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Discussion: Q1 Volume 39

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(@morgan-broadhead)
Posts: 444
Gold Member
 
Posted by: @earthkeeper78

My Q1 is proving to be elusive as well, but moreso because time itself is annoyingly hard to find. Between my internship, 50 hr/week job, and full time grad school, time for writing is hard to slot in until next month without gutting my sleep schedule. I'll be so glad when I graduate next semester, then I'll have a lot more time for actual writing!

I totally feel this because I'm a HORRIBLE procrastinator. Okay well maybe that's a little unfair on myself. Okay honestly maybe it's not. I dunno. I'm a horrible "I don't have time or energy for writing right now" kinda person. Too exhausted to drag myself out of bed an hour early (I already get up at 5:30). Too busy at work to justify writing on work-time (although I have been known to do this, don't tell HR). Too drained by the time I get home to even THINK about being creative. The best I can usually manage is my lunch hour, sneaking away to the library or Starbucks or Panera or whatever. Even that doesn't always happen.

And it's even worse at the start of a new WOTF quarter because I tell myself, "Hey man don't sweat it—I've got a whole three months to write a short story. Easy peasy moldy cheesy."

It's a struggle fo sho.

"You can either sit here and write, or you can sit here and do nothing. But you can’t sit here and do anything else."
— Neil Gaiman, Masterclass

Drop me a line at https://morganbroadhead.com
SFx1
HMx4
R/RWCx5

 
Posted : October 28, 2021 8:45 am
Yelena and David Hankins reacted
storysinger
(@storysinger)
Posts: 1500
Platinum Plus
 

Here's an idea for you Morgan. I don't know the length of your commute, but you could explore dictation during your drive.

Kevin J Anderson and Martin L Shoemaker co-authored a book, 'On Being A Dictator' about writing while driving.

It might be worth reading.

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

 
Posted : October 28, 2021 10:33 am
Morgan reacted
(@wulfmoon)
Posts: 3143
Platinum Plus Moderator
 
Posted by: @scott_m_sands

@craydimensional 
It's huge. I've read some of the blogs posted by previous winners. Even just flying people over, renting the function locations they do, trophies, prize money... MASSIVE financial input. Not to mention, the advice, conversations and connections by top professionals in our field.
There should be no doubt in anyone's mind that everyone involved with this contest is here to impart into the next gen of speculative writers in a big way.  buddies  

John and Joni have told me they spend over $30,000 on each winner for the workshop and gala. The prize money is a very small part of what they invest in you to help you level up. It’s why your best stories should go here first. No market will give you better rewards, nor more support to launch your career. They are 100% committed to helping you succeed.

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 : October 28, 2021 11:33 am
(@morgan-broadhead)
Posts: 444
Gold Member
 
Posted by: @storysinger

Here's an idea for you Morgan. I don't know the length of your commute, but you could explore dictation during your drive.

Kevin J Anderson and Martin L Shoemaker co-authored a book, 'On Being A Dictator' about writing while driving.

It might be worth reading.

Just ordered it in paperback. Thanks!

 

"You can either sit here and write, or you can sit here and do nothing. But you can’t sit here and do anything else."
— Neil Gaiman, Masterclass

Drop me a line at https://morganbroadhead.com
SFx1
HMx4
R/RWCx5

 
Posted : October 28, 2021 12:18 pm
Scott_M_Sands
(@scott_m_sands)
Posts: 452
Gold Member
 

@wulfmoon 
We certainly appreciate it. 

Many, many benefits of this contest--even without winning.

"If writing is easy, you're doing it wrong." -Bryan Hutchinson
V36-37: R x6
V38: R, HM, R, HM
V39: HM, HM, HM, HM
V40: HM

 
Posted : October 28, 2021 10:50 pm
Wulf Moon reacted
Storm Humbert
(@storm)
Posts: 2
Active Member
 

@wulfmoon As a winner, I can confirm the incredible experience the contest provides. The accommodations are fantastic. The merchandise (including author copies and other things) are great, and the gala is absolutely amazing. More than that, you're a part of a family. Your work is collected. They keep track of you and support you long after you leave. This contest is unique in writing, and I can't say enough how special it is. Get your submissions in, so you can find out for yourselves.

 
Posted : November 2, 2021 5:47 pm
Scott_M_Sands, MountainSpud, Wulf Moon and 4 people reacted
Cray Dimensional
(@craydimensional)
Posts: 641
Gold Star Member
 
Posted by: @storm

@wulfmoon As a winner, I can confirm the incredible experience the contest provides. The accommodations are fantastic. The merchandise (including author copies and other things) are great, and the gala is absolutely amazing. More than that, you're a part of a family. Your work is collected. They keep track of you and support you long after you leave. This contest is unique in writing, and I can't say enough how special it is. Get your submissions in, so you can find out for yourselves.

Working on my 1st QTR v39 now. As far as family goes, I have found many on this forum who have become like an extended family. It just makes me want to win more to show my appreciation for their help.

Small steps add up to miles.
V38: R, R, HM, HM
V39: RWC, HM, HM, SHM
V40 : HM, RWC, R, HM
V41 : RWC, WIP
"Amore For Life" in After the Gold Rush Third Flatiron Anthology
"Freedom’s Song” in Troubadour and Space Princesses LTUE Anthology

 
Posted : November 3, 2021 3:29 am
Wulf Moon, Disgruntled Peony, storysinger and 1 people reacted
(@morgan-broadhead)
Posts: 444
Gold Member
 

Well, holy crap, I just NOW settled on a solid premise for my Q1 story. It's only been, what, a month since Q4 ended? Ha ha ha!

I've never been much of a "pantser", at least not in the traditional sense where I can sit down and bang out a story from start to finish. Although that has happened a couple times, when a story injected itself nearly-complete into my brain via a War-of-the-Worlds-style flash of idea lightning. But that's very rare. Usually I have to mull over an idea for a while and at least come up with a primary character who desperately wants something. And some semblance of a beginning or ending. Oh yeah...and some kind of premise that gets my writerly nethers all tingly. I mean, I don't want to spend weeks writing a story I'm not absolutely excited about, amarite?!?

So here we go! On to the story blocking and zero drafting!

*cracks knuckles*
*starts up another batch of Crio Bru*

(Okay those are both lies. I'm actually still at work. So it's back to month-end reporting. <Ugh>
But in my mind I'm cracking my knuckles and starting another batch of Bru!)

"You can either sit here and write, or you can sit here and do nothing. But you can’t sit here and do anything else."
— Neil Gaiman, Masterclass

Drop me a line at https://morganbroadhead.com
SFx1
HMx4
R/RWCx5

 
Posted : November 5, 2021 12:43 pm
Cray Dimensional
(@craydimensional)
Posts: 641
Gold Star Member
 

I am smack in the middle of 1st QTR draft and then another idea hits me. Argh.

Small steps add up to miles.
V38: R, R, HM, HM
V39: RWC, HM, HM, SHM
V40 : HM, RWC, R, HM
V41 : RWC, WIP
"Amore For Life" in After the Gold Rush Third Flatiron Anthology
"Freedom’s Song” in Troubadour and Space Princesses LTUE Anthology

 
Posted : November 5, 2021 2:09 pm
Scott_M_Sands
(@scott_m_sands)
Posts: 452
Gold Member
 

@craydimensional 
Definitely write down your other idea, Cray! You never know, if it grabs you more that one may be your best!
I've almost finished the first edit of my Q1. But I'm thinking now I need to raise the stakes for the main character a *bit.

*meaning a lot  

"If writing is easy, you're doing it wrong." -Bryan Hutchinson
V36-37: R x6
V38: R, HM, R, HM
V39: HM, HM, HM, HM
V40: HM

 
Posted : November 5, 2021 7:27 pm
Scott_M_Sands
(@scott_m_sands)
Posts: 452
Gold Member
 
Posted by: @storm

@wulfmoon As a winner, I can confirm the incredible experience the contest provides. The accommodations are fantastic. The merchandise (including author copies and other things) are great, and the gala is absolutely amazing. More than that, you're a part of a family. Your work is collected. They keep track of you and support you long after you leave. This contest is unique in writing, and I can't say enough how special it is. Get your submissions in, so you can find out for yourselves.

Can't say enough how great that sounds, especially the part about them keeping track of you and supporting you after you leave. Amazing.

"If writing is easy, you're doing it wrong." -Bryan Hutchinson
V36-37: R x6
V38: R, HM, R, HM
V39: HM, HM, HM, HM
V40: HM

 
Posted : November 5, 2021 7:28 pm
Wulf Moon reacted
Corbin.Maxwell
(@corbin-maxwell)
Posts: 269
Silver Member
 

I'm in.

I ain't cut out to be no Jesse James.

 
Posted : November 7, 2021 3:12 pm
Wulf Moon, David Hankins, storysinger and 4 people reacted
Disgruntled Peony
(@disgruntledpeony)
Posts: 1283
Platinum Member
 
Posted by: @corbin-maxwell

I'm in.

Awesome! grinning  

If you are in difficulties with a book, try the element of surprise: attack it at an hour when it isn't expecting it. ~ H.G. Wells
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, SHM, SHM, SHM, SF, SHM, 1st Place (Q2 V38)
Ticknor Tales
Twitter
4th and Starlight: e-book | paperback

 
Posted : November 8, 2021 12:28 am
storysinger
(@storysinger)
Posts: 1500
Platinum Plus
 
Posted by: @corbin-maxwell

I'm in.

Way to go Corbin. Does that make three in the system?

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

 
Posted : November 8, 2021 6:02 am
babooher
(@babooher)
Posts: 217
Silver Member
 
Posted by: @corbin-maxwell

I'm in.

I'm envious! Good job!

 

2012 Q4: R
2016 Q3: SHM
2019 Q2: HM, Q3: HM
2020 Q2: HM, Q4: SHM
2021 Q1: HM, Q2: SF, Q3: SHM, Q4: SHM
2022 Q1: SHM, Q2 RWC, Q4 RWC
2023 Q1: RWC Q2: SHM Q3:Nope Q4: WIP

 
Posted : November 8, 2021 8:39 am
Corbin.Maxwell
(@corbin-maxwell)
Posts: 269
Silver Member
 

@babooher It's a story I wrote last year for a magazine holding a contest and then after submissions date closed they backed out of their contest and didn't judge the entries. But not a biggie. At least I got a 6k word short story out of it. 

I ain't cut out to be no Jesse James.

 
Posted : November 8, 2021 3:35 pm
Wulf Moon reacted
Corbin.Maxwell
(@corbin-maxwell)
Posts: 269
Silver Member
 

@storysinger I have two. But I've been working on a story for a few months that might be finished by Q2. I've changed my way of writing so most days I only write a few hundred words or even less. Sometimes only sentence. It takes me longer now to finish a story. 

I ain't cut out to be no Jesse James.

 
Posted : November 8, 2021 3:37 pm
DoctorJest
(@doctorjest)
Posts: 835
Platinum Member
 

I'm tinkering with my story for now--I've written and rewritten the opening half a dozen times now, searching for the right character and set-up for the story, which is an idea I've worked with before, but never quite done justice to. This time, I know the arc of the story to a great extent, and I like it, but the set-up at the beginning is tricky--it would work taken from a very serious root, or from a lighter one. I think I've settled on a lighter opening now, because I think that setup for the character actually magnifies the overall arc by the conclusion. But I won't know how I feel about it until it's all done and dusted.

I've been having a pain of a time getting something to stick for this Q1. So just in case, I'm also marshalling the alternatives behind the scenes, so that I may have some fall-backs I can push through the door if I find it closing on me before I'm ready. But I'm hoping to get this one together, even so.

DQ:0 / R:0 / RWC:0 / HM:15 / SHM:7 / SF:1 / F:1
Published prior WotF entries: PodCastle, HFQ, Abyss & Apex

 
Posted : November 8, 2021 10:27 pm
(@morgan-broadhead)
Posts: 444
Gold Member
 

Okay seriously — who could possibly get any writing done with THAT face staring at you wanting to play?!? Hint: not this guy.

5BC0EAE3 FBC0 45A4 B5D8 61E53039343E

 

"You can either sit here and write, or you can sit here and do nothing. But you can’t sit here and do anything else."
— Neil Gaiman, Masterclass

Drop me a line at https://morganbroadhead.com
SFx1
HMx4
R/RWCx5

 
Posted : November 9, 2021 3:46 pm
TGio and Wulf Moon reacted
LCWhelchel
(@earthkeeper78)
Posts: 76
Bronze Star Member
 

@morgan-broadhead 

I definitely wouldn't be able to resist. I'm easily distracted by most fuzzy critters. It's an open debate whether my cat helps me with my writing or gets in the way by hogging all the attention.

"Trust is like a shop. Difficult to build, but surprisingly easy to ruin. But when it is strong and true, there are few things in this world that make you feel stronger."
HM - V37/Q4, V38/Q4, V39/Q1
SHM - V38/Q3

 
Posted : November 10, 2021 9:07 am
TGio, Wulf Moon and Morgan reacted
(@wulfmoon)
Posts: 3143
Platinum Plus Moderator
 
Posted by: @earthkeeper78

@morgan-broadhead 

I definitely wouldn't be able to resist. I'm easily distracted by most fuzzy critters. It's an open debate whether my cat helps me with my writing or gets in the way by hogging all the attention.

We have seven cats, but I only allow one in my office. She still likes to squeeze in between me and the keyboard and start a purr fest. 😺

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 : November 10, 2021 9:50 am
DoctorJest, TGio and Morgan reacted
LCWhelchel
(@earthkeeper78)
Posts: 76
Bronze Star Member
 
Posted by: @wulfmoon

We have seven cats, but I only allow one in my office. She still likes to squeeze in between me and the keyboard and start a purr fest. 😺

Oh gods, mine does this way too often! I'll be trying to write on my laptop and she'll just jump up and plop her furry rear right on the keyboard with her patented "Hey, pet me" look. 

"Trust is like a shop. Difficult to build, but surprisingly easy to ruin. But when it is strong and true, there are few things in this world that make you feel stronger."
HM - V37/Q4, V38/Q4, V39/Q1
SHM - V38/Q3

 
Posted : November 10, 2021 11:29 am
babooher
(@babooher)
Posts: 217
Silver Member
 
Posted by: @earthkeeper78
Posted by: @wulfmoon

We have seven cats, but I only allow one in my office. She still likes to squeeze in between me and the keyboard and start a purr fest. 😺

Oh gods, mine does this way too often! I'll be trying to write on my laptop and she'll just jump up and plop her furry rear right on the keyboard with her patented "Hey, pet me" look. 

A tall hutch makes up one wall of my "office" at home. Last week, the young cat figured out she could jump from my dresser to the top of the hutch and from there could pounce on my keyboard and handy beverage. Thankfully, it was the wireless keyboard that had to be replaced and not the laptop. No more kitty visitors for me.

 

2012 Q4: R
2016 Q3: SHM
2019 Q2: HM, Q3: HM
2020 Q2: HM, Q4: SHM
2021 Q1: HM, Q2: SF, Q3: SHM, Q4: SHM
2022 Q1: SHM, Q2 RWC, Q4 RWC
2023 Q1: RWC Q2: SHM Q3:Nope Q4: WIP

 
Posted : November 10, 2021 12:42 pm
(@wulfmoon)
Posts: 3143
Platinum Plus Moderator
 
Posted by: @babooher
Posted by: @earthkeeper78
Posted by: @wulfmoon

We have seven cats, but I only allow one in my office. She still likes to squeeze in between me and the keyboard and start a purr fest. 😺

Oh gods, mine does this way too often! I'll be trying to write on my laptop and she'll just jump up and plop her furry rear right on the keyboard with her patented "Hey, pet me" look. 

A tall hutch makes up one wall of my "office" at home. Last week, the young cat figured out she could jump from my dresser to the top of the hutch and from there could pounce on my keyboard and handy beverage. Thankfully, it was the wireless keyboard that had to be replaced and not the laptop. No more kitty visitors for me.

 

Yikes! Yeah, they can cause some troubles, but I love having an office kitty. I must admit, however, I don't let her in when I'm conducting online writing workshops. I can have as many as 50 attendees at those, all depending on me remaining connected. My cat leaped across in similar fashion as you described, landing atop my keyboard a day before a workshop. Boom. That would break my connection. I realized what a cat-tastrophe this would be if it happened with paying customers. No more kitty in the office for workshops. I know clisle here will be sad. She's taken almost all of my workshops, some twice, and she loved seeing my black office cat.

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 : November 10, 2021 2:41 pm
DoctorJest and crlisle reacted
LCWhelchel
(@earthkeeper78)
Posts: 76
Bronze Star Member
 
Posted by: @wulfmoon

Yikes! Yeah, they can cause some troubles, but I love having an office kitty. I must admit, however, I don't let her in when I'm conducting online writing workshops. I can have as many as 50 attendees at those, all depending on me remaining connected. My cat leaped across in similar fashion as you described, landing atop my keyboard a day before a workshop. Boom. That would break my connection. I realized what a cat-tastrophe this would be if it happened with paying customers. No more kitty in the office for workshops. I know clisle here will be sad. She's taken almost all of my workshops, some twice, and she loved seeing my black office cat.

While most people are probably groaning, I can appreciate the cat pun. Nothing like a good, cheesy pun to start the day off! giggle  

"Trust is like a shop. Difficult to build, but surprisingly easy to ruin. But when it is strong and true, there are few things in this world that make you feel stronger."
HM - V37/Q4, V38/Q4, V39/Q1
SHM - V38/Q3

 
Posted : November 11, 2021 8:57 am
crlisle
(@crlisle)
Posts: 407
Gold Member
 

@wulfmoon yes I love Lily

Vol. 36: 3rd -- R, 4th -- R
Vol. 37: 1st -- R, 2nd -- HM, 3rd -- HM, 4th -- SHM
Vol. 38: 1st -- HM, 2nd -- HM, 3rd -- HM, 4th -- HM
Vol. 39: 1st -- SHM, 2nd -- RWC, 3rd -- RWC, 4th -- HM
Vol. 40: 1st -- HM, 2nd -- R, 3rd -- RWC, 4th -- R
Vol. 41: 1st - R, 2nd -- pending, 3rd -- WIP

"Never give up! Never surrender!" -- Galaxy Quest

 
Posted : November 11, 2021 2:49 pm
Wulf Moon reacted
Cray Dimensional
(@craydimensional)
Posts: 641
Gold Star Member
 

LOL. I have 2 kitty writing friends myself. The one likes to sit on computer keyboards, the other likes to steal my chair. However they both cuddle up with me when I start writing each night.

Small steps add up to miles.
V38: R, R, HM, HM
V39: RWC, HM, HM, SHM
V40 : HM, RWC, R, HM
V41 : RWC, WIP
"Amore For Life" in After the Gold Rush Third Flatiron Anthology
"Freedom’s Song” in Troubadour and Space Princesses LTUE Anthology

 
Posted : November 11, 2021 4:21 pm
AliciaCay, TGio and Wulf Moon reacted
Scott_M_Sands
(@scott_m_sands)
Posts: 452
Gold Member
 

Sounds warm and fuzzy, Cray.

No kitties for me. I have two golden retrievers. Ain't no way those big galoomphs are fitting with me on my chair. Wouldn't trade 'em for the world, though!

"If writing is easy, you're doing it wrong." -Bryan Hutchinson
V36-37: R x6
V38: R, HM, R, HM
V39: HM, HM, HM, HM
V40: HM

 
Posted : November 11, 2021 5:34 pm
AliciaCay, TGio, RETreasure and 2 people reacted
Cray Dimensional
(@craydimensional)
Posts: 641
Gold Star Member
 

@scott_m_sands I love golden retrievers, they are like big kids.

Small steps add up to miles.
V38: R, R, HM, HM
V39: RWC, HM, HM, SHM
V40 : HM, RWC, R, HM
V41 : RWC, WIP
"Amore For Life" in After the Gold Rush Third Flatiron Anthology
"Freedom’s Song” in Troubadour and Space Princesses LTUE Anthology

 
Posted : November 11, 2021 6:07 pm
AliciaCay and Wulf Moon reacted
RETreasure
(@rschibler)
Posts: 957
Platinum Member
 

I have a corgi that sleeps under my feet while I write. smiley  

V34: R,HM,R
V35: HM,R,R,HM
V36: R,HM,HM,SHM
V37: HM,SF,SHM,SHM
V38: (P)F, SHM, F, F
V39: SHM, SHM, HM, SHM
Published Finalist Volume 38
Pro’d out Q4V39
www.rebeccaetreasure.com

Managing Editor, Apex Magazine

 
Posted : November 11, 2021 8:10 pm
AliciaCay, TGio, Scott_M_Sands and 3 people reacted
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