Science Fiction Microstory Contest discussion
MARCH 2023 SCIENCE FICTION MICROSTORY CONTEST (Comments only)
Mod
I got some good news recently: I've been accepted in a writing workshop in June and these are the writing samples, including stories I wrote for this group, that I submitted to convince them I can write something:The Brickweavers, Chapter 1
"Move" The one about post-apocalyptic elephants.
"Clarence 1.0" The one about a phone app that shows what it's like if your were never born.
"Summer Bites" The one about robotic mosquitoes.
"Blabbo Sillypants" The one about a tragic android clown.
Good work, J.F. Congratulations! I've never forgot "Summer Bites"; it was, and is, a superb story, professional in quality and effect. Interesting, too, that you used Ch. 1 of Brickweavers! Selecting samples for compets and applications is so hard--you made some fine choices. I hope the workshop is wonderful!
Thanks Jot, Jeremy and Paula! BTW, I am told my instructors will be two novelists: Elizabeth Benedict and Calvin Baker.Paula, what was unusual about "Summer Bites" was that I posted it in the old LinkedIn group, got some constructive criticism, and revised it before voting. We should try to do more critiquing like that around here. It really helps.
I agree, JF, readers' critiques can be of real value sometimes. Also it is good for people to practice critiquing, in fact--imo.
J.F. wrote: "Thanks Jot, Jeremy and Paula! BTW, I am told my instructors will be two novelists: Elizabeth Benedict and Calvin Baker.Paula, what was unusual about "Summer Bites" was that I posted it in the old..."
I'll second that. And, congratulations and best of luck with the writing workshop.
Thanks, Tom! I may finally get going on my sequel novel so I have something started for workshopping.
J.F. wrote: "Thanks, Tom! I may finally get going on my sequel novel so I have something started for workshopping."Good for you!
Good idea, J.F. Do you know much about the workshop leaders, by the way?
Here's their Goodreads pages:https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
Fyi, all, I may not get a story in this month. My mom took a turn for the worse so we will see.
Tom, what a great story!Marianne, so sorry to hear about your mother's declining health.
What I've sampled on those links of their writings, J.F., indicates they're both first-rate writers. And the blurbs and honors for their books certainly backs that up. Should be a wonderful experience, and you have lots of skill/background to contribute to the workshop. I hope it goes wonderfully for you!
Marianne wrote: "Fyi, all, I may not get a story in this month. My mom took a turn for the worse so we will see."Marianne, I hope your mother may have a return to better health. So good of you to be there for her. Thinking of you both.
Marianne wrote: "Fyi, all, I may not get a story in this month. My mom took a turn for the worse so we will see."Very sorry to hear about your mom, Marianne. It's good that you're there for her, and I wish you both the best.
Justin wrote: "Tom, what a great story!Thank you, Justin. 'Glad you liked it.
Marianne, so sorry to hear about your mother's declining health."
Marianne wrote: "Fyi, all, I may not get a story in this month. My mom took a turn for the worse so we will see."Your mom is in my thoughts, Marianne. Peace and strength to you both.
Echoing the above Marianne.also, happy birthday Jot!
Mod
Thanks Jeremy and all in advance. Big 58
Mod
Jot wrote: "Got a new story written and posted. Taking advantage of the space-elevator to offer a better place for people's last days."Good story, Jot. Effective, engaging flow. Strong envisioning of the future world. Quite moving.
My mom is still alive. She had a bad fall and now is in rehab. Her heart is really failing, so I don't know how much longer she has. Simply put, she is Bronx tough.I might be able to get a story in now that for the moment, I am home.
Mod
Mod
Jot wrote: "Kelly's father comes home to today for hospice care. In a lot of pain, but quite the trooper."Sympathies and best wishes. 'Hope they can ease his pain.
Mod
A good St. Patrick's Day to all of you.Marianne and Jot, thinking of each of you and of your wonderful devotion to your parents; may they have a gentle time in these coming weeks and months.
I've been getting lots of editing gigs again, so not likely to be doing any sf stories this, or probably next, month.
J.F. wrote: "I got some good news recently: I've been accepted in a writing workshop in June and these are the writing samples, including stories I wrote for this group, that I submitted to convince them I can ..."Congratulations!
Jot wrote: "Prayers for your mom, Marianne.Thanks Jeremy and all in advance. Big 58"
Belated birthday wishes Jot.
Marianne wrote: "My mom is still alive. She had a bad fall and now is in rehab. Her heart is really failing, so I don't know how much longer she has. Simply put, she is Bronx tough.I might be able to get a story ..."
Sending good wishes for your Mum.
Mod
Sorry to hear of your loss, Jot. My condolences to you and your wife.
So sorry to hear this, Jot. Please accept my condolences.
I'm sorry to hear this Jot. My condolences to you and your family.
Condolences, Jot.My mom is still in rehab. I've been doing 500 miles round trips back and forth to NJ, so I am afraid, no story from me this month. Today I am resting as I feel under the weather.
Thanks to everyone for all their good wishes for my mom.
I am sorry to hear so many of you are having challenges around your families. Please accept my condolences on your losses.Congratulations to the winner of this month's story. I have not been around for a while because my new job is crazy demanding.
I will try and be more consistent now that my first year is in the can and I feel like I can exhale for just a few moments. I finally don't have to drag myself to a job that was slowly killing me.
I admire those of you who can consistently get here. One day...
Jot wrote: "My father-in-law passed away early Sunday. Prays for him and your mom, Marianne"'So sorry, Jot. 'Wishing you and your loved ones peace and strength.
Marianne wrote: "Condolences, Jot.My mom is still in rehab. I've been doing 500 miles round trips back and forth to NJ, so I am afraid, no story from me this month. Today I am resting as I feel under the weather...."
'Hope you feel better, Marianne. I'm sure your mom appreciates you and all you do.
Thaddeus wrote: "I am sorry to hear so many of you are having challenges around your families. Please accept my condolences on your losses.Congratulations to the winner of this month's story. I have not been arou..."
Welcome back. Glad your burden's lifted, and 'hope to see more of you.
Justin - excellent story. Very vivid imagery and lively exchange. You really brought the POV character to life.Very Roddenberry. I was reminded of Star Trek and Andromeda Ascendant.
Mod
Tom wrote: "Justin - excellent story. Very vivid imagery and lively exchange. You really brought the POV character to life.Very Roddenberry. I was reminded of Star Trek and Andromeda Ascendant."
Thank you Tom, much appreciated. I had yesterday off, and I sat in front of my computer for several hours trying to write something. I had one idea and a cool (in my opinion) title, but then I realized it wouldn't work. So I put in my Star Trek II soundtrack and tried to come up with something else. I like it, I'm happy with it, but it took a long time yesterday to get it going. Thanks again!
Mod
Element: Artificial Life