Well, I haven't heard anything... maybe because I sent my story in, on the last day, via snail mail... 😛 Perhaps it has been entered in the next quarter, though it was postmarked on the thirtieth.
Responses to snail mail entries tend to take longer regardless of result, if I recall correctly.
Thank you for the congratulations, everyone! I'm super glad they let us announce this quarter, because I could keep quiet if I had to but I'd be dying right now.
If you are in difficulties with a book, try the element of surprise: attack it at an hour when it isn't expecting it. ~ H.G. Wells
If a person offend you, and you are in doubt as to whether it was intentional or not, do not resort to extreme measures; simply watch your chance and hit him with a brick. ~ Mark Twain
R, SF, SHM, SHM, SHM, F, R, HM, SHM, R, HM, R, F, SHM, SHM, SHM, SF, SHM, 1st Place (Q2 V38)
Ticknor Tales
Twitter
4th and Starlight: e-book | paperback
Well done, DP.
?
Silver HMs
Kate (KD Julicher)
Tony (AV Dutson)
Michael Kingswood
Chuck T
Becky (RSchibler)
Tracy (Writergirl0426)
Henckel
AV Dutson
Corbin Maxwell
Hey SHMers. Here is what Dave had to say at this year's workshop about an SHM: "You are so close. Probably, there is one thing wrong that needs to be fixed. I don't want to give you feedback because that would make you ineligible to resubmit." (Not his exact words but pretty close).
Chuck Thompson
6 Rs, 5 HMs, 3 SHMs
Just got the second call from Joni. Apparently, I came in 4th place. Just shy.
Ahh well.
Congratulations on the win, SwiftPotato! I'm absolutely thrilled for you. 
If you are in difficulties with a book, try the element of surprise: attack it at an hour when it isn't expecting it. ~ H.G. Wells
If a person offend you, and you are in doubt as to whether it was intentional or not, do not resort to extreme measures; simply watch your chance and hit him with a brick. ~ Mark Twain
R, SF, SHM, SHM, SHM, F, R, HM, SHM, R, HM, R, F, SHM, SHM, SHM, SF, SHM, 1st Place (Q2 V38)
Ticknor Tales
Twitter
4th and Starlight: e-book | paperback
Just got the second call from Joni. Apparently, I came in 4th place. Just shy.
Ahh well.
Congratulations on the win, SwiftPotato! I'm absolutely thrilled for you.
You are SO close, disgruntledpeony! Seriously, even though it wasn't the win, congratulations. You're hitting the mark. Keep going! I'm rooting for you for this quarter!
Thanks for the congrats. It still really hasn't sunken in!
R, 3rd place Q4 v36!!!
Stories in Apocalyptic, Cossmass Infinites x2! PodCastle, Spirit Machine; forthcoming in Beneath Ceaseless Skies, Apex Magazine, Human Monsters
Just got the second call from Joni. Apparently, I came in 4th place. Just shy.
Ahh well.
Congratulations on the win, SwiftPotato! I'm absolutely thrilled for you.
Awww, we were cheering for you, Liz. Still are. Finalist is a GREAT honor. In your case, it was FOURTH in the WORLD. Out of thousands. And there's still the chance at Published Finalist. As Kate will tell you, it does happen.
Congratulations again on your awesome showing. You know how to hit the bullseye!
All the beast,
Wulf Moon
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 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!
Just got the second call from Joni. Apparently, I came in 4th place. Just shy.
Ahh well.
Congratulations on the win, SwiftPotato! I'm absolutely thrilled for you.
Congrats Swift Potato!!!
Disgruntledpeopny, I will now put all available mojo on you being a published finalist so that you can be the forward scout. You can then report back, sharing the inside scoop for when we both place in Volume 37 and go to the Gala together!
This is my new fantasy plan.
~ J V Ashley
Disgruntledpeopny, I will now put all available mojo on you being a published finalist so that you can be the forward scout. You can then report back, sharing the inside scoop for when we both place in Volume 37 and go to the Gala together!
This is my new fantasy plan.
Joni didn't ask to hold it for published finalist, so I've sent it off to F&SF. Definitely going to make sure this baby makes the rounds.
If you are in difficulties with a book, try the element of surprise: attack it at an hour when it isn't expecting it. ~ H.G. Wells
If a person offend you, and you are in doubt as to whether it was intentional or not, do not resort to extreme measures; simply watch your chance and hit him with a brick. ~ Mark Twain
R, SF, SHM, SHM, SHM, F, R, HM, SHM, R, HM, R, F, SHM, SHM, SHM, SF, SHM, 1st Place (Q2 V38)
Ticknor Tales
Twitter
4th and Starlight: e-book | paperback
Just got the second call from Joni. Apparently, I came in 4th place. Just shy.
Ahh well.
Congratulations on the win, SwiftPotato! I'm absolutely thrilled for you.
Okay--just found this. Rats!
Chuck Thompson
6 Rs, 5 HMs, 3 SHMs
Just got the second call from Joni. Apparently, I came in 4th place. Just shy.
Ahh well.
Congratulations on the win, SwiftPotato! I'm absolutely thrilled for you.
You did amazing! We are so proud of you!
V34: R,HM,R
V35: HM,R,R,HM
V36: R,HM,HM,SHM
V37: HM,SF,SHM,SHM
V38: (P)F, SHM, F, F
V39: SHM, SHM, HM, SHM
Published Finalist Volume 38
Pro’d out Q4V39
www.rebeccaetreasure.com
Managing Editor, Apex Magazine
What the heck!?!?! I've been off the forum for a few days....
My sincere congratulations to disgruntledpeony for maing it to 4th place. That is super amazing. Your kung fu is strong.
And SwiftPotato.... Did you say that you won?!?>!?! WOW!!!!!!!! congratulations!
You are both amazing and in inspiration to us all.
(my turn next year)
WOTF Stats
(2014) V31 – R
(2018) V35 – HM
(2019) V36 – HM, SHM
(2020) V37 – R, HM, SHM, Finalist
(2021) V38 – SF, SHM, SHM, HM
(2022) V39 – HM, SHM, SHM, SHM
(2023) V40 - HM, SF, tba, tba
Thanks, Henckel!!
R, 3rd place Q4 v36!!!
Stories in Apocalyptic, Cossmass Infinites x2! PodCastle, Spirit Machine; forthcoming in Beneath Ceaseless Skies, Apex Magazine, Human Monsters
Wow! Super congrats to SwiftPotato and DisgruntledPeony. Just in awe guys, just in awe. Such an achievement.
(Off to change my user name to a vegetable or a flower, clearly plant-names with a preceding descriptor (no space) is how it gets done around here. Wait! What if next quarter is for minerals...)
Finalist x2
Semi x1
SHM x5
HM x9
R - lots!
Wow! Super congrats to SwiftPotato and DisgruntledPeony. Just in awe guys, just in awe. Such an achievement.
(Off to change my user name to a vegetable or a flower, clearly plant-names with a preceding descriptor (no space) is how it gets done around here. Wait! What if next quarter is for minerals...)
This is genius Galen! We must discern if minerals are next and get on it ASAP!
~ J V Ashley
Wow! Super congrats to SwiftPotato and DisgruntledPeony. Just in awe guys, just in awe. Such an achievement.
(Off to change my user name to a vegetable or a flower, clearly plant-names with a preceding descriptor (no space) is how it gets done around here. Wait! What if next quarter is for minerals...)
Haha! I'm not sure about disgruntledpeony, but you can blame a random username generator for mine. I can come up with story ideas like nobody's business, but username ideas? Perish the thought. As for the minerals...any StarCraft players around here?
R, 3rd place Q4 v36!!!
Stories in Apocalyptic, Cossmass Infinites x2! PodCastle, Spirit Machine; forthcoming in Beneath Ceaseless Skies, Apex Magazine, Human Monsters
Wow congratulations SwiftPotato! And very good job DisgruntledPeony! Keep it up. I still haven't heard anything, will query in a few days.
Wow congratulations SwiftPotato! And very good job DisgruntledPeony! Keep it up. I still haven't heard anything, will query in a few days.
Thank you! I hope you get your answer soon - keep us posted!!
R, 3rd place Q4 v36!!!
Stories in Apocalyptic, Cossmass Infinites x2! PodCastle, Spirit Machine; forthcoming in Beneath Ceaseless Skies, Apex Magazine, Human Monsters
Haha! I'm not sure about disgruntledpeony, but you can blame a random username generator for mine. I can come up with story ideas like nobody's business, but username ideas? Perish the thought. As for the minerals...any StarCraft players around here?
I'm all 'bout Dune II, which ages me somewhat I should think. Gotta get me some spice...
That said, perhaps I should change my username to SidewindingBauxite.
DQ:0 / R:0 / RWC:3 / HM:15 / SHM:7 / SF:1 / F:1
Congratulations to all who got in and almost got in. And Congrats to the SFs, SHMs and Hms.
Working on turning Lead into Gold.
Four HMs From WotF
The latest was Q1'12
HM-quarter 4 Volume 32
One HM for another contest
published in Strange New Worlds Ten.
Another HM http://onthepremises.com/minis/mini_18.html
Just got the second call from Joni. Apparently, I came in 4th place. Just shy.
Ahh well.
Sorry, you didn't quite make it all the way. I have to think it was a GREAT story. A few months ago I read "Verum" by Storm Humbert in Interzone, and I loved it so much I went to his website and told him. His website said that he had been a finalist for WotF, and I thought, "Why didn't they give him the win?" So all you need to do is find the right market for your excellent story!
First Place, Q1 Vol 36
Recently out:
"Letter To A Christian Nation Not Sworn To The Elder Dark: https://www.sciphijournal.org/index.php/2025/03/27/letter-to-a-christian-nation-not-sworn-to-the-elder-dark/
"Deymons" in Mysterion: https://www.mysteriononline.com/2024/02/deymons.html
Wow congratulations SwiftPotato! And very good job DisgruntledPeony! Keep it up. I still haven't heard anything, will query in a few days.
Hang on just a bit, Eagerink. It's very possible you were a Semifinalist--we haven't heard any of them announce yet, and we usually have some here.
Hoping for good news for you. After how this quarter is turning out, for all we know they're about to announce you as the Golden Pen winner. 
All the beast!
~Moon~
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 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!
Wow! Super congrats to SwiftPotato and DisgruntledPeony. Just in awe guys, just in awe. Such an achievement.
(Off to change my user name to a vegetable or a flower, clearly plant-names with a preceding descriptor (no space) is how it gets done around here. Wait! What if next quarter is for minerals...)
Haha! I'm not sure about disgruntledpeony, but you can blame a random username generator for mine. I can come up with story ideas like nobody's business, but username ideas? Perish the thought. As for the minerals...any StarCraft players around here?
Super congrats FTW! Hollywood bound. 
Winning in the 4th quarter kinds means you're in the rear with the gear. 
Career: 1x Win -- 2x NW-F -- 2x S-F -- 9x S-HM -- 11x HM -- 7x R
Like me: facebook/AuthorTJKnight
Wow! Super congrats to SwiftPotato and DisgruntledPeony. Just in awe guys, just in awe. Such an achievement.
(Off to change my user name to a vegetable or a flower, clearly plant-names with a preceding descriptor (no space) is how it gets done around here. Wait! What if next quarter is for minerals...)
Haha! I'm not sure about disgruntledpeony, but you can blame a random username generator for mine. I can come up with story ideas like nobody's business, but username ideas? Perish the thought. As for the minerals...any StarCraft players around here?
Super congrats FTW! Hollywood bound.
Winning in the 4th quarter kinds means you're in the rear with the gear.
Thank you!! Am I gonna sound dumb if I ask what that means? Not gonna lie, I don't play StarCraft myself, my husband does...I'm more of a God of War girl. Haha.
R, 3rd place Q4 v36!!!
Stories in Apocalyptic, Cossmass Infinites x2! PodCastle, Spirit Machine; forthcoming in Beneath Ceaseless Skies, Apex Magazine, Human Monsters
Aah. It's just a thing the SVCs say. Tried to tie it in to the 4q win somehow. That's the best I could do.
Probably why I'm still trying to win.
Career: 1x Win -- 2x NW-F -- 2x S-F -- 9x S-HM -- 11x HM -- 7x R
Like me: facebook/AuthorTJKnight
Lol. You're good, man, I just don't have my brain turned on today.
R, 3rd place Q4 v36!!!
Stories in Apocalyptic, Cossmass Infinites x2! PodCastle, Spirit Machine; forthcoming in Beneath Ceaseless Skies, Apex Magazine, Human Monsters
For anyone still wondering, I queried and turns out my story got an HM! Now on to the next one....
Congrats on the HM Eagerink. Hard work does pay off.
Today's science fiction is tomorrow's reality-D.R.Sweeney
HM x5
Published Poetry
2012 Stars in Our Hearts
Silver Ships
For anyone still wondering, I queried and turns out my story got an HM! Now on to the next one....
Nicely done!!! Keep on truckin!
R, 3rd place Q4 v36!!!
Stories in Apocalyptic, Cossmass Infinites x2! PodCastle, Spirit Machine; forthcoming in Beneath Ceaseless Skies, Apex Magazine, Human Monsters
I just pre-ordered Volume 36 at Amazon! Can't wait to read all the wonderful stories! I feel rich! It said it will ship on April 7th.
So excited.
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
Amateur published stories:
"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
Hi I’m new here. I entered the contest for the first time last quarter and received an HM. Can’t help thinking it was a fluke and that I will just get a rejection for my entry this quarter!
