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Wulf Moon's SUPER SECRETS Workshop & Challenge!

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(@wulfmoon)
Posts: 3143
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Topic starter
 

Nope. You got it, CCrawford! Thanks for sharing it! I hope all are getting Dave's writing tips. Go to his My Story Doctor site and sign up for newsletters. You should scour everything he sends out.

Good work!

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 : January 3, 2020 8:05 pm
Chezecaek
(@chezecaek)
Posts: 25
Advanced Member
 

Okay, here’s another question. I have one story I really like but the speculative element appears a bit less than halfway in. Obviously that’s too late. So how blatant do you think the speculative element needs to be in those first couple pages? Can it just be strongly hinted at, or does it need to be right there, all up in the reader’s face and shouting at them like “Hey! I’m speculative fiction, biyatch!”?

 
Posted : January 5, 2020 10:30 am
(@ccrawford)
Posts: 263
Silver Member
 

Reporting in... I just finished my second story and submitted it to a "respectable market" from the list! Huzzah!!! I may not have made it by the 31st but it's within the extension window. Smile

For the bonus Flash challenge, if I manage to do a flash before the 7th would it count for the flash I missed in December or would that be January's? I'll do one either way, I'm just wondering if I can catch up on the bonus challenge or if I'm always going to be one behind.

v35: Q4 - HM
V36: R, R, R, R
V37: SHM, HM, HM, SHM
V38: SHM, HM, HM, HM
V39: HM, R, SHM, HM
Indie author of The Lex Chronicles (Legends of Arameth), and the in-progress Leyward Stones series--including my serial, Macchiatos, Faerie Princes, and Other Things That Happen at Midnight, currently available on Kindle Vella.
Website: http://ccrawfordwriting.com. I also have a newsletter and a blog!
Short story "Our Kind" published in DreamForge Anvil, Issue #5, and also "One Shot at Aeden" published in DreamForge Anvil, Issue #7!

 
Posted : January 5, 2020 1:54 pm
Henckel
(@henckel)
Posts: 465
Silver Star Member
 

Okay, here’s another question. I have one story I really like but the speculative element appears a bit less than halfway in. Obviously that’s too late. So how blatant do you think the speculative element needs to be in those first couple pages? Can it just be strongly hinted at, or does it need to be right there, all up in the reader’s face and shouting at them like “Hey! I’m speculative fiction, biyatch!”?

Hi Chezecaek. My thoughts: Its best to get that speculative element in there as soon as possible. There are many ways to do that, such as setting (scifi may be in space or have particular technology to mention or Fantasy may note the country as dragon's dung) or by character (titles such as Lord xxx of xxx hints at fantasy while Ensign T. R. Holmes on communications duty gives a sci fi feel).... lots of ways.

The danger you may run into is that your story is set in today's day and age. In that case it may be more difficult. ... perhaps show it in the conflict (John shifted matted his Trans Am's throttle, tries squalling in time with Motley Crue's "Kick Start my Heart". He did his best thinking while he was drunk, blasting mindlessly down the interstate, and listening to shameless 80s music. But to tackle the problem of the quantum resisters, he might have to lap rust belt twice and resort to old Metallica..... the mention of quantum resisters in this lettle gem is enough to buy you a little more time to naturally progress to your speculative element.)

Good luck.

WOTF Stats
(2014) V31 – R
(2018) V35 – HM
(2019) V36 – HM, SHM
(2020) V37 – R, HM, SHM, Finalist
(2021) V38 – SF, SHM, SHM, HM
(2022) V39 – HM, SHM, SHM, SHM
(2023) V40 - HM, SF, tba, tba

 
Posted : January 5, 2020 2:47 pm
Retropianoplayer
(@retropianoplayer)
Posts: 233
Bronze Star Member
 

Chezecaek, I offer only a guess.

I think the SPECULATIVE ELEMENT must appear within your first two pages so it passes muster and your token doesn't land on DO NOT PASS GO. DO NOT PROCEED TO DAVE FARLAND'S SQUARE on the Writers Of The Future Author's Lottery Board.

Best,

Retro

 
Posted : January 5, 2020 2:53 pm
Disgruntled Peony
(@disgruntledpeony)
Posts: 1283
Platinum Member
 

Chezecaek, I offer only a guess.

I think the SPECULATIVE ELEMENT must appear within your first two pages so it passes muster and your token doesn't land on DO NOT PASS GO. DO NOT PROCEED TO DAVE FARLAND'S SQUARE on the Writers Of The Future Author's Lottery Board.

Best,

Retro

Would definitely second the sentiment on getting it in the first two pages, if not sooner. I made semi-finalist with a story that waited until page four to introduce the spec--but that was part of why it only made semi-finalist, as Dave mentioned in his crit.

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 : January 5, 2020 3:26 pm
SwiftPotato
(@swiftpotato)
Posts: 585
Silver Star Member
 

Reporting in... I just finished my second story and submitted it to a "respectable market" from the list! Huzzah!!! I may not have made it by the 31st but it's within the extension window. Smile

For the bonus Flash challenge, if I manage to do a flash before the 7th would it count for the flash I missed in December or would that be January's? I'll do one either way, I'm just wondering if I can catch up on the bonus challenge or if I'm always going to be one behind.

Nice job, CCrawford! I would say I'll count it in for now, since I've been counting early ones for others, and then if Moon feels differently we can change it. Just post whenever you're done and I'll add it to your number unless I hear otherwise. Smile
The rest of you: if you haven't submitted your second story yet, tomorrow is January 6th, and the deadline is the 7th! Get 'em done, post 'em here, keep on crankin'! And we've got an extra fun Monday prompt tomorrow, a real Moon special, so get your typing fingers ready! 😉

R, 3rd place Q4 v36!!!
Stories in Apocalyptic, Cossmass Infinites x2! PodCastle, Spirit Machine; forthcoming in Beneath Ceaseless Skies, Apex Magazine, Human Monsters

 
Posted : January 5, 2020 3:35 pm
(@wulfmoon)
Posts: 3143
Platinum Plus Moderator
Topic starter
 

Reporting in... I just finished my second story and submitted it to a "respectable market" from the list! Huzzah!!! I may not have made it by the 31st but it's within the extension window. Smile

For the bonus Flash challenge, if I manage to do a flash before the 7th would it count for the flash I missed in December or would that be January's? I'll do one either way, I'm just wondering if I can catch up on the bonus challenge or if I'm always going to be one behind.

It's a full extension, Crystal. If you want to use it to fully catch up, including your Flash Challenge for December, it will be duly noted.

Respect!

Beastmaster 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 : January 5, 2020 4:41 pm
(@wulfmoon)
Posts: 3143
Platinum Plus Moderator
Topic starter
 

Magic in first two pages already covered in Moon's SUPER SECRET #12: MAGIC UP FRONT! Please review.

For those registered in this challenge, your extension, what I jokingly refer to as Spring Break, is almost over. Use the time I've given you to catch up, work on a flash, do a KYD, or go over stories you've written and send some out to respectable markets. The only way to do this challenge right is not to prejudge, just send them out, and start working on your next fresh story. Keeping them out to market is how they have a chance. Targeting the right market is how they will sell.

Special assignment coming up. Get ready.

All the beast,

Beastmaster 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 : January 5, 2020 4:54 pm
SwiftPotato
(@swiftpotato)
Posts: 585
Silver Star Member
 

Good morning, challenge beasties! This week's Monday prompt is: WOLF MOON.

No, seriously. The wolf moon is this week, and it's going to be a penumbral eclipse (which you may be able to catch if you're in the Eastern hemisphere). This is the coolest time to write about it! There's some pretty interesting culture behind the wolf moon if you do some looking.

A message from Moon on this: he hopes you write your Nightfall, and if you don't know what that is, go read it. Smile
Happy darling killing!

R, 3rd place Q4 v36!!!
Stories in Apocalyptic, Cossmass Infinites x2! PodCastle, Spirit Machine; forthcoming in Beneath Ceaseless Skies, Apex Magazine, Human Monsters

 
Posted : January 5, 2020 11:42 pm
(@ccrawford)
Posts: 263
Silver Member
 

I got my first rejection from F&SF for the story I sent out -- it was a semi-personal response, so maybe not a form letter? It said the story had an interesting idea but overall didn't quite work for him. Anyway, I'll send the story out to another market soon and in the meantime, I'm already writing a fresh Flash piece. Smile

v35: Q4 - HM
V36: R, R, R, R
V37: SHM, HM, HM, SHM
V38: SHM, HM, HM, HM
V39: HM, R, SHM, HM
Indie author of The Lex Chronicles (Legends of Arameth), and the in-progress Leyward Stones series--including my serial, Macchiatos, Faerie Princes, and Other Things That Happen at Midnight, currently available on Kindle Vella.
Website: http://ccrawfordwriting.com. I also have a newsletter and a blog!
Short story "Our Kind" published in DreamForge Anvil, Issue #5, and also "One Shot at Aeden" published in DreamForge Anvil, Issue #7!

 
Posted : January 6, 2020 8:17 am
(@wulfmoon)
Posts: 3143
Platinum Plus Moderator
Topic starter
 

I got my first rejection from F&SF for the story I sent out -- it was a semi-personal response, so maybe not a form letter? It said the story had an interesting idea but overall didn't quite work for him. Anyway, I'll send the story out to another market soon and in the meantime, I'm already writing a fresh Flash piece. Smile

Cristy, that's a personal rejection, ESPECIALLY if it ended with "Charlie." He may well have some personalized macros, I don't know. Others he will use say things like interesting opening, interesting idea, but pacing seemed off. When he gives you specific comments on how to fix issues, you can often tell if he read it to the end or not. Getting Charlie to read all the way to the end is a big deal--he is whittling his slush single handed, no first readers. And he has hundreds of waiting submissions every time I send him something. It's top tier, so it's going to be one of the toughest markets to crack for a new writer. Do send it out to other respectable markets. That's what we are learning to do here, and I'm happy to see so many embrace the challenge.

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 : January 6, 2020 8:43 am
(@wulfmoon)
Posts: 3143
Platinum Plus Moderator
Topic starter
 

Aww, just got the email below in my message box in here. Names withheld to protect the innocent, and I did not solicit this. I'll tell you why it's encouraging, and maybe it will encourage you about this contest and working so hard to win it. You see, even if you don't win, when you write a great story, almost there, Dave will award you Semifinalist, and send you a brief critique. This is one of the unsung greatest gifts of the WotF contest. ASPIRING WRITERS THAT ARE ALMOST THERE GET A CRITIQUE FROM A NYT BESTSELLING AUTHOR! Do you know how hard that kind of one-on-one advice is to get for new writers? Well, it's almost impossible, unless you really know people, or hire them if they do editing to critique your work.

WotF gives this gift to those writers almost at winning level for free. And that simple critique from Dave can make all the difference in the world.

"Weep No More for the Willow," was one of these. I wrote this and submitted it a few years back to WotF. I was still in my big story phase, like 15K on this one--hey, as I've always said, I'm a novelist disguised as a short story writer. The story made semifinalist. I've mentioned this before, but it bears repeating. Dave said in his critique on the level of world building alone, it was probably greater than all the other finalists. And then he told me I needed to "kill my darlings." No matter how beautiful the scene or prose, if it wasn't absolutely necessary to the story and plot, it had to be cut. And then he told me he was sorry, as he truly wanted to see this story become a winner, and had believed he had been reading a winner all along.

Hard lesson. When Kathy "KD" Wentworth was judging, she had told me something similar in a different critique. And then told me when I met her at a con and mentioned the title that I had come *this* close to winning (pinching thumb and forefinger together). I didn't absorb the lesson then, I just rose to the heights and rose to the depths simultaneously. : ) But this time, I took it to heart. I cut "Weep No More for the Willow" down to the bones, slicing out anything that didn't directly relate to my tale. I gutted *half* the story and found I was still able to tell the same story! With HALF the words! Was it as luxurious and rich as my original? No. But it got to the point, and Dave taught me that to sell in today's market, you have to get to the heart of your story and stay right on it to the end.

The day I got home from the WotF workshop and gala, guess what I had in my email? An acceptance letter from Deep Magic magazine. For that story about a Spanish captain and a mermaid that Dave told me I needed to "kill my darlings." I had listened to his advice. More importantly, I had *applied* his advice. And that is why it sold.

It is now up for a Critters Readers' Choice Award for Other Short Story--they have no historical fantasy category. I do hope you will read it, if only to see what can happen when you apply a bestselling writer's personalized advice from this contest. Advice I got, not from winning this contest, but just from getting close. Another great benefit from Writers of the Future one no one seems to talk about outside this Forum. But now you know what it can do for you if you hadn't realized it already. You don't have to win to win.

Here's how to read the story if you're interested. It's free if you're Kindle Unlimited; only three bucks for the Deep Magic Fall 2019 issue if you're not.
https://www.amazon.com/Deep-Magic-Fall- ... B07V43XLJR

And if you really like it, "Weep No More for the Willow" is listed in All Other Short Stories' category at Critters. They don't have a category for historical fantasy.
https://critters.org/predpoll/shortstory.shtml

We talk a lot about Kill Your Darlings in this challenge. David Farland taught me the term. And then I realized I had developed a system years ago in my flash fiction to streamline, focus, and make my flash win. I just had to employ the system once again, but this time on my longer pieces. And that's when I got results.

It's why I'm teaching it to you.

Cheers! Okay, here's the nice letter that spawned this post...

Hi Wulf,

I just voted for your short story, "Weep No More For The Willow" at Critters.

Was this one of your WoTF entries? It had moments of absolute brilliance which carried me away. I could actually smell the sea air. I loved the Sirenna and wanted to be her; beautiful and powerful.

Good love story.

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 : January 6, 2020 9:31 am
(@ccrawford)
Posts: 263
Silver Member
 

that's a personal rejection, ESPECIALLY if it ended with "Charlie."

It did! He said it contained an interesting idea but didn't quite work for him as a whole, but that he hopes I find the right market for it, and it was signed Charlie. That's exciting, then! I will probably edit the story a little before sending it out again.

Leah, I'm also reporting in again... I just finished a Flash piece based on the previous "Silent Aftermath" prompt to count for the December flash I missed. I put it through KYD down to 500, to 250 vignette, and then built it back up again to just under 1000 words. I'm actually pretty happy with how it turned out! I hope to tackle the Wolf Moon one later this week. Smile
And congrats, Wulf, on the great feedback for "Weep No More for the Willow" (the title itself is even wonderful!)

v35: Q4 - HM
V36: R, R, R, R
V37: SHM, HM, HM, SHM
V38: SHM, HM, HM, HM
V39: HM, R, SHM, HM
Indie author of The Lex Chronicles (Legends of Arameth), and the in-progress Leyward Stones series--including my serial, Macchiatos, Faerie Princes, and Other Things That Happen at Midnight, currently available on Kindle Vella.
Website: http://ccrawfordwriting.com. I also have a newsletter and a blog!
Short story "Our Kind" published in DreamForge Anvil, Issue #5, and also "One Shot at Aeden" published in DreamForge Anvil, Issue #7!

 
Posted : January 6, 2020 10:05 am
(@peter_glen)
Posts: 143
Bronze Star Member
 

I got my first rejection from F&SF for the story I sent out -- it was a semi-personal response, so maybe not a form letter? It said the story had an interesting idea but overall didn't quite work for him. Anyway, I'll send the story out to another market soon and in the meantime, I'm already writing a fresh Flash piece. Smile

Cristy! I just received a similar message from Charlie!! Wowzers, Wulf, your secrets are working their magic wotf009

 
Posted : January 6, 2020 10:23 am
SwiftPotato
(@swiftpotato)
Posts: 585
Silver Star Member
 

Got you down, CCrawford! You're all caught up for the quarter! Smile

R, 3rd place Q4 v36!!!
Stories in Apocalyptic, Cossmass Infinites x2! PodCastle, Spirit Machine; forthcoming in Beneath Ceaseless Skies, Apex Magazine, Human Monsters

 
Posted : January 6, 2020 10:39 am
(@officer)
Posts: 111
Bronze Star Member
 

I got my first rejection from F&SF for the story I sent out -- it was a semi-personal response, so maybe not a form letter? It said the story had an interesting idea but overall didn't quite work for him. Anyway, I'll send the story out to another market soon and in the meantime, I'm already writing a fresh Flash piece. Smile

Cristy! I just received a similar message from Charlie!! Wowzers, Wulf, your secrets are working their magic wotf009

Nice work, Crystal and Peter! I've gotten three uniquely structured messages across four e-mails from Charlie. You did NOT get the form! That one is more generic and gives no praise (just a polite "didn't work/grab"). As Moon suggests, Charlie must use an auto-complete tool to respond faster.

For what it's worth, my HM got a form rejection (as did a flash story). Getting a personal response is meaningful!

HM, R, HM~, R, R, SHM*, HM, R, HM**, HM, ?, ?
~"Music from the Stars"
* Finalist, 2021 Baen Fantasy Adventure Award
**"Speculation," Brave New Worlds (Zombies Need Brains, Aug 2022)

 
Posted : January 6, 2020 12:34 pm
(@wulfmoon)
Posts: 3143
Platinum Plus Moderator
Topic starter
 

Nice work Crystal, Peter, and Leah (SwiftPotato) as well! Those are personal rejections, and they mean Charlie liked what you wrote and hopes to see more from you. Trust me, editors only send you personal rejections if they feel you are getting close and wish to see more from you. They are very busy people--especially one man show Charlie--and they don't have time to personalize comments. When they do, print it out, put it up on your ego wall or cork board until the day you can replace it with a photocopy of a check.

Stay with it. That day is coming!

Congrats to you and to all applying the knowledge!

One more day left for your extension on the quarterly deadline. Includes flash if you took that bonus challenge. Use it wisely ...

Beastmaster 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 : January 6, 2020 1:54 pm
(@ccrawford)
Posts: 263
Silver Member
 

did NOT get the form! That one is more generic and gives no praise (just a polite "didn't work/grab"). As Moon suggests, Charlie must use an auto-complete tool to respond faster.

For what it's worth, my HM got a form rejection (as did a flash story). Getting a personal response is meaningful!

Nice work Crystal, Peter, and Leah (SwiftPotato) as well! Those are personal rejections, and they mean Charlie liked what you wrote and hopes to see more from you. Trust me, editors only send you personal rejections if they feel you are getting close and wish to see more from you. They are very busy people--especially one man show Charlie--and they don't have time to personalize comments. When they do, print it out, put it up on your ego wall or cork board until the day you can replace it with a photocopy of a check.

Stay with it. That day is coming!

Thank you for sharing this, Officer and Wulf! I feel very encouraged! Smile

v35: Q4 - HM
V36: R, R, R, R
V37: SHM, HM, HM, SHM
V38: SHM, HM, HM, HM
V39: HM, R, SHM, HM
Indie author of The Lex Chronicles (Legends of Arameth), and the in-progress Leyward Stones series--including my serial, Macchiatos, Faerie Princes, and Other Things That Happen at Midnight, currently available on Kindle Vella.
Website: http://ccrawfordwriting.com. I also have a newsletter and a blog!
Short story "Our Kind" published in DreamForge Anvil, Issue #5, and also "One Shot at Aeden" published in DreamForge Anvil, Issue #7!

 
Posted : January 6, 2020 3:15 pm
Thegirlintheglasses
(@thegirlintheglasses)
Posts: 171
Bronze Star Member
 

*Knocks softly on the door*

Guyyyyyys...

I know I counted myself out but...I finished. Both stories, sent to respectable markets, and 3 Flash done as of TODAY. I only finished because of the extension but...Imma try to keep up with you guys if I can.

With my health blurp, writing has proven to be a satisfying distraction ("hurry up and wait" seems a mantra). I'll continue to use it--but if something has to give, it'll give. Until then, I'll keep moving. I appreciate all the positive vibes you guys have sent my way. Your kind words have lifted me. Thank you! No doubt, I'm limping to keep up, reading through the homework and all I've missed, but I'm limping along anyways. lol

I want you guys to know I am rooting for EVERY person here. We will get another pack member on that stage!
I BELIEVE IN YOU AND THE WORK YOU DO!!!! fistinair (And because you are here, I know you believe too hey! )

Sending warmth and success!

Brittany

PS Mr. Moon hasn't mentioned half the stuff he's been nominated for. This guy is up for author of 2019-- https://critters.org/predpoll/author.shtml --where he is currently sitting at #3. Send him some love! Love to see him take #1

Brittany Rainsdon
R-SHM-HM-R-HM-R-F-F-HM-HM-SHM-HM-HM-SF-PF-2nd place!
Published Finalist Volume 37 Quarter 4
Second Place Volume 38 Quarter 1

First publication was "Perfectly Painted Lies" published in Deep Magic Spring 2021 and reprinted in the anthology, Best of Deep Magic Volume 2.
Learn more about me at rainsdonwrites.com

 
Posted : January 6, 2020 4:38 pm
(@ccrawford)
Posts: 263
Silver Member
 

*Knocks softly on the door*

Guyyyyyys...

I know I counted myself out but...I finished. Both stories, sent to respectable markets, and 3 Flash done as of TODAY. I only finished because of the extension but...Imma try to keep up with you guys if I can.

Yay, Brittany! That's awesome!!!!! (I only finished because of the extension, too... But I'm so happy that you were able to do it!)

v35: Q4 - HM
V36: R, R, R, R
V37: SHM, HM, HM, SHM
V38: SHM, HM, HM, HM
V39: HM, R, SHM, HM
Indie author of The Lex Chronicles (Legends of Arameth), and the in-progress Leyward Stones series--including my serial, Macchiatos, Faerie Princes, and Other Things That Happen at Midnight, currently available on Kindle Vella.
Website: http://ccrawfordwriting.com. I also have a newsletter and a blog!
Short story "Our Kind" published in DreamForge Anvil, Issue #5, and also "One Shot at Aeden" published in DreamForge Anvil, Issue #7!

 
Posted : January 6, 2020 5:02 pm
(@wulfmoon)
Posts: 3143
Platinum Plus Moderator
Topic starter
 

*Knocks softly on the door*

Guyyyyyys...

I know I counted myself out but...I finished. Both stories, sent to respectable markets, and 3 Flash done as of TODAY. I only finished because of the extension but...Imma try to keep up with you guys if I can.

Yay, Brittany! That's awesome!!!!! (I only finished because of the extension, too... But I'm so happy that you were able to do it!)

Both of you had and still have totally legit reasons for not making the first quarter of the challenge. That you took advantage of the extension for market closure only says how dedicated you both are. Congratulations for making good use of the time and may you see wonderful rewards for your diligent efforts.

Welcome back, Brittany, however you wish to proceed. You are a champion. You are always welcome here. Good health to you from all of us.

One last day on the extension. Last call!

Beastmaster 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 : January 6, 2020 5:51 pm
SwiftPotato
(@swiftpotato)
Posts: 585
Silver Star Member
 

*Knocks softly on the door*

Guyyyyyys...

I know I counted myself out but...I finished. Both stories, sent to respectable markets, and 3 Flash done as of TODAY. I only finished because of the extension but...Imma try to keep up with you guys if I can.

With my health blurp, writing has proven to be a satisfying distraction ("hurry up and wait" seems a mantra). I'll continue to use it--but if something has to give, it'll give. Until then, I'll keep moving. I appreciate all the positive vibes you guys have sent my way. Your kind words have lifted me. Thank you! No doubt, I'm limping to keep up, reading through the homework and all I've missed, but I'm limping along anyways. lol

I want you guys to know I am rooting for EVERY person here. We will get another pack member on that stage!
I BELIEVE IN YOU AND THE WORK YOU DO!!!! fistinair   (And because you are here, I know you believe too hey! )

Sending warmth and success!

Brittany

PS Mr. Moon hasn't mentioned half the stuff he's been nominated for. This guy is up for author of 2019-- https://critters.org/predpoll/author.shtml --where he is currently sitting at #3. Send him some love! Love to see him take #1

Yay! Welcome back, and fantastic job on finishing the first quarter of the challenge! Very happy to add you back to the roster.  smiley I'll post the assignment links again below to make it a little easier for you to navigate to them.

R, 3rd place Q4 v36!!!
Stories in Apocalyptic, Cossmass Infinites x2! PodCastle, Spirit Machine; forthcoming in Beneath Ceaseless Skies, Apex Magazine, Human Monsters

 
Posted : January 6, 2020 11:48 pm
SwiftPotato
(@swiftpotato)
Posts: 585
Silver Star Member
(@officer)
Posts: 111
Bronze Star Member
 

Check out Henckel's book, So You Wanna Be a Desperado Demon Slayer, currently free on amazon: https://www.amazon.com/You-Wanna-Desper ... 01N5J6O1J/

From his Facebook post:
"For those of you who havent read my first book, it will be free to download from amazon from Tuesday to Saturday this week.

It's not brilliant, but it is fun.

Have a read, tell your friends, and feel free to leave a review."

Brittany - awesome that writing has been a positive force through trying times. Way to go!

HM, R, HM~, R, R, SHM*, HM, R, HM**, HM, ?, ?
~"Music from the Stars"
* Finalist, 2021 Baen Fantasy Adventure Award
**"Speculation," Brave New Worlds (Zombies Need Brains, Aug 2022)

 
Posted : January 7, 2020 12:41 am
(@einstein36)
Posts: 85
Bronze Star Member
 

This is very awesome...
Thanks...

 
Posted : January 7, 2020 1:11 am
StarReacher
(@angelakayd)
Posts: 146
Bronze Star Member
 

I know I counted myself out but...I finished. Both stories, sent to respectable markets, and 3 Flash done as of TODAY. I only finished because of the extension but...Imma try to keep up with you guys if I can.

With my health blurp, writing has proven to be a satisfying distraction ("hurry up and wait" seems a mantra). I'll continue to use it--but if something has to give, it'll give. Until then, I'll keep moving. I appreciate all the positive vibes you guys have sent my way. Your kind words have lifted me. Thank you! No doubt, I'm limping to keep up, reading through the homework and all I've missed, but I'm limping along anyways. lol

Awesome job, Brittany!!

I was one of the other "health" exceptions this year and was recently blessed to find out I had initially been misdiagnosed with a very frightening health condition. The worst part IS the waiting game . . . and writing was the ONLY thing that kept me sane. Feel free to PM me if you want to vent or chat.

Being a part of this group has been an amazing experience of knowing you have others who sincerely want you to succeed. Peace, health, and victory for all of us in 2020!

Best,
Angela

 
Posted : January 7, 2020 3:13 am
Retropianoplayer
(@retropianoplayer)
Posts: 233
Bronze Star Member
 

Hi Brittany,

I predict you will persevere despite health setbacks. You will overcome. Of this, I'm totally confident. The fact you've persisted in your writing goals and met the challenges is PROOF of remarkable inner strength and determination.

A few months ago, I foresaw you on the WOTF stage. I still do. Your writing obviously resonates with the Judges based on your record.

Glad to see you back here in the Forums.

Best,

Retro wotf009

 
Posted : January 7, 2020 3:50 am
crlisle
(@crlisle)
Posts: 407
Gold Member
 

PS Mr. Moon hasn't mentioned half the stuff he's been nominated for. This guy is up for author of 2019-- https://critters.org/predpoll/author.shtml --where he is currently sitting at #3. Send him some love! Love to see him take #1

Just voted and confirmed my vote for Wulf to be author of 2019!

Good luck Wulf Moon!

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 : January 7, 2020 4:45 am
Henckel
(@henckel)
Posts: 465
Silver Star Member
 

Check out Henckel's book, So You Wanna Be a Desperado Demon Slayer, currently free on amazon: https://www.amazon.com/You-Wanna-Desper ... 01N5J6O1J/

From his Facebook post:
"For those of you who havent read my first book, it will be free to download from amazon from Tuesday to Saturday this week.

It's not brilliant, but it is fun.

Have a read, tell your friends, and feel free to leave a review."

Brittany - awesome that writing has been a positive force through trying times. Way to go!

Thanks for sharing Officer!!!

And welcome back Brittany!!!!!! Lovely to have you back.

WOTF Stats
(2014) V31 – R
(2018) V35 – HM
(2019) V36 – HM, SHM
(2020) V37 – R, HM, SHM, Finalist
(2021) V38 – SF, SHM, SHM, HM
(2022) V39 – HM, SHM, SHM, SHM
(2023) V40 - HM, SF, tba, tba

 
Posted : January 7, 2020 4:48 am
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