VOL 35, ANTHOLOGY, WORKSHOP & GALA EVENT

[Wulf Moon]

I plan to watch live for the first time this year. Wulf and Preston are commendable representatives for the forumites. I you both.

Thanks, Storysinger! See you all at the gala! Don't forget the Writers of the Future blog posts each day of the workshop as well, and that starts THIS Sunday! Let the countdown begin!

[Dragonchef]

Most of us will be with you in Spirit [form] at the GALA, Wulfy. I will toast you with a wee dram in my hand as I watch you collect the PRIZE we all so desire. TBH: It couldn't have happened to a better, kinder or nicer person than our fearless leader . . . ALL HAIL KING MOON! May he be a flagon of light that SHINES in the darkness of our empty minds (when it comes to getting out next quarter submission out on time).

[RSchibler]

Have the best time Wulf and Preston - I'll be looking forward to your speeches at the gala! You worked hard for this, enjoy the week of hard work you earned! :)

[chuckt]

I'll be watching too.

Wulf-Do you get a preview of the other winning stories? Would be cool if they let you do that so you can talk about the stories with the other winners.

[jficke13]

I'll be watching too.

Wulf-Do you get a preview of the other winning stories? Would be cool if they let you do that so you can talk about the stories with the other winners.

They issued eARCs (with blank pages where the art belong) via .pdf to the winners in Vol. 34. Each winner got their quarter's stories and were encouraged to share them hoping to drum up release day reviews. Naturally, we swapped with the other quarter's winners and I had read them all by the time the workshop week rolled around.

Since they've changed at least one massive thing from my year to now, I can't say whether this has changed too.

[chuckt]

Jon--I sent you a Facebook message a few days ago so you know I'm not just now saying this--Howler may have been my almost favorite story from 34 just behind Mara's Shadow. It was inventive and hilarious. I imagine you to be sci-fis answer to Dilbert. Kudos.

[jficke13]

Chuck - Thanks for the kind words! I'm terrible at keeping up with facebook these days. Sorry

The continuing adventures of Nya and his terribly unfortunate mortal roommate are currently in a holdpile, so with luck there will be more of everyone's favorite eldritch horror to share.

[Wulf Moon]

Thanks for the good wishes, guys! Glad I'll have my forum friends there in spirit--just don't possess my trophy, Dragonchef!
No ARCs this year (Advance Reader Copies for us to share with reviewers). I have no knowledge of the other stories other than their titles. I'll be scrambling like the rest of you to read them!

See you in Hollywood! And Preston? I'll definitely be seeing you! <waves a tattered banner carried through epic battles> TOPANGA CANYON!

[Wulf Moon]

Ah, here's something new. There's more new things this year, but I think I'm safe sharing this one. Class will be held in a conference room in the Loews Hotel in Hollywood, where we are staying. Less rushing about and trotting to class. We still go over to Author Services, but it won't be a daily thing.

[Dragonchef]

<waves a tattered banner carried through epic battles> TOPANGA CANYON!

You use Topanga Canyon as your war cry? That's unique.

[Dragonchef]

--just don't possess my trophy, Dragonchef!

I promise. But if you see your trophy suddenly dance across the stage and make a mad dash for the back door, you'll know I couldn't keep it.

[Wulf Moon]

--just don't possess my trophy, Dragonchef!

I promise. But if you see your trophy suddenly dance across the stage and make a mad dash for the back door, you'll know I couldn't keep it.

You hear Gollum's scream as the trophy floats away. "GAAAAAH! MY PRE-CIOUS!!!"

[Dragonchef]

You hear Gollum's scream as the trophy floats away. "GAAAAAH! MY PRE-CIOUS!!!"

The cold hard lands
They bites our hands,
They gnaws our feet,
The rocks and stones
Are like old bones
All bare of meat.
But stream and pool
Is wet and cool
So nice for feet!
So sleek, so fair!
What a joy to meet!
We only wish
To catch a fish,
So juicy-sweet!

[Wulf Moon]

You hear Gollum's scream as the trophy floats away. "GAAAAAH! MY PRE-CIOUS!!!"

The cold hard lands
They bites our hands,
They gnaws our feet,
The rocks and stones
Are like old bones
All bare of meat.
But stream and pool
Is wet and cool
So nice for feet!
So sleek, so fair!
What a joy to meet!
We only wish
To catch a fish,
So juicy-sweet!

Heh, that was great, Dragonchef. I'll recite it along with Beowulf in my acceptance speech!

See you from Hollywood! All the best to you guys in the forum!!!

[thegirlintheglasses]

Go forth and SHINE! We at the forum salute you!

[storysinger]

When I said I would be watching live I meant streaming. In years past I watched the recordings after the actual event.

As you go forth Preston and Wulf to the gala we forumites are proud of your accomplishments.

[Wulf Moon]

Thanks, guys! Who will be next? ONE OF YOU!

Cheers!

~Moon~

[AliciaCay]

Hey Wulf,

While you and Preston are signing all those books, I'll watch ya'll's trophies... yeah, watch them...


See you both at the gala on Friday!!

~A

[JVAshley]

So excited to live through the event vicariously with Wulf and Preston!

[preston]

Hey Guys,
So it's day four. What a whirlwind of fun we've been having. Meeting the other writers and illustrators has been awesome. The instructors, Orson Scott Card, Tim Powers and David Farland are freakin' hilarious. They're sharing all kinds of amazing inside stories. They've almost got me believing that we could all make a living as SF writers. Not only make a living, but make a good living.

Yesterday was the story in a day challenge based on a "mystery object." Mine was a little lightbulb. Moon's was ...cough...a little slip of paper with nothing on it! Yikes! My roommate, Kyle Kirrin got a hollowed out pen. So, I'm guessing I lucked out. It's a tough challenge. I'm just finishing up my first draft. Now I have to get back to work. Stories are due today at 4:00 pm sharp! Talk about deadlines!

After we turn in our stories, it's time for the big "art" reveal. I'm sooo looking forward to this. I've actually dreamed about it. Can hardly wait.

Guess it's now back to polishing my masterpiece, or my piece of doo-doo. I can't quite decide which it is.

Thanks for all the kind words of encouragement. Wish you guys were here. It's amazing.

[RSchibler]

The light bulb of inspiration and the blank slate! I love it!

Pressure makes diamonds, I bet your story is great!

Anyway, the art reveal will be amazing - those are my favorite pictures every year for sure! Your words, visualized! You guys enjoy this!

[thegirlintheglasses]

I pulled up the pictures of you guys and the hat! So fun! Best of luck. Only three hours left! You guys got this!!!!

[KristyEmber]

Wow, day 4 already? Crazy! Can’t wait to hear/see how the art reveal goes, that’s my favourite bit!

[TimE]

Like the artwork - love the sculpture, Wulf.

[morganb]

I just read the interview that Preston did with May S. Ruiz. Ruiz says Preston is vying for the Golden Pen Award with his story. Are all winning writers eligible for the Golden Pen? I thought it was only some of them.

~Morgan

[Dragonchef]

Man, you guys must have dragging your feet after the 24-Hour Story. And then to go and check out the artists' renderings of the winning stories...whew! But they are all really wonderful artwork. The artists must be so proud, as well as you writers. Gave me chills just looking at them. I can only imagine what all of you felt.

Congratulations! Big time.

[disgruntledpeony]

I just read the interview that Preston did with May S. Ruiz. Ruiz says Preston is vying for the Golden Pen Award with his story. Are all winning writers eligible for the Golden Pen? I thought it was always some of them.

~Morgan

If I'm remembering correctly, the four 1st Place winners vie for the Golden Pen.

[KD Julicher]

I just read the interview that Preston did with May S. Ruiz. Ruiz says Preston is vying for the Golden Pen Award with his story. Are all winning writers eligible for the Golden Pen? I thought it was always some of them.

~Morgan

If I'm remembering correctly, the four 1st Place winners vie for the Golden Pen.

That's correct. All 12 illustrators get a shot at the Golden Quill though! Sometimes the reporters get a little confused. Here's the thing, though, the big check and special trophy are nice, but just being in the book at all is such a huge win. When you're there, in the week, there's no difference between the first place winners and third (or published finalist). You are a winner.

So go Moon and Preston! Woohoo!

[SueD]

I'm going to the dinner. Looking forward to seeing you there!

[OldDarth]

I see Robert J. Sawyer was there. Cool! Met him many times and even been to his home once. Also, beta read his latest book. He's a great speaker. Very articulate and very entertaining.