Wulf Moon's SUPER SECRETS Workshop & Challenge!

Anyone have any tips on finding theme/emotional subtext for your story?

Try "The Emotional Craft of Fiction" by Donald Maass. Available at Amazon.com

What he said.

Also, you might not be doing third person close well enough. Get deep insid your protag's heart, not just their head. We must care about them, we must feel what they feel, we must crash to the depths of the sea with them, we must rise to the peaks of glory with them when they finally succeed.

Anything short of that is a semifinalist or less. Great stories take you on an emotional journey, not just an intellectual one. And it has nothing to do with theme. It has to do with character.

I hope that helps.

All the beast,

~Beastmaster Moon~

Yes, Wulf - it''s my first SF. I''m a noob here -- entered 4th Q last year for the first time. Still finding my sea legs.

Do you know how amazing that is that you've hit semifinalist so quickly? That's top 16 for the quarter! And those stories are so close, Dave has to really nitpick on some of them to sort them out of his finalist pile. It means you didn't just hit the target, you nicked the bullseye. In fact, on a different day, with different lighting, you might have been in!

When you get Silver or above folks, you should be writing fresh every quarter without fear, without fail, and without fumbling. I commend Becky for going back over the Super Secrets after, because that's how you can discern what you might have missed on. Just don't spend too much time on it, or it becomes Rejectomancy. Move on quick to WRITING YOUR NEXT FRESH STORY!

You've joined my challenge. This challenge is about creating new, and learning through the creation process. Keep up the good work.

And the silence on two of you is deafening. I predicted we'd have more than one from this challenge win and be in the book this year. I think my prediction is about to come true! And that makes me very happy, because we all should be using our knowledge to help others get a leg up. It's what this topic is all about.

To the upcoming announcements!

All the beast,

~Beastmaster Moon~

Damn, Wulf.

I read Super Duper Moongirl last week. I've been thinking about it since. That's always a sign for me that there's something special about a story, when it sticks with you. And this one is following me around like my own personal moon dawdler.

Anyway, I'm late to the party, but I'm in. My Q1 was a Q4 R that turned into an HM. I've collected a good handful of HM's over the last few years, but can't seem to get beyond that. I've diagnosed a weakness in my ability to write with emotion, and weak try/fail cycles.

The "super secrets" have been excellent, and I'm looking forward to writing fresh stories for Q3 and Q4.

By the way, thank you for the effort of putting this thread together.

Zeeteebeez,

Glad the story lingers. That means it touched your heart, which also means I executed on my goal--to write an emotionally engaging story. I did that through keying up huge things in the human psyche, and we can talk about that some time after more have read. But remember this, and it's AJ's teaching, not mine (Algis Budrys, the first contest coordinating judge): The story occurs in your reader, not on the paper. You are transcribing the code that will execute in the reader's mind.

It's a deep thought. And highly important to understand. And why AJ was the master--no one understood story better than him.

Oh! And to all of you, please do leave a review on Amazon, if we hit 100 reviews, John Goodwin said the Amazon algorithms push the antho into higher exposure. If you love this contest, it's the simplest thing you can do to help us keep making the contest and anthology known and read. Thank you for protecting and building your own future! This contest and book is for YOU!

All the beast,

~Beastmaster Moon~

Do you know how amazing that is that you've hit semifinalist so quickly? That's top 16 for the quarter! And those stories are so close, Dave has to really nitpick on some of them to sort them out of his finalist pile. It means you didn't just hit the target, you nicked the bullseye. In fact, on a different day, with different lighting, you might have been in!

Thanks for the kind words, Wulf. I'm pleased as punch with this result, keeping my eyes on the prize for Q3 and 4. Q2, well, I have rethought my entry - and expect it may be a sinker. Live and learn. Onward and upward. 

I'm always most optimistic about the story I'm currently writing. Then for a week or two after, I stay optimistic, and then after that I assume the story is probably just trash and keep on going. This works fine with short fiction, but poses more of a problem with novels, because I tend to reach the "this story is just trash" point before I've actually finished writing it, and that has historically been a problem for me completing the things I start. I've finally started to figure out how to wrangle that, but it's been a colossal pain getting there...

Doctor Doctor Gimme the News
I Gotta Bad Case of the Writing Blues.

Been there Doc. That's when you let someone else critique it, and let them tell you it's trash.
But I bet they won't. I'll bet they say, "Man, this is some good Shazbot! You should enter it the WotF contest. I'll bet you'll win."
Of course, you'll say, "Seriously? But it really is garbage."
And they'll respond, "No way dude. Get it out there. But first make a few corrections. Only a few. You'll see. It's killer."

Of course, that hasn't happened to me. Mine really were trash.
But hey, that's just me. Yours could be the next winner of the coveted "Pen of Unequaled Desire Award"

And now, for a well overdue SUPER SECRET, direct from the WotF Vol. 35 workshop!

Moon's SUPER SECRET #25: The Pros and Cons of first, second, and third person POV. 

This Secret has been Amended 2/5/2022 after I attended the WotF Zoom meet and greet with Jody Lynn Nye, the new WotF coordinating judge. Whereas prior judges in the WotF workshop I attended stated a strong dislike for first person narrative (it was an hour-long part of the program), Jody went on the record that she likes first person and third person narrative. I am happy to hear this. I have personally always felt choice of POV is determined by the story the writer wishes to tell, and that great stories have the potential to rise above any bias a judge may have. As proof, I cite my winning story in Volume 35, "Super-Duper Moongirl and the Amazing Moon Dawdler." It was written in first person, and I know two of the judges that taught our workshop voted for my story in that quarter.

Where then, is the newly revised SUPER SECRET? It will be in the upcoming books! But at least you'll know what the following discussion in the workshop posts here was all about. 

~Beastmaster Moon~

Good to hear what the judges prefer - and well worth bearing in mind.

From the secrets of the Bath Literary Award (which I think employs professional readers) - The imbalance of narrative viewpoints on our combined shortlists is striking, with twice as many first person as third person narratives. I suspect this could be linked to the heightened pace of reading for awards. Voting comments often mention the reader’s connection with the protagonist and first person narratives seem to have more success in this aspect. If your novel is written in the third person, it’s perhaps worth considering an edit focussed on emotional layers and opportunities to increase reader connection, particularly in the extract round.

However, I also get tips from the Crime Writers Awards, and one of their readers is dead against first person.

Generally, you can't go wrong with 3rd person - and if it's the preference of WotF judges...

Though I did enjoy your story Wulf.

Well, maybe Scott is right. I don’t have the resume to argue against him. But, as a reader, I’m quite sure Moongirl was presented to me best in first person.

Don't know the Topanga Canyon story? Listen to this podcast with Preston Dennet! And NEVER GIVE UP!

https://soundcloud.com/writersofthefutu ... e-up-story

Don't know the Topanga Canyon story? Listen to this podcast with Preston Dennet! And NEVER GIVE UP!

https://soundcloud.com/writersofthefutu ... e-up-story

Great podcast! Way to go Preston, rewriting your ending.

Anyone have any tips on finding theme/emotional subtext for your story?

Also check out - Story Genius - by Lisa Cron- which deals directly with what you are looking for.

Damn, Wulf.

I read Super Duper Moongirl last week. I've been thinking about it since. That's always a sign for me that there's something special about a story, when it sticks with you. And this one is following me around like my own personal moon dawdler.

Anyway, I'm late to the party, but I'm in. My Q1 was a Q4 R that turned into an HM. I've collected a good handful of HM's over the last few years, but can't seem to get beyond that. I've diagnosed a weakness in my ability to write with emotion, and weak try/fail cycles.

The "super secrets" have been excellent, and I'm looking forward to writing fresh stories for Q3 and Q4.

By the way, thank you for the effort of putting this thread together.

Thank you for your kind words about my story, Z.T.! You know what? Moon Dawdler was based on a toy about the size of a poodle my grandmother made for me when I was a little kid. It was made from inner tube rubber stretched over a disk of plywoood, and stuffed to make it dome up. It had a short neck topped with a head with a beak, but its eyes were two long spring stalks with star shapes cut from inner tube rubber. It had a tail made from a spring as well, and it had three wooden wheels underneath, two in the back, one up front that swiveled like on a tricycle. I pulled it on a thin chain and those spring eye-stalks and tail would whip everywhere as it rolled behind me. The wheels squeaked loud to, eeee-eeee-eeee-eeee--urpaaa-urpaaa, like it was its own voice. When grandma gave it to me, she said, "This is a moon dawdler. He came here from the Moon and you have to look after him now."

So, yeah, I had my own personal moon dawdler!

Damn, Wulf.

I read Super Duper Moongirl last week. I've been thinking about it since. That's always a sign for me that there's something special about a story, when it sticks with you. And this one is following me around like my own personal moon dawdler.

Anyway, I'm late to the party, but I'm in. My Q1 was a Q4 R that turned into an HM. I've collected a good handful of HM's over the last few years, but can't seem to get beyond that. I've diagnosed a weakness in my ability to write with emotion, and weak try/fail cycles.

The "super secrets" have been excellent, and I'm looking forward to writing fresh stories for Q3 and Q4.

By the way, thank you for the effort of putting this thread together.

Thank you for your kind words about my story, Z.T.! You know what? Moon Dawdler was based on a toy about the size of a poodle my grandmother made for me when I was a little kid. It was made from inner tube rubber stretched over a disk of plywoood, and stuffed to make it dome up. It had a short neck topped with a head with a beak, but its eyes were two long spring stalks with star shapes cut from inner tube rubber. It had a tail made from a spring as well, and it had three wooden wheels underneath, two in the back, one up front that swiveled like on a tricycle. I pulled it on a thin chain and those spring eye-stalks and tail would whip everywhere as it rolled behind me. The wheels squeaked loud to, eeee-eeee-eeee-eeee--urpaaa-urpaaa, like it was its own voice. When grandma gave it to me, she said, "This is a moon dawdler. He came here from the Moon and you have to look after him now."

So, yeah, I had my own personal moon dawdler!

That's fantastic.

And thank you again for the thread. I'm having "light bulb" moments and I'm excited to get new, fresh, stories out.

Most welcome on the SUPER SECRET topic, Z.T. <Queues the camera for an authorly closeup in a distressed leather wingback in a shadow-filled office> "This is my Moonster Class. Writing a story is like driving in the fog, careening from one precipice to another. In my class, we'll be taking all of that fear away, by putting a thick blindfold on you and telling you to use the Force. Will the death-dealing precipices go away? No. Will the sharp curves straighten out? No. Will you improve your driving? Are you kidding, YOU'RE BLINDFOLDED! But at least you'll have me sitting in the passenger's seat beside you, screaming with you all the way down. This is Wulf Moon, and this is my Moonster Class."

Just a note, another NEW this year, from Author Services. I did the questions for "Super-Duper Moongirl..." in the Readers Guide (they call it a Discussion Guide). Might give you some insight into what my subconscious was dishing up when I wrote this in 36 hours. I didn't consciously think these things at the time, but they are definitely the theme and subtext in this story.

I highly recommend all take a look at the Readers Guide after you've finished the book, or a given story. See how deep these waters run. You want your story to have depth, deep layers. It's what makes a reader keep dwelling on a story long after they are done, and those readers REMEMBER the story and tell others. Word of mouth is the secret of success. You get the buzz by knowing your craft and writing, not just entertaining stories, but deep, meaninful stories along with all that. And I agree with Scott Card's article on Theme in Volume 34. It's not something you consciously do or it will sound like preaching--but the big stories all have it.

Cheers! And here's the link:

https://writersofthefuture.com/educator-resources/

Thanks!

https://writersofthefuture.com/educator-resources/

Very cool. Thanks!

What's this? The latest Writers of the Future podcast? Who is this Wulf Moon guy, and what SUPER SECRET is he giving away now? Find out by going to:

https://soundcloud.com/writersofthefutu ... ng-back-up

Hello friends (I feel like you are friends, because I have been lurking for some time and reading this thread beginning to end). The latest podcast inspired me to actually register and to thank Wulf and everyone who's commented for building this resource. I submitted to Q2 for the first time, and the tips posted and books linked here had a big part in shaping my story into something I was proud of, so from here on out I will be focusing on the very inspiring advice to never give up!

Hello friends (I feel like you are friends, because I have been lurking for some time and reading this thread beginning to end). The latest podcast inspired me to actually register and to thank Wulf and everyone who's commented for building this resource. I submitted to Q2 for the first time, and the tips posted and books linked here had a big part in shaping my story into something I was proud of, so from here on out I will be focusing on the very inspiring advice to never give up!

Yeah! Never give up, Glib Wizard, and you will win.

Preston Dennett
HM x 12
F x 1
Winner, 2nd place, Q1, Volume 35
40 stories published! (and counting!)

 

Hello friends (I feel like you are friends, because I have been lurking for some time and reading this thread beginning to end). The latest podcast inspired me to actually register and to thank Wulf and everyone who's commented for building this resource. I submitted to Q2 for the first time, and the tips posted and books linked here had a big part in shaping my story into something I was proud of, so from here on out I will be focusing on the very inspiring advice to never give up!

Glad it helped, GlibWizard. And I'm glad you enjoyed the podcast! You do have friends here...people who understand what it's like and are trying to help. Keep writing fresh stories, keep applying what you learn, keep sending them out, and you WILL have success--here, or somewhere else. The important thing is you're writing, which for writers, is being true to who you are.

The rest follows. Keep living your TRUTH!

All the beast,

~Beastmaster 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 been 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!

 

Don't know the Topanga Canyon story? Listen to this podcast with Preston Dennet! And NEVER GIVE UP!

https://soundcloud.com/writersofthefutu ... e-up-story

Caught up with a few podcasts last night - they're all good, but Preston's is particularly interesting and inspiring.

I am loving this thread and all the great advice. Is it too late to join? I submitted new stories for Q1 and Q2, though my Q1 was rejected.

I guess I’m late to the party, but I’ll try to get a fresh story in for Q4 anyway.

I am loving this thread and all the great advice. Is it too late to join? I submitted new stories for Q1 and Q2, though my Q1 was rejected.

Never too late, Brandie. Welcome.
A lot of us received R's for our Q1. But does that stop us or slow us down? No, I say. We are warriors.
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I guess I’m late to the party, but I’ll try to get a fresh story in for Q4 anyway.

You still have Q3 if you wish. Submission end date is June 30.

I guess I’m late to the party, but I’ll try to get a fresh story in for Q4 anyway.

You still have Q3 if you wish. Submission end date is June 30.

Oh, I already submitted to Q3, but it’s a story I started a year ago, before getting back to writing seriously again. So not fresh

A hearty welcome to new followers of this challenge. So the challenge is already underway, but it doesn't mean you can't share in the spirit of it, and also participate in the commenting. To share in the spirit, commit to FRESH stories, NOT rewritten stories, for the rest of the quarters for this contest year. When you submit, do tell us you sent in a fresh story--it's the point of my challenge. I believe we will see winners come out of this challenge beast group because of it!

And for the original entrants, I do some critiques each quarter. So there's a potential bonus. But the real bonus to all that commit is that you push yourselves to create new stories, instead of falling back on the old, thinking by some tweaking, you might win. To quote Star Wars, "IT'S A TRAP!" Well, it's worked for some, but this challenge is about pushing out a common new writer problem--rewriting and rewriting your old, instead of creating fresh and new. There is much to be said for writing fresh, new stories. And I've already said a lot of it in here, but more to come.

Welcome again! Now get back to writing! NOT rewriting.

All the beast,

~Beastmaster Moon~

...a common new writer problem--rewriting and rewriting your old, instead of creating fresh and new.

It pains me to be so predictable — but I originally started reading this forum because I intended to submit a story I've been rewriting since 2015! (Your challenge is the reason I did not.)

It's been very humbling to realize that so many of us inexperienced writers stumble in the same ways.