NEW USERS! INTRODUCE YOURSELVES!

A long-time lurker with 2 hms from the distant past, I've finally gathered the gumption to join the fold. I'm certain this is where I need to be, and I hope to be an active participant from here on. So excited!

Hi All,

I've been writing fantasy for a couple of years now (first book of a trilogy completed) and found WotF this year. I had a couple of short stories I'd written to set up the world of my fantasy series, so on a whim I sent one in for Q3 and got an HM. Sent in another for Q4 and another HM, so at least I'm consistent! And I was very pleased to get HM's.

Haven't written anything specifically for this contest, which is what I think I'd have to do to have any chance at winning (it's pretty obvious that my previous entries are part of something bigger, though they are complete stories on their own). I have a couple of appropriate sci-fi concepts in my writer's notebook, but between a full time job, taking care of family obligations, and working on my second novel, it's hard to find time. But I will get there. Love the way you all encourage and root for each other. Very refreshing!

I don't have a critique group or any contact with other writers, so this is a good place to start - so many passionate people writing in the genres I love!

Dom

Welcome, Pezel and Dom!

Join in the quarterly twitching. V.37 is in the past.
Long live V.38!

Welcome, Pezel! If you got 2 HMs in the past, you can do it again! It's just like riding a bicycle, you get back on and it all comes back to you.

Enjoy the support and knowledge shared. There is much here to help you on your quest.

Cheers!

Wulf Moon
Forum Moderator

Hi All,

I don't have a critique group or any contact with other writers, so this is a good place to start - so many passionate people writing in the genres I love!

Dom

Welcome aboard, Dom!

This is the best place to start! Everyone here is working at improving their craft and supporting one another. That said, you will never find a more wretched hive of scum and villainy. Stay out of the cantina and you'll probably be okay. They mostly come out at night. Mostly...

Enjoy!

Wulf Moon
Forum Moderator

Haha, thanks for the warning! I'll keep my eyes open, especially if I come online at night.

Hello!

My pen name's R.J. El.

Virgo sun/Scorpio ascendant/Aries moon/ENTJ

I'm a high school student who loves to combine mythological elements with those of the modern occult, and I'm stoked to be a part of this competition. This is my first time participating in any writer's contests, and hopefully I'll get to learn some new things along the way.

I'm currently reading George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series and greatly admire his writing style (Now on book five if anyone wants to discuss). Some other personal favorites include Sanderson, Peake, Herbert, Wilde, Dickens and I'm flipping my coins for Rothfuss. You can tell I'm a cliche lol.

I've been designing a universe of my own for the last seven years and someday hope to write a fantasy novel that's big enough to contain this world. The work I'm submitting for this competition barely does this world justice, like a lick of sunfire that lights a candle. The real sun is still in the works, and probably will be until my last hours in retirement
I'm happy to make new friends here!

What an illuminating, poetic introduction!
Welcome a-board.

Hello!

My pen name's R.J. El.

Virgo sun/Scorpio ascendant/Aries moon/ENTJ

I'm a high school student who loves to combine mythological elements with those of the modern occult, and I'm stoked to be a part of this competition. This is my first time participating in any writer's contests, and hopefully I'll get to learn some new things along the way.

I'm currently reading George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series and greatly admire his writing style (Now on book five if anyone wants to discuss). Some other personal favorites include Sanderson, Peake, Herbert, Wilde, Dickens and I'm flipping my coins for Rothfuss. You can tell I'm a cliche lol.

I've been designing a universe of my own for the last seven years and someday hope to write a fantasy novel that's big enough to contain this world. The work I'm submitting for this competition barely does this world justice, like a lick of sunfire that lights a candle. The real sun is still in the works, and probably will be until my last hours in retirement
I'm happy to make new friends here!

Welcome aboard, bytheseraph!

You have good taste in your reads! You'll find a great group of writers here, focused on writing professional stories. There's a critique swap folder and all kinds of writing and contest tips, just waiting to be discovered! Look around, and do post in the quarter you plan to submit to. It gives you accountability, but more importantly, a place to be supported and to cheer others on!

Have fun!

Wulf Moon
Forum Moderator

Hello!

My pen name's R.J. El.

Virgo sun/Scorpio ascendant/Aries moon/ENTJ

I'm a high school student who loves to combine mythological elements with those of the modern occult, and I'm stoked to be a part of this competition. This is my first time participating in any writer's contests, and hopefully I'll get to learn some new things along the way.

I'm currently reading George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series and greatly admire his writing style (Now on book five if anyone wants to discuss). Some other personal favorites include Sanderson, Peake, Herbert, Wilde, Dickens and I'm flipping my coins for Rothfuss. You can tell I'm a cliche lol.

I've been designing a universe of my own for the last seven years and someday hope to write a fantasy novel that's big enough to contain this world. The work I'm submitting for this competition barely does this world justice, like a lick of sunfire that lights a candle. The real sun is still in the works, and probably will be until my last hours in retirement
I'm happy to make new friends here!

Wow, that's quite the introduction. And a world you've been working on for seven years! Good to have another teenager here, welcome aboard and good luck!

As Pink Floyd said: "Is there anybody ... out there?"

Hi all,

I found the WotF contest through an online video with Orson Scott Card a while back (lucky find). It motivated me to sit down and bust out a short story. It wasn't a good story, but it was cathartic for me.

I'm unpublished and live near Baltimore, Maryland. I have submitted to WotF twice. The first story was rejected. The second was an HM.

I have a tendency towards the first-person narrative, which I know is taboo to the judges (from what I've read on this forum). My next submission has already been written in the first person, so I'll be making it my goal to write a Q2 story in third. I prefer 3rd anyway and find that 1st seems like YA when reading it, so I guess I'll just have to break the habit.

I was listening to a Tim Powers WotF podcast today where they mentioned the short story "Super-Duper Moongirl..."

I found it, read it, and really enjoyed it. I then went on a rabbit-trail about the author and found myself here now writing this introduction.

My goal is to be able to write without obsessing over the prose and just let it rip. Insecurity? An excuse to not write more? I'm not sure why I do it, but it's there.

Favorite authors: 1st Dan Abnett, 2nd Ray Bradbury, 3rd Nancy Kress
Favorite caffeine: any
Most recent book(s) I've read: The Sirens of Titan - Kurt Vonnegut / Consider This - Chuck Palahniuk

I'm blown away by Vonnegut's paired down word choices. Short sentences piled onto each other make for a good read, who knew?

Looking forward to being part of the conversation.

Thanks for having me.

-J Cunningham

Welcome! This is a great place to be.

Welcome aboard, JCunningham! I’m glad you found us, even if you did have to squirm down some rabbit holes.

Glad you enjoyed “Super-Duper Moongirl and the Amazing Moon Dawdler,” and that it led you here. That was in first person, and the judges obviously liked it. Even though they have their preferences, if it’s right for the story, it’s right for the story. But it’s important to be fluent in third person, so I commend you for working on it. And it will likely help in your placements in this contest.

Ray Bradbury wrote poetic prose. I just reread F451, and he was a major influence on me in my high school years. You have good taste!

Great job getting HM on your second try—it means you can write!

Enjoy the Forum. Lots of great writers here, sharing their knowledge. Soak up the good writer vibes!

Wulf Moon
Forum Moderator

Hi, my name is Fawn. I have been writing since I was a child, but never published. I hope to change that :).

Welcome to the forum Fawn. Be sure to enter the contest whenever possible and join in the appropriate thread or topic. Enjoy.

Hi, my name is Fawn. I have been writing since I was a child, but never published. I hope to change that :).

Welcome to the Forum, Fawn!

You will find a similar tale by most here. Writing is in our blood! Writers of the Future gives you the chance to send your stories in to a contest where you're not competing against professional writers, but aspiring writers like yourself. The certificates give you the opportunity to gauge how your writing is coming along. You will note in the signatures of many that often as their honors go up, so do their sales and eventual win. View writing as a marathon, not a sprint, and enjoy the learning process as you work to achieve your goal. There are many positive people here that will be cheering you on!

Thanks for introducing yourself! Do post in the quarter you are entering, and take advantage of the critique swap folder. And don't forget to take the Writers of the Future Online writing course. That can really help!

Send a story in for Q1!

Best of success!

Wulf Moon
Forum Moderator

Happy New Year, everyone
I'm Guy Arthur Simpson, an Englishman living in the Spanish mountains, where I write speculative stories and novels.
I am interested to see what this virtual world of creative beings might be about.
What kind of imaginative work do you people think is needed in 2021?

That's a cool moniker Guy, -strawman-. Sorta brings to mind a character in The Wizard of Oz.
As you'll find around the forum there is an abundance of imaginative work happening.
Explore the many threads and join in the fun, be welcome.

Hi I am new to this contest. My pen name is Cray Dimensional.
I entered a story for 1st quarter.

Happy New Year, everyone
I'm Guy Arthur Simpson, an Englishman living in the Spanish mountains, where I write speculative stories and novels.
I am interested to see what this virtual world of creative beings might be about.
What kind of imaginative work do you people think is needed in 2021?

Welcome aboard, Guy! Glad you found us!

I’m betting Dave is seeking stories with hope, because that’s what the world needs right now. Do post in the quarter you plan to enter as most of the encouragement happens there. And there’s a great crit swap folder as well.

Don’t forget to take the Online WotF Writing Course! Free knowledge by the best!

Set your goals, take in knowledge, write, write, write, and we look forward to hearing of your progress with your writing!

Cheers!

Wulf Moon
Forum Moderator

Hi I am new to this contest. My pen name is Cray Dimensional.
I entered a story for 1st quarter.

Welcome aboard, Cray!

You’ve taken the first step! Congratulations! Please read what I wrote just above, as it’s got the main things in here you should take note of. Share in the chat and become part of the family. I talk about the spirit here in the latest WotF podcast. Might be worth a listen.

Best of success!

Wulf Moon
Forum Moderator

I'm thinking we have more new members lurking about after 115,000 people listened to my WotF Podcast about the benefits of joining the Forum. If you missed it, here it is: https://soundcloud.com/writersofthefutu ... ones-craft

Don't be shy! We love it when you introduce yourselves. It's the first step to becoming a part of this supportive community. But we have to know you are here to support you in your efforts. : )

Cheers!

Wulf Moon
Forum Moderator

Hello everyone I'm Lil Gary from Texas!

Welcome to the forum Lil Gary. Browse around the threads and get acclimated to the comradery.

Welcome Lil Gary! Happy to have you here.

gday from down under. Brad

I'm Rob, a veteran WotF submitter. I have seven HM's one Silver HM and a semi finalist certificate beginning in 1997 (with a 20 year break to write a trilogy of big Novels) and resuming in 2017. I'll give up when win or die trying to win. I have submitted every quarter since resuming in sept 2017. Maybe this year is my year or next or the one after, ha ha.

ooroo Rob

Welcome Lil Gary! You can do big things here!

Do post in the quarter you are entering, as most of the support happens there. Especially at results time! And don't miss the critique swap where you can get eyes on your manuscript and help others as well.

Welcome aboard!

Wulf Moon
Forum Moderator

Welcome, Rob, or I2Robot!

That's a great record of submitting! It took me about four years after I decided to submit every quarter, writing mostly fresh stories. Sounds like you are due! Perseverance is key, so keep it up!

Thanks for saying hello, and welcome aboard!

Wulf Moon
Forum Moderator

Welcome I2Robot! Good on you for finding your way to the forum. I'll bet your weather is much better than here in the states. Brr.