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storysinger
(@storysinger)
Posts: 1500
Platinum Plus
 

Welcome to the forum Ekpeki! You've found a great group of helpful people willing to help you succeed. wotf007

Today's science fiction is tomorrow's reality-D.R.Sweeney
HM x5
Published Poetry
2012 Stars in Our Hearts
Silver Ships

 
Posted : July 3, 2019 10:30 am
(@penprince)
Posts: 14
Active Member
 

Thankssssss

 
Posted : July 4, 2019 4:08 am
czing
(@czing)
Posts: 287
Silver Member
 

Welcome Ekpeki. At some point I'm sure you will be slushing away something of mine (those publications are on my list to submit to Smile )

Best of luck with your WoTF entry and congrats on the sale!

v36 Q1, Q3 - HM; Q4 - R
v37 Q1 - R; Q2 - SHM; Q4 - HM
v38 Q1 - HM; Q2 - SHM; Q3 - HM; Q4 - HM
v39 Q1 - SHM; Q3 - HM; Q4 -RWC
v40 Q1, Q2 - HM; Q3 - Pending

 
Posted : July 4, 2019 10:52 am
(@penprince)
Posts: 14
Active Member
 

wotf008 Thanks sir wotf008

 
Posted : July 5, 2019 9:16 am
(@penprince)
Posts: 14
Active Member
 

Welcome Ekpeki. At some point I'm sure you will be slushing away something of mine (those publications are on my list to submit to Smile )

Best of luck with your WoTF entry and congrats on the sale!

Thanks wotf008

 
Posted : July 5, 2019 9:17 am
Retropianoplayer
(@retropianoplayer)
Posts: 233
Bronze Star Member
 

I'd like to thank my daughter Ilyssa for introducing me to the WOTF contest on September 10th, 2018. I had never heard of this contest previously. I think this contest is the best thing since bread and butter. I want to wish all contestants the very best of luck – I mean that most sincerely. I very much enjoyed watching the presentation ceremony on You Tube.

 
Posted : July 9, 2019 12:21 pm
Retropianoplayer
(@retropianoplayer)
Posts: 233
Bronze Star Member
 

Hey Tracy,

Just wanted to let you know the Stephen King house is wonderful. My wife, son, and I went on a Stephen King bus tour when we were in Bangor, Maine, after having attended our son's Master's Ceremony at U Maine at Orono. The house looked Gothic. The tour guide told us that Stephen and Tabitha have a winter home in Florida.

I wish you the best of luck in attaining your writer's goals.

Barry

 
Posted : July 9, 2019 1:31 pm
(@wulfmoon)
Posts: 3143
Platinum Plus Moderator
 

I'd like to thank my daughter Ilyssa for introducing me to the WOTF contest on September 10th, 2018. I had never heard of this contest previously. I think this contest is the best thing since bread and butter. I want to wish all contestants the very best of luck – I mean that most sincerely. I very much enjoyed watching the presentation ceremony on You Tube.

Welcome, Retropianoplayer! Very glad to have you here! Your daughter is most wise. wotf010

Be sure to join in on the chat in the quarter you are entering--most of the active discussion--and support--happens there.

Have fun! Thanks for joining the collective. You will be assimilated!

Wulf Moon
Forum Moderator

Click here to JOIN THE WULF PACK!
"Super-Duper Moongirl and the Amazing Moon Dawdler" won Best SFF Story of 2019! Read it in Writers of the Future, Vol. 35. Order HERE!
Need writing help? My award-winning SUPER SECRETS articles are FREE in DreamForge.
IT’S HERE! Many have been begged me to publish the Super Secrets of Writing. How to Write a Howling Good Story is now a #1 BESTSELLING BOOK! Get yours at your favorite retailer HERE!

 
Posted : July 10, 2019 7:08 am
Retropianoplayer
(@retropianoplayer)
Posts: 233
Bronze Star Member
 

Thank you, Wulf.

I just wanted to let you know the entire family was deeply moved when we watched your acceptance speech at the WOTF Awards Ceremony. It was filled with an intense emotional moment, good-natured humor, and a wonderfully glowing tribute to your wife. The first words out of my mouth were, "If anyone especially deserves this award (all the winners included), it's this guy. He's been writing for a quarter of a century and never gave up. That takes both willpower and stamina. Kudos to you, and your wonderful wife!

I've taken up your challenge and submitted 4 "fresh stories" for each of the Quarters in Volume 36.

Barry

 
Posted : July 10, 2019 7:25 am
(@wulfmoon)
Posts: 3143
Platinum Plus Moderator
 

Thank you, Wulf.

I just wanted to let you know the entire family was deeply moved when we watched your acceptance speech at the WOTF Awards Ceremony. It was filled with an intense emotional moment, good-natured humor, and a wonderfully glowing tribute to your wife. The first words out of my mouth were, "If anyone especially deserves this award (all the winners included), it's this guy. He's been writing for a quarter of a century and never gave up. That takes both willpower and stamina. Kudos to you, and your wonderful wife!

I've taken up your challenge and submitted 4 "fresh stories" for each of the Quarters in Volume 36.

Barry

Thank you so much, Barry! Glad you were with me in spirit at the awards! It was my hope my story would encourage others, and I'm glad to keep hearing it did.

Congrats on submitting four fresh stories for Volume 36. THAT is how you will win.

All the beast!

Wulf Moon

Click here to JOIN THE WULF PACK!
"Super-Duper Moongirl and the Amazing Moon Dawdler" won Best SFF Story of 2019! Read it in Writers of the Future, Vol. 35. Order HERE!
Need writing help? My award-winning SUPER SECRETS articles are FREE in DreamForge.
IT’S HERE! Many have been begged me to publish the Super Secrets of Writing. How to Write a Howling Good Story is now a #1 BESTSELLING BOOK! Get yours at your favorite retailer HERE!

 
Posted : July 10, 2019 8:09 am
storysinger
(@storysinger)
Posts: 1500
Platinum Plus
 

Welcome to the forum Barry. I've skied in Maine and I live in Florida. Both places are worth seeing.

Today's science fiction is tomorrow's reality-D.R.Sweeney
HM x5
Published Poetry
2012 Stars in Our Hearts
Silver Ships

 
Posted : July 10, 2019 8:42 am
Retropianoplayer
(@retropianoplayer)
Posts: 233
Bronze Star Member
 

Thank you, StorySinger.

Been to both Florida and Maine, thank you. Especially loved Bar Harbor. BAH-HAH-BAH.

 
Posted : July 10, 2019 12:53 pm
storysinger
(@storysinger)
Posts: 1500
Platinum Plus
 

I won a weekend at a resort called Green Mountain. Snow skiing was a blast but ice-skating was a little hard on the but.

Today's science fiction is tomorrow's reality-D.R.Sweeney
HM x5
Published Poetry
2012 Stars in Our Hearts
Silver Ships

 
Posted : July 11, 2019 5:31 am
empressed
(@empressed)
Posts: 223
Silver Member
 

I'm a new forum user, but I've entered the contest more times than I care to think about. I did win an Honorable Mention once, so hope springs eternal for my latest entry! wotf007

I write both adult and YA, mostly historical fantasy, but my one and only professional sale was a piece of flash fiction soft S.F. to Nature Future, so go figure. Anything's possible.

If anyone out there's interested in a critique partner, feel free to PM me. I could use some fresh eyes.

Victoria Dixon
Author of Mourn Their Courage
a 2010 Sandy Writing Contest Finalist
A Tribble Ate My Lunch: a Star Trek Cookbook (unpublished)
R=24
HM= 8
SHM=4
Finalist=1

 
Posted : July 11, 2019 7:16 am
(@wulfmoon)
Posts: 3143
Platinum Plus Moderator
 

Welcome, Empressed! Glad you're here! As one who has entered more times than I can count, I hear ya'. Do post in the quarter you wish to enter. And let them know you'd like to swap crits. Always people there looking to swap stories, just state your word count. Congrats on your pro sale, and may many more follow!

Do listen to the Topanga Canyon podcast with Preston Dennet and Dean Wesley Smith. You never now how close you are to your breakout moment!

Cheers!

Wulf Moon
Forum Moderator

Click here to JOIN THE WULF PACK!
"Super-Duper Moongirl and the Amazing Moon Dawdler" won Best SFF Story of 2019! Read it in Writers of the Future, Vol. 35. Order HERE!
Need writing help? My award-winning SUPER SECRETS articles are FREE in DreamForge.
IT’S HERE! Many have been begged me to publish the Super Secrets of Writing. How to Write a Howling Good Story is now a #1 BESTSELLING BOOK! Get yours at your favorite retailer HERE!

 
Posted : July 11, 2019 7:23 am
empressed
(@empressed)
Posts: 223
Silver Member
 

I did listen to it and several other podcasts and have seen more than four lights. (Thank you, Patrick Stewart.) Somewhere in the podcast, Preston mentioned not wanting to mention his HM in queries because an HM is a rejection. I'd had the same fear. Not any more, so I want to thank him and D.W.S. for that! Listening to the casts helped me in so many ways this week.

Victoria Dixon
Author of Mourn Their Courage
a 2010 Sandy Writing Contest Finalist
A Tribble Ate My Lunch: a Star Trek Cookbook (unpublished)
R=24
HM= 8
SHM=4
Finalist=1

 
Posted : July 11, 2019 8:14 am
empressed
(@empressed)
Posts: 223
Silver Member
 

Just finished your interview and put in an order for WotF35, but is that where I find your story? Is it scheduled for 36? I devour things that make me bawl, so I'm looking forward to it. LOL And yes, I know what you meant about wanting to use the contest to launch your career and I do feel the same way, but I think attending the conference is of even greater immediate concern for me. I've needed a mentor for so long, and I understand the conference can be as huge a resource as winning the competition. Am I weird for feeling that way? LOL Oh insecurity, thy name is Author.

Victoria Dixon
Author of Mourn Their Courage
a 2010 Sandy Writing Contest Finalist
A Tribble Ate My Lunch: a Star Trek Cookbook (unpublished)
R=24
HM= 8
SHM=4
Finalist=1

 
Posted : July 11, 2019 8:45 am
(@peter_glen)
Posts: 143
Bronze Star Member
 

Hi there, I'm writing from the island, Tasmania in Australia and have been since about 2012 (although not continuously 😉 I'm sitting on an HM and two rejects with new stories in for both Q2 and 3. I really like the short story format where I mostly write SF with dystopian tendencies ... also working on a sci-fi space opera that often feels more like fantasy (almost two books in there). Wulf Moon's recommendation from the podcasts has led me here.
Smile Pete

 
Posted : July 11, 2019 9:39 am
(@wulfmoon)
Posts: 3143
Platinum Plus Moderator
 

Just finished your interview and put in an order for WotF35, but is that where I find your story? Is it scheduled for 36? I devour things that make me bawl, so I'm looking forward to it. LOL And yes, I know what you meant about wanting to use the contest to launch your career and I do feel the same way, but I think attending the conference is of even greater immediate concern for me. I've needed a mentor for so long, and I understand the conference can be as huge a resource as winning the competition. Am I weird for feeling that way? LOL Oh insecurity, thy name is Author.

Victoria, "Super-Duper Moongirl and the Amazing Moon Dawdler" is indeed in Writers of the Future, Vol. 35. Let me know if you enjoy it, and if it made you cry. : ) As to mentoring, I'm trying to help folks here that took my "Moon's SUPER SECRET Bonus Challege." The challenge began at the start of the contest year, but all the points are there to read, and more secrets to good writing are to come. I highly recommend finding a writing partner after you get familiar with our members and find one that you feel could be compatible. The more pro sales they have and the higher the certificates they've received from this contest, the more likely they will be able to offer you valid criticism--they've proven themselves. That said, everyone has something they bring to the table. We all have our gifts and strengths.

Yes, the workshop is wonderful--where else can you get a week with Orson Scott Card, David Farland, and Tim Powers teaching you their writing skills? PLUS all the rest of the pros at the end of the week that come in and teach for an hour. But the win--which includes the gala and media coverage and publication in a bestselling anthology--is equally important. It validates you deep within that you are a professional writer, and it gets you a pro sale and lots of publicity, and a company that will support your writing efforts for the rest of your life. You need all of it to launch a bestselling career, which has been proven by so many winners that have.

Enjoy the Forum! May it help you gain your heart's desire!

All the beast,

Wulf Moon

Click here to JOIN THE WULF PACK!
"Super-Duper Moongirl and the Amazing Moon Dawdler" won Best SFF Story of 2019! Read it in Writers of the Future, Vol. 35. Order HERE!
Need writing help? My award-winning SUPER SECRETS articles are FREE in DreamForge.
IT’S HERE! Many have been begged me to publish the Super Secrets of Writing. How to Write a Howling Good Story is now a #1 BESTSELLING BOOK! Get yours at your favorite retailer HERE!

 
Posted : July 11, 2019 9:44 am
(@wulfmoon)
Posts: 3143
Platinum Plus Moderator
 

Hi there, I'm writing from the island, Tasmania in Australia and have been since about 2012 (although not continuously 😉 I'm sitting on an HM and two rejects with new stories in for both Q2 and 3. I really like the short story format where I mostly write SF with dystopian tendencies ... also working on a sci-fi space opera that often feels more like fantasy (almost two books in there). Wulf Moon's recommendation from the podcasts has led me here.
Smile Pete

Welcome, Pete from Tasmania! You live on a beautiful island! Glad to hear people heard my call to join the Forum in my podcast! You won't regret it--it's the best place to hang out with positive people that want to learn how to write professionally, and how to win this contest.

Do comment in the quarter topic you intend to enter. Most of the support and discussion goes on there. And check out my "Super Secrets" topic. The challenge has been ongoing since the start of the year, but that doesn't mean you can't catch up on some secrets that I believe will help you win!

All the beast,

Wulf Moon
Forum Moderator

Click here to JOIN THE WULF PACK!
"Super-Duper Moongirl and the Amazing Moon Dawdler" won Best SFF Story of 2019! Read it in Writers of the Future, Vol. 35. Order HERE!
Need writing help? My award-winning SUPER SECRETS articles are FREE in DreamForge.
IT’S HERE! Many have been begged me to publish the Super Secrets of Writing. How to Write a Howling Good Story is now a #1 BESTSELLING BOOK! Get yours at your favorite retailer HERE!

 
Posted : July 11, 2019 9:49 am
(@peter_glen)
Posts: 143
Bronze Star Member
 

Thanks Wulf ... I'll definitely check out these threads!

 
Posted : July 11, 2019 10:17 am
(@james-crowder)
Posts: 3
New Member
 

Hello!

My name is James Crowder and I live in Los Angeles. I am 35 and have been working in Film and Television most of my life. I have worked mainly in production as a PA, 1st AD, Script Supervisor, Producer and Production Coordinator. I am planning on starting my own production company so I can write and make the movies I love. I was just hired by a producer to write a full length feature, which I have just completed. I have so many stories to tell being a professional writing along with making movies sounds like the best life ever!

Can't wait to spend time looking through this forum.

Question: Is there a thread with information on other places and competitions one should be submitting too along with WotF?

Best,

James

 
Posted : July 23, 2019 5:52 pm
czing
(@czing)
Posts: 287
Silver Member
 

Hello!

My name is James Crowder and I live in Los Angeles. I am 35 and have been working in Film and Television most of my life. I have worked mainly in production as a PA, 1st AD, Script Supervisor, Producer and Production Coordinator. I am planning on starting my own production company so I can write and make the movies I love. I was just hired by a producer to write a full length feature, which I have just completed. I have so many stories to tell being a professional writing along with making movies sounds like the best life ever!

Can't wait to spend time looking through this forum.

Question: Is there a thread with information on other places and competitions one should be submitting too along with WotF?

Best,

James

Check out Submission Grinder - they list a lot of markets and you can keep track of your submissions there. Also the SFWA has a list of SFWA eligible publications at http://www.sfwa.org/about/join-us/sfwa- ... nts/#short

Also welcome!

v36 Q1, Q3 - HM; Q4 - R
v37 Q1 - R; Q2 - SHM; Q4 - HM
v38 Q1 - HM; Q2 - SHM; Q3 - HM; Q4 - HM
v39 Q1 - SHM; Q3 - HM; Q4 -RWC
v40 Q1, Q2 - HM; Q3 - Pending

 
Posted : July 23, 2019 6:05 pm
storysinger
(@storysinger)
Posts: 1500
Platinum Plus
 

Welcome James Crowder. Good advice from czing.

Today's science fiction is tomorrow's reality-D.R.Sweeney
HM x5
Published Poetry
2012 Stars in Our Hearts
Silver Ships

 
Posted : July 24, 2019 4:20 am
czing
(@czing)
Posts: 287
Silver Member
 

Oh also a good rule of thumb for contests is that unless you know it really well avoid contests that require you to pay an entry fee. Money should flow toward the author not away. I have only paid entry fees on two. One was at a conference I attended and it was 15 dollars (all the entry fees went to the prizes). Another was the CBC short story competition ($25 dollars).

v36 Q1, Q3 - HM; Q4 - R
v37 Q1 - R; Q2 - SHM; Q4 - HM
v38 Q1 - HM; Q2 - SHM; Q3 - HM; Q4 - HM
v39 Q1 - SHM; Q3 - HM; Q4 -RWC
v40 Q1, Q2 - HM; Q3 - Pending

 
Posted : July 24, 2019 4:59 am
(@wulfmoon)
Posts: 3143
Platinum Plus Moderator
 

Welcome aboard, James Crowder! Sounds like you've already done your "million words" which puts you ahead of the pack! Czing told you about the Submission Grinder, a free search engine, and the one I use. Ralan is a paid service that is probably more up to date with markets, and seems to capture more. Writers Digest does writing contests, but I always feel with their fees and non-blind competition, they are just farming writers. You are indeed entering the fairest system when you enter here, and you cannot beat the rewards. All for free.

Since you are in LA, you should attend the awards gala. You have professional credits--I am sure Joni would be happy to give you an invitation. Some of the best SFF writers in the industry attend, not discounting those up-and-coming award winners, too. It's a very good place to network.

As for the Forum, most of the discussion and support happens in the current quarter, so do post there. Lots of other great info as well.

Welcome aboard!

Wulf Moon
Forum Moderator

Click here to JOIN THE WULF PACK!
"Super-Duper Moongirl and the Amazing Moon Dawdler" won Best SFF Story of 2019! Read it in Writers of the Future, Vol. 35. Order HERE!
Need writing help? My award-winning SUPER SECRETS articles are FREE in DreamForge.
IT’S HERE! Many have been begged me to publish the Super Secrets of Writing. How to Write a Howling Good Story is now a #1 BESTSELLING BOOK! Get yours at your favorite retailer HERE!

 
Posted : July 24, 2019 6:30 am
(@mishabazarov04)
Posts: 3
New Member
 

Hello!

My name is Michael K. and I live in California. I am 15 and have recently finished my first short story.

Question: I'm currently looking for someone to critique my short story. Is there a place on the forum where I could get it critiqued?

Thanks so much,

Michael

 
Posted : July 24, 2019 6:25 pm
(@wulfmoon)
Posts: 3143
Platinum Plus Moderator
 

Welcome, Michael. Go to the main topic STORY CRITIQUE EXCHANGE. You might want to start out with doing the 450 word opening critiques to get your feet wet. You can also do a call in the quarter you are entering. Be advised that you need to say how many words your story is, and it's normally an exchange. Since it's your first short story, do remember it must be speculative fiction for this contest, and that it will likely get some serious editing comments. You want to be sure you are ready for that--pro critiques are direct and to the point.

The artist for my story, "Super-Duper Moongirl and the Amazing Moon Dawdler," was only 15 years old when she won the illustrator's side of the contest. Alice Wang. It can be done.

Additionally, have you entered the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards? Stephen King, Peter S. Beagle, Joyce Carol Oates, John Updike and many more got their start there. I won when I was 15, and got my first professional sale from it as well. They have tremendous scholarship programs for winners. And it has categories for students at various ages, making the competition more even for you. Do check it out. At your age, that would be the first place I'd send my best story.

Do say hello in the thread on the quarter you are entering. That's where most of the discussion and support goes on around here.

Welcome aboard!

Wulf Moon
Forum Moderator

Click here to JOIN THE WULF PACK!
"Super-Duper Moongirl and the Amazing Moon Dawdler" won Best SFF Story of 2019! Read it in Writers of the Future, Vol. 35. Order HERE!
Need writing help? My award-winning SUPER SECRETS articles are FREE in DreamForge.
IT’S HERE! Many have been begged me to publish the Super Secrets of Writing. How to Write a Howling Good Story is now a #1 BESTSELLING BOOK! Get yours at your favorite retailer HERE!

 
Posted : July 25, 2019 4:00 am
(@james-crowder)
Posts: 3
New Member
 

Thanks everyone for the advice. I will check it out!

Just picked up the new copy of WofT as well. Can't wait to read it.

Best,
James

"Check out Submission Grinder - they list a lot of markets and you can keep track of your submissions there. Also the SFWA has a list of SFWA eligible publications at http://www.sfwa.org/about/join-us/sfwa- ... nts/#short

Also welcome!"

 
Posted : July 25, 2019 8:33 am
(@james-crowder)
Posts: 3
New Member
 

Welcome aboard, James Crowder! Sounds like you've already done your "million words" which puts you ahead of the pack! Czing told you about the Submission Grinder, a free search engine, and the one I use. Ralan is a paid service that is probably more up to date with markets, and seems to capture more. Writers Digest does writing contests, but I always feel with their fees and non-blind competition, they are just farming writers. You are indeed entering the fairest system when you enter here, and you cannot beat the rewards. All for free.

Since you are in LA, you should attend the awards gala. You have professional credits--I am sure Joni would be happy to give you an invitation. Some of the best SFF writers in the industry attend, not discounting those up-and-coming award winners, too. It's a very good place to network.

As for the Forum, most of the discussion and support happens in the current quarter, so do post there. Lots of other great info as well.

Welcome aboard!

Wulf Moon
Forum Moderator

Thanks! I will check out Submission Grinder for sure. I would love to attend the gala. I feel my fiancé, who is also an artist and who will be submitting to Illustrators of the Future soon, and I would feel right at home there. We already spend a lot of time at cons and art shows around LA so this would be right up our alley.

Thanks for all the great advice! Looking forward to tapping into all the great data to make my writing better and more enjoyable for the audience.

Best,
James Crowder

 
Posted : July 25, 2019 8:42 am
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