I Hate Waiting

Also, I'm trying to talk the organizers into making the final category political satire instead of open because I think seeing everyone's reactions would be hilarious.

I am a little saddened about the final round though. I had intended to give it my all and go for first, but now that I've had two second-place finishes in this contest, I feel like I need to go for the sweep. Then again, I feel like the subjective element gets stronger and stronger with each round. I'm sure there will be more than one story worthy of first depending on whom you asked. What can you do but try to make your story one of them?

action—fighting with penguins

word—synecdoche

What else could it be?

This is literally the only possibility. If we get anything else, NYCm had better prepare for a polite but stern email. 

We all get the same prompt for the last hurrah. 

I don't use the swap sheet here as I have an independent beta team, but if you are uncomfortable swapping beta with competitors, consider DMing folks whose work you admire and aren't competing this round to see if they are available. 

Personally, I think there's value in cultivating relationships outside the beta sheet. For me, it is really important to have folks on Team Beta that I know and respect. In the creative phase I feel quite vulnerable, so it's critical that I have a support team that knows me, that understands my vision, who knows what buttons to push to bring me to my best self, without crushing me. 

This probably does not help you right at this moment, but it's something to strive towards. 

Thanks Nods! That makes a lot of sense . Great advice as always. I think I feel vulnerable in the creative stage too so that definitely sounds like something for me to strive for. 

So there's no problem swapping with competitors per se, it just depends on what individuals feel comfortable with?

Ahhh, sixteen more minutes! I swear this clock is extra slow.

Thanks again :D