Wulf Moon's SUPER SECRETS Workshop & Challenge!

@scott_m_sands

For sure! Would love to chat.

Good day, Super Secrets’ challenge beasties! Today’s Monday prompt is:

”Excuse me, sir. Would you be interested in ________?”

Update: I should have mentioned, the more unique or crazy the offered item is, the stronger the hook will be. Strong hooks impel your reader to turn pages, and if you can keep them anxiously turning pages to discover the outcome all the way to the end, chances go way up you’ll be standing on the Taglyan’s opulent stage, hoisting a shiny trophy with your name on it. ?

I did a fill in the blank prompt as one of a set in my KYD master workshop, our Lost Bard chose it, turned it into an excellent KYD, expanded it out after class as the exercise calls for, and he sold it to DreamForge, his first respectably published story! Let’s try a new one and see if something similar happens for you!

Have at it! 

Beastmaster Moon

This month I wrote a 3100 word story finished a KYD using the Dust to Dust prompt. I submitted one story to a market and started revision on the story that will be my Q2 entry. 

This month I wrote one 3100 words of crap story, but it's what I could manage. Some months are better than others. I wrote three KYDs, submitted one new story and rewrote my SHM and submitted it to Clarkesworld. That was the best thing I wrote this month, but my best accomplishment was getting any of the above done despite what's been happening. I'll take it.

I did it. It's been a hard month. Now to the February doing to be done. 

@physa 

It's obviously a little different, what with the terrible circumstances. A few wonderfully organized folk who are enrolled have helped create critique groups (for those who wanted them) and we're all watching the recordings of the previous semester 318R course. We have access to all the videos now, but many people, like myself, are watching them at the same timeline we would have been doing before. We won't receive regular feedback from someone running the course (although some very generous students from last semester offered their services for any early critique). We just have access to the videos.

Can I say, it's a little bittersweet watching/hearing Dave speak the workshop sessions. But everything he has had to say has been absolutely relevant. And kind. I'm very thankful they provided the videos from last semester so that we could follow along. 

Posted by: @wulfmoon

Good day, Super Secrets’ challenge beasties! Today’s Monday prompt is:

”Excuse me, sir. Would you be interested in ________?”

I really like this prompt! I'm very nearly done with my Q2 alternate draft zero--I think I'll file this one to play with while I let the dust settle.

The weird thing I'm finding is, I can't shake the sense that Dave will still be the one reading and judging my stories. After the loss, it seems my brain has decided "nope" and just stuck him back in there as if it never happened, large as life and twice as handsome. But I really don't feel like that's a bad thing. He's a pretty great target to be aiming at, regardless.

Posted by: @doctorjest

Posted by: @wulfmoon

Good day, Super Secrets’ challenge beasties! Today’s Monday prompt is:

”Excuse me, sir. Would you be interested in ________?”

I really like this prompt! I'm very nearly done with my Q2 alternate draft zero--I think I'll file this one to play with while I let the dust settle.

The weird thing I'm finding is, I can't shake the sense that Dave will still be the one reading and judging my stories. After the loss, it seems my brain has decided "nope" and just stuck him back in there as if it never happened, large as life and twice as handsome. But I really don't feel like that's a bad thing. He's a pretty great target to be aiming at, regardless.

Glad you enjoyed the prompt, and more importantly, that it sparked your imagination to write! And yes, you can have no better target to aim at than the teachings of the Jedi master. Dave will be missed, but never forgotten.

Hi everyone, I thought I’d just share some good news.

For those of you who don’t know me, I’m Chris from Wulf Moon’s Super Secrets Years 2 and 3. Throughout this time, Moon has taken the time to share his helpful hints, tips, and tricks with me as well as do some fantastic edits.

Anyway, two of these stories were picked up in two days in January. My story The Button Girl will be published by the Academy of Heart and Mind in April. Also, my story The Reaping of Blackroot Hollow will be published by Galaxy’s Edge Magazine sometime after that. This will be my 2^nd story published in Galaxy’s Edge. The first one Echoes of Gliese was also edited by Moon and went on to be a finalist in WOTF and was a 3^rd place winner for the Mike Resnick Memorial Award.

Why am I sharing this? Well, to say thank you to Moon. His mentorship has been fantastic, and I admire his selfless commitment to helping others. Also, I want to give all of you aspiring writers a little encouragement too.  You can do this. Read the secrets. Help each other. And well … be awesome!

@henckel Congratulations! Your years of hard work are paying off!

Congratulations Chris, you've earned everything that comes your way.

Totally stoked to see that, @henckel! I saw your name show up on The Submission Grinder, and wondered what the odds were of there being two awesome Henckels in the world--I'm really glad to know that it was you floating up there with an acceptance!

Congratulations, Chris!

Congratulations, Chris! Another published story!
 

Hey all I'm a little behind due to some WotF volunteer work during December and January, so I'm going to post my results for Q1 now and January at the same time. @lost_bard - Moon approved my late posting and I'll do better at posting more regularly for you!

Q1-

I submitted a fresh story to WotF Q1 last minute as usual. I had thought I was doing it a day early but nope. Jan 31st was a Friday not Saturday as I previously thought, so I spent New Years Eve writing/polishing instead of partying. But I couldn't have ended a rough year in a better way.

I also submitted 3 stories - one to DreamForge (rejection but they gave me a personalized note about it so I'm going to keep being happy and send it off elsewhere), one an expanded KYD to Daily Science Fiction, and one to semi-pro Dark Recesses Press.

I wrote 3 fresh stories, two of which were part of my submissions, and one I'm still ruminating on what to do with because I'm not entirely happy with it yet.

I did write my 3 KYDs (one a month) though I didn't get them posted. If I need to post them as proof, I'd be happy to do so.

For January -

I wrote 1 KYD and have been working on a fresh story for WotF Q2's submission. I'm also working on a piece I plan to submit to Apex.

Happy writing! May the year 2022 be your best one yet!

@cpapa

Got it! Your name and accomplishments are upon the scroll. 

Posted by: @henckel

Hi everyone, I thought I’d just share some good news.

For those of you who don’t know me, I’m Chris from Wulf Moon’s Super Secrets Years 2 and 3. Throughout this time, Moon has taken the time to share his helpful hints, tips, and tricks with me as well as do some fantastic edits.

Anyway, two of these stories were picked up in two days in January. My story The Button Girl will be published by the Academy of Heart and Mind in April. Also, my story The Reaping of Blackroot Hollow will be published by Galaxy’s Edge Magazine sometime after that. This will be my 2^nd story published in Galaxy’s Edge. The first one Echoes of Gliese was also edited by Moon and went on to be a finalist in WOTF and was a 3^rd place winner for the Mike Resnick Memorial Award.

Why am I sharing this? Well, to say thank you to Moon. His mentorship has been fantastic, and I admire his selfless commitment to helping others. Also, I want to give all of you aspiring writers a little encouragement too.  You can do this. Read the secrets. Help each other. And well … be awesome!

What encouraging news, Christopher! I'm sorry I haven't responded sooner, but it's been a rough time. Losing friend and mentor Dave, dealing with other serious issues, then my dad came down with COVID and while we thought he was recovering, hospice has been called in, and we've likely said our last words this morning. Good words, where I could tell him I love him, and he could tell me through words he had my sister write down for me through the night that he knew I was a good writer, and that he believed I would help hundreds of writers get their words into books. Why this is so amazing is that he knew nothing about my WotF win, my other publications and awards, and all the subsequent work I've done here to help writers get published. A few of you may know why. But today, I was able to tell my dying father that his last words had already come true. And although I could barely make out the words, he said he was proud of me, and I could say I love him one last time.

Thank you, Christopher. You made my father's words come true.

Warmth and sunshine,

Wulf Moon

@wulfmoon

I'm glad your story ended in a better note than your award-winning flash piece, Moon. And yes your father was right. This thread proves it.

Now, on to the future.

@wulfmoon You are a great writer and mentor. I glad your father got to see that in the end.

It's odd how as children our parent's praise is the pinnacle and as we get older it's often not enough and we seek that praise elsewhere. Your post reminded me how lucky I am to have supportive parents who always praise whatever I write or other bizarre things I decide to do. 

So sorry for all you're going through, Wulf Moon.

@wulfmoon - I am so sorry to hear about your dad. I will be praying for him for healing, and for you and the rest of your family for comfort at this trying time.

Parents seem to go from a warm blanket when we are children, to unwanted nuisances as teenagers, then back to the warm blankets when we finally understand we are not all that smart and invincible. My wife and I both miss my dad almost everyday since his passing back in 2001.

We, as adults, are blessed if we have parents that love us and care and see how far we've come and what we've become and made of ourselves. And sometimes they see it before we do. I think it is wonderful that your dad sees your talent and accomplishments without ever hearing about them. That spiritual link between the two of you speaks loudly of your relationship, whether you knew you had one or not.

WE as fellow forumites know you and your talents and accomplishments, and we savor each and every chance at learning from you. Some of us even more than Master Dave, because we know you more - better - closer - and we consider you a friend . . . whether you want it or not.

I would like to thank you, Wulfy, for the mentor you are to us. And I especially would like to thank your dad for raising you to be the helpful, considerate person you've become in your years.

Health and healing to your father. Comfort to you and your family. And blessings to you, my friend, for all you have done for us.

Your friend,
Dragonchef

@henckel - Congrats, Chris! That is wonderful. You have come a long way and worked extremely hard to get where you are, and you deserve that accomplishment. I look forward to reading your stories - and to one day say  . . . "I know that guy."

Cheers, mate!

Posted by: @dragonchef

@wulfmoon - I am so sorry to hear about your dad. I will be praying for him for healing, and for you and the rest of your family for comfort at this trying time.

Parents seem to go from a warm blanket when we are children, to unwanted nuisances as teenagers, then back to the warm blankets when we finally understand we are not all that smart and invincible. My wife and I both miss my dad almost everyday since his passing back in 2001.

We, as adults, are blessed if we have parents that love us and care and see how far we've come and what we've become and made of ourselves. And sometimes they see it before we do. I think it is wonderful that your dad sees your talent and accomplishments without ever hearing about them. That spiritual link between the two of you speaks loudly of your relationship, whether you knew you had one or not.

WE as fellow forumites know you and your talents and accomplishments, and we savor each and every chance at learning from you. Some of us even more than Master Dave, because we know you more - better - closer - and we consider you a friend . . . whether you want it or not.

I would like to thank you, Wulfy, for the mentor you are to us. And I especially would like to thank your dad for raising you to be the helpful, considerate person you've become in your years.

Health and healing to your father. Comfort to you and your family. And blessings to you, my friend, for all you have done for us.

Your friend,
Dragonchef

Dear Dragonchef,

Thank you for your kind words. They mean more to me at this moment than you can possibly know.

I am happy the great investment of time I devoted to this thread and to all those in the Super Secrets Workshop—and lurking on the sidelines—has helped and encouraged so many of you. Thank you and others who have posted here for your kind recognition of the work I’ve done to help aspiring writers to succeed.

Most importantly, thank you for your friendship. And may the good memories of the time you had with your father bring you joy.

Warmth and sunshine,

Moon

You are going through very trying times Wulf. Keep your spirits up and sail through these storms of life.

As a member of the pack, doing your super secrets elevated my ability and took years off the learning curve.

Thank you.

@wulfmoon May your last words and his being peace and healing. I pray that you emerge from this chapter of your life with a renewed strength. Until then, take what time you need, resting your soul with the comfort of friends and family.

Forgive me, it's been a rough week. Thank you all for your kind words. Your writing prompt this week is:

To fight for a cause long ago forgotten.

Beastmaster Moon

@wulfmoon I find I never know the right words surrounding death of a loved one. I’m so sorry for these rough times, for the grief. I lost my Dad in 2012 and didn’t get to say goodbye or be at his bedside. I’m happy you had that and such a loving exchange with him. You and your family are in my thoughts.

@ Moon, I'm so sorry about your Dad! I've been out of things for the past two months and apparently missed that post. I am relieved you got to say goodbye and have a moment at the end. My biggest regret with my Dad's passing was, I didn't tell him I loved him because that felt final. Like I was saying goodbye. I'm relieved you took the chance to seize that peace. 

@wulfmoon My thoughts and heart is with you. I lost my dad suddenly when I was 25. Being able to say goodbye is precious. The words I wish I could have said to him. The accomplishments I wanted to share. I know he would have been proud of me, and I'm so happy you got to hear those words.

You give so much to all of us, please, please let us know what we can do in return. At a minimum, I will continue working my craft and doing the best I can to make you and my dad proud!

Posted by: @jennyperrycarr

I lost my dad suddenly when I was 25. Being able to say goodbye is precious. The words I wish I could have said to him. The accomplishments I wanted to share. I know he would have been proud of me.

Jenny - While I never knew your dad, as a dad I think I can safely say he was very proud of you. While dads don't always speak their mind, (who knows why? --maybe because we don't know how or we get diverted for whatever reason before we have a chance and then the moment is gone--or maybe because our wives make such a fuss over our children's accomplishments we can't get a word in edgewise) be it known that we dads are so very proud of our children. Our hearts warm and smile with every great thing that happens to you.

So don't you worry none about how he felt. I'm sure he placed a golden trophy on a shelf in his heart for each and every picture you drew, every smile you gave him when you sat on his lap, every knee bash and tear that you survived, and all else throughout your lives together or apart.

We dads know more than you kids believe we do.