I'm concentrating on writing something that makes me happy.
we are in the same boat, rowing in the same direction 
"...your motivations for wanting to write are probably complex. You may have a few great passions, you may want to be rich and famous, and you may need therapy."
- Dave Farland, Million Dollar Outlines
"...I also miss almost 100% of the shots I do take."
- Gideon Smith
Writers of the Future:
2026 Q1: R Q2: P Q3: P Q4: TBD
2025 Q1: HM Q2: SHM Q3: HM Q4: HM (resub of 2024 HM)
2024 Q1: F Q2: HM Q3:SHM Q4: SHM
2023 Q1: RWC Q2: SHM Q3: SHM Q4: R
2022 Q4: R
Submissions to other markets:
2026: 37 submitted 2 acceptances
2025: 163 submitted 10 acceptances
2024: 53 submitted 8 acceptances
2023: 74 submitted 13 acceptances
2022: 22 submitted 1 acceptance
2026 goals: a. 2025 Novel submitted to agents/publishers b. Draft 0 of a new novel c. Speak at a con on panels d. Write 3 serious shorts NOT for WOTF e. Submit something, somewhere, every month
I'm concentrating on writing something that makes me happy.
As you should! I definitely feel like when I've tried to target my stories to an audience, rather than writing something I personally enjoy, my work seems to suffer. Generally, because I'm overthinking every word choice, instead of focusing on letting the story happen. Let your voice shine though!! Good luck!!
HM x 1
@physa I've definitely felt this at times. I submitted a story that got 3rd place in a well-renowned contest, and here it got a RWC 😀
Jason P. Crawford
Author of Urban Fantasy and Sci-Fi (for now!)
Grand Prize Winner of the Ozma Award for Fantasy Fiction, 2025
Finalist for 2024 Baen Fantasy Adventure Award
3rd Place Winner for 2025 Jim Baen Memorial Short Story Award
Q3 V31: HM Q2 V39: SHM Q2 V40: SHM Q2 V41: HM Q2 V42: RWC Q2 V43: P
Q3 V38: HM Q3 V39: SHM Q3 V40: SHM Q3 V41: HM Q3 V42: HM Q3 V43: WIP
Q4 V38: R Q4 V39: SHM Q4 V40: SHM Q4 V41: RWC Q4 V42: RWC
Q1 V39: HM Q1 V40: RWC Q1 V41: SHM Q1 V42: SHM Q1 V43: NS
@physa I've definitely felt this at times. I submitted a story that got 3rd place in a well-renowned contest, and here it got a RWC 😀
Wow! That's hard to figure out for sure. Oh well, you do have a lot of cool wins outside of WOTF and have quite the collection of SHMs. I say you are obviously doing something right, 😉 Happy to be in such good company.
WOTF results:
Vol 43: Q1 R, Q2 pending, Q3 ?
running totals to date:
WOTF: 8 Rs, 4 RWCs, 8 HMs, 2 SHMs
IOTF: 4 Rs, 3 HMs
Check out my new website: https://www.amyrwethingtonwriterofspeculativeworlds.com/
According to Winston Churchill, "success is going from failure to failure with enthusiasm"
Somehow I lost my Guthington profile, but it's me. Amy Wethington = Guthington = Physa
Considering my recent losing streak: RWC, R, R, I find myself scratching my head. I thought after my 2 SHMs I had sorta figured out what can get past the first readers, but now it feels more like a crapshot. At any rate, no twitching for my Q2. I'm concentrating on writing something that makes me happy.
Definitely write what you like writing.
Small steps add up to miles.
5 R, 5 RWC, 10 HM, 1 SHM
"Amore For Life" in After the Gold Rush Third Flatiron Anthology
"Freedom’s Song” in Troubadour and Space Princesses LTUE Anthology
”Through the Eyes of a Canine” in 1632 & Beyond Issue 18 to be released July 1, 2026
Is it time to build tents, grab smores, and start twitching yet? 😀
Jason P. Crawford
Author of Urban Fantasy and Sci-Fi (for now!)
Grand Prize Winner of the Ozma Award for Fantasy Fiction, 2025
Finalist for 2024 Baen Fantasy Adventure Award
3rd Place Winner for 2025 Jim Baen Memorial Short Story Award
Q3 V31: HM Q2 V39: SHM Q2 V40: SHM Q2 V41: HM Q2 V42: RWC Q2 V43: P
Q3 V38: HM Q3 V39: SHM Q3 V40: SHM Q3 V41: HM Q3 V42: HM Q3 V43: WIP
Q4 V38: R Q4 V39: SHM Q4 V40: SHM Q4 V41: RWC Q4 V42: RWC
Q1 V39: HM Q1 V40: RWC Q1 V41: SHM Q1 V42: SHM Q1 V43: NS
I would guess more toward the end of the month.
Writers of the Future:
2026 V43: HM, Submitted (HM Resubmit), Submitted
2025 V42: RWC, HM (HM Resubmit), HM, SHM
2024 V41: RWC (HM Resubmit), HM, RWC, Finalist (RWC Resubmit)
2023 V40: HM, HM, R, HM
2022 V39: SHM, HM, Semi-finalist, HM (HM Resubmit)
2021 V38: -, -, -, HM
2020 V37: -, R, -, -
Other Achievements:
2026: 46th "On The Premises" short story contest: HM and Published in HTML format
2025: Southeastern Writers Association: 1st in Crime Fiction and 3rd in The Lighthouse Prompt
Todd S. Jones
"Whether you think you can, or you think you can't--you're right."~ Henry Ford
@amstard Last year emails went out 6/26/2025. I'd wait a little.
Small steps add up to miles.
5 R, 5 RWC, 10 HM, 1 SHM
"Amore For Life" in After the Gold Rush Third Flatiron Anthology
"Freedom’s Song” in Troubadour and Space Princesses LTUE Anthology
”Through the Eyes of a Canine” in 1632 & Beyond Issue 18 to be released July 1, 2026
@amstard Last year emails went out 6/26/2025. I'd wait a little.
No! I refuse to wait any longer.
Write so long as words keep flowing...
http://www.DocHonourBooks.com
WotF: 19 submissions, every quarter since V38
SFx1; HMx8; RWCx6
FWA RPLA: 1st place Gold story (2022); 1st place Gold novel (2023)
People want to start twitching early, eh?
[Starts constructing a pavilion - something sheltering that will withstand a long wait]
[Creates a fire pit in the center for the toasting of marshmallows, and the heating of a cauldron of cocoa]
HM x 1
People want to start twitching early, eh?
[Starts constructing a pavilion - something sheltering that will withstand a long wait]
[Creates a fire pit in the center for the toasting of marshmallows, and the heating of a cauldron of cocoa]
😆 😆
@bootzenkatzen Now I feel like I need to write next quarter's submission based solely off the title "The Toasting of Marshmallows, and the Calefaction of Cauldrons/Cocoa"
Writers of the Future stats:
2026 V43: Q1 - HM, Q2 - Submitted
Stories published in:
Raconteur Press Anthology - Pogue, Too
Raconteur Press Anthology - Crashed Landings
@ehonour LOL. Well then.
[The hobbit drags herself out of bed with a massive headache from last night's unrelated celebrations and grabs herself some coffee.]
[She looks at the twitching tent and sighs. There are preparations to do.]
[After finishing coffee she heads to the wagon. Might as well start preparations for the twitching crowd.]
Small steps add up to miles.
5 R, 5 RWC, 10 HM, 1 SHM
"Amore For Life" in After the Gold Rush Third Flatiron Anthology
"Freedom’s Song” in Troubadour and Space Princesses LTUE Anthology
”Through the Eyes of a Canine” in 1632 & Beyond Issue 18 to be released July 1, 2026
Congratulations @craydimensional on your unrelated good writing things happening!!!
Vol. 36: 3rd -- R, 4th -- R
Vol. 37: R, HM, HM, SHM
Vol. 38: HM, HM, HM, HM
Vol. 39: SHM, RWC, RWC, HM
Vol. 40: HM, R, RWC, R
Vol. 41: R, HM, HM, HM
Vol. 42: R, RWC, RWC, RWC
Vol. 43: RWC
Amateur published stories:
"A Sweet Taste of Earth" published by Third Flatiron Anthologies
Review of WoTF volume 41 in NewMyths.com
"The Army Ration That Saved the Earth" in For Glory and Honor, LTUE 2026 anthology
"The Tell-Tale Cricket" in The Murderbugs Anthololgy
"Follow the Pretrons" in Martian Magazine, and a Critters Award
"Eyes and Hands" in Galaxy's Edge Magazine
"The Last Dance" in Parliament of Wizards, LTUE anthology
"My Ten Cents" in Sci Fi Lampoon
Professional Publication:
"Invasion" in Daily Science Fiction
[plants impatiens around the impatience pavilion] (I used to think they were called "impatience" until I googled it just now 🤣)
HM x 1
I'll help set up camp.
- My destiny awaits! 🏆
Hauling chairs, grill, tent to the site. It may be weeks early, but good people and good food equal good times so lets start early.
Writers of the Future:
2026 V43: HM, Submitted (HM Resubmit), Submitted
2025 V42: RWC, HM (HM Resubmit), HM, SHM
2024 V41: RWC (HM Resubmit), HM, RWC, Finalist (RWC Resubmit)
2023 V40: HM, HM, R, HM
2022 V39: SHM, HM, Semi-finalist, HM (HM Resubmit)
2021 V38: -, -, -, HM
2020 V37: -, R, -, -
Other Achievements:
2026: 46th "On The Premises" short story contest: HM and Published in HTML format
2025: Southeastern Writers Association: 1st in Crime Fiction and 3rd in The Lighthouse Prompt
Todd S. Jones
"Whether you think you can, or you think you can't--you're right."~ Henry Ford
[The hobbit looks at the twitching tent and declares success.]
[She scratches her chin. Something was missing.]
[Alas. Needs some food.]
[Dragon fired pizza would hit the spot.]
Small steps add up to miles.
5 R, 5 RWC, 10 HM, 1 SHM
"Amore For Life" in After the Gold Rush Third Flatiron Anthology
"Freedom’s Song” in Troubadour and Space Princesses LTUE Anthology
”Through the Eyes of a Canine” in 1632 & Beyond Issue 18 to be released July 1, 2026
In the Shrodingeresque limbo of acceptance vs. rejection or victory vs. placement, there should be a map for us wayfarers groping through the perilous channels of anticipatory dementia. We need directions such as "cushiest marshmallows in the couch cushion fort" and "chocolatiest coco under the blanket-draped card table." As my emaciated hand edges haltingly out from beneath bedsheets for the thousandth time, it would be comforting to know where the nearest finger masseuse resides before I hit refresh again.
Thursday is coming.
Have fun.
It is an artified macro photo of the eye of a Green Darner.
Thursday is always coming. 🤣Thursday is coming.
Career: 1x Win -- 2x NW-F -- 2x S-F -- 9x S-HM -- 11x HM -- 7x R
Like me: facebook/Dustinite
[The man arrives and looks at the budding camp.]
[Looks like people are getting ready for twitching, but those youngsters obviously forgot something.]
[He sighs and pulls an entire oven, table and ingredients from his pocket.]
[Time to make some scones and cookies.]
2025: Q3: S-F, Q4: RWC
2026: Q1: -, Q2: submitted, Q3: TBD
[The hobbit admires her updated signature.]
[Enough of day dreaming, there are WotF results to twitch for and twitchers need S’mores, Lattes, and Chai]
[She glances back at her signature on last time, then sets up a snack table.]
Small steps add up to miles.
5 R, 5 RWC, 10 HM, 1 SHM
"Amore For Life" in After the Gold Rush Third Flatiron Anthology
"Freedom’s Song” in Troubadour and Space Princesses LTUE Anthology
”Through the Eyes of a Canine” in 1632 & Beyond Issue 18 to be released July 1, 2026
I show the following dates for Q2 email announcement:
- 26 Jun 2025
- 10 Jul 2024
- 05 Jul 2023
- 10 Aug 2022
- ? 2021
- 14 Jul 2020
- ? for anything before this
Writers of the Future:
2026 V43: HM, Submitted (HM Resubmit), Submitted
2025 V42: RWC, HM (HM Resubmit), HM, SHM
2024 V41: RWC (HM Resubmit), HM, RWC, Finalist (RWC Resubmit)
2023 V40: HM, HM, R, HM
2022 V39: SHM, HM, Semi-finalist, HM (HM Resubmit)
2021 V38: -, -, -, HM
2020 V37: -, R, -, -
Other Achievements:
2026: 46th "On The Premises" short story contest: HM and Published in HTML format
2025: Southeastern Writers Association: 1st in Crime Fiction and 3rd in The Lighthouse Prompt
Todd S. Jones
"Whether you think you can, or you think you can't--you're right."~ Henry Ford
@toddsjones So I might have to wait until after I submit my Q3 to know if my Q2 worked out?! 😨
HM x 1
@toddsjones So I might have to wait until after I submit my Q3 to know if my Q2 worked out?! 😨
True, but it seems they have been refining the process and as of last year they announced before the deadline.
Finalists may have already been called, or are being called, or will be called. Who knows???
Writers of the Future:
2026 V43: HM, Submitted (HM Resubmit), Submitted
2025 V42: RWC, HM (HM Resubmit), HM, SHM
2024 V41: RWC (HM Resubmit), HM, RWC, Finalist (RWC Resubmit)
2023 V40: HM, HM, R, HM
2022 V39: SHM, HM, Semi-finalist, HM (HM Resubmit)
2021 V38: -, -, -, HM
2020 V37: -, R, -, -
Other Achievements:
2026: 46th "On The Premises" short story contest: HM and Published in HTML format
2025: Southeastern Writers Association: 1st in Crime Fiction and 3rd in The Lighthouse Prompt
Todd S. Jones
"Whether you think you can, or you think you can't--you're right."~ Henry Ford
@toddsjones So no success again 😭 ? Or can I still pray? Tbh, on a reread, I still left out lots of mistakes in the final draft and it's probably not finalist quality, but I am still hoping for at least HM 😭.
2025: Q3: S-F, Q4: RWC
2026: Q1: -, Q2: submitted, Q3: TBD
@toddsjones So no success again 😭 ? Or can I still pray? Tbh, on a reread, I still left out lots of mistakes in the final draft and it's probably not finalist quality, but I am still hoping for at least HM 😭.
Don't have a clue. Meant to say ??? on the calls.
Good luck. You wrote, you entered, you should be proud.
Writers of the Future:
2026 V43: HM, Submitted (HM Resubmit), Submitted
2025 V42: RWC, HM (HM Resubmit), HM, SHM
2024 V41: RWC (HM Resubmit), HM, RWC, Finalist (RWC Resubmit)
2023 V40: HM, HM, R, HM
2022 V39: SHM, HM, Semi-finalist, HM (HM Resubmit)
2021 V38: -, -, -, HM
2020 V37: -, R, -, -
Other Achievements:
2026: 46th "On The Premises" short story contest: HM and Published in HTML format
2025: Southeastern Writers Association: 1st in Crime Fiction and 3rd in The Lighthouse Prompt
Todd S. Jones
"Whether you think you can, or you think you can't--you're right."~ Henry Ford
Are we supposed to be twitching right now?
- My destiny awaits! 🏆
You mean you don't start when you hit the submit button? 🤣Are we supposed to be twitching right now?
Career: 1x Win -- 2x NW-F -- 2x S-F -- 9x S-HM -- 11x HM -- 7x R
Like me: facebook/Dustinite
[sees the tents spreading out far and wide]
[admires the food and beverage tables]
[reaches for a marshmallow and puts it on a very long stick]
[eyes closed as the dragon flames the marshmallow to a blackened blob]
[heat from the dragon's flame radiates like a volcano]
[plops marshmallow onto a graham cracker and piece of chocolate]
[scurries to a nearby lake to cool off]
[holding the s'more high above the water's surface]
[story ideas blossom as I drip dry and munch on my s'more]
WOTF results:
Vol 43: Q1 R, Q2 pending, Q3 ?
running totals to date:
WOTF: 8 Rs, 4 RWCs, 8 HMs, 2 SHMs
IOTF: 4 Rs, 3 HMs
Check out my new website: https://www.amyrwethingtonwriterofspeculativeworlds.com/
According to Winston Churchill, "success is going from failure to failure with enthusiasm"
Somehow I lost my Guthington profile, but it's me. Amy Wethington = Guthington = Physa
😋mmmm chocolate
Vol. 36: 3rd -- R, 4th -- R
Vol. 37: R, HM, HM, SHM
Vol. 38: HM, HM, HM, HM
Vol. 39: SHM, RWC, RWC, HM
Vol. 40: HM, R, RWC, R
Vol. 41: R, HM, HM, HM
Vol. 42: R, RWC, RWC, RWC
Vol. 43: RWC
Amateur published stories:
"A Sweet Taste of Earth" published by Third Flatiron Anthologies
Review of WoTF volume 41 in NewMyths.com
"The Army Ration That Saved the Earth" in For Glory and Honor, LTUE 2026 anthology
"The Tell-Tale Cricket" in The Murderbugs Anthololgy
"Follow the Pretrons" in Martian Magazine, and a Critters Award
"Eyes and Hands" in Galaxy's Edge Magazine
"The Last Dance" in Parliament of Wizards, LTUE anthology
"My Ten Cents" in Sci Fi Lampoon
Professional Publication:
"Invasion" in Daily Science Fiction