@m-norris Welcome to the forum! You should check out the online workshop if you have not already done so. It is free and is filled with helpful tips to improve your writing and storytelling.
3rd Place Q3 Vol 41
Submission history: R x 2 / HM x 7 / SHM x 2
Stories published in Daily Science Fiction, Every Day Fiction, 365tomorrows, and Gwyllion Magazine.
@m-norris Welcome to the club! Seems like you're off to a good start, especially since you're younger. Four books and a few novellas? Nice! That early output is good practice. And don't worry about feeling like you don't know what you're doing at times - I feel the same way often enough. In my relatively novice opinion, it's about trusting yourself and writing DESPITE feeling a little lost and confused at times, letting go of fear and allowing yourself to wade through the tempestuous waters of creativity without needing all the answers on the first draft. Anyway, welcome, and I wish you success in your writing! 
“Stories are the collective wisdom of everyone who has ever lived. Your job as a storyteller is not simply to entertain. Nor is it to be noticed for the way your turn a phrase. You have a very important job—one of the most important. Your job is to let people know that everyone shares their feelings—and that these feelings bind us. Your job is a healing art, and like all healers, you have a responsibility. Let people know they are not alone. You must make people understand that we are all the same.”
Brian McDonald
2022: Second Place Winner V39 Q1
2021: HM, HM, SHM
2020: R
2019: SHM, R
2018: HM
2017: HM
Check out my fiction and more at spencersekulin.net
@cameron Glad to have you with us, Cameron. Even at eighteen, I can tell by your reading choices you’re an old soul. That should give your writing the depth it needs, and I wish you much success.
Welcome to the Forum!
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!
Welcome to the forum Malachi. Winning WotF will go a long way as you journey through life.
Heed Joel's advice and take the workshop. It's a great resource available to everyone.
Today's science fiction is tomorrow's reality-D.R.Sweeney
HM x5
Published Poetry
2012 Stars in Our Hearts
Silver Ships
I'll say hello here I suppose.
... I am the definition of an amateur.
I want to become a professional novelist ...
First, welcome. 
Second, WotF is a great way to progress your skill and career goals. Better than the same old circles that make you feel like your beating a dead horse. 
Third, setting a goal to become a novelist is a great step. 
Fourth, this forum is full of great advice, free workshops and so many great people that can help you grow. 
I've said this many times in the forum, but can't seem to express it enough; the people I've met in this forum have helped me grow as a writer over the last year so much. I thank them for their guidance, but I also had to put in the work. I'm still putting in the work and will never stop. I'm addicted to writing now. I hope you are too.
Good luck, and keep on writing. 
"Whether you think you can, or you think you can't--you're right."~ Henry Ford
2024 - V41 - Q1-RWC (Resubmitted a "HM"), Q2-HM, Q3-RWC, Q4-Submitted (Resubmitted a "RWC")
2023 - V40 - Q1-HM, Q2-HM, Q3-R, Q4-HM
2022 - V39 - Q1-SHM, Q2-HM, Q3-SF, Q4-HM (Resubmitted a "HM")
2021 - V38 - Q4-HM (Resubmitted a "R")
2020 - V37 - Q2-R
Hello! My pen name is Arianna Darkholme - this is also the common name of my main character in any of my stories. She's like an actor, of sorts. I submitted a story MANY years ago and have been following the contest all these years. I keep reading and learning and every year I chicken out because the bar keeps going up and it's getting harder and harder to follow it! I also follow the podcast and it's helping me learn more than I ever had about being an author and how to get your stuff out there.
Over my teen years I posted a number of stories on other sites but none that I would consider good enough for the contest. Anyway, I look forward to being a part of this forum, learning tips and tricks of the trade and (hopefully) making some writing friends!
~Ari-Darki
Hi everyone -
Taking a moment to introduce myself, as required! I'm a new entrant to WOTF Q2 this year and am slaving away at my Q3 submission. I have done local contests before and used to write as a journalist before changing careers. I always wanted to write fiction full-time, but I think I will start small here! I am looking forward to the community here and the chance to continue and grow my craft. I see there is A LOT of great content here in the forum. If anyone has suggestions on an order of operations on how to begin to digest everything, I'm all ears!
V40. Q2 SF | Q3 SHM | Q4 TBD
@rhiggs There's a free class you can take. It's pretty good. I'm new too, so that's all the advice I can offer. Best and welcome!
~~ Pegeen ~~
Be soft. Do not let the world make you hard. Do not let pain make you hate. Do not let the bitterness steal your sweetness. Take pride that even though the rest of the world may disagree, you still believe it to be a beautiful place. Kurt Vonnegut, Jr. Writer
V40 - Q1 RWC, Q2 HM,
Welcome, @rhiggs! As @pegeen mentioned, the workshop is a fantastic start. As an added incentive, Orson Scott Card is hosting a Zoom Q&A this weekend for those who've finished the workshop. Also, most definitely, check out Wulf Moon's Super Secrets thread, nuggets galore in there.
Website: https://www.jeschleicher.com/
Blog: https://www.jeschleicher.com/dopaminesdelight
V40: Q1 3rd Place Winner ("Squiddy")
V39: SHM, HM, HM, HM
V38: HM, SHM, HM, HM
V37: R, R, HM, HM
V36: R
Welcome, @arianna-darkholme! & congrats on entering the contest! Looks like your plugged in already w/ the podcast. Do check out the workshop if you haven't already. Also, Wulf Moon's Super Secrets thread is fantastic! And hit one of us forumites up for a critique swap. Naturally, there's a thread for that where you can swap.
Website: https://www.jeschleicher.com/
Blog: https://www.jeschleicher.com/dopaminesdelight
V40: Q1 3rd Place Winner ("Squiddy")
V39: SHM, HM, HM, HM
V38: HM, SHM, HM, HM
V37: R, R, HM, HM
V36: R
Hi everyone - Taking a moment to introduce myself
Welcome. Awesome news that you entered.
Have fun and keep on weaving those tales.
"Whether you think you can, or you think you can't--you're right."~ Henry Ford
2024 - V41 - Q1-RWC (Resubmitted a "HM"), Q2-HM, Q3-RWC, Q4-Submitted (Resubmitted a "RWC")
2023 - V40 - Q1-HM, Q2-HM, Q3-R, Q4-HM
2022 - V39 - Q1-SHM, Q2-HM, Q3-SF, Q4-HM (Resubmitted a "HM")
2021 - V38 - Q4-HM (Resubmitted a "R")
2020 - V37 - Q2-R
I keep reading and learning and every year I chicken out because the bar keeps going up and it's getting harder and harder to follow it!
Welcome. Don't be afraid to submit.
I almost gave up writing in 2021. I gave an old story an edit using some of the ideas/suggestions from the forum and it earned a HM. It wasn't my best story, but that HM was the inspiration I needed to trudge on. I committed to reading through the forum and asking for help from members. Now, I'm hooked on writing a new story each quarter.
Have fun and keep writing.
"Whether you think you can, or you think you can't--you're right."~ Henry Ford
2024 - V41 - Q1-RWC (Resubmitted a "HM"), Q2-HM, Q3-RWC, Q4-Submitted (Resubmitted a "RWC")
2023 - V40 - Q1-HM, Q2-HM, Q3-R, Q4-HM
2022 - V39 - Q1-SHM, Q2-HM, Q3-SF, Q4-HM (Resubmitted a "HM")
2021 - V38 - Q4-HM (Resubmitted a "R")
2020 - V37 - Q2-R
Welcome Arianna. You will find a lot of friendly people here. And the best thing is, we want you to win the contest.
Today's science fiction is tomorrow's reality-D.R.Sweeney
HM x5
Published Poetry
2012 Stars in Our Hearts
Silver Ships
Welcome @rhiggs. A lot of good advice from the welcomes above. Enjoy.
Today's science fiction is tomorrow's reality-D.R.Sweeney
HM x5
Published Poetry
2012 Stars in Our Hearts
Silver Ships
@rhiggs Hello and welcome! Glad to have you here
“Stories are the collective wisdom of everyone who has ever lived. Your job as a storyteller is not simply to entertain. Nor is it to be noticed for the way your turn a phrase. You have a very important job—one of the most important. Your job is to let people know that everyone shares their feelings—and that these feelings bind us. Your job is a healing art, and like all healers, you have a responsibility. Let people know they are not alone. You must make people understand that we are all the same.”
Brian McDonald
2022: Second Place Winner V39 Q1
2021: HM, HM, SHM
2020: R
2019: SHM, R
2018: HM
2017: HM
Check out my fiction and more at spencersekulin.net
Hello! My pen name is Arianna Darkholme - ... I keep reading and learning and every year I chicken out because the bar keeps going up and it's getting harder and harder to follow it!
~Ari-Darki
I totally relate to this. All I can suggest is - chase it anyway. If you enjoy the writing and reading and learning, then the time spent isn't wasted, regardless of results. And each time, you have a new story to submit elsewhere, or one you find near and dear, or both!
Career: 1x Win -- 2x NW-F -- 2x S-F -- 9x S-HM -- 11x HM -- 7x R
Like me: facebook/AuthorTJKnight
I can't believe we are 3 members away from having 10,000 haha.
Welcome All!
I can't believe we are 3 members away from having 10,000 haha.
Welcome All!
Wow! 9,997 Members according to forum home.
"Whether you think you can, or you think you can't--you're right."~ Henry Ford
2024 - V41 - Q1-RWC (Resubmitted a "HM"), Q2-HM, Q3-RWC, Q4-Submitted (Resubmitted a "RWC")
2023 - V40 - Q1-HM, Q2-HM, Q3-R, Q4-HM
2022 - V39 - Q1-SHM, Q2-HM, Q3-SF, Q4-HM (Resubmitted a "HM")
2021 - V38 - Q4-HM (Resubmitted a "R")
2020 - V37 - Q2-R
Wow! 9,997 Members according to forum home.
Heads up for all you lurkers. You could be the lucky one. 
Today's science fiction is tomorrow's reality-D.R.Sweeney
HM x5
Published Poetry
2012 Stars in Our Hearts
Silver Ships
@m-norris Wow, I had no idea there were so many.
“Stories are the collective wisdom of everyone who has ever lived. Your job as a storyteller is not simply to entertain. Nor is it to be noticed for the way your turn a phrase. You have a very important job—one of the most important. Your job is to let people know that everyone shares their feelings—and that these feelings bind us. Your job is a healing art, and like all healers, you have a responsibility. Let people know they are not alone. You must make people understand that we are all the same.”
Brian McDonald
2022: Second Place Winner V39 Q1
2021: HM, HM, SHM
2020: R
2019: SHM, R
2018: HM
2017: HM
Check out my fiction and more at spencersekulin.net
I can't believe we are 3 members away from having 10,000 haha.
Welcome All!
Wow! 9,997 Members according to forum home.
And, we just hit 9999. How long will it take for us to get our 10,000th member? 
I can't believe we are 3 members away from having 10,000 haha.
Welcome All!
Wow! 9,997 Members according to forum home.
And, we just hit 9999. How long will it take for us to get our 10,000th member?
And we're at 10,000!!!
Maybe @johngoodwin can hook our 10,000th forumite up w/ some WotF swag, a mug or pen or hat, perhaps.
Website: https://www.jeschleicher.com/
Blog: https://www.jeschleicher.com/dopaminesdelight
V40: Q1 3rd Place Winner ("Squiddy")
V39: SHM, HM, HM, HM
V38: HM, SHM, HM, HM
V37: R, R, HM, HM
V36: R
Hello from Singapore! I've always loved to write and sci-fi has been something that I keep coming back to over the years whether it's books or films. I've submitted to WoTF twice, in Q4 of 2022 and Q1 of 2023 with a story about a virtual world where a lady with dementia periodically goes to "recharge". Her caregiver has contemplated letting them both be permanently "Stuck" there given the difficulties of daily life with dementia. The virtual world allows them both physical prowess that far exceeds human abilities thus compensating for their losses in physical mobility, social engagement and joys in life. For some reason, I keep refining this story and feel like resubmitting it instead of a whole new one. is this a bad idea anyone?
@arianna-darkholme @rhiggs welcome to the forum!
3rd Place Q3 Vol 41
Submission history: R x 2 / HM x 7 / SHM x 2
Stories published in Daily Science Fiction, Every Day Fiction, 365tomorrows, and Gwyllion Magazine.
Welcome to the community, @ckhcecilia! It's a fantastic destination for growth and community! I must say, you're writing an intriguing concept. BUT edit your post to delete the details since this is an anonymous contest and judges do stop by.
To your question, I suggest writing a new story. Much growth occurs when writing fresh stories. Not to say, you can't revisit and refine the story at a later date. Do check out Wulf Moon's Super Secret thread for gold nugget after nugget of craft advice. Also complete the online writers workshop. It'll guide you step by step on writing a lovely story. All the best!
Website: https://www.jeschleicher.com/
Blog: https://www.jeschleicher.com/dopaminesdelight
V40: Q1 3rd Place Winner ("Squiddy")
V39: SHM, HM, HM, HM
V38: HM, SHM, HM, HM
V37: R, R, HM, HM
V36: R
Bonjour, @narmada & welcome to the community! Congrats on your submissions. It takes courage to put your stories out into the world. You can join the current conversation on the V40 Q3 thread where folks post encouragement, progress, and tidbits. Wulf Moon's Super Secrets thread is priceless, full of craft advice, gleaned from years of study and experience. So is the online writers workshop where Orson Scott Card, David Farland, and Tim Powers will guide you through completing a story.
Website: https://www.jeschleicher.com/
Blog: https://www.jeschleicher.com/dopaminesdelight
V40: Q1 3rd Place Winner ("Squiddy")
V39: SHM, HM, HM, HM
V38: HM, SHM, HM, HM
V37: R, R, HM, HM
V36: R
@narmada Hello and welcome! It's great to have you with us!
“Stories are the collective wisdom of everyone who has ever lived. Your job as a storyteller is not simply to entertain. Nor is it to be noticed for the way your turn a phrase. You have a very important job—one of the most important. Your job is to let people know that everyone shares their feelings—and that these feelings bind us. Your job is a healing art, and like all healers, you have a responsibility. Let people know they are not alone. You must make people understand that we are all the same.”
Brian McDonald
2022: Second Place Winner V39 Q1
2021: HM, HM, SHM
2020: R
2019: SHM, R
2018: HM
2017: HM
Check out my fiction and more at spencersekulin.net
@narmada welcome to the forum 
3rd Place Q3 Vol 41
Submission history: R x 2 / HM x 7 / SHM x 2
Stories published in Daily Science Fiction, Every Day Fiction, 365tomorrows, and Gwyllion Magazine.
Bienvenue, Narmada, from a fellow newcomer. Please consider taking the online course and be sure to check Wulf Moon's Super Secrets.
ps Nice anagram.
Welcome Cecilia Kang and Narmada. You have access to all the tools and knowledge needed to succeed as a writer on this forum.
Explore and enjoy.
Today's science fiction is tomorrow's reality-D.R.Sweeney
HM x5
Published Poetry
2012 Stars in Our Hearts
Silver Ships
