Discussion: Q1 Volume 38

Posted by: @dragonchef

Posted by: @wulfmoon

 

My favorite time each quarter is now.

Bombs away!

 

Uh oh!

Biting lip draws blood. Heart races, mildly at first, then more rapidly with each passing minute. Hair on arms rise in anticipation.

 

We know results are coming in this week. Joni told me! And calls to Finalists are usually the first thing she does after the office matches blind number codes to actual names. She pulled over and called me from her car when she found out I was a Finalist. She knew I’d been entering for many, many years, because she had sent me all those certificates. Here’s to hoping many Forumites get The Call!

Cheers!

Posted by: @wulfmoon

We know results are coming in this week. Joni told me! 

But, this week is practically over. Well, at least over here on the East Coast.

@dragonchef

I'm sure it takes a fair amount of time for Joni to make all the phone calls and prep all the email that needs to go out. 

Best wishes to everyone. Whatever the results, we've all upped our game just by participating! 

Posted by: @dragonchef

Posted by: @wulfmoon

We know results are coming in this week. Joni told me! 

But, this week is practically over. Well, at least over here on the East Coast.

Well I hope they go out in the next hour. After that, I'm leaving and won't have internet till sunday.

On another note, Wulf, it seems like you really like that bomb-smiley. Could you quit with the popcorn? I'm on my wits end here ... grrrr.

Seriously though, this is my favorite part of the contest as well. We rejoice in everyone else's fortune, even as we get...   

Just practicing

Dude...

Posted by: @rschibler

Dude...

That is the exact word that went through my head - just before I saw your reply. Hahaha.

Just stretching my fingers 

^^ Noo...  staaaaahp

Oh boy. My fridge is stock for all possible results.

Best of luck everyone!!!!!!!! ? 

???

@wulfmoon

Possible popcorn flavors: buttered, plain, caramel, cheddar, kettle corn, popcorn ball

Anyone else spent today glaring at their phone/email like it’s a defective Jack-in-the-box?

Posted by: @crlisle

@wulfmoon

Possible popcorn flavors: buttered, plain, caramel, cheddar, kettle corn, popcorn ball

Yes, please. I'll take 'em all. I'm here for the whole show, the marathon matinee.

So how long does the matinee usually last? ? everyone.

I wish I had some kettle corn.

Popcorn is delicious! I may have to have me some of that too...

There’s one company that does a mix of caramel and cheddar popcorn. It’s equally celebratory and comforting. Works for either outcome. 

Posted by: @craydimensional

So how long does the matinee usually last? ? everyone.

I wish I had some kettle corn.

Cray, the first wave of results come over a couple of days. Paper sub results take longer because they have to be keyed in, and yes, people still sub by paper.

But Finalists are called first. Joni is always very excited to call Finalists, and she personally does each call. Semifinalists are kept in reserve for a bit in case someone is disqualified or bows out, or, in the case of one person recently, did a simultaneous sub and sold theirs before they found out they would have been a Finalist. YIKES! Don't do that! 

The rest of results quickly follow that first call to Finalists. You'll see waves of them posted here, and on the Grinder, which is often the first sign.

Joni then sets up four WotF judges to rate the 8 Finalists. Judging normally takes two weeks, but mine was a week. This one is pretty late, so I'm betting they'll push, so a week this time as well. Top three are chosen as winners, and Joni calls all Finalists again to let them know the results.

May everyone look at this as a marathon, or it will be hard to stay in the race. Celebrate ANY certificate you get, because it means you did the right things, and Dave wanted you to know that. Most winners work their way up over many entries, usually over many years. Be pleasantly surprised if it's less. 

My very best to you all as you await results! And don't miss Tim Powers tomorrow right here in the WotF Forum! He's amazing!

Wulf Moon

Posted by: @yorgolee

There’s one company that does a mix of caramel and cheddar popcorn. It’s equally celebratory and comforting. Works for either outcome. 

Cretors. Perfect for occasions like this!  

::tosses some popcorn up at the projection booth:: START THE SHOW ALREADY!

@wulfmoon Thank you for answering a newbie's curiosity.

Very informative; thanks Wulf! 

Q1 will just be my second time submitting; having come in on the unusually quick Q4 judging last year, I was thinking the results always came that fast. Knowing that the quarters can vary widely in timescale should prevent a good few ulcers, I'm thinking.

I may well have to invest in a goodly sampling of Cretors too. Cheese AND caramel? Now we're speaking my native language!

Results are starting. Got my first rejection.

HM for me

Also an HM.

HM for me.

SHM for me, this quarter. I had a feeling. This was my workshop story, but it... didn't quite feel like WotF's cup of tea? It was a very personal piece and, while the speculative element is crucial, it's still light. It also features both a miscarriage and a difficult pregnancy, which doesn't seem like an easy thing to market toward Dave's target demographic of teenage boys.

But Joni dared me, so I had to try.

Posted by: @craydimensional

Results are starting. Got my first rejection.

I got an R my first time out, too--I know how that feels. Just the fact that you made the effort is awesome, though. The key is to keep writing and keep trying.  

@disgruntledpeony thanks. I kinda knew that one wouldn’t make it in after I took the workshop. We learn and grow with time. I’m a personal believer that we learn through trying, failing, and correcting from it.

An R for me. I'm not surprised, but a part of me was definitely hoping for an HM. Aw, well. All the more reason to focus on my current story!

I'm excited to hear more results as they come in! If there's any popcorn left, I'll gladly take some.