After several rewrites, breaking up with my manuscript in the parking lot of the grocery store (literally happened, don't ask), an alien abduction (might be lying-but I did watch Galaxy Quest today), and a quest to save the world (I'm definitely lying about this one), at just over 10k words, I have finally submitted my entry for Q2.
SHM: 1
HM: 9
R: 1
www.reynichols.com
Waiting on a bit more feedback and then it's on to final edits. This will be the longest original story I've finished, which means its markets will be severely limited, but that's okay. I learned a lot from writing it.
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
Been distracted with the world around us all going to hell. But my classes have all moved online, my work is now to be done from home and I'm doing my best to isolate. Suddenly a week to finish my entry doesn't seem too bad.
V37Q1: HM
V37Q2: HM
V37Q3: R
V37Q4: ?
Well, with my son now being home for at least the next 4 weeks, my writing is taking the backseat to keeping him educated and entertained. My submission for this quarter isn't done yet, and at this point I doubt it will get done. But I'm ok with that. We are getting opportunities to do all the little things together we don't get to do when we are busy running around.
I hope you are all staying safe and healthy!
Just submitted mine! Came down to 12K. I started twitching the second after i pressed the submit button...
V37: R, R, R, R
V38: R, R, HM, R
V39:
Author of The Otherworld Trilogy
Book 1: In the Name of the Otherworld (https://www.amazon.com/Name-Otherworld-Hermione-Lee/dp/1955086362)
Book 2: Marvels of the Underworld (https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1956788689?ref_=dbs_m_mng_wim_calw_tpbk_1&storeType=ebooks)
Book 3 I&II: War of the Chaotic Worlds (TBA)
Recipient of the Literary Titan Silver Award in September 2021
Recipient of Best Sci-fi and Fantasy Novel and Best Young Adult Book in the 24th Critters Annual Readers Poll (2021-2022)
Winner of the 2021 Paranormal Romance Guild Reviewers’ Choice Awards (Best YA/NA Novel)
I haven't been here in awhile, but I have been working on a new story. Now I am concerned it might be too dark. Any advice on how dark is too dark? It's a fantasy horror piece, but I think the ending is optimistic.
I haven't been here in awhile, but I have been working on a new story. Now I am concerned it might be too dark. Any advice on how dark is too dark? It's a fantasy horror piece, but I think the ending is optimistic.
I think that as long as the ending is good, the judges won’t really care about how dark it is (as long as there’s no excessive violence or sex, like David Farland said)
Good luck on your submission
V37: R, R, R, R
V38: R, R, HM, R
V39:
Author of The Otherworld Trilogy
Book 1: In the Name of the Otherworld (https://www.amazon.com/Name-Otherworld-Hermione-Lee/dp/1955086362)
Book 2: Marvels of the Underworld (https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1956788689?ref_=dbs_m_mng_wim_calw_tpbk_1&storeType=ebooks)
Book 3 I&II: War of the Chaotic Worlds (TBA)
Recipient of the Literary Titan Silver Award in September 2021
Recipient of Best Sci-fi and Fantasy Novel and Best Young Adult Book in the 24th Critters Annual Readers Poll (2021-2022)
Winner of the 2021 Paranormal Romance Guild Reviewers’ Choice Awards (Best YA/NA Novel)
I haven't been here in awhile, but I have been working on a new story. Now I am concerned it might be too dark. Any advice on how dark is too dark? It's a fantasy horror piece, but I think the ending is optimistic.
I think that as long as the ending is good, the judges won’t really care about how dark it is (as long as there’s no excessive violence or sex, like David Farland said)
Good luck on your submission
Thanks. I guess I'm trying to figure out if the violence is too violent. It is relevant to the plot, so I don't feel it's gratuitous.
I haven't been here in awhile, but I have been working on a new story. Now I am concerned it might be too dark. Any advice on how dark is too dark? It's a fantasy horror piece, but I think the ending is optimistic.
I think that as long as the ending is good, the judges won’t really care about how dark it is (as long as there’s no excessive violence or sex, like David Farland said)
Good luck on your submissionThanks. I guess I'm trying to figure out if the violence is too violent. It is relevant to the plot, so I don't feel it's gratuitous.
Just write what you love! Be yourself. I always tell myself this when I face problems with writing
V37: R, R, R, R
V38: R, R, HM, R
V39:
Author of The Otherworld Trilogy
Book 1: In the Name of the Otherworld (https://www.amazon.com/Name-Otherworld-Hermione-Lee/dp/1955086362)
Book 2: Marvels of the Underworld (https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1956788689?ref_=dbs_m_mng_wim_calw_tpbk_1&storeType=ebooks)
Book 3 I&II: War of the Chaotic Worlds (TBA)
Recipient of the Literary Titan Silver Award in September 2021
Recipient of Best Sci-fi and Fantasy Novel and Best Young Adult Book in the 24th Critters Annual Readers Poll (2021-2022)
Winner of the 2021 Paranormal Romance Guild Reviewers’ Choice Awards (Best YA/NA Novel)
Is anyone out there experienced with electrical engineering? Even just working with toys and what not. Normally, I'd ask my hubby or brother-in-law for help, but they're both buried in higher work loads than usual due to C-19. A week and a half to go... Argh!
I'll be happy to critique/proof/edit in exchange.
Thanks, Tim! Forgot about that!
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
Thanks HermioneLee!
Is anyone out there experienced with electrical engineering? Even just working with toys and what not. I've got a scene where I've ……. but I don't know if it's believable. Normally, I'd ask my hubby or brother-in-law for help, but they're both buried in higher work loads than usual due to C-19. A week and a half to go... Argh!
I'll be happy to critique/proof/edit in exchange.
For me, it's believable. But if you like, compare yours with Dave F's 'Hellfire on the High Frontier' in vol 32. He has a clockwork gambler / gunman. At a glance the guy chasing it refers to it as all springs and gears -- and one he's previously met joked 'Us clockworks, we got souls same as the rest of y'all. Ours are just wind-ups.' I'm not going to read it all again, but I don't recall any detailed explanation. Doesn't need it. Neither does yours.
You could buy Vol32 or buy just the story, if you want.
Another point though is to take care not to make your story identifiable to you with what you post - hence I deleted a section from what I quoted from you.
You've got a great story, don't worry too much and don't spoil it with techy details that would be difficult to write and might draw my attention to the unbelievability.
?
Just editing my next entry
Thanks HermioneLee!
V37: R, R, R, R
V38: R, R, HM, R
V39:
Author of The Otherworld Trilogy
Book 1: In the Name of the Otherworld (https://www.amazon.com/Name-Otherworld-Hermione-Lee/dp/1955086362)
Book 2: Marvels of the Underworld (https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1956788689?ref_=dbs_m_mng_wim_calw_tpbk_1&storeType=ebooks)
Book 3 I&II: War of the Chaotic Worlds (TBA)
Recipient of the Literary Titan Silver Award in September 2021
Recipient of Best Sci-fi and Fantasy Novel and Best Young Adult Book in the 24th Critters Annual Readers Poll (2021-2022)
Winner of the 2021 Paranormal Romance Guild Reviewers’ Choice Awards (Best YA/NA Novel)
Well, with my son now being home for at least the next 4 weeks, my writing is taking the backseat to keeping him educated and entertained. My submission for this quarter isn't done yet, and at this point I doubt it will get done. But I'm ok with that. We are getting opportunities to do all the little things together we don't get to do when we are busy running around.
I hope you are all staying safe and healthy!
Ditto that for me. Working from home and trying to keep a third-grader with ADHD focused, motivated and occupied is quite the challenge. Doubtful I'll make a round 2 submission either, but you never know. I probably need it now more than ever, but finding time to write is slim pickings. LOL
But you said a mouthful about opportunity to do all those little things together we'd never otherwise get to do. Time with my child while he's still a child, and at an age where it matters. I need to take advantage of that with my whole being. So... yeah. Well said. And you stay safe and healthy, too.
Tracy
V36 - SHM, SEMI-FINALIST!!!, HM, SHM
V37 - Q1:SHM --COVID INTERRUPTUS--
V40 - Q3: SHM
Well, if you don't have a new story ready, send them the best thing you have in your trunk! I will have to do that this quarter.
Chuck Thompson
6 Rs, 5 HMs, 2 SHMs
I'm in! First time in two years.
I feel like I should post in the Success! thread...
Career:
1x Win
2x NW-F
2x S-F
9x S-HM
11x HM
7x R
I'm in! First time in two years.
I feel like I should post in the Success! thread...
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
I'm in! First time in two years.
I feel like I should post in the Success! thread...
Excellent Job, Sir Dustin!
It is a success
~ J V Ashley
I'm in! First time in two years.
I feel like I should post in the Success! thread...
Hip hip hooray!
WOTF: HM x 16, SHMx2, SF x 1, F V31 Q3, V32 Q2, V32 Q4, V34 Q3, V36 Q1
Baen Fantasy Award Winner 2014
V32 Published Finalist
3rd place V37 Q1!
If anyone want me to review their piece, PM me. I can turn around within a few days. I might ask that you give me feedback on the first few scenes of a piece I've been struggling with.
First Place, Q1 Vol 36 Recently out!
"Deymons" in Mysterion: https://www.mysteriononline.com/2024/02/deymons.html
"Every Me Is Someone Else" in Diabolical Plots: https://www.diabolicalplots.com/dp-fiction-103a-every-me-is-someone-else-by-andrew-dibble/
I'm in! First time in two years.
I feel like I should post in the Success! thread...
Well done, Dustin! Glad you made it in! Best of success with it!
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!
If anyone want me to review their piece, PM me. I can turn around within a few days. I might ask that you give me feedback on the first few scenes of a piece I've been struggling with.
I sent mine in already, but please feel free to PM me your piece. I'd be happy to take a look as a reader and a writer. I have a few pieces in the wings that aren't going to WotF, too, if you'd want to swap.
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
I'm in!
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
I'm in!
Great news, Liz! I hear it's a good one!
Cheers!
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!
I'm in!
Great news, Liz! I hear it's a good one!
Cheers!
It's also my longest submission yet (although well within the confines of the contest). I learned a lot writing it, in any case, so whatever happens I'll be happy.
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
I'm in!
Great news, Liz! I hear it's a good one!
Cheers!
It's also my longest submission yet (although well within the confines of the contest). I learned a lot writing it, in any case, so whatever happens I'll be happy.
Pushing our limits helps us to think outside the box, creating truly unique stories and ways of telling a story. Winning stories cannot be mediocre. They must be striking. They must have depth. Give Dave something he hasn't seen before and do it in a way that impresses him both emotionally and stylistically, and you are well on your way to winning over, not just him, but the four finalist judges.
You gave it your all, and then some. It's out in the outer reaches of "and then some" where our winners lie.
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!
Finally in for Q2 - thanks to Author Services.
WotF submission page was not liking me at all.
GREAT BIG SHOUT OUT to Joni, for all her help.
3 HMs
6 SHMs
Umpteen Rs
Still hoping and working toward better -
One of these days, Alice . . . POW! We're going to the moon!
HEAR YE, HEAR YE! THREE DAYS LEFT!
YOU CAN'T WIN IF YOU AREN'T IN!
DON'T LET Q2 PASS YOU BY! YOU CAN DO THIS!
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!
Working on a story I think I can get in before the deadline, but I'm a bit concern about the opening. Much of the supernatural stuff doesn't happen till later in the story, but I know the judges need to know right away that these stories are sci-fi/fantasy. Any tips on how much to foreshadow? How to be clear that there is sci-fi/fantasy at work, even if most of the reveal is coming later?