I’ve entered two writing contests in my career.

The first one was a total wash out and I’ll leave it at that.  However, a few months ago I decided it was time to try the contest thing again because it doesn’t make much sense to base a position for or against contests on one experience.

Couple that with the fact that I have come a long way since the first contest.  I have elightful and supportive critique partners, I’m happily settled into an RWA chapter, and I really wanted some unbiased feedback on a new manuscript.

Success! Apparently the second time is a charm

And this is not just because I finaled. (Though I’m sure that does play a role in my satisfaction with the process this time around).

The success in large part, I believe, has to do with the feedback I received and the fact that I have grown as a person and am able to embrace feedback - all of it including the comments I don’t agree with - with zen-like appreciation and gratitude.  It is also quite possible that the Passionate Ink contest is simply a professionally managed contest and I would have been grateful for the process regardless of whether I’d finaled or not.

At any rate, I am delighted, grateful, and proud!

Thank you!

I have a wonderful group of critique partners.  One is published and has two Golden Heart finals under her belt along with several books under contract.  Another is a RITA finalist and a third is actively involved in RWA and publication, I’m convinced, is right around the corner.  It’s a smart and experienced group of women and yet, none of them would ever consider an electronic publisher.  They’re all dead set on publishing via ‘traditional methods’ in ‘traditional houses’ and that’s that.  No argument, no conversation.

And then there’s me. Read more »