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Wulf Moon's SUPER SECRETS Workshop & Challenge!

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(@rjklee)
Posts: 176
Bronze Star Member
 

Happy Monday, beasties! Today's Monday prompt is: MOLTING HEART.

Thanks for the prompt! Tried starting this one off with research, since the words themselves didn’t spark anything. And it worked for a decent start. Happy writing everyone.

R.J.K. Lee
WotF 2021: SHM, R, R, S-F
2020: HMx2, Rx2
2019: Rx4
2018: N/A
2017; HMx2, Rx2
2016: HMx2, Rx2
2015: Rx1
Publications:
Stone Shaper Tanukis Estranged in Dark Cheer: Cryptids Emerging - Volume Blue (Improbable Press, 12/13/2021)
Memo from the Jolly Overlords on the Weird Christmas Podcast (12/2020). I read my story at the 22:10 mark in the flash fiction contest episode.
Monthly updates on where to submit your creative work: https://figmentsdiehard.blogspot.com/

 
Posted : May 25, 2020 3:02 pm
(@ccrawford)
Posts: 263
Silver Member
 

Checking in: I just finished my Flash for May, based on the "Buried Alive" prompt.

I have my first story for Q3 written but am still working to implement some feedback from my wise readers. I've got an idea and a beginning on my second story for the quarter and will work on it more after I get the first one done.

After struggling for WEEKS to get more than a few paragraphs down at a time, I have finally broken through and can write again. I don't know exactly what made the difference, except that I took a couple days to recharge by reading and resting, and then after reading the Flow article I came across another one that suggested using binaural beats. I didn't even listen to them on headphones like you're supposed to to get the effect, I just let it play out loud in my office because it was just really mellow and calming. Music doesn't usually work for me while writing, but this actually seemed to make a difference, and put me into sort of a relaxed, zen frame of mind. I'm not sure if it was that or the combination of all the above, but yesterday I was able to hit a flow state and stay there for a long period of time and got a lot done.

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 : May 25, 2020 4:00 pm
ZeeTeeBeeZ
(@zeeteebeez)
Posts: 162
Bronze Star Member
 

..and just to add to the anxiety of lockdown, yesterday was suposed to be my first day back in the office. But then we had about 10 earthquakes. ... the first was magnitude 5.8 then a bunch of smaller ones hit about every 10 minutes. My daughter and I were standing next to front door when it started shifting in its frame. It sounded like someone maniacally kicking the door 500 times trying to bust the door off its hinges. ... that'll raise a person's anxiety.

Henckel, I hope your family is doing ok. Especially any little ones. We had a 5.6 a couple of months ago followed by hundreds of aftershocks over the course of a couple of weeks, many of them 3-4 magnitude. It apparently really impacted my 5 year old. He’s had a hard time going to bed ever since.

9 x HM
V38 Q4 2nd Place
Mike Resnick Memorial Award winner 2021 https://www.galaxysedge.com/
www.ztbright.com

 
Posted : May 25, 2020 4:13 pm
(@rjklee)
Posts: 176
Bronze Star Member
 

Earthquakes still sometimes freak me out in Japan, though my kids seem pretty much numb to them and shrug them off more often than I do. We had that huge one in 2011 with its many aftershocks, and actually ran out of the house to a park before the aftershocks, and the overprotective parent in me still feels some residual anxiety over that one. We've had several hit recently near Tokyo, but more of the typical shrug-worthy ones we feel in Japan every month.

Having big ones hit while in lockdown seems extra stressful. I hope you manage the transition back to your work well enough without any more big stressors.

I was thinking I'd bring up one other thing that helped me get writing done. I guess it's not getting in the zone or this flow-state, but it works. Pete joined me too. Word sprints with a group of say 5-10 writers. The system was to meet, chat for 10 minutes, then start the timer and all work on our separate writing projects or goals for twenty minutes, then all come back to report on our progress and chat for ten minutes, then start the timer again and do it for 20 minutes. It doesn't allow you to get into that flow really, but it is motivating to have everyone together and focused, and knowing you'll be checking in. Pete and I did it with a KYD flash and it went pretty well. We got the bulk of the flash done in those word sprints and had something to submit the following week. The other writers were working on short stories or chapters from their novels.

If anyone wants to do some word sprints in the future, do let me know. I even used word sprints for revision before, and it worked decently. It's not always the way I want to focus on my writing, but it can help sometimes.

R.J.K. Lee
WotF 2021: SHM, R, R, S-F
2020: HMx2, Rx2
2019: Rx4
2018: N/A
2017; HMx2, Rx2
2016: HMx2, Rx2
2015: Rx1
Publications:
Stone Shaper Tanukis Estranged in Dark Cheer: Cryptids Emerging - Volume Blue (Improbable Press, 12/13/2021)
Memo from the Jolly Overlords on the Weird Christmas Podcast (12/2020). I read my story at the 22:10 mark in the flash fiction contest episode.
Monthly updates on where to submit your creative work: https://figmentsdiehard.blogspot.com/

 
Posted : May 25, 2020 8:33 pm
SwiftPotato
(@swiftpotato)
Posts: 585
Silver Star Member
 

Got your flash down, CCrawford, and I'm glad to hear you're able to write again! 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 : May 25, 2020 11:43 pm
Retropianoplayer
(@retropianoplayer)
Posts: 233
Bronze Star Member
 

Swift Potato, I finished my FLASH PROMPT CHALLENGE for May. The challenge prompt was LOCKED IN A BOX.

I'm waiting until I receive the Maase book you suggested so I can review it before I click SUBMIT on my Third Quarter WOTF entry.

Am in revision mode on my second Third Quarter story.

Best,

Retro

 
Posted : May 26, 2020 9:15 am
SwiftPotato
(@swiftpotato)
Posts: 585
Silver Star Member
 

Got you down, Retro! Enjoy the Maass book--I hope it's helpful to you!

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

 
Posted : May 26, 2020 9:23 am
(@wulfmoon)
Posts: 3143
Platinum Plus Moderator
Topic starter
 

Wow. Sorry about the earthquakes that several of you mentioned. One catastrophe at a time, please. May the big ones stay asleep, so that your little ones are able to sleep.

Glad the flow state review helped most of you. Whatever it takes to make the good writing flow, use it!

If you missed Kevin J. Anderson's WotF Podcast interview, there was something mentioned briefly I will point out. Kevin said he entered Writers of the Future seventeen or eighteen times. He finally had to stop because he pro'd out with a novel sale. But here's something he didn't mention. I don't believe he ever got an honor certificate with all those tries, not one. No HMs, no Silvers, no Semis, no Finalists.

And yet look where he is today.

Whether you win this contest or not, never give up. And please don't put all your eggs in one basket. It's why I'm having you submit to other respectable markets in addition to this contest. There are many ways to launch a professional writing career. All of them have to do with writing and sending your work out to be published.

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 : May 26, 2020 9:26 am
Retropianoplayer
(@retropianoplayer)
Posts: 233
Bronze Star Member
 

Whether you win this contest or not, never give up. And please don't put all your eggs in one basket. It's why I'm having you submit to other respectable markets in addition to this contest. There are many ways to launch a professional writing career. All of them have to do with writing and sending your work out to be published.

All the beast!

Beastmaster Moon

Those words, Wulf, are so true. As I'm watching the wonderful documentary GRANT on the HISTORY CHANNEL, this theme is stated over and over again.
The famous Civil War General for the Union, Ulysses S. Grant, more often than not in life, was down on his luck. His main struggle was putting food on the table for his family. But his enormous success came from his philosophy of resilience in the face of tremendous odds. Watching this drama unfold, it's almost as if he expected adversity, was prepared for it, learned to cope early with it, and thought outside the box. Another fact I never knew about this man – he helped Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain) when the author's career was in decline; and at the end of Grant's life, the author helped write his biography which Grant's fortunes were in decline. And all this from a man (Grant) who was told to either resign from the Union Army, or be court-martialed because of drunken conduct.

Best,

Retro wotf022

 
Posted : May 26, 2020 3:50 pm
(@rjklee)
Posts: 176
Bronze Star Member
 

Oh, I suppose I should check in, too.

I did my flash KYD of Buried Alive and submitted to a decent market on Sunday after my writing partner helped guide me toward a piece that made me cry. Sniffle. I mean, yay! Then I submitted four other stories to other publications. More rejections forthcoming! (Don’t worry, I’m saying that in a positive manner and it will only make the eventual acceptance one of these years all the more exciting—or who knows, maybe I’ll go full-on indie if it comes down to it, since it seemed to really work for some.)

Q3 number one is awaiting another revision to be done by 6/1 and I have three options I’m considering for the other Q3 story that are all halfway done. I hope everyone is enjoying their writing when they can.

R.J.K. Lee
WotF 2021: SHM, R, R, S-F
2020: HMx2, Rx2
2019: Rx4
2018: N/A
2017; HMx2, Rx2
2016: HMx2, Rx2
2015: Rx1
Publications:
Stone Shaper Tanukis Estranged in Dark Cheer: Cryptids Emerging - Volume Blue (Improbable Press, 12/13/2021)
Memo from the Jolly Overlords on the Weird Christmas Podcast (12/2020). I read my story at the 22:10 mark in the flash fiction contest episode.
Monthly updates on where to submit your creative work: https://figmentsdiehard.blogspot.com/

 
Posted : May 26, 2020 6:25 pm
(@wulfmoon)
Posts: 3143
Platinum Plus Moderator
Topic starter
 

Oh, I suppose I should check in, too.

I did my flash KYD of Buried Alive and submitted to a decent market on Sunday after my writing partner helped guide me toward a piece that made me cry. Sniffle. I mean, yay! Then I submitted four other stories to other publications. More rejections forthcoming! (Don’t worry, I’m saying that in a positive manner and it will only make the eventual acceptance one of these years all the more exciting—or who knows, maybe I’ll go full-on indie if it comes down to it, since it seemed to really work for some.)

Q3 number one is awaiting another revision to be done by 6/1 and I have three options I’m considering for the other Q3 story that are all halfway done. I hope everyone is enjoying their writing when they can.

First, to Retro: Interesting points about Grant. Thanks for sharing those, including his relationship with Samuel Clemens. Also, glad you feel the same about the Braveheart soundtrack. Another one I used to listen to when writing was Enya.

Now, to RJK Lee, and everyone else in this challenge. Enjoy your vacation. You'll have a new Super Secret, and assignment, tomorrow. wotf001

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 : May 26, 2020 6:56 pm
SwiftPotato
(@swiftpotato)
Posts: 585
Silver Star Member
 

Got you down for your flash and first Q3 sub, oishisushi! Nice job!

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

 
Posted : May 27, 2020 1:00 am
(@rjklee)
Posts: 176
Bronze Star Member
 

Got you down for your flash and first Q3 sub, oishisushi! Nice job!

Just the flash. No Q3 sub yet. Still working on them. I just meant that I submitted flash fiction and short stories written before this quarter to other publications in hopes of increasing my rejection count. I hope everyone else is getting those stories submitted regularly. Sorry for the confusion and thanks for marking the flash down!

R.J.K. Lee
WotF 2021: SHM, R, R, S-F
2020: HMx2, Rx2
2019: Rx4
2018: N/A
2017; HMx2, Rx2
2016: HMx2, Rx2
2015: Rx1
Publications:
Stone Shaper Tanukis Estranged in Dark Cheer: Cryptids Emerging - Volume Blue (Improbable Press, 12/13/2021)
Memo from the Jolly Overlords on the Weird Christmas Podcast (12/2020). I read my story at the 22:10 mark in the flash fiction contest episode.
Monthly updates on where to submit your creative work: https://figmentsdiehard.blogspot.com/

 
Posted : May 27, 2020 1:08 am
SwiftPotato
(@swiftpotato)
Posts: 585
Silver Star Member
 

Got you down for your flash and first Q3 sub, oishisushi! Nice job!

Just the flash. No Q3 sub yet. Still working on them. I just meant that I submitted flash fiction and short stories written before this quarter to other publications in hopes of increasing my rejection count. I hope everyone else is getting those stories submitted regularly. Sorry for the confusion and thanks for marking the flash down!

My bad, for some reason my brain interpreted "submitted" as something other than the flash, which was literally the only piece of writing in that sentence...don't do rostering on little sleep! Lesson learned. Thanks for the fix!

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

 
Posted : May 27, 2020 1:20 am
(@rjklee)
Posts: 176
Bronze Star Member
 

Got you down for your flash and first Q3 sub, oishisushi! Nice job!

Just the flash. No Q3 sub yet. Still working on them. I just meant that I submitted flash fiction and short stories written before this quarter to other publications in hopes of increasing my rejection count. I hope everyone else is getting those stories submitted regularly. Sorry for the confusion and thanks for marking the flash down!

My bad, for some reason my brain interpreted "submitted" as something other than the flash, which was literally the only piece of writing in that sentence...don't do rostering on little sleep! Lesson learned. Thanks for the fix!

No problem. I was trying to be an inspirational member of the wolf pack. Everybody keep submitting your stories and howl at the Wulf Moon. Heh.

R.J.K. Lee
WotF 2021: SHM, R, R, S-F
2020: HMx2, Rx2
2019: Rx4
2018: N/A
2017; HMx2, Rx2
2016: HMx2, Rx2
2015: Rx1
Publications:
Stone Shaper Tanukis Estranged in Dark Cheer: Cryptids Emerging - Volume Blue (Improbable Press, 12/13/2021)
Memo from the Jolly Overlords on the Weird Christmas Podcast (12/2020). I read my story at the 22:10 mark in the flash fiction contest episode.
Monthly updates on where to submit your creative work: https://figmentsdiehard.blogspot.com/

 
Posted : May 27, 2020 1:23 am
storysinger
(@storysinger)
Posts: 1503
Platinum Plus
 

No problem. I was trying to be an inspirational member of the wolf pack.

You are definitely an inspiration to me and my learning curve.
The numbers you post about your workload and production are very impressive.
My production dropped dramatically when I learned to QWERTY type over you talk it types programs.
But I admit to being bullheaded. I know that if I maintain a steady attitude about learning to type I'll learn to enter into a Flow State and the words will appear on the screen faster all the time.
Write on!

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

 
Posted : May 27, 2020 7:08 am
(@wulfmoon)
Posts: 3143
Platinum Plus Moderator
Topic starter
 

Just the flash. No Q3 sub yet. Still working on them. I just meant that I submitted flash fiction and short stories written before this quarter to other publications in hopes of increasing my rejection count. I hope everyone else is getting those stories submitted regularly. Sorry for the confusion and thanks for marking the flash down!

My bad, for some reason my brain interpreted "submitted" as something other than the flash, which was literally the only piece of writing in that sentence...don't do rostering on little sleep! Lesson learned. Thanks for the fix!

No problem. I was trying to be an inspirational member of the wolf pack. Everybody keep submitting your stories and howl at the Wulf Moon. Heh.

Heh. Actually, I always planned to make a ribbon for convention badges that said: HOWLING FOR THE WULF MOON.

Which will be a blessing, and a curse--everyone that sees me will start doing wolf howls from across the room in greeting. wotf012

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 : May 27, 2020 11:44 am
(@wulfmoon)
Posts: 3143
Platinum Plus Moderator
Topic starter
 

Wulf Moon's SUPER SECRET #43: "Write smart dialogue!" Moon exclaimed emphatically.
Copyright 2020 by Wulf Moon. All Rights Reserved

Update: This Super Secret and exercise have been removed to make way for the updated information in the upcoming Super Secrets of Writing books, and will also be included in a new "Write Smart Dialogue!" master workshop. You can still get the gist of the Secret and exercise by reading the exercise results that follow here in the thread.

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 : May 27, 2020 12:02 pm
Henckel reacted
(@peter_glen)
Posts: 143
Bronze Star Member
 

DIALOGUE ASSIGNMENT - Thanks Wulf! Love this secret!! My current story is very heavy with dialogue so am able to apply your wise advice into practice straight away and it will be a great tool to focus on for my next pass. Here's my assignment attempt:

	The writer flipped shut the lid on his notebook, dazed by the brilliance conferred by the screen, "Marg! I just read the most amazing write. It was about dialogue."
	"What was that? I had to run all the way from the other end of the house. Some of us have things to do, unlike you, lazy ass.
	"Think you can turn that TV down some. I don't know how you can concentrate with all that noise." 
	"It's just that I learned a new writing super secret skill, a Wulf Moon super secret. It's awesome."
	"If it's so good, then why are you crying?"
	"To illustrate a point, dear. To illustrate a point."
	"Lazy ass. You know, the lawn needs mowing for over a week now."
	No thanks, dear, you can do it, he almost said.

Edit: first try didn't read the question properly 😮

 
Posted : May 27, 2020 1:43 pm
Retropianoplayer
(@retropianoplayer)
Posts: 233
Bronze Star Member
 

THE COIN OF THE WOLF MOON

“Hello? Anyone here?” A musty odor pervaded the antique shop on Arcturus Prime. I tossed the gold coin upon the polished display case.
“A moment, please. I’m not getting any younger.” An old man scampered to the counter. Beady eyes appraised my artifact. “Where’d you get this?”
“Let’s agree not to ask each other questions.” I paused. “Colonel Maltose.”
His left eye twitched. “A long time ago.”
The artifact with howling wolf on obverse and wolf moon on reverse had enormous value. His eyes were pleading. “Name a price so I never see you again.”
I laughed. “Sixty-five thousand pentares. I swear you’ll never see me again.”
He counted out banknotes. In the adjacent alleyway, I took my Book of Shadows out. “Blessed Be God and Goddess, on this Night of the Wolf Moon, return my coin to original form.” Five similar coins clinked inside my trouser. “For your war crimes and five others under your command, for the death of my wife and children, Colonel Maltose, you will pay the highest sum.”
I peeked inside the closed shop as moonlight streamed in. The golden coin on the countertop morphed into original form – a twenty-foot howling male wolf with terrifying fangs. Somewhere during the worst of the man’s screams, I hailed a cab to my next five destinations.

 
Posted : May 27, 2020 2:29 pm
(@ccrawford)
Posts: 263
Silver Member
 

DIALOGUE ASSIGNMENT:

Rianne's small dragon flicked its tongue at the man in scarlet robes as she nestled it onto her shoulder. “My answer is no.”
“I can give you a palace by the sea. Mountains of jewels.”
“Still no.”
“Gold? Velvet dresses? Fine chocolates and gourmet cheese? Isn’t there anything to change your mind?”
“N—Mariel, stop that, we have plenty of cheese here—No. Well, perhaps...”
“Yes?”
“Dragons.”
“Dragons?”
“Dragons.”
“Where in Scarfallow would I get dragons?! Only the craziest fool--or the bravest!--would attempt to capture a dragon!”
“Exactly.”
“Oh.”

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 : May 27, 2020 3:04 pm
storysinger
(@storysinger)
Posts: 1503
Platinum Plus
 

D'hani stood in the door shaking snow from his cape, the north wind whipping by threatened to extinguish the hearth fire, "Who is the owner of this wretched excuse for refuge from this weather?" He roared.
A stoop shouldered old man, ever alert for signs of conflict with customers approached on shuffling feet and said, "I am Ajai, the current owner of this hole in the wall abode, How may I be of assistance?"
"I would rent your place and everyone in attendance for the evening. I am the manager for a travelling menagerie and we need a place to practice our craft before we play for the King and his court next week."
"The King himself eh? If I may ask would you be able to produce a document to validate your claim?"
"Well, as to that, the replacements always travel by foot due to expenses and all and the papers are with me mate."
"Hmm, so if I agree to your terms you will provide entertainment fit for a King?"
"Guaranteed my good man, without a doubt."
"I will spread the word that will fill the establishment, usually it's standing room only. We have an agreement so feel free to proceed with your preparations."

It never ceased to amaze D'hani how easy it was to assemble a herd of human-cattle for the annual Virgin Vampire Validation ceremonies where the new bloodsuckers were introduced to the colony in a no holds barred bloodfest.

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

 
Posted : May 28, 2020 6:49 am
RETreasure
(@rschibler)
Posts: 957
Platinum Member
 

Dialogue Assignment: (Great assignment, Wulf!)

Lou turned to his lover. “You don’t understand. I need to be the one to do it.”
“Why does it matter?”
“Because. I want Mother to know it was me.”
“There are thousands of Men. Dozens of radio jerks. She doesn’t care about you.”
“Exactly! If she knew it was me, if I was the one… she might remember me.”
“I’m not sure I’d want Mother to know my name.”
“You think I haven’t thought of that? You... you just don’t understand.”
“Ambitious, aren’t you?”
“It’s not that! Well, okay, maybe I don’t want to be a radio jerk forever. Who would? Pushing buttons all day, listening to traders moan about their schedules and scratchy signals from dead radio stations on Earth?”
“I like being a rado jerk. Jerk.”
“I’m sorry. That’s not what I meant. Come back to bed.”
“No. I have to get ready for work, you know, pushing buttons all day.”

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 : May 28, 2020 7:13 am
(@ajzach)
Posts: 105
Bronze Star Member
 

Dialogue Assignment:

Hecate gave the potion a final stir. “There! Come bring the vial, child!”
“Oh! But which one? How big?”
“That one! Next to the rat’s whiskers. It’s empty isn’t it?”
“Yes it is! Oh no. Whoops.”
“Clumsy child. Your father said you were a good worker when he traded you!”
“I brought another one. Can I ladle the potion?”
“And spill it all over yourself? That’s what I would need, a fish for an assistant.”
“Why does the blacksmith want a fish potion?”
“Who am I to ask why? He paid! There might be some effects around town to amuse us, as well.”
“Can I brew the next one?”
“You, child, want to brew the next one? You have extensive knowledge on love potions then?”
“Yes?”

V35: R, R, R
V36: R, HM, R, HM
V37: HM, R, SF, HM
V38: HM, HM, HM, SHM
V39: HM, HM, SHM, RWC
V40: HM, SHM, HM, SHM
V41: RWC, ?
"The Soul of Trees" published in Third Flatiron's Things With Feathers: Stories of Hope

 
Posted : May 28, 2020 8:21 am
ZeeTeeBeeZ
(@zeeteebeez)
Posts: 162
Bronze Star Member
 

Elias looked up at his grandmother who sat in the saddle of their stone-mule. “Grandmother, why are we going this way? We need to be moving south.”
“What I tell you about calling me that, boy?”
“Sorry, Mozie. Just trying to show some respect, like they taught me in school.”
“Respect! Respect would be doing as I say. You can call me Mozie, or Mozie Moon, or you can call me nothing at all.”
“Yes, Mozie. But we really do need to be heading south. You seen that poster? There’s a bounty out for a moon whisperer.”
“You trying to say that nasty old sketch on that poster looked like me?”
“Well, it was an old lady on a stone-mule.”
“You calling me old, boy?”
“Lying would be disrespectful, Mozie.”
“Ha! You all right, boy. You all right. But we go this way until the moon tell us different. You’ll have plenty of time to go south when I’m dead.”

9 x HM
V38 Q4 2nd Place
Mike Resnick Memorial Award winner 2021 https://www.galaxysedge.com/
www.ztbright.com

 
Posted : May 28, 2020 9:16 am
(@wulfmoon)
Posts: 3143
Platinum Plus Moderator
Topic starter
 

Heh-heh. These dialogue exercises are great. I'm tempted to begin commenting, but I don't want to skew results from others. Do study each one, what works, what doesn't. Remember the lessons when you return to the story you're working on. If you see one of these you really like, ask yourself why.

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!
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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 : May 28, 2020 9:18 am
(@wulfmoon)
Posts: 3143
Platinum Plus Moderator
Topic starter
 

I made this post to my Facebook page today. Since my master class is based on the Super Secrets--including my powerful Hidden Super Secrets--I thought you'd enjoy learning about it. There's only room for twenty in the master class, and six have already signed up. If you're interested, I'd recommend enrolling soon. Thanks to all of you for going on this ride with me. It's been a wonderful shared adventure. Cheers!

Here's the public announcement:

Are you struggling to get professionally published? I started an online writing workshop a year and a half ago to help aspiring writers. It's called Wulf Moon's SUPER SECRETS Writing Workshop. In that time, my Super Secrets have had 175,000 views, and they've helped members achieve many firsts in their writing, including scholarships to the prestigious Superstars Writing Seminar, first professional sales, and multiple finalists and two winners in the Writers of the Future Contest. The workshop has been so successful, it won Best Writing Workshop of 2019 in the Critters Readers' Choice Awards.

Would you like to glean the best of these Secrets, but don't have a year to invest in the workshop? What if I distilled my most powerful Super Secrets into a four hour workshop, and made it easy for you to attend in the safety of your own home? Well, that's exactly what I've done. Invest in your success! Join me at Fyrelite Online on July 18th, 2020, for the master class "How to Write Winning Stories that Take the Gold!"

https://www.fyrecon.com/master-classes/ ... -workshop/ Here's a few testimonials from workshop members:

"I searched through writing books and online resources to find the best information on writing marketable fiction. Nothing came close to the quality and focus of Wulf Moon's 'Super Secrets.' It’s the ultimate primer on how to construct a story."--Ari Officer, TIME Magazine contributor

"I first discovered Moon's Super Secrets while I was in the middle of writing my story that ended up winning Writers of the Future. Tips on how to write a story that would win the contest? Sign me up! I read through the entirety of the Secrets and then went scene-by-scene, line-by-line back through my pages to hone to perfection. Using his advice, I won Writers of the Future with the second short story I had ever written."--Leah Ning, winner, Writers of the Future, Vol. 36

"Wulf's decades of experience as a writer and a human being make the Super Secrets not just helpful, but insightful and perfectly aimed at writers hoping to improve their craft and achieve publication. I'd been writing for several years before beginning my Super Secret's journey, and it was shortly after I began to apply and internalize Wulf's methods that I had my first professional sale. My results in contests and submissions improved as well, and more, my personal writing confidence has increased. Wulf helped me to see not just where my writing needed improvement--almost anyone can tell writers what they're doing wrong--but how to improve, which is much more valuable and difficult to find. Of the dozens of writing books, methods, courses, and seminars I've encountered, "Wulf Moon's Super Secrets" is the most enjoyable and accessible."--Rebecca E. Treasure, Writer

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 : May 28, 2020 9:44 am
Henckel
(@henckel)
Posts: 465
Silver Star Member
 

Assignment for Wulf Moon's SUPER SECRET #43: "Write smart dialogue!" Moon exclaimed emphatically.

Everett bailed his twerp-brother up in the corner of the train yard. A week had passed since the shooting and Cole hadn’t come clean.
“I wasn’t even there,” Cole said.
“Don’t lie to me.”
“I was in the house taking a wiz.”
“But, you were at his house.”
“It was an accident.”
“Bullshit! Accidents like that don't happen unless you're playing with guns. Normal people don't do that. Only idiots play with guns—and criminals. You're lucky Seth isn't dead and you're not in jail.”
“I know… I’m sorry.”
“Whatever. Just keep your nose clean.”
“You going to rat me out?”
“No. Come on, you can buy me a burger.”

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 : May 28, 2020 10:41 am
Retropianoplayer
(@retropianoplayer)
Posts: 233
Bronze Star Member
 

I have a quick question for Swift Potato so as not to inundate this thread, as I'm aware of the DIALOGUE ASSIGNMENT.

SWIFT POTATO, after you read the Maass book, did you apply EVERY SINGLE ONE of the EMOTIONAL MASTERY EXERCISES to your winning story, most of them, or only a few?

Thanks.

Best,

Retro wotf022

 
Posted : May 28, 2020 11:51 am
Henckel
(@henckel)
Posts: 465
Silver Star Member
 

SWIFT POTATO, after you read the Maass book, did you apply EVERY SINGLE ONE of the EMOTIONAL MASTERY EXERCISES to your winning story, most of them, or only a few?

Hi Retropianoplayer, someone from this forum recommended that book to me as well. I read it last January (in a pre-Covid world). I felt like Maass had about three or four excellent concepts, but the rest were padding and circumstantial suggestions. So, I only use a few.

...on a side note, I found his style of writing absolutely aggravating. I persevered only because of the value in the content.

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 : May 28, 2020 1:25 pm
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