What is everyone doing with their time while we wait for the Q3 results? Working on Q4 or working on other stuff? Submission grinder tells me I have 37 pieces out at different markets (probably dying) in the slush. I have 6 more subs planned for Sept 1 with various markets opening. It's really all procrastination from the things I *SHOULD* be working on 🤣
Hey, Gideon. I am working on my Q4 piece while waiting. I did a lot of work on Q3, including getting three rounds of professional edit. I'm hoping for some improvement in my placement.
I was looking at your submission/award stats in your signature line. Very impressive. You've got a good, consistent acceptance rate even from the beginning. That's got to be encouraging for you. Thanks for including it.
Write so long as words keep flowing...
http://www.DocHonourBooks.com
WotF: 19 submissions, every quarter since V38
SF-1; HM-8
V38: Q3-HM; Q4-HM
V39: Q1-HM; Q2-RWC; Q3-HM; Q4-DQ
V40: Q1-HM; Q2-RWC; Q3-SF; Q4-RWC
V41: Q1-RWC; Q2-HM; Q3-RWC; Q4-DQ
V42: Q1-R; Q2-HM; Q3-RWC; Q4-HM
V43: Q1-R; Q2-RWC
FWA RPLA: 1st place Gold story (2022); 1st place Gold novel (2023)
SWA: 2nd place story (2026)
[The hobbit opens to door to check if there's twitching in the air.
Looks like it's time for dragon roasted smores and toasted almond lattes.
She closes the door and heads to the market. Gotta feed those hungry twitchers.]
Hey, hobbit-girl! What about those of us who can't stand coffee? Hm?
[The grizzled wolf does, however, grab five or six of those smores...]
Write so long as words keep flowing...
http://www.DocHonourBooks.com
WotF: 19 submissions, every quarter since V38
SF-1; HM-8
V38: Q3-HM; Q4-HM
V39: Q1-HM; Q2-RWC; Q3-HM; Q4-DQ
V40: Q1-HM; Q2-RWC; Q3-SF; Q4-RWC
V41: Q1-RWC; Q2-HM; Q3-RWC; Q4-DQ
V42: Q1-R; Q2-HM; Q3-RWC; Q4-HM
V43: Q1-R; Q2-RWC
FWA RPLA: 1st place Gold story (2022); 1st place Gold novel (2023)
SWA: 2nd place story (2026)
Hey, Gideon. I am working on my Q4 piece while waiting. I did a lot of work on Q3, including getting three rounds of professional edit. I'm hoping for some improvement in my placement.
I was looking at your submission/award stats in your signature line. Very impressive. You've got a good, consistent acceptance rate even from the beginning. That's got to be encouraging for you. Thanks for including it.
yay to working on Q4!!
I include the wotf and elsewhere stats just for transparency. I find it helpful to see other people's sometimes, not for comparison per se, just for sanity - we all post about successes but the truth is that behind every 'success' moment there are 1, 10, 100 failures/rejections before it, and its good to frame that both for our own sanity and other people's 
Your own sig is equally revealing and probably more impressive, and I applaud it!
"...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: HM Q3: RWC Q4: P
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: 79 submitted 4 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
@ehonour [ The hobbit grumbles. Damn picky wulves.
Suppose they want tomato juice.
No that would be the vampires.
She puts out tomato juice and tea.
Then returns to q4 story.]
Small steps add up to miles.
5 R, 5 RWC, 11 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 shall bring my iced tea (4 black, 2 green, 2 earl grey, and 2 pomegranate), my black coffee (fresh ground Italian roast), my sourdough buttermilk blueberry pancakes (I have a 37 year old San Francisco sourdough culture) and real maple syrup, and my personal recipe English toffee. I will serve twitchers beneath blankets, in table tents, in couch cushion forts, and sheltering in other makeshift, comforting structures. For those in genuine distress, there will be fresh pecan pie (a recipe I guard with god level magic), and homemade vanilla ice cream. Other treats and libations upon request.
I might not be hosting, but I have a big box with wheels.
It is an artified macro photo of the eye of a Green Darner.
Can I sit next to @kent !!?
"...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: HM Q3: RWC Q4: P
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: 79 submitted 4 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
[The man sets up his stove.]
[He looks around and starts mumbling] "Still no scones? These lazy youngsters."
[He starts preparing the dough.]
[He looks at his Q4 story and a recently started comic. He tells himself:] "There's still time."
2025: Q3: S-F, Q4: RWC
2026: Q1: -, Q2: RWC, Q3: R (RWC resubmit), Q4 - submitted
With all this twitching, I need to find my phone charger and keep my phone close (I received my finalist call on a Sunday). Although, I expected with DragonCon going on this weekend that calls wouldn't be to next week. Or, they had already happened.
Todd S. Jones
"Whether you think you can, or you think you can't--you're right."~ Henry Ford
Writers of the Future:
2027 V44: ?
2026 V43: HM, HM (HM Resubmit), HM, Pending (HM Resubmit)
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:
- Out of the Frying Pan, into the Friar published in Eric Flint's 1632 & Beyond Issue 19
- Blues 'N Twos HTML version published in On The Premises #46 short story contest
- Southeastern Writers Association: 1st place in Ron Ferrell Memory Museum Award and 3rd place in The Lighthouse Prompt
2025: Southeastern Writers Association: 1st place in Crime Fiction and 3rd place in The Lighthouse Prompt
@toddsjones At least I now have a phone that doesn't die halfway into the day.
Small steps add up to miles.
5 R, 5 RWC, 11 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
@toddsjones I don’t have such high expectations from mine. Basically I just did some mid-sized edits on my first RWC. I still stand by the story and think it’s the best thing I’ve written so far, but if previous versions got RWC, then this one probably won’t fare better than HM.
2025: Q3: S-F, Q4: RWC
2026: Q1: -, Q2: RWC, Q3: R (RWC resubmit), Q4 - submitted
@toddsjones I don’t have such high expectations from mine. Basically I just did some mid-sized edits on my first RWC. I still stand by the story and think it’s the best thing I’ve written so far, but if previous versions got RWC, then this one probably won’t fare better than HM.
well, it depends on the reason for RWC and whether you fixed it - an excluding f-bomb being removed could absolutely change the grade more meaningfully. Todd of all people can tell you that as I believe his Finalist was previously a RWC
"...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: HM Q3: RWC Q4: P
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: 79 submitted 4 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
(though I will hastily add, I did not mean he removed an F-bomb. I have no idea what edits Todd performed to shift categories so dramatically but clearly they worked!)
"...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: HM Q3: RWC Q4: P
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: 79 submitted 4 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 don't know how publishing works, but I just got a rejection for a story I submitted to a magazine a few months ago. Perhaps this is the time when emails come in. Maybe it's time to start squirming.
HM x3
SHM x1
- My destiny awaits! 🏆
I don't know how publishing works, but I just got a rejection for a story I submitted to a magazine a few months ago. Perhaps this is the time when emails come in. Maybe it's time to start squirming.
😆I love the image of all the editors on the phone, fingers hovering over giant red buttons "Ok, launch the rejection, 3, 2, 1... NOW!"
But more seriously... I got one rejection yesterday, and another one today. But I can personally vouch that rejections come in any day, any hour, any season. Even Christmas day 
"...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: HM Q3: RWC Q4: P
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: 79 submitted 4 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
@toddsjones I don’t have such high expectations from mine. Basically I just did some mid-sized edits on my first RWC. I still stand by the story and think it’s the best thing I’ve written so far, but if previous versions got RWC, then this one probably won’t fare better than HM.
You could ask other in the forum for a swap to see if they can help identify holes in the plot or if the ending doesn't feel right.
I limited my resubmissions to one per story, at most. Some stories I realize aren't worth resubmitting, but others are if you've identified a major issue and addresses it.
Good luck on the resbumit.
Todd S. Jones
"Whether you think you can, or you think you can't--you're right."~ Henry Ford
Writers of the Future:
2027 V44: ?
2026 V43: HM, HM (HM Resubmit), HM, Pending (HM Resubmit)
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:
- Out of the Frying Pan, into the Friar published in Eric Flint's 1632 & Beyond Issue 19
- Blues 'N Twos HTML version published in On The Premises #46 short story contest
- Southeastern Writers Association: 1st place in Ron Ferrell Memory Museum Award and 3rd place in The Lighthouse Prompt
2025: Southeastern Writers Association: 1st place in Crime Fiction and 3rd place in The Lighthouse Prompt
Todd of all people can tell you that as I believe his Finalist was previously a RWC
Yes, my Finalist was an RWC. A story I believed in and one my wife said only I could have written. (The topics were touches of electric things I enjoyed). I required a professional to read through it and identify what I'd missed. Once the holes were pointed out, I about fell over on how I'd neglected to flesh out important areas. After fixing those holes it was obvious I didn't stick my original ending either. So, I wrote a new ending. It was a "Can't see the forest for the trees" things.
Todd S. Jones
"Whether you think you can, or you think you can't--you're right."~ Henry Ford
Writers of the Future:
2027 V44: ?
2026 V43: HM, HM (HM Resubmit), HM, Pending (HM Resubmit)
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:
- Out of the Frying Pan, into the Friar published in Eric Flint's 1632 & Beyond Issue 19
- Blues 'N Twos HTML version published in On The Premises #46 short story contest
- Southeastern Writers Association: 1st place in Ron Ferrell Memory Museum Award and 3rd place in The Lighthouse Prompt
2025: Southeastern Writers Association: 1st place in Crime Fiction and 3rd place in The Lighthouse Prompt
I don't know how publishing works, but I just got a rejection for a story I submitted to a magazine a few months ago. Perhaps this is the time when emails come in. Maybe it's time to start squirming.
I received lots of rejections last month. I expect responses this month too (hope they aren't rejections). Yes, this time of year seems to be active.
Todd S. Jones
"Whether you think you can, or you think you can't--you're right."~ Henry Ford
Writers of the Future:
2027 V44: ?
2026 V43: HM, HM (HM Resubmit), HM, Pending (HM Resubmit)
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:
- Out of the Frying Pan, into the Friar published in Eric Flint's 1632 & Beyond Issue 19
- Blues 'N Twos HTML version published in On The Premises #46 short story contest
- Southeastern Writers Association: 1st place in Ron Ferrell Memory Museum Award and 3rd place in The Lighthouse Prompt
2025: Southeastern Writers Association: 1st place in Crime Fiction and 3rd place in The Lighthouse Prompt
Got a call with caller id location CA. I snatched the phone and ran into the other room for quiet. UPS scammer. 
Todd S. Jones
"Whether you think you can, or you think you can't--you're right."~ Henry Ford
Writers of the Future:
2027 V44: ?
2026 V43: HM, HM (HM Resubmit), HM, Pending (HM Resubmit)
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:
- Out of the Frying Pan, into the Friar published in Eric Flint's 1632 & Beyond Issue 19
- Blues 'N Twos HTML version published in On The Premises #46 short story contest
- Southeastern Writers Association: 1st place in Ron Ferrell Memory Museum Award and 3rd place in The Lighthouse Prompt
2025: Southeastern Writers Association: 1st place in Crime Fiction and 3rd place in The Lighthouse Prompt
@toddsjones I don’t have such high expectations from mine. Basically I just did some mid-sized edits on my first RWC. I still stand by the story and think it’s the best thing I’ve written so far, but if previous versions got RWC, then this one probably won’t fare better than HM.
You could ask other in the forum for a swap to see if they can help identify holes in the plot or if the ending doesn't feel right.
I limited my resubmissions to one per story, at most. Some stories I realize aren't worth resubmitting, but others are if you've identified a major issue and addresses it.
Good luck on the resbumit.
Thank you! For this upcoming quarter I’m working on a new short story and the quarter after that will also be probably a new thing.
And with the RWC I tried to fix the beginning (before I probably took way too long and created false expectations regarding what the story is about), but I forgot to fix some inconsistencies that are now between first few scenes 😅.
2025: Q3: S-F, Q4: RWC
2026: Q1: -, Q2: RWC, Q3: R (RWC resubmit), Q4 - submitted
Got an email today from John Goodwin announcing the 2nd quarter winners for volume 43. Does this mean results for 3rd quarter should be announced soon?
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, RWC, 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
Got an email today from John Goodwin announcing the 2nd quarter winners for volume 43. Does this mean results for 3rd quarter should be announced soon?
well, I suspect Q3 winners will be announced soon, but more because of the calendar, this is when they've come out before, than me reading any special significance into the Q2 email
"...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: HM Q3: RWC Q4: P
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: 79 submitted 4 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
Today is Thursday ...
well, I suspect Q3 winners will be announced soon, but more because of the calendar, this is when they've come out before, than me reading any special significance into the Q2 email
Todd S. Jones
"Whether you think you can, or you think you can't--you're right."~ Henry Ford
Writers of the Future:
2027 V44: ?
2026 V43: HM, HM (HM Resubmit), HM, Pending (HM Resubmit)
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:
- Out of the Frying Pan, into the Friar published in Eric Flint's 1632 & Beyond Issue 19
- Blues 'N Twos HTML version published in On The Premises #46 short story contest
- Southeastern Writers Association: 1st place in Ron Ferrell Memory Museum Award and 3rd place in The Lighthouse Prompt
2025: Southeastern Writers Association: 1st place in Crime Fiction and 3rd place in The Lighthouse Prompt
@toddsjones Does Thursday have special significance when it comes to contest results?
HM x 1
SHM x 3
F x 1
It's a running forum joke that any day that results comes out is a "Thursday." Not sure when it started.
@toddsjones Does Thursday have special significance when it comes to contest results?
Todd S. Jones
"Whether you think you can, or you think you can't--you're right."~ Henry Ford
Writers of the Future:
2027 V44: ?
2026 V43: HM, HM (HM Resubmit), HM, Pending (HM Resubmit)
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:
- Out of the Frying Pan, into the Friar published in Eric Flint's 1632 & Beyond Issue 19
- Blues 'N Twos HTML version published in On The Premises #46 short story contest
- Southeastern Writers Association: 1st place in Ron Ferrell Memory Museum Award and 3rd place in The Lighthouse Prompt
2025: Southeastern Writers Association: 1st place in Crime Fiction and 3rd place in The Lighthouse Prompt
and ironically almost everyone that remembers has now 'graduated' and left the forums and yet the mythos of Thursday persists despite there being almost zero on-going evidence for it now 🤣
"...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: HM Q3: RWC Q4: P
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: 79 submitted 4 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
that said... though the scones are delicious and the twitching tent quite warm... those are also not real 😆
"...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: HM Q3: RWC Q4: P
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: 79 submitted 4 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
From within the couch cushion fort there comes a scratching as of mouse claws upon porcelain. Is it a wizened twitcher grown tired of idling unproductive while an unknowable due date draws nigh? Has he commissioned an arcane dampener tuned to his very thoughts that may translate the barest stirring of the twitcher into prose most sublime? Indeed, what a marvel!
Alas, the issue from this high elfin autoscribe, though intricately wrought with slim loops and soaring curves, is all but indecipherable.
A bony, shaking hand creeps out from a crack in the cushions and touches "refresh." A fork strikes crockery. A pecan crunches.
Have fun
It is an artified macro photo of the eye of a Green Darner.
Are we starting to twitch? Charging phone now so I can keep it at my side 24/7.
Todd S. Jones
"Whether you think you can, or you think you can't--you're right."~ Henry Ford
Writers of the Future:
2027 V44: ?
2026 V43: HM, HM (HM Resubmit), HM, Pending (HM Resubmit)
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:
- Out of the Frying Pan, into the Friar published in Eric Flint's 1632 & Beyond Issue 19
- Blues 'N Twos HTML version published in On The Premises #46 short story contest
- Southeastern Writers Association: 1st place in Ron Ferrell Memory Museum Award and 3rd place in The Lighthouse Prompt
2025: Southeastern Writers Association: 1st place in Crime Fiction and 3rd place in The Lighthouse Prompt
@toddsjones I never twitch. It overstresses my self-winding wrist watch
"...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: HM Q3: RWC Q4: P
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: 79 submitted 4 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 never twitch. It overstresses my self-winding wrist watch
Probably a good idea. I'm in for Q4 anyway, so I got a while to go before I need to worry about what to write next.
HM x3
SHM x1
- My destiny awaits! 🏆