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Discussion: Q3 Volume 37

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Dragonchef
(@dragonchef)
Posts: 385
Silver Star Member
 

Looks like the results are in for Q3, and our WotF Forum had an AWESOME showing! wotf009

Wulfy's heartfelt words are below that line . . . there are no further words that could be spoken. At least, none so eloquently. Wulfy said it all, and it comes from the hearts of all of us here at the forum. You guys did some serious hard work to get where you did in Q3. We all did.
wotf009
For those of us who didn't place this round: We know - It sucks royally! And we have all been there (and probably will be again), struggling with the pain and dejection. But, there is something really awesome in that old adage about falling off a horse. Learn! Read! And learn some more. One day you're going to look back from that podium. holding that sweet trophy (Wulfy's Precious) and remember what got you there: BLOOD, SWEAT, and TEARS!

Momentum is everything!
wotf042
Write-on. Write-on.

3 HMs
6 SHMs
Umpteen Rs
Still hoping and working toward better -
One of these days, Alice . . . POW! We're going to the moon!

 
Posted : October 7, 2020 1:43 am
 mack
(@mack)
Posts: 15
Active Member
 

Looks like the results are in for Q3, and our WotF Forum had an AWESOME showing! wotf009

Let's not forget we have a FINALIST! TOP EIGHT! Well done, Kentagions! You did the work, you never gave up, you deserve the reward. May your next phone call be glorious and may we all be meeting in Hollywood for the workshop and gala next year! Best of success to YOU! Go, Minnesota!

Second, it is no small thing to earn semifinalist. This is TOP SIXTEEN out of thousands from around the world! That we have three from this forum is incredible--I'm willing to bet no other writers group online or off turns out so many WotF honors quarter after quarter. The best come here to help one another succeed, and it shows! Well done, Brittany, AjZach, and cduzett! You were a whisker away from being in, and that means you all wrote professional stories that had the potential to win. You also get an incredible gift, the unsung blessing of this contest: A critique from NYT bestselling author David Farland/Wolverton! It will help you improve this story; it can also pinpoint that one thing you need to work on next time to put you over the top. Congratulations again. Nicely done!

Third, we had a huge number of Silver Honorable mentions! TOP 50 or so out of thousands! When you hit that level, you are in striking distance. You were in Dave's final selection pile, stories he had to consider for the finalist selections, and you almost made it! In these upper levels, you are writing great stories with high professionalism. Feel proud of your accomplishment, and if you got that close once, you can do it again. The key is to keep writing, keep learning, keep submitting, and never ever quit! Well done to our amazing SILVER HMs!

Fourth, we had HMs like the sands of the sea! Dave gives those out to those that show promise! Your stories made it past first reader Kary, and she has a sharp eye, being a winner herself! And then Dave read them and gave you HM to tell you he sees your potential. The story you wrote impressed him. It's his way of saying do not quit! He has faith in you, so keep believing in yourself and WRITE YOUR NEXT STORY! As you will note, almost every winner began with HMs and worked their way up. Stay on the path, keep believing, and you too can do the same. Send those stories out to other markets. Dave said he saw promise in them and other editors will too! Well done!

Finally, to everyone that completed a story and sent it in, congratulations. It is no small thing to quit talking about writing a story, and to decide you're going to finish a story and actually do it! Few get that far. Fewer still send their stories out to markets like this one, the biggest and best for aspiring writers. It takes courage, it takes strength to recognize rejections are part of the process, and it takes fortitude to dust yourself off and get back in the ring. You are writers on the path, and this is a marathon, not a sprint, so keep on writing and never give up. You have all the support you need to succeed in this forum. Take full advantage of it.

I am proud to be a part of this wonderful contest. I am proud of all of you that keep striving for excellence in your work.

Keep up the great work! You will see the rewards in more ways than you can imagine!

All the beast!

Wulf Moon
Forum Moderator

Wow, thanks for the encouraging words and thorough breakdown!! I just got Joni's email yesterday saying I got an honorable mention for my entry, and although that may be the base of the pyramid of honors, I can say I'm absolutely thrilled to get it! I face a ton of self doubt in my writing, and this was just the validation I needed to encourage me not to give up.

 
Posted : October 7, 2020 4:58 pm
(@kakent80)
Posts: 41
Advanced Member
 

Well done everyone!

 
Posted : October 7, 2020 6:54 pm
(@wulfmoon)
Posts: 3143
Platinum Plus Moderator
 

Mack wrote: "Wow, thanks for the encouraging words and thorough breakdown!! I just got Joni's email yesterday saying I got an honorable mention for my entry, and although that may be the base of the pyramid of honors, I can say I'm absolutely thrilled to get it! I face a ton of self doubt in my writing, and this was just the validation I needed to encourage me not to give up."

Mack, congratulations! It really is a big deal to get an HM from this contest. It means you wrote a good story and Dave wanted to let you know so that you keep at it. So keep at it! We're a little spoiled here, we see so many good results that HMs might seem commonplace. They are not--we simply collect a great concentration of writers dedicated to professional writing and winning this contest. Never diminish your achievement. You are running with the bulls and you were just told you did your run right!

Be sure to get the certificate framed and hang it on your wall. Whenever you feel doubt, go look at it and remember this: thousands from around the world sent in stories in Q3, and Dave said you've got what it takes. That's what that certificate means. A New York Times bestselling author just told you you've got what it takes.

It's up to you to believe and make the rest happen. That's true for all of us.

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 : October 8, 2020 1:28 pm
Cherrie
(@clfors)
Posts: 306
Silver Star Member
 

Hi! Does anyone know if we have results for the Illustrators yet? I enter as a writer and illustrator and I'm still checking that E-mail with twinges of anxiety.

3x Finalist Illustrators
5x Semi finalist Illustrators
1x HM Illustrators
7x HM Writers
1x SHM Writers V39 Q3
https://clforsauthor.com
Author of the Primogenitor series: Progeny, Adaptation, Reunion Available on Amazon under CL Fors

 
Posted : October 14, 2020 5:42 pm
Dragonchef
(@dragonchef)
Posts: 385
Silver Star Member
 

Hi! Does anyone know if we have results for the Illustrators yet? I enter as a writer and illustrator and I'm still checking that E-mail with twinges of anxiety.

You may want to email Joni for that info.

3 HMs
6 SHMs
Umpteen Rs
Still hoping and working toward better -
One of these days, Alice . . . POW! We're going to the moon!

 
Posted : October 15, 2020 12:48 am
(@kd-julicher)
Posts: 137
Bronze Star Member
 

Kentagions, do you have news for us? I saw something from Dave that made me think the final judging has occurred...

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!

 
Posted : October 15, 2020 2:44 am
(@wulfmoon)
Posts: 3143
Platinum Plus Moderator
 

Kentagions, do you have news for us? I saw something from Dave that made me think the final judging has occurred...

Yeah, saw that, too. <arches a Vulcan eyebrow>

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 15, 2020 4:14 am
Dustin Adams
(@tj_knight)
Posts: 1352
Platinum Plus Moderator
Topic starter
 

Indeed. Good or bad -- spill.  fistinair

Career:

1x Win
2x NW-F
2x S-F
9x S-HM
11x HM
7x R

 
Posted : October 15, 2020 7:22 am
(@wulfmoon)
Posts: 3143
Platinum Plus Moderator
 

And the winners are..EVERYONE THAT ENTERED! And what a great showing of honors from this Forum! Well done, all!:

https://www.writersofthefuture.com/writ ... 6VrH5LMgu0

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 15, 2020 8:19 am
(@kentagions)
Posts: 94
Bronze Star Member
 

KD Julicher wrote:

Kentagions, do you have news for us?

I suppose. And a question for you.

I finished out of the running.

On the mixed and/or bright side, Joni said that my story came in 4th, and I have agreed to have it held over for possible publication.

Mixed news because, as many of us know, "held over for possible publication" means that I'm back in the no-news is no-news category, searching for meaning in an indifferent universe.

So, KD Julicher (Our published, non-winning finalist), aside from a lack of fingernails for a couple of months, what wonders or horrors might be in store for humble ole me?

 
Posted : October 15, 2020 8:22 am
(@kd-julicher)
Posts: 137
Bronze Star Member
 

KD Julicher wrote:

Kentagions, do you have news for us?

I suppose. And a question for you.

I finished out of the running.

On the mixed and/or bright side, Joni said that my story came in 4th, and I have agreed to have it held over for possible publication.

Mixed news because, as many of us know, "held over for possible publication" means that I'm back in the no-news is no-news category, searching for meaning in an indifferent universe.

So, KD Julicher (Our published, non-winning finalist), aside from a lack of fingernails for a couple of months, what wonders or horrors might be in store for humble ole me?

Ooo, well first, she does NOT hold everyone for consideration. So you're not even one of 20, you're one of maybe 10-12. Second, they've improved their timeliness on asking lately so you probably will get the go/no go in December or so.

The final decision comes down to whether there's space for a PF, and whether the anthology needs balance. So if there's a lot of SF, they might want a fantasy story, if they're all dark they might want something funny.

If you DO get picked, it is exactly like being a winner except A. you are still eligible for the contest until you pro out and B. you only get paid (pro rates, despite what The Grinder has sometimes said) for your story, not a cash prize.

I absolutely recommend the experience, as you can probably guess based on the fact that I kept entering afterwards. I'll cross my fingers that you get to come in April for what's promising to be the biggest WOTF bash ever!

And commiserations on the loss. I know how it feels.

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!

 
Posted : October 15, 2020 8:42 am
(@wulfmoon)
Posts: 3143
Platinum Plus Moderator
 

I'll add my commiserations, Kent. I came in close twice before I won, and it kills you to find out how close you were. As Monk says, "It's a blessing. And a curse."

As the pain eases, remember you were there. You hit the bull's eye. You were in the eight Dave chose. And then four assigned judges walked up and argued about who hit the center of the bull's eye closest. That is often a judgment call, and would likely change with a different set of judges. Fourth place means there were some that thought you were in. That's darn close. Take heart in that.

And send in your next. If you did it once, you can do it again. You only get in that tiny circle because you have the skill.

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 : October 15, 2020 8:53 am
(@kentagions)
Posts: 94
Bronze Star Member
 

KD Julicher wrote:

I'll cross my fingers that you get to come in April for what's promising to be the biggest WOTF bash ever!

Thank you for the info and the well-wishes.
Wulf Moon wrote:

You only get in that tiny circle because you have the skill.

Thank you for the encouragement.

You are both inspirations to us all. Thank you so much for being on the Forum.

Take care,
Kent

 
Posted : October 15, 2020 9:17 am
RETreasure
(@rschibler)
Posts: 957
Platinum Member
 

4th is a great, wrenching place to be. Congrats on your finalist, so sorry you didn’t win but being held is great! I hope you win soon - you’ve been launching these arrows for a while! I had my fingers crossed for you.

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 : October 15, 2020 9:25 am
(@kentagions)
Posts: 94
Bronze Star Member
 

RSchibler wrote:

I had my fingers crossed for you.

Thank you! You know I'm in your corner, too.

Kent

 
Posted : October 15, 2020 10:41 am
Disgruntled Peony
(@disgruntledpeony)
Posts: 1283
Platinum Member
 

Joni finally got back to me--apparently, Wizehive is having issues. I officially have an SHM, and she's going to make sure I get added to the blog ASAP.

I finished out of the running.

On the mixed and/or bright side, Joni said that my story came in 4th, and I have agreed to have it held over for possible publication.

Mixed news because, as many of us know, "held over for possible publication" means that I'm back in the no-news is no-news category, searching for meaning in an indifferent universe.

*big hugs!* I've been in both these situations before (albeit not at the same time). Congratulations and commisserations both! Fingers crossed in hopes you make PF (or win next quarter).

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 : October 15, 2020 2:46 pm
(@kentagions)
Posts: 94
Bronze Star Member
 

Thank you so much, ...peony.

Best of luck to you, too.

Kent

 
Posted : October 15, 2020 3:30 pm
Dustin Adams
(@tj_knight)
Posts: 1352
Platinum Plus Moderator
Topic starter
 

The blog post is up.

https://www.writersofthefuture.com/cate ... y-winners/

Winners:
First Place – Trent Walters from Missouri
Second Place – Luke Wildman from Indiana
Third Place – Erik Lynd from Washington

Career:

1x Win
2x NW-F
2x S-F
9x S-HM
11x HM
7x R

 
Posted : October 16, 2020 3:29 am
(@eagerink)
Posts: 118
Bronze Star Member
 

The blog post is up.

https://www.writersofthefuture.com/cate ... y-winners/

Winners:
First Place – Trent Walters from Missouri
Second Place – Luke Wildman from Indiana
Third Place – Erik Lynd from Washington

Congrats to the winners, wherever you are! And to our finalists Smile

 
Posted : October 16, 2020 8:40 am
Alex Harford
(@alexh)
Posts: 292
Silver Member
 

After two weeks away in windy Cornwall, I'm checking in with a third HM in a row. I'm a bit disappointed I didn't level up with this one, though I would've been pleased with my results this time last year. 🙂

Nice work everyone, and if you didn't win, keep submitting!

35: - R R R | 36: R HM R R | 37: HM HM HM SHM | 38: HM HM HM HM | 39: HM HM HM SHM | 40: HM R SHM SHM |
4 SHM / 12 HM / 7 R

 
Posted : October 22, 2020 7:56 am
Dragonchef
(@dragonchef)
Posts: 385
Silver Star Member
 

wotf007
Yay! got my SHM certificate for Q3 in the mail today. Wondering, though, why it isn't that pretty blue it used to be. Budget cuts?
wotf017

3 HMs
6 SHMs
Umpteen Rs
Still hoping and working toward better -
One of these days, Alice . . . POW! We're going to the moon!

 
Posted : November 3, 2020 6:04 am
Disgruntled Peony
(@disgruntledpeony)
Posts: 1283
Platinum Member
 

wotf007
Yay! got my SHM certificate for Q3 in the mail today. Wondering, though, why it isn't that pretty blue it used to be. Budget cuts?
wotf017

They changed the certificates this year. Is all I know.

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 3, 2020 8:21 am
(@kentagions)
Posts: 94
Bronze Star Member
 

Email confirmation that the story will not be included.

Submitting elsewhere.

Keep writing. Keep submitting.

 
Posted : November 30, 2020 8:00 am
Yelena
(@scribblesatdusk)
Posts: 225
Silver Member
 

Email confirmation that the story will not be included.

Submitting elsewhere.

Keep writing. Keep submitting.

Sorry to hear that. That must be so tough after all the waiting and being so so close. I am excited to read the story when you get it published elsewhere!

V36:Q3 HM V37: Q3 R, Q4 SHM V38: R,HM, F, HM V39: HM, SHM, SHM, SHM V40: SF, RWC, ?

 
Posted : November 30, 2020 11:25 am
(@wulfmoon)
Posts: 3143
Platinum Plus Moderator
 

Email confirmation that the story will not be included.

Submitting elsewhere.

Keep writing. Keep submitting.

Sorry about that. May you find a good home for it.

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 30, 2020 8:04 pm
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