Okay, friends, the promised post! I am here to talk about the workshop! I feel like this is going to be a mini preview of the Fyrecon panel on Saturday.
So here is the first thing: you guys, the judges and the Author Services folks were so, so kind to me. I mean, they were just so genuinely happy for all the winners, and so excited to meet everyone. I was a bit nervous, because, well, those are the Writers of the Future people, you know, but there was zero need. I mean, I offered to help set up because I got there a day early and they laughed at me. So WHEN you get there - don't say if, or Kary and Martin will emphatically say "no! WHEN!" - I know this will not magically make you not nervous, but I hope you will at least think of this and remember that they want to spend time with you. They want to get to know you. When Tim Powers says "I'm going to the burger place down the block, everyone is welcome," he means it. When someone invites you to dinner, they mean it. I went into that week thinking "I will say yes even when uncomfortable (note: uncomfortable meaning 'omg, I'm an introvert and I want to retreat to my room'), and I will sleep when I'm dead." This will not be the way for everyone! Do not do this if it will cause you actual distress! However, I did not regret any of the times I decided to stay up ridiculously late and walk into the workshop with 4-5 hours of sleep under my belt.
The next thing: the 24-hour story. Came up much sooner than I thought it would, lol. My prop was a key in a lock that went to nothing. I ended up combining that (metaphorically more than literally) with the fact that the day before, Tim Powers accidentally said "a swarm of rot" instead of "a swarm of wasps," and voila! I think the story ended up being about 3900 words long. I was also lucky enough to be roommates with Brittany - we swapped about an hour before deadline to make sure our grammar and whatnot was at least acceptable. (Also, her story was REALLY good. I shall be very upset if I don't see it published somewhere someday!) My story was not one of the ones workshopped, but I still learned tons from listening to the feedback on others' stories. Most notably how often differing opinions were offered on the same part of the same story. It was an excellent lesson in understanding that you have to take only the feedback that serves the story you have in mind. Not "only take the feedback you like," but "only take the feedback that makes the story you are trying to tell stronger."
Barcon. Oh my god, go to barcon. DISCLAIMER: You do not have to drink. You do not have to be drinking age to be at barcon. It is only named that way because usually, in places where conventions are held, the bars have the largest area of seating and also that's where people congregate. I didn't drink once the whole week I was at WotF, because I simply had no desire to. No one at barcon got ridiculously sloshed that I was aware of. Judges will come hang out. Winners past and present will come hang out. Author Services and Galaxy Press people will come hang out. HANG OUT WITH THEM. THEY WANT TO HANG OUT WITH YOU. (Also, they're really fun people!)
The workshop overall: I remember some but not all of it. Mainly because I was exhausted. Luckily, I don't have to be awake to have typey fingers, so I took notes. TONS of notes. Do this. You will not regret it. Probably. Because there is just SO MUCH information, and all of it is good and different, and you will want to remember it in great detail.
Finally: The gala! First note of advice, don't trip your way out of the limo like I did. You, uh, have to put your whole foot on the runner board. Not, you know, just...your heel...when you're wearing high heels. I think the driver thought I was going to die. (Spoiler alert: I lived.) Make sure your shoes are comfortable. Make sure whatever you wear is not easily jostled out of place, because you will be adjusting it constantly. Second note of advice: when people start arriving and the red carpet starts setting up, PAY ATTENTION. People will want to start interviewing you and taking photos of you, individually and in groups. You will get hit with unexpected questions and unexpected interviews. This is fine. You will be fine. Smile. Breathe. Keep going and eventually someone (or several someones) will shout that it is time to go inside. When you get inside, the food will be delicious. Savor it. 
When you get on stage, it may feel like much more time is passing than is actually passing. This is also fine. You can have a little notecard or piece of paper for your speech (I did, and so did many others) - use it if you need to! You'll get to rehearse the order in which things happen beforehand, too, so don't worry - you won't be going up cold. And then, when it's all done, you get to sign your book! Some people want it signed to them, some want it signed to someone else, some people want just your name. Always ask!
This has been your friendly neighborhood winner who did the workshop during a pandemic - if you have questions about that or just the workshop in general, ask away! It's always best to go into these things prepared for what you want to do and how you want to do it.
R, 3rd place Q4 v36!!!
Stories in Apocalyptic, Cossmass Infinites x2! PodCastle, Spirit Machine; forthcoming in Beneath Ceaseless Skies, Apex Magazine, Human Monsters
Thanks for sharing, Leah. Sounds like an amazing time!
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
So here is the first thing: you guys, the judges and the Author Services folks were so, so kind to me. I mean, they were just so genuinely happy for all the winners, and so excited to meet everyone. I was a bit nervous, because, well, those are the Writers of the Future people, you know, but there was zero need. I mean, I offered to help set up because I got there a day early and they laughed at me. So WHEN you get there - don't say if, or Kary and Martin will emphatically say "no! WHEN!" - I know this will not magically make you not nervous, but I hope you will at least think of this and remember that they want to spend time with you. They want to get to know you. When Tim Powers says "I'm going to the burger place down the block, everyone is welcome," he means it. When someone invites you to dinner, they mean it. I went into that week thinking "I will say yes even when uncomfortable (note: uncomfortable meaning 'omg, I'm an introvert and I want to retreat to my room'), and I will sleep when I'm dead." This will not be the way for everyone! Do not do this if it will cause you actual distress! However, I did not regret any of the times I decided to stay up ridiculously late and walk into the workshop with 4-5 hours of sleep under my belt.
...HANG OUT WITH THEM. THEY WANT TO HANG OUT WITH YOU. (Also, they're really fun people!)...
Thank you so much for sharing this! I will fully admit to feeling maximum nervousness about being a fish out of water who's the actual imposter (no syndrome needed). The number of things I feel I don't know about the 2022 function are staggering, but the pieces are falling into place bit by bit, and nervousness is gradually being replaced by excitement.
v37q3 - SF
v37q4 - HM
v38q1 - #1
NEW RELEASE!!! Space opera novel The Signal out of Space
https://www.mikejackstoumbos.com/
https://twitter.com/MJStoumbos
The Book Break
Chris Kennedy Publishing
~may your travels be memorable and your adventures unbelievable~
Thanks for the insider info & the inspiration! I hope to walk in your shoes soon minus the heels. They take an amount of coordination I lack. Sounds like such a whirl-wind, once in a life-time experience, well twice if you’re Brittany or K.D. Julicher. I love this contest!
Website: https://www.jeschleicher.com/
Blog: https://www.jeschleicher.com/dopaminesdelight
V40: Q1 3rd Place Winner ("Squiddy")
V39: SHM, HM, HM, HM
V38: HM, SHM, HM, HM
V37: R, R, HM, HM
V36: R
So here is the first thing: you guys, the judges and the Author Services folks were so, so kind to me. I mean, they were just so genuinely happy for all the winners, and so excited to meet everyone. I was a bit nervous, because, well, those are the Writers of the Future people, you know, but there was zero need. I mean, I offered to help set up because I got there a day early and they laughed at me. So WHEN you get there - don't say if, or Kary and Martin will emphatically say "no! WHEN!" - I know this will not magically make you not nervous, but I hope you will at least think of this and remember that they want to spend time with you. They want to get to know you. When Tim Powers says "I'm going to the burger place down the block, everyone is welcome," he means it. When someone invites you to dinner, they mean it. I went into that week thinking "I will say yes even when uncomfortable (note: uncomfortable meaning 'omg, I'm an introvert and I want to retreat to my room'), and I will sleep when I'm dead." This will not be the way for everyone! Do not do this if it will cause you actual distress! However, I did not regret any of the times I decided to stay up ridiculously late and walk into the workshop with 4-5 hours of sleep under my belt.
...HANG OUT WITH THEM. THEY WANT TO HANG OUT WITH YOU. (Also, they're really fun people!)...
Thank you so much for sharing this! I will fully admit to feeling maximum nervousness about being a fish out of water who's the actual imposter (no syndrome needed). The number of things I feel I don't know about the 2022 function are staggering, but the pieces are falling into place bit by bit, and nervousness is gradually being replaced by excitement.
Trust me, I get the nervousness. One thing that helped me was watching the recording of this year's gala. I'm fine with the idea of the workshop and will do my best to be social at barcon--the idea of the gala has always made me anxious, though. Watching the video gave me a better idea of what to anticipate on that front. 
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
So here is the first thing: you guys, the judges and the Author Services folks were so, so kind to me. I mean, they were just so genuinely happy for all the winners, and so excited to meet everyone. I was a bit nervous, because, well, those are the Writers of the Future people, you know, but there was zero need. I mean, I offered to help set up because I got there a day early and they laughed at me. So WHEN you get there - don't say if, or Kary and Martin will emphatically say "no! WHEN!" - I know this will not magically make you not nervous, but I hope you will at least think of this and remember that they want to spend time with you. They want to get to know you. When Tim Powers says "I'm going to the burger place down the block, everyone is welcome," he means it. When someone invites you to dinner, they mean it. I went into that week thinking "I will say yes even when uncomfortable (note: uncomfortable meaning 'omg, I'm an introvert and I want to retreat to my room'), and I will sleep when I'm dead." This will not be the way for everyone! Do not do this if it will cause you actual distress! However, I did not regret any of the times I decided to stay up ridiculously late and walk into the workshop with 4-5 hours of sleep under my belt.
...HANG OUT WITH THEM. THEY WANT TO HANG OUT WITH YOU. (Also, they're really fun people!)...
Thank you so much for sharing this! I will fully admit to feeling maximum nervousness about being a fish out of water who's the actual imposter (no syndrome needed). The number of things I feel I don't know about the 2022 function are staggering, but the pieces are falling into place bit by bit, and nervousness is gradually being replaced by excitement.
Of course! Glad to help - and you're more than welcome to message and ask questions or just rant about the nervousness, I totally get that feel. And, of course, we can chat at SSWS, too! It really helped me, having gone there before the workshop, because a lot of the judges are founders or instructors at SSWS. Once you've been there, you're Tribe, and then if Kevin J Anderson walks up to you at the workshop and you don't say "hi, we met at Superstars," he'll be like "Why didn't you tell me!!!" Also, be prepared - they love WotF winners at Superstars, so they will totally single you out (in good ways).
R, 3rd place Q4 v36!!!
Stories in Apocalyptic, Cossmass Infinites x2! PodCastle, Spirit Machine; forthcoming in Beneath Ceaseless Skies, Apex Magazine, Human Monsters
Thanks for the insider info & the inspiration! I hope to walk in your shoes soon minus the heels. They take an amount of coordination I lack. Sounds like such a whirl-wind, once in a life-time experience, well twice if your'e Brittany or K.D. Julicher. I love this contest!
It is a total whirlwind, in the best way! And clearly I lack the coordination for heels too, and I survived, so don't worry 😉
R, 3rd place Q4 v36!!!
Stories in Apocalyptic, Cossmass Infinites x2! PodCastle, Spirit Machine; forthcoming in Beneath Ceaseless Skies, Apex Magazine, Human Monsters
That was a fun read - thank you for that inside look!
Finalist x2
Semi x1
SHM x5
HM x9
R - lots!
My main fear If/When I get a chance to go is the 24 hour story. I can write quickly once I have an idea cemented in place, but it takes me A LOT of ruminating to get the parts in place before beginning. ACK!
And I assume there is not video to prep a person for that. Well, I have not won yet...so, one fearful step (heals or not) at a time.
~ J V Ashley
If I ever make it, I will wear flats. I wore flats to my wedding, this is no different.
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
My main fear If/When I get a chance to go is the 24 hour story. I can write quickly once I have an idea cemented in place, but it takes me A LOT of ruminating to get the parts in place before beginning. ACK!
And I assume there is not video to prep a person for that. Well, I have not won yet...so, one fearful step (heals or not) at a time.
I don't know that there's a lower wordcount limit. (Leah, is there a lower wordcount limit?) You might be able to swing a flash, if need be.
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
If I ever make it, I will wear flats. I wore flats to my wedding, this is no different.
I am definitely going to be wearing flats. Heels would kill me.
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
@jvashley You'll find when you're doing the 24 hour story that those things that usually take a lot of time to get into place just... don't. You're in a very different head-space. Writer-land is something special. There's also no wordcount, it's just "write a complete story". Some write super short, some of us who are wordy write 10k... things... that have to get weedwacked before they can be sold. Not that I'm talking about me. But I'm talking about me.
I'll have to try to keep it shorter in April because I'm going to have a six month old with me and while she's adorable she also tends to get in the way when I write! Say more with less, that's my new motto!
WOTF: HM x 16, SHMx2, SF x 1, F V31 Q3, V32 Q2, V32 Q4, V34 Q3, V36 Q1
Baen Fantasy Award Winner 2014
V32 Published Finalist
3rd place V37 Q1!
My main fear If/When I get a chance to go is the 24 hour story. I can write quickly once I have an idea cemented in place, but it takes me A LOT of ruminating to get the parts in place before beginning. ACK!
And I assume there is not video to prep a person for that. Well, I have not won yet...so, one fearful step (heals or not) at a time.
I was really worried about the 24 hour story too! I'm a super slow writer. I'll do 20-minute sprints with people and they'll be all "I wrote 800 words! :D" and I'm over there like "Haha I wrote...225 words......"
At least for this year's workshop, there was not a hard word count minimum. The deadline was also really good motivation, when I was struggling to stay focused or to come up with what was next, to just keep writing. I got to about the middle of the story, just before the climax, and couldn't figure out what to do. So I wrote the second-to-last scene, and then the last scene, and then I wrote scenes backwards after that until I got to where I'd left off. It worked surprisingly well! You'll also have plenty of like-minded folk there to help you brainstorm if you need. I'm sure when you get there you'll do just fine!
R, 3rd place Q4 v36!!!
Stories in Apocalyptic, Cossmass Infinites x2! PodCastle, Spirit Machine; forthcoming in Beneath Ceaseless Skies, Apex Magazine, Human Monsters
If I ever make it, I will wear flats. I wore flats to my wedding, this is no different.
I wanted to wear flats. In fact, I had a pair of flats picked out.
I wore them to a different event and they made my heels bleed, so I decided to go with the heels. Lol
R, 3rd place Q4 v36!!!
Stories in Apocalyptic, Cossmass Infinites x2! PodCastle, Spirit Machine; forthcoming in Beneath Ceaseless Skies, Apex Magazine, Human Monsters
@swiftpotato Yikes! For my wedding, I special ordered platform tennis shoes. Maybe I'll do the same thing again
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
If I ever make it, I will wear flats. I wore flats to my wedding, this is no different.
I wanted to wear flats. In fact, I had a pair of flats picked out.
I wore them to a different event and they made my heels bleed, so I decided to go with the heels. Lol
Oof, bleeding heels are no joke. 
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
I am definitely going to be wearing flats. Heels would kill me.
If I ever get there I will have to wear heels so I can reach the microphone
Small steps add up to miles.
V38: R, R, HM, HM
V39: RWC, HM, HM, SHM
V40 : HM, RWC, R, HM
V41 : RWC, R, R, P
"Amore For Life" in After the Gold Rush Third Flatiron Anthology
"Freedom’s Song” in Troubadour and Space Princesses LTUE Anthology
"Experimenting with the Dance of Death" in Love is Complicated LUW Romance Anthology.
@disgruntledpeony
@kd-julicher
@swiftpotato
Thanks for the words of comfort about the 24-hour story. I'm in no danger until Q4. I missed the Q3 submission. If and when I get to the gala, I might have to reserve one of you for my "call a friend" option for the 24-hour turn around. You do get a "call a fried" option, right? Please say, yes.
And on a completely unrelated note...Could you send your phone numbers?
~ J V Ashley
@disgruntledpeony
@kd-julicher
@swiftpotatoYou do get a "call a fried" option, right? Please say, yes.
And on a completely unrelated note...Could you send your phone numbers?
hehe.
V32: HM (Q4)
V33: HM, HM, SHM, HM
V34: R, R, HM, HM
V35: HM, HM, R, HM
V36: R, R, SHM, R
V37: SHM, FINALIST, HM, SHM
V38: SF, X, SHM, SHM
V39: SHM, tbd, tbd
https://aliciacay.com
@disgruntledpeony
@kd-julicher
@swiftpotatoThanks for the words of comfort about the 24-hour story. I'm in no danger until Q4. I missed the Q3 submission. If and when I get to the gala, I might have to reserve one of you for my "call a friend" option for the 24-hour turn around. You do get a "call a fried" option, right? Please say, yes.
And on a completely unrelated note...Could you send your phone numbers?
You totally can call a friend. My 24-hour story I was sending my initial plot ideas to my husband (who couldn't be there) for his input and revision while we finished up the lectures. And then he read along as I finished scenes to let me know I was on track, it worked great.
More on point, didn't Kary English call up Dr Bob and collaborate with him on the 24 hour story? Isn't that the genesis of "Shattered Vessels"? Or is my sleep-deprived brain playing tricks on me?
WOTF: HM x 16, SHMx2, SF x 1, F V31 Q3, V32 Q2, V32 Q4, V34 Q3, V36 Q1
Baen Fantasy Award Winner 2014
V32 Published Finalist
3rd place V37 Q1!
You totally can call a friend. My 24-hour story I was sending my initial plot ideas to my husband (who couldn't be there) for his input and revision while we finished up the lectures. And then he read along as I finished scenes to let me know I was on track, it worked great.
More on point, didn't Kary English call up Dr Bob and collaborate with him on the 24 hour story? Isn't that the genesis of "Shattered Vessels"? Or is my sleep-deprived brain playing tricks on me?
I thought I rememberd you mentioning calling your husband, @kd-julicher. The one time I wrote a story in 24 hours (made HM in WotF) I loomed over my husband brainstorming until 11:30pm when he tapped out and went to sleep. That time, I had the seed of the story in the back of my head for weeks prior and just needed to nail down the conflict and sequence to go with it.
All of you make the Gala seem such an amazing adventure!
Thanks for sharing your experiences.
~ J V Ashley
Thank you for sharing the gala. The 24 hr stories sound exciting, but terrifying.
Small steps add up to miles.
V38: R, R, HM, HM
V39: RWC, HM, HM, SHM
V40 : HM, RWC, R, HM
V41 : RWC, R, R, P
"Amore For Life" in After the Gold Rush Third Flatiron Anthology
"Freedom’s Song” in Troubadour and Space Princesses LTUE Anthology
"Experimenting with the Dance of Death" in Love is Complicated LUW Romance Anthology.
@disgruntledpeony
@kd-julicher
@swiftpotatoThanks for the words of comfort about the 24-hour story. I'm in no danger until Q4. I missed the Q3 submission. If and when I get to the gala, I might have to reserve one of you for my "call a friend" option for the 24-hour turn around. You do get a "call a fried" option, right? Please say, yes.
And on a completely unrelated note...Could you send your phone numbers?
You totally can call a friend. My 24-hour story I was sending my initial plot ideas to my husband (who couldn't be there) for his input and revision while we finished up the lectures. And then he read along as I finished scenes to let me know I was on track, it worked great.
More on point, didn't Kary English call up Dr Bob and collaborate with him on the 24 hour story? Isn't that the genesis of "Shattered Vessels"? Or is my sleep-deprived brain playing tricks on me?
It was either her or Martin Shoemaker, I think, yeah! This story rings a bell. You're not totally off the mark.
R, 3rd place Q4 v36!!!
Stories in Apocalyptic, Cossmass Infinites x2! PodCastle, Spirit Machine; forthcoming in Beneath Ceaseless Skies, Apex Magazine, Human Monsters
Thanks for posting this, Leah!
I’ve of course always wanted to win, but the idea of the gala, barcon, and socializing with new people (and famous people, no less) is nerve wracking. I have a social butterfly of a spouse to handle social situations for me :).
9 x HM
V38 Q4 2nd Place
Mike Resnick Memorial Award winner 2021 https://www.galaxysedge.com/
www.ztbright.com
Thanks for posting this, Leah!
I’ve of course always wanted to win, but the idea of the gala, barcon, and socializing with new people (and famous people, no less) is nerve wracking. I have a social butterfly of a spouse to handle social situations for me :).
It's so nerve wracking, I'm with you. Socializing with famous people is frightening. But they are so kind - I mean, genuinely so - that I was almost immediately at ease. They are just very, very sweet people. Will you be over-peopled at some point or another, possibly several points? If you're like me, then yes. I found pushing through it for the week totally worth it, but your mileage may vary! Take care of yourself first and foremost, do what you need to do to get the most out of the week.
R, 3rd place Q4 v36!!!
Stories in Apocalyptic, Cossmass Infinites x2! PodCastle, Spirit Machine; forthcoming in Beneath Ceaseless Skies, Apex Magazine, Human Monsters
I’ve of course always wanted to win, but the idea of the gala, barcon, and socializing with new people (and famous people, no less) is nerve wracking. I have a social butterfly of a spouse to handle social situations for me :).
Don't forget, even if you're not a social butterfly, these aren't people you're socializing with, it's writers, and we are an entirely different breed of cat. Writer-world socializing is not the same as normal socializing. It's much better!
WOTF: HM x 16, SHMx2, SF x 1, F V31 Q3, V32 Q2, V32 Q4, V34 Q3, V36 Q1
Baen Fantasy Award Winner 2014
V32 Published Finalist
3rd place V37 Q1!
