Writers of the Future asks for your podcast input.

Of the anthology stories? I would absolutely. I've been really impressed with the quality of the writing.

But I take it that is not what they are thinking about. I'd still listen no matter what it is.

Sure.

Advice/feedback from the judges and especially the first reader/slush pile person.

. If so, what would you like to hear on it?

I would like to hear the stories from the anthology. It would add an alternate experience for the audience to enjoy.

Interviews from the big awards ceremony? Wouldn’t it be a great opportunity to grab insights from the winners and/or judges about their writing careers, writing processes, pet peeves, etc.? I would imagine you could get a ton of material in a short time.

I'd love to hear what specifically drew judges to the winning stories and what inspired the authors of the stories to write what they wrote (winner interviews). Also tips, what judges look for... And how to level up or advance in a writing career.

Thanks! I've passed all of these on to John Goodwin.

Wulfy, I listened to your War Dog story and I think it would be great to hear something like that in a WOTF production.

Whether by the author or a competent performer it would get my attention.

They were looking for names. I threw out "WTF Podcast," "Podbay Door," and "Dave's Podbay Doors." I think they are going with "Writers of the Future Podcast." Yawn! That's actually probably best, you know, brand promotion and all that. They thought my suggestions that linked back to 2001 a Space Odyssey would go unnoticed by younger sci-fi fans.

Wulfy, I listened to your War Dog story and I think it would be great to hear something like that in a WOTF production.

Whether by the author or a competent performer it would get my attention.

Awesome! Glad you enjoyed, Storysinger! And yes, John has been thinking on that as well to add flavor to the podcasts.

They were looking for names. I threw out "WTF Podcast," "Podbay Door," and "Dave's Podbay Doors." I think they are going with "Writers of the Future Podcast." Yawn! That's actually probably best, you know, brand promotion and all that. They thought my suggestions that linked back to 2001 a Space Odyssey would go unnoticed by younger sci-fi fans.

Well, you tried, Chuck. I tossed one at them too, on our private Volume 35 board. I think they're going to play it safe and go with Writers and Illustrators of the Future Podcast. You have to admit, it may not sizzle, but it's truth in advertising.

But it will be a cool new WotF feature! Stay tuned!

I'd love to hear what specifically drew judges to the winning stories and what inspired the authors of the stories to write what they wrote (winner interviews). Also tips, what judges look for... And how to level up or advance in a writing career.

This right here. Would love to hear what made the stories stand out for the judges.

I’d also love to hear about the internal workings of the contest and the workshop week - a look behind the scene.

Just the idea of a WoTF podcast, period, sounds awesome to me. (I may or may not be a recovering podcast addict...) Basically, everything everyone has already brought up would be fun to see:

-tips from the judges
-behind the scenes of workshop week
-readings of the stories themselves
-interviews with the winners
-general craft tips

All of it, please and thank you.

I'm enjoying the episodes so far and I'm hoping that we will get an interview with Kary English at some point. Her professional journey would be interesting, but I'm also deeply curious about what trends emerge when you peer into the collective imagination of thousands of writers each quarter.

Sure.

Advice/feedback from the judges and especially the first reader/slush pile person.

Like old darth, I'd like to hear from the judges re what tipped the balance between a good story and one just so so. The threshold of standard between HM, SHM, SF, F, and winners. Also, common mistakes made by writers in each of these areas that might be holding them back.

I know this subjective and unique to each story, but I'm mindful that the intent of the contest is to cultivate new upcoming talent. And speaking for myself, I hang on every word in the blogs. If judges have advice, then I'm all ears.

I really like the podcast so far. It's so interesting to hear from the judges!

There only seems to be a slight issue with the mix/mastering. E.g. in the episode with Kevin and Rebecca, Rebecca's voice was really low compared to Kevin's, so I had to change the volume constantly to hear everything.

I am loving the podcast so far. I skip the illustrators podcast, though I'm glad it exists.

For people new to WotF, it might be better if the link to the podcasts were on the menu at the left of the home page rather than hidden away in Educator Resources - where I wouldn't think of looking.

I'm enjoying the podcasts.

I love the topics mentioned. On a logistical note, I wish the podcast was on Sticher, where I listen to my podcasts in the car.

For people new to WotF, it might be better if the link to the podcasts were on the menu at the left of the home page rather than hidden away in Educator Resources - where I wouldn't think of looking.

I'm enjoying the podcasts.

That's coming, TimE. I talked to John about it. : )

Cheers!

For people new to WotF, it might be better if the link to the podcasts were on the menu at the left of the home page rather than hidden away in Educator Resources - where I wouldn't think of looking.

I'm enjoying the podcasts.

That's coming, TimE. I talked to John about it. : )

Cheers!

Good! And Thank you - Wulf and John.

I'm really liking the podcast so far! However - on some episodes more than others - there seems to be an issue with the mastering. John's volume is always OK and I can understand him well, but the guests' volume often is lower than his. It's especially bad in Martin Shoemaker's episode - I wasn't able to understand him at all, which is a shame, because I was really interested in what he had to say.
Just wanted to let you know in case you weren't aware.

In terms of writing craft, I haven't seen/heard much about theme (finding a theme in your story and ensuring everything contributes to it) or making each sentence do double or even triple duty.

The podcast is awesome! I've chewed through every one of them--some twice or more. I've even been surprised to find the illustrator interviews to be inspiring.

I've been listening to them between audio books and I really enjoy them. I particularly enjoyed the Topanga Canyon story. As a writer who bombards the pro publications with my stories regularly it was so encouraging to hear how much value the personal rejections I get are. I wonder if their value has decreased with the ease of writing emails? Or if the ease of submitting has strained editorial time so much that they still have a lot of meaning. Either way, it is encouraging. The main theme? Never Ever Ever Ever Ever Give Up.

I agree. They're really good. It's all about finding those little gems that really hit.

I just listened to #35 It Takes Ten Years To Become An Overnight Success with Robert J. Defendi.
That gives me 4 years to go. In the podcast they say the first million words are practice.
I've got a lot of practice left to reach that level.

I've finally shed my blinders and am listening to podcasts.
I just listened to Joni talking about the contest and past and present participants.
Hard as it is to believe she said the youngest writer to enter the contest was 8 years old and the oldest was 94.