and Liz, well done. I don't have to tell you this--it's for the record. Silver HM means you were in the final pile and you made Dave sweat. He had to put a microscope on your pieces to find a flaw. Or he had five stories of space opera pandas this time, and one of them sang so loud, he had to take her. It doesn't mean you won't win with your space opera panda stories next time, should you choose to send them back up on the stage. I suggest Wagner. Ride of the Valkyries has got a good beat, and you can dance to it.
We normally have some Finalists. Keep watching, everyone. For some reason, this is where they nest. : )
Fortune favor the brave!
~Moon~
Wulf Moon http://driftweave.com
Q4 Vol 35 "Super-Duper Moongirl..."
Critters Readers Award: #1, "War Dog," Best SF&F Short Story of 2018
NEW! "Weep No More..." DEEP MAGIC Fall 2019 http://amazon.com/author/wulfmoon
Q4 Vol 35 "Super-Duper Moongirl..."
Critters Readers Award: #1, "War Dog," Best SF&F Short Story of 2018
NEW! "Weep No More..." DEEP MAGIC Fall 2019 http://amazon.com/author/wulfmoon
Re: Discussion - Q2 - Volume 35
Are you willing to share this latest one with me so I can see what it takes to get HM?
Wulf Moon wrote:And I just got served. A silver honorable mention for Q2--the judge's way of saying if you give this another pass, it could be a finalist next time. This makes 12 honors out of the 13 times I've entered with David Farland as judge.
You're killin' me, Dave. : )
Re: Discussion - Q2 - Volume 35
2000 posts?
Dustin Adams wrote:Silver here.
I'm afraid I win't reach finalist again until I close in on 2k posts...
- Beth Powers
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Re: Discussion - Q2 - Volume 35
It's been a busy week, but I'm back on the HM train with this quarter (for those counting, I got the email on June 26th)
Re: Discussion - Q2 - Volume 35
[quote="beavs007"]Are you willing to share this latest one with me so I can see what it takes to get an HM?]
I'll do you one better. I'll share one with you that got HM to Semifinalist from every judge in this contest, all the way back to Algis Budrys. After 20 years, I finaly sold it last year. Actually, thrice, because it was also bought for the publisher's Best of 2017 anthology, and I also got paid to narrate it for podcast as well. "Beast of the Month." Click on my website below, and you'll see my blog. The podcast is easy to find once you're there.
But honestly, the best way to figure out how to write a story that Dave likes is to read his blog on writing tips. Study those. Some are even directly about WOTF entries. There's the gold.
Cheers!
~Moon~
I'll do you one better. I'll share one with you that got HM to Semifinalist from every judge in this contest, all the way back to Algis Budrys. After 20 years, I finaly sold it last year. Actually, thrice, because it was also bought for the publisher's Best of 2017 anthology, and I also got paid to narrate it for podcast as well. "Beast of the Month." Click on my website below, and you'll see my blog. The podcast is easy to find once you're there.
But honestly, the best way to figure out how to write a story that Dave likes is to read his blog on writing tips. Study those. Some are even directly about WOTF entries. There's the gold.
Cheers!
~Moon~
Wulf Moon http://driftweave.com
Q4 Vol 35 "Super-Duper Moongirl..."
Critters Readers Award: #1, "War Dog," Best SF&F Short Story of 2018
NEW! "Weep No More..." DEEP MAGIC Fall 2019 http://amazon.com/author/wulfmoon
Q4 Vol 35 "Super-Duper Moongirl..."
Critters Readers Award: #1, "War Dog," Best SF&F Short Story of 2018
NEW! "Weep No More..." DEEP MAGIC Fall 2019 http://amazon.com/author/wulfmoon
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Re: Discussion - Q2 - Volume 35
Wulf Moon wrote:But honestly, the best way to figure out how to write a story that Dave likes is to read his blog on writing tips. Study those. Some are even directly about WOTF entries. There's the gold. Cheers!
Very good advice. Everyone submitting to this contest would be wise to read these insights to Dave's thought process.
HM-V32/Q3
HM-V36/Q4
Today's science fiction is tomorrow's reality.
D.R.Sweeney
HM-V36/Q4
Today's science fiction is tomorrow's reality.
D.R.Sweeney
Re: Discussion - Q2 - Volume 35
And read the latest WOTF volume of course. That seemed so obvious I didn't even mention it. But there's the winning stories, and it's winning stories you should be studying. They tell you what the judges believe is gold currently, and current is what matters.
And after you've done that, forget everything you read, and go write your own original tale. Original stands out from the crowd. No one can duplicate it. Because it's YOU.
Fortune favor the brave,
~Moon~
And after you've done that, forget everything you read, and go write your own original tale. Original stands out from the crowd. No one can duplicate it. Because it's YOU.
Fortune favor the brave,
~Moon~
Wulf Moon http://driftweave.com
Q4 Vol 35 "Super-Duper Moongirl..."
Critters Readers Award: #1, "War Dog," Best SF&F Short Story of 2018
NEW! "Weep No More..." DEEP MAGIC Fall 2019 http://amazon.com/author/wulfmoon
Q4 Vol 35 "Super-Duper Moongirl..."
Critters Readers Award: #1, "War Dog," Best SF&F Short Story of 2018
NEW! "Weep No More..." DEEP MAGIC Fall 2019 http://amazon.com/author/wulfmoon
Re: Discussion - Q2 - Volume 35
OK. I know I'm going to look back on this question and wonder how I could be so dumb..... but can any yall please clarify for me what quarter results youre talking about. ..... it appears that everyone is suddenly flooded with results and I'm therefore assuming these are for the quarter that ended last April. ..and that by that logic, none of us will hear back about our story status for the quarter endin 30 juNE until about September. .... is that right. ...also, do rejections get notified early or is everyone notified at time same time.... ...I guess what I'm asking is how the timetables of resault notifications work.
(2014) V31 Q1 – R
(2018) V35 Q3 – HM
(2019) V36 Q3 – HM
(2019) V36 Q4 – SHM
(2020) V37 Q1 – ?
(2018) V35 Q3 – HM
(2019) V36 Q3 – HM
(2019) V36 Q4 – SHM
(2020) V37 Q1 – ?
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Re: Discussion - Q2 - Volume 35
Hi Henkel,
Yes, people are reporting results for the quarter that ended March 31 (Quarter 2 - Volume 35).
Over forty authors who use The Submission Grinder (https://thegrinder.diabolicalplots.com/) to track their submissions reported receiving results on May 26. The Grinder tracks submissions and averages the timing of results for each market; currently, 86 days for WotF.
Lately, Forumites have reported Rs (Non-placing stories), Honorable Mentions (HM) and Silver Honorable Mentions (SHM) on the same day. Semifinalists and Finalists are technically still in the contest, so even if they receive results, Joni asks Finalists not to reveal for a specified time. [It is my belief that we have not heard from any Finalists due to the first quarter snafu. Technically, they don't have to be notified until final results are in, status notification has been a courtesy up until last quarter. Again, this is only my belief. I have no confirmation of anything.]
If you haven't received results, please continue to twitch.
Yes, people are reporting results for the quarter that ended March 31 (Quarter 2 - Volume 35).
Over forty authors who use The Submission Grinder (https://thegrinder.diabolicalplots.com/) to track their submissions reported receiving results on May 26. The Grinder tracks submissions and averages the timing of results for each market; currently, 86 days for WotF.
Lately, Forumites have reported Rs (Non-placing stories), Honorable Mentions (HM) and Silver Honorable Mentions (SHM) on the same day. Semifinalists and Finalists are technically still in the contest, so even if they receive results, Joni asks Finalists not to reveal for a specified time. [It is my belief that we have not heard from any Finalists due to the first quarter snafu. Technically, they don't have to be notified until final results are in, status notification has been a courtesy up until last quarter. Again, this is only my belief. I have no confirmation of anything.]
If you haven't received results, please continue to twitch.
Re: Discussion - Q2 - Volume 35
Thanks Kentagious. Sounds like a logical assumption I hadn't entered q2 so not waiting. Just curious about process is all. Thanks for sharing.
(2014) V31 Q1 – R
(2018) V35 Q3 – HM
(2019) V36 Q3 – HM
(2019) V36 Q4 – SHM
(2020) V37 Q1 – ?
(2018) V35 Q3 – HM
(2019) V36 Q3 – HM
(2019) V36 Q4 – SHM
(2020) V37 Q1 – ?
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Re: Discussion - Q2 - Volume 35
Does anyone know how soon the certificates usually arrive?
eltodanzig.wordpress.com
2018 Finalist Baen Publishing Fantasy Adventure Award
V35Q3: HM | V35Q4: First round pass
2018 Finalist Baen Publishing Fantasy Adventure Award
V35Q3: HM | V35Q4: First round pass
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- Joined: Wed Mar 25, 2015 2:45 pm
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Re: Discussion - Q2 - Volume 35
My certificates have arrived anywhere from six days to a month after Joni's email confirmation.
If she says so
It will come
If she says so
It will come
Re: Discussion - Q2 - Volume 35
Elto_Danzig wrote:Does anyone know how soon the certificates usually arrive?
Mine seem to come one or two months after the email. My last one for Q1 was longer--Joni must have missed my response to send it. If you don't say you want it and fail to send her the requested info, it won't come. Joni has a lot to keep up with, so after two months, email her.
Wulf Moon http://driftweave.com
Q4 Vol 35 "Super-Duper Moongirl..."
Critters Readers Award: #1, "War Dog," Best SF&F Short Story of 2018
NEW! "Weep No More..." DEEP MAGIC Fall 2019 http://amazon.com/author/wulfmoon
Q4 Vol 35 "Super-Duper Moongirl..."
Critters Readers Award: #1, "War Dog," Best SF&F Short Story of 2018
NEW! "Weep No More..." DEEP MAGIC Fall 2019 http://amazon.com/author/wulfmoon
- bobsandiego
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Re: Discussion - Q2 - Volume 35
so Q2 vol 34 I posted that Dave had returned me to the dog house.
Last week I found out that this year, this Q2, I am a finalist.
It doesn't seem real.

Last week I found out that this year, this Q2, I am a finalist.
It doesn't seem real.

Literary saboteur
Blog: http://www.robertmitchellevans.com/
HM X 5
SF X 3
F X 1
Current Rejection Streak: 0
Blog: http://www.robertmitchellevans.com/
HM X 5
SF X 3
F X 1
Current Rejection Streak: 0
- michaeljwyantjr
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Re: Discussion - Q2 - Volume 35
Congratulations Bob. Hope you make the final three.
HM-V32/Q3
HM-V36/Q4
Today's science fiction is tomorrow's reality.
D.R.Sweeney
HM-V36/Q4
Today's science fiction is tomorrow's reality.
D.R.Sweeney
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Re: Discussion - Q2 - Volume 35
Way to go, Bob!
1x SF
2x HM
2x R
---
“If you hide your ignorance, no one will hit you and you'll never learn.” ― Ray Bradbury
2x HM
2x R
---
“If you hide your ignorance, no one will hit you and you'll never learn.” ― Ray Bradbury
Re: Discussion - Q2 - Volume 35
bobsandiego wrote:so Q2 vol 34 I posted that Dave had returned me to the dog house.
Last week I found out that this year, this Q2, I am a finalist.
It doesn't seem real.
Congrats! I'll be pulling for you!
2017: Q4: SHM - The Tin Man, Syntax and Salt
2018: Q1: 1st Place
2018: Q1: 1st Place
- Dustin Adams
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Re: Discussion - Q2 - Volume 35
bobsandiego wrote:so Q2 vol 34 I posted that Dave had returned me to the dog house.
Last week I found out that this year, this Q2, I am a finalist.
It doesn't seem real.
Awesome!
Trajectory HM R R HM R R HM HM HM R R R R HM R HM HM
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Re: Discussion - Q2 - Volume 35

Congratulations Bob!
Re: Discussion - Q2 - Volume 35
That’s excellent! Good luck!
V34: R, HM, R
V35: HM, R, R, HM
V36: R, HM, HM, SHM
ALWAYS available for critiques. PM me.
https://www.flametreepublishing.com/A-Dying-Planet-Short-Stories-ISBN-9781787557819.html
2020 Writers of the Future Superstars Scholarship recipient
V35: HM, R, R, HM
V36: R, HM, HM, SHM
ALWAYS available for critiques. PM me.
https://www.flametreepublishing.com/A-Dying-Planet-Short-Stories-ISBN-9781787557819.html
2020 Writers of the Future Superstars Scholarship recipient
Re: Discussion - Q2 - Volume 35
bobsandiego wrote:so Q2 vol 34 I posted that Dave had returned me to the dog house.
Last week I found out that this year, this Q2, I am a finalist.
It doesn't seem real.
Yeah! I hope you win!
Preston Dennett
2nd Place Winner V35 Q1
FX1
HMx12
Stories sold: 37
Latest three:
"Korba's Revenge" Stupefying Stories, Sep 8, 2018
"Dispell" Daily Science Fiction, Feb 6, 2018
"Forbidden" Sci Phi Jrnl, Nov 11, 2016
2nd Place Winner V35 Q1
FX1
HMx12
Stories sold: 37
Latest three:
"Korba's Revenge" Stupefying Stories, Sep 8, 2018
"Dispell" Daily Science Fiction, Feb 6, 2018
"Forbidden" Sci Phi Jrnl, Nov 11, 2016
- bobsandiego
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Re: Discussion - Q2 - Volume 35
Thank you everyone. Honestly I had very nearly forgotten about the entry but it goes to show you can not predict the editor.
Submit - that's your job.
accept or reject is their's do not do it for them.
Submit - that's your job.
accept or reject is their's do not do it for them.
Literary saboteur
Blog: http://www.robertmitchellevans.com/
HM X 5
SF X 3
F X 1
Current Rejection Streak: 0
Blog: http://www.robertmitchellevans.com/
HM X 5
SF X 3
F X 1
Current Rejection Streak: 0
Re: Discussion - Q2 - Volume 35
bobsandiego wrote:Thank you everyone. Honestly I had very nearly forgotten about the entry but it goes to show you can not predict the editor.
Submit - that's your job.
accept or reject is their's do not do it for them.
How true. And congratulations on making Finalist, Bob! Here's to your making the top three! The wait has got to be a killer.
All the beast,
~Moon~
Wulf Moon http://driftweave.com
Q4 Vol 35 "Super-Duper Moongirl..."
Critters Readers Award: #1, "War Dog," Best SF&F Short Story of 2018
NEW! "Weep No More..." DEEP MAGIC Fall 2019 http://amazon.com/author/wulfmoon
Q4 Vol 35 "Super-Duper Moongirl..."
Critters Readers Award: #1, "War Dog," Best SF&F Short Story of 2018
NEW! "Weep No More..." DEEP MAGIC Fall 2019 http://amazon.com/author/wulfmoon
- bobsandiego
- Posts: 1225
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- Location: SAN DIEGO CA USA
- Contact:
Re: Discussion - Q2 - Volume 35
Wulf Moon wrote:bobsandiego wrote:Thank you everyone. Honestly I had very nearly forgotten about the entry but it goes to show you can not predict the editor.
Submit - that's your job.
accept or reject is their's do not do it for them.
How true. And congratulations on making Finalist, Bob! Here's to your making the top three! The wait has got to be a killer.
All the beast,
~Moon~
In all honesty it's like waiting for anything else. After waiting on agents, waiting on editors, waiting on publishers, this just joins the queue.
Don't get em wrong I want to win. I've been entering since 2003 but there's also a point where the stress of waiting gives way to mundane reality.
Literary saboteur
Blog: http://www.robertmitchellevans.com/
HM X 5
SF X 3
F X 1
Current Rejection Streak: 0
Blog: http://www.robertmitchellevans.com/
HM X 5
SF X 3
F X 1
Current Rejection Streak: 0
- bobsandiego
- Posts: 1225
- Joined: Thu Apr 26, 2012 8:27 pm
- Location: SAN DIEGO CA USA
- Contact:
Re: Discussion - Q2 - Volume 35
And the word is - nope.
I did not win but I am not depressed. Coming this far on a story I fully would not expect to strike's Dave's fancy is a good feeling all on its own.
I did not win but I am not depressed. Coming this far on a story I fully would not expect to strike's Dave's fancy is a good feeling all on its own.
Literary saboteur
Blog: http://www.robertmitchellevans.com/
HM X 5
SF X 3
F X 1
Current Rejection Streak: 0
Blog: http://www.robertmitchellevans.com/
HM X 5
SF X 3
F X 1
Current Rejection Streak: 0
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