The Official Authors' Hangout Summer Lovin' 2024 Contest Support Thread

[SouthernCrossfire]

I got a really fair comment about pacing. It stung a little at first, but I do appreciate it.

It's good that someone let you know if you feel the comment is fair. Too often, readers won't take the time, moving on to the next story.

Constructive criticism is often like what you said. Yes, there's some criticism, stinging as you said that you didn't think of it, didn't catch it, or whatever, but it's the constructive part that a good writer will remember and be looking for next time. Criticism alone (such as "It was awful" without giving any examples of why) just hurts and discourages.

One other point about constructive criticism for those who offer it on occasion, it's also helpful to point out something (or some things) that are done well to ease the sting

 

[forgotmyantidepressants]

It's good that someone let you know if you feel the comment is fair. Too often, readers won't take the time, moving on to the next story.

Constructive criticism is often like what you said. Yes, there's some criticism, stinging as you said that you didn't think of it, didn't catch it, or whatever, but it's the constructive part that a good writer will remember and be looking for next time. Criticism alone (such as "It was awful" without giving any examples of why) just hurts and discourages.

One other point about constructive criticism for those who offer it on occasion, it's also helpful to point out something (or some things) that are done well to ease the sting

It was honestly a great comment because they did point out what they liked in addition to what they didn't. If they would've put their name on it, I might have actually sent them a thanks. I tried to find readers before I posted, but I couldn't find any.

This story is much longer than what I typically write, so I really wanted feedback about what I did well/ didn't do well.

 

[SouthernCrossfire]

It was honestly a great comment because they did point out what they liked in addition to what they didn't...

Just took a look and saw what you mean. Very nice. I don't have time to read it now but I've tagged your story in hopes of getting to it before the contest ends.

 

[Kumquatqueen]

My story got rejected. Luckily it just wanted some song lyrics at the start to be formatted with break tags, so I've stuck those in and sent it in again, with a note.

 

[forgotmyantidepressants]

Just took a look and saw what you mean. Very nice. I don't have time to read it now but I've tagged your story in hopes of getting to it before the contest ends.

I'll be sure check out yours as well

 

[ChasBozwell30]

I'm a bit confused, I had my story rejected, there seemed to be problem with one line so i cut it, but then it was rejected again, does anyone know who i can contact about it as i'm not sure what's wrong with it? Thanks!

 

[Wineandcheese]

I’m getting pounded on a minor flub in the storyline. So there’s only one thing to do. Write a Part Two to explain it away. Hopefully I won’t make a new error in that one.

 

[ChasBozwell30]

I'm a bit confused, I had my story rejected, there seemed to be problem with one line so i cut it, but then it was rejected again, does anyone know who i can contact about it as i'm not sure what's wrong with it? Thanks!

I've resubmitted it with a line cut. I've spent some time on this story so it would be a shame if it doesn't get posted!

 

[OffNSFW]

I've resubmitted it with a line cut. I've spent some time on this story so it would be a shame if it doesn't get posted!

There was one occasion where a story of mine got rejected for reasons that (not to get into it) simply did not apply. I resubmitted as-is with an admin note explaining the situation, and it got published.

 

[TheLobster]

So, after about 48h, mine got 20k views and 80 votes and it teeters right at the edge of 4.5. Comments mostly say that it gets too long to get going which is honestly fair. It might’ve been a good story to experiment with opening in media res; I need to remember that it is an option since I’ve never used it.

 

[Trionyx]

One other point about constructive criticism for those who offer it on occasion, it's also helpful to point out something (or some things) that are done well to ease the sting

It is called a ‘sandwich.’ Start with a nice comment, next give the real ‘meat’ of the comment and finally end with another positive statement.

“I enjoyed reading this story….You could have used some more….Most writers recommend….That was a great plot twist and I hope to read more of your work soon.”

 

[SouthernCrossfire]

It is called a ‘sandwich.’ Start with a nice comment, next give the real ‘meat’ of the comment and finally end with another positive statement.

Good point. That's what the people at my old writing group called it, but I tended to mix it up a bit more, more like a Dagwood than just a plain old sandwich.

 

[Duleigh]

Good point. That's what the people at my old writing group called it, but I tended to mix it up a bit more, more like a Dagwood than just a plain old sandwich.

If you understand the term Dagwood, you're nearly as old as me!

 

[SouthernCrossfire]

If you understand the term Dagwood, you're nearly as old as me!

I'm a late Boomer but was an avid reader as a kid and young adult. I didn't realize but it's still being published today, though the original artist's son has been managing the strip and its artists for over 50 years.

 

[Wineandcheese]

Just crossed over 1k votes. Still 4.67, so I’m not in the running for the blue W, but I’m happy about the 1k.

 

[Voboy]

Just crossed over 1k votes. Still 4.67, so I’m not in the running for the blue W, but I’m happy about the 1k.

Nice! None of my stories ever gets anywhere close to 1,000 votes, at least not until they've been posted for years and years. It's nice to get such engagement!

 

[Wineandcheese]

Nice! None of my stories ever gets anywhere close to 1,000 votes, at least not until they've been posted for years and years. It's nice to get such engagement!

It IS nice, but also really, really surprising. I’ve always felt out of my league with the other authors here. Maybe I’ve found a hidden talent? More likely I’ve just gotten lucky.

 

[AwkwardMD]

Nice! None of my stories ever gets anywhere close to 1,000 votes, at least not until they've been posted for years and years. It's nice to get such engagement!

I voted for yours, it was damn good.

 

[nicksouth]

Just crossed over 1k votes. Still 4.67, so I’m not in the running for the blue W, but I’m happy about the 1k.

Those seem like pretty amazing stats though, nice work !

 

[Kumquatqueen]

Have re-reformated the offending section after it was sent back again. Think I have it right, now. If not, I'll cut most of the quote.

Am in awe of 1k votes! I only have one story with over 100!

 

[TheLobster]

It IS nice, but also really, really surprising. I’ve always felt out of my league with the other authors here. Maybe I’ve found a hidden talent? More likely I’ve just gotten lucky.

A little bit of column A, a little bit of column B, and a whole lot “if you write incest, they will come.”

 

[ChasBozwell30]

There was one occasion where a story of mine got rejected for reasons that (not to get into it) simply did not apply. I resubmitted as-is with an admin note explaining the situation, and it got published.

Yeah, I added a note that I hoped clarified things, hopefully it will be accepted. Lot of time and effort put to waste otherwise!

 

[Duleigh]

I'm a late Boomer but was an avid reader as a kid and young adult. I didn't realize but it's still being published today, though the original artist's son has been managing the strip and its artists for over 50 years.

"Late Boomer" I was right, but I prefer the term "Don't lump me in with them" for a generational title

 

[Voboy]

I voted for yours, it was damn good.

Aww! Thanks! I enjoyed writing this one.

 

[WendyTrilby]

My submission for Summer Lovin 24 just posted, and it’s called Summer’s Island.

I spent summers at an island camp (what others call a summer home) in the Thousand Islands area on the Saint Lawrence River. Summer adventures on the river, exploring islands, and meeting cute boys in Alexandria Bay created some fond (and intense) memories I relive in this story about a couple’s first time. There is a lot of me in this story, which makes it personal, and the intimacy in this one is a bit like letting people read from a personal journal.

I placed this one in the first-time category, where I have only one other story. I kind of like that category; the readers are voracious but respectful. I don't know how many first-time stories I will ever be able to generate since I only had one first time in my life, and all my stories are based on my experiences.

It's a quick read—only four lit pages—and feels true to the events that inspired it. Please look at it; I would love to hear your thoughts.

- Wendy

Summer’s Island