Kevin's Watch

Some of you might already be aware of this, but I wasn't, so I think it's worth mentioning.

Each year, a 'Writers of the Future' anthology is put together, featuring new and unpublished fantasy/SF writers. I don't remember the list of past winners, but I do recall seeing Gene Wolfe's name.

For details, check here: www.writersofthefuture.com/. I doubt I'll attempt it, but if I happen to finish a short story of under 17,000 words within the allotted time frame, I might actually submit it. Nothing to lose, after all.

Anyone else interested in this? The cash prizes are a nice bonus, but the biggest reward is a publishing track record.

I have submitted twice to this anthology. There are some really good writers who win, and I have read a few of the volumes. It is a great contest and chance for budding authors.

A past colleague, Brian Burt, won this contest in 1992 for "The Last Indian War". He has since had many stories published in small science fiction magazines and in online eZines.

Brian is very good. When we worked together, it was fun reading and providing feedback for his short stories. He has written a novel and has been attempting to attract a publisher for years.

Brian works as an Senior IT Professional. He is EXTREMELY talented as a technician as well!

Here is his website:

www.briantburt.com/

At the moment I'm reading volume three of this anthology (published sometime in the 80s). It's...interesting. As I mentioned in the General Fantasy/SF forum, it's interesting mainly because most of the stories aren't that good. Not bad, but not good enough to be memorable, and usually with weak endings. Hmm.

CovenantJr wrote:At the moment I'm reading volume three of this anthology (published sometime in the 80s). It's...interesting. As I mentioned in the General Fantasy/SF forum, it's interesting mainly because most of the stories aren't that good. Not bad, but not good enough to be memorable, and usually with weak endings. Hmm.

Yeah, some arent, but the ones I read were pretty good, and a few were just awesome. I read vols 14 & 15, and there was one story that blew me away. I got the last one and was completely unimpressed with the first few, so I didnt finish it.

It is a great chance though for writers trying to become Writers.

No doubt. It just seems odd to me that these stories are the best of the submissions. There are members of this very site who have written, and continue to write, better stories than those that win 'Writers of the Future'.

agreed.

I am still working on breaking into short stories, to finally get one published. I just have to work harder, i guess.

I have submitted several to SF&F, Asimovs, etc, but they don't make it past the slush pile. I wonder if they even read the first page, or just didnt know my name and cast it aside.

At least with WOTF you know they will look at it. And, to judge from some of the stories, maybe you can get in.

That's a fair point; all the submissions are at least considered, and without names attached. It's good that the entries are judged solely on their quality.

Maybe, if I'm feeling bold, I might send something in. I don't think I'm good enough, but you never know. I do think I'm better - or at least have the potential to be better - than at least some of the winners in the volume I'm reading. Besides, quality and chances aside, we have nothing to lose by at least trying, right? We should both give it a go, sir!

I'm going to give this a go. I don't care about recognition; I just want money so I can buy an Xbox 360. Heh.

yes, lets!

My submission to this years KW Anthology was my last submission to WOTF, it's called Becoming Elijah. I have given up on getting it published, so hopefully the Anthology sub team will like it enough to include it this year. I think it is a good story, but probably not good enough for publishing professionally.

I also wrote some fan fic in hall of Gifts, called "It cannot now be set aside, nor passed on", about Korik's tale when he left Coercri to confront Foul. I have to finish the last part, but parts one and two are up. The problem is, its fan fic, not publishable, but it was a good exercise and a way to get that story out of my head. Here is a link:
kevinswatch.ihugny.com/phpBB2/viewtopic ... 1ab#375586

I have an idea for another short story, or novella, and I need to begin laying it out, but I have been lazy.

If you are serious about writing, I will be more than glad to read, critic and feedback on your efforts. Its good to do this, we should think about asking Jay if we could set up a writers circle here in HoG to provide a forum for people who want to pursue this.

Lord Foul wrote:I'm going to give this a go. I don't care about recognition; I just want money so I can buy an Xbox 360. Heh.

GOOD! LF, good to know I have a neighbor. I am in Alpharetta.

edit: What would you two think about setting up a writers forum here on the watch for people who want to write to get published?

iQuestor wrote:edit: What would you two think about setting up a writers forum here on the watch for people who want to write to get published?

We do have the KW Anthology, which showcases our members' fiction. As for the Hall: it's not much of a publishing house--just a place where we share our works.

My first goal is to improve my writing skills; literary reputation will either never happen or come after I'm dead, knowing my luck. That said, I haven't the foggiest how to set up a way to get noticed/published on the Watch. I'd PM Jay about it.

By the by: if anybody is interesting in reading my Hubbard submission, Heaven's Center, I'd be glad to e-mail it. I'd be happy to read someone else's work, if they need a second opinion.

Heh, the question now is whether I send something I've already written, or hope I finish one of my ongoing things, and send that.

Hmm... I think WOTF stops accepting submissions in September anyway, so we don't have long...

Lord Foul wrote:

iQuestor wrote:edit: What would you two think about setting up a writers forum here on the watch for people who want to write to get published?

We do have the KW Anthology, which showcases our members' fiction. As for the Hall: it's not much of a publishing house--just a place where we share our works.

My first goal is to improve my writing skills; literary reputation will either never happen or come after I'm dead, knowing my luck. That said, I haven't the foggiest how to set up a way to get noticed/published on the Watch. I'd PM Jay about it.

By the by: if anybody is interesting in reading my Hubbard submission, Heaven's Center, I'd be glad to e-mail it. I'd be happy to read someone else's work, if they need a second opinion.

LF, I would be glad to read it, and critique if you like. You can read Becoming Elijah, my last WOTF submission, which I submitted ot the KW Anthology III if you like as well. PM Me if you are interested.

Well, I posted my submission yesterday. Heh.

iQuestor wrote: LF, I would be glad to read it, and critique if you like. You can read Becoming Elijah, my last WOTF submission, which I submitted ot the KW Anthology III if you like as well. PM Me if you are interested.

Check your e-mail, iQuestor. Let me know if you got it!

David Zindell author of the "Neverness/Danlo" books and the Ea Cycle got his start through this competition.

Well, I just got a confirmation e-mail stating that my story was entered into the 4th quarter (ending September 30th).

They told me I'd get the results in early December.

Lord Foul wrote:Well, I just got a confirmation e-mail stating that my story was entered into the 4th quarter (ending September 30th).

They told me I'd get the results in early December.

Awesome LF! good luck. Sorry I have been remiss in reading it, been so busy with RL. Will get to it soon!

Lord Foul wrote:Well, I just got a confirmation e-mail stating that my story was entered into the 4th quarter (ending September 30th).

They told me I'd get the results in early December.

Huh. I didn't.