Discussion: Q3 Volume 42

Posted by: @haganenoedward

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I'm a SEMI-FINALIST!!!! I honestly thought that this story would barely get an HM, as the first draft was written in around a week, I tend to have a LOT of issues with grammar, and the story itself was REALLY short. I actually sent it only to see if I have it in me to publish something, and would've considered even an HM as an encouragement and a sign. 
Also, I did consider this story barely unpublishable, and the one I'm working on (hopefully I'll be able to finish it in time) is actually more in "publishable" category and I absolutely LOVE it, as well as my idea for the Q1 story. 

Awesome news. Congrats!

@haganenoedward Big congratulations to you!!!

@annmarieinlr Thank you! I still can’t believe it tbh!

Posted by: @pmg

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that's the fourth HM in a row for me 😎 

I'm hoping my Q4 entry does a bit better.

You are doing consistent, obviously good, work. Keep it up.

I would suggest trading with another HM achiever (or better yet a person who has achieved higher levels) to see if you can figure out what held the story back.  It could be a slow start, not sticking the landing, or extra fluff in the story that doesn't help the MC reach their heart's desire.

Yay, another RWC! I'll curl up in a corner for a while, I think.

Maybe I'll send it in somewhere else. The rules say you can have published two short stories before being disqualified, and I'm interested to see what happens with it - it could just be that it isn't for this contest.

Congrats to @haganenoedward

Posted by: @toddjones

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Posted by: @pmg

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that's the fourth HM in a row for me 😎 

I'm hoping my Q4 entry does a bit better.

You are doing consistent, obviously good, work. Keep it up.

I would suggest trading with another HM achiever (or better yet a person who has achieved higher levels) to see if you can figure out what held the story back.  It could be a slow start, not sticking the landing, or extra fluff in the story that doesn't help the MC reach their heart's desire.

 

@toddjones Thanks for the advice Todd, much appreciated.

Posted by: @shounenbat

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Yay, another RWC! I'll curl up in a corner for a while, I think.

Maybe I'll send it in somewhere else. The rules say you can have published two short stories before being disqualified, and I'm interested to see what happens with it - it could just be that it isn't for this contest.

The WotF rules? It's more than 2, it's 4, and it's pro-level pay only (or 5000 copies - please check exactly).

By all means, send it out into the world!

Posted by: @shounenbat

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Yay, another RWC! I'll curl up in a corner for a while, I think.

Maybe I'll send it in somewhere else. The rules say you can have published two short stories before being disqualified, and I'm interested to see what happens with it - it could just be that it isn't for this contest.

Congrats to @haganenoedward

Suggestion: Read the story out loud, or have the computer do it. Listen to anything that sounds awkward and fix. Then send out to other markets. It is always good to try multiple markets for a story. It just might not be a WotF story, but fits perfect in another market.

You finished a story and submitted. Be proud of that, most give up before that point.

I tried something new this time so I'm definitely glad it worked out!

@writhmic Congrats!

My 7th RWC overall and 3rd in a row.  Congrats to everyone who scored a certificate!

Posted by: @chwalter

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My 7th RWC overall and 3rd in a row.  Congrats to everyone who scored a certificate!

Sorry to read that. You have multiple HMs and a SHM. Congrats on those, they are not easy to come by. 

You are writing new stories and submitting. That is a huge achievement. 

If you look at the last few stories, is there something in common you may be missing? A clear heart's desire for the MC in the beginning (that promise to the reader what the story is about). Does your middle have things in it that aren't in line with the moving the MC to achieve their heart's desire/goal? If so, cut them to help make a concise story. Are you fulfilling that promise you made to the reader in the beginning at the end of the story? Did the MC get their heart's desire?

Keep at it. Don't let the downs (those pesky RWCs) prevent you from achieving more ups (HMs and higher).

Congrats to all who managed an HM or above. My Q3 received an RWC which makes me feel sad. Yesterday I was depressed and watched a lot of TV. Today I have appointments. But tomorrow is a new day with new possibilities. I guess the finalists have been notified and are waiting for that second call??? Anyway, looking forward to the official announcement.

Posted by: @physa

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Congrats to all who managed an HM or above. My Q3 received an RWC which makes me feel sad. Yesterday I was depressed and watched a lot of TV. Today I have appointments. But tomorrow is a new day with new possibilities. I guess the finalists have been notified and are waiting for that second call??? Anyway, looking forward to the official announcement.

Hug for the RWC. Glad you aren't letting this weigh you down. Great attitude about 'new possibilities.'

Keep writing, keep submitting, and keep getting those certificates. One may turn out to be a Golden Ticket that surpasses even Charlie's dreams.

@physa I've seen many people go from RWC to finalist in one quarter. You've got this!

RWC for me, found out this morning so a bit delayed post here. Not sure what I did wrong, but might have been too experimental. 

Congratulations to everyone who got a certificate!👏✨

And for the record, I think everyone on here who submitted are awesome, no matter results, it takes some work and dedication to get that done! 🌟 Rooting for us all for Q4! 🤞✨

@patricia-a

Hug for the RWC

@physa I know how you feel. I've gotten a few of those myself. Just remember, there is something they liked about it.

Thanks for the hug @toddjones and kind words [Todd, @annmarieinlr, and @craydimensional]. Dealing with rejection is part of the writing package. It's hard not to be disappointed, though. Still slogging along on my Q4, ;). Today is free and clear and I shall do my best to take advantage.  

@toddjones Thank you 🌷

@craydimensional So, looks like the elves are no longer restless. Word came and I was not of the chosen. Oh well, back to the beanstalk.

@physa That's kind of funny and I have to say that I disagree with Churchill. I can muster so much enthusiasm but can't guarantee that it will be at the highest level-say...from 1998 this way. That's a LOT of "enthusiasms" to pull for that much time. In retrospective, I always try to keep a positive attitude, although I'm not a magician and pretty much don't have control of the future nor judge's decisions either. I just always try my best.

@Jason thank you for your help although the rejections were already sent out on Sept.23 and I got one.

You were very close at determining when they'd come down the mountain and here they are. Now we need to see who actually won on both sides-writers & artists.

RWC for me...been taking deep breaths since Monday, well except for yesterday. Yesterday I jumped out of a plane. My side hustle is as a paratrooper commander. Even after dozens of jumps, I still get butterflies. But yesterday morning, yeah, that felt good. Back at my writing spot today, a new day. Don't worry, I'm perfectly stable...I mean as far that counts for a writer. 😎 

@mgamblesee That is an incredibly brave and important side hustle. Thank you.

@mgamblesee That is brave of you. Im not sure I would parashoot even if the plane was about to explode. Ive gotten a few RWC myself so I know how that part feels.