I'll start by mentioning that I wasn't born with a pen in hand, writing as soon as I took a breath of air. So many authors claim to start out this way--tongue in cheek, I hope--but none the less, many writers have been writing in some form or another since they learned to write.
It seems as if they were born with a creative bent to their minds.
Creativity comes hard for me--and I'm sure many authors will react by saying that it isn't easy for them either, but they manage to overcome their obstacles.
Well, my writing passion has been hidden for years as my mind has more of an analytical edge to it versus a creative edge. I have always been fond of the sciences, which tend to be black, white, and even various shades of grey. I have a Bachelor's of SCIENCE degree in Medical Technology, in fact I was about three hours shy of getting a minor in CHEMISTRY.
See? There is nothing in that last paragraph that suggests ARTS or CREATIVITY. I love math and science. I love logical and linear thinking. I love everything that makes sense . . .
Writing and the arts is SUBJECTIVE, which means I might love something, but you might not like the same thing that I love. For example: I love reading Rick Riodan and J.K.Rowlings, I can't get my daughter to even crack open one of their books. She loved the Hunger Games and Divergent series, I don't care enough to even learn the author's names, much less read the books.
Subjective. See?
So how does a person with an analytical thought process get into the writing biz?
Beats the heck out of me, but for some odd reason I want to write and share my stories.
Here's the problem:
Analytical people want to find the elusive answer to the perfect story. There is no perfect story. We tend to forget that everyone has an opinion as we strive to perfect our product.
While writing is a creative endeavor, the basis of the writing process is an analytical one. You need to know the mechanics of grammar, sentence structure, character arcs, story arcs, chapter cliffhangers, what makes a reader keep on reading, blah, blah, blah.
But even various publishing houses have different 'styles'. Some houses will ALWAYS use the serial comma, while other publishing houses don't. I've also seen a distressing trend of not placing a comma in a statement that addresses an individual. For example: "Put a damn comma in there (comma) Margaret!" I don't know if it's writers being lazy or simply an oversight, but I really have an issue with this. Then again, I love commas. Commas are the little 'breathers' in a sentence as they give the reader a teeny-tiny break in a sentence.
Anyway, back to driving me crazy.
A few months ago, I mentioned that I finaled in RWA's Daphne contest. Actually, one nice aspect of this contest is that when you final, you do NOT get to see the first round judges scores or comments until after the winners are announced. So it wasn't until months later when I found out that I was placed fourth out of five finalists.
Okay. I'm good. And then I got my scores from the first round of judging. . . .
I have to admit that this is the part that usually tears me up as I wonder why certain aspects of the story didn't appeal to the judges.
Out of a possible 123 points, I got a 116, 119, 120 --excellent scores, good comments, and I totally understand why I was marked off in the relationship category since the hero wasn't even introduced--and then I had an 86. WTF?!
Well, okay, they just didn't get into the story which was reflected by the comments. I understand. Trust me, six months ago, I would have tried to find some way to 'fix' this and justify her comments. I would have tried to make everyone happy.
But in a creativity-type endeavor like writing, it just isn't going to happen. The judge might love reading paranormal stories, but she didn't love reading my story . . . but three other judges did like the story.
And then I went on vacation and didn't think about anything else other than having fun at Walt Disney World and Universal Florida. When I got home I had an email from the contest coordinator who had the final judge's comments.
Deep breath. I opened the email.
And their conflicting comments would have caused me to yank my hair out if I hadn't finally decided that the only real person I have to please is myself.
Agent's comments:
This is a fun story and the writing is solid. My concern is that the world-building is too complex and slows the story. The market has shifted away from stories with lots of world building.
Which echoed the concerns the low scoring judge wrote.
Editor's comments:
Great writing. However, it's a little confusing at times. Author could spend a little more time world-building, to make the story easier to follow. Nice voice!
They both seemed to like my writing--Yahoo! But . . . Less world-building? More world-building?
What's an analytical writer to do with this conflicting advice?? This is the stuff that totally drives me bonkers!
It's taken me fourteen years to get to this point, but I finally feel confident enough with my writing that I will simply do what works for MY STORY. And no, I won't add more world-building or remove world-building.
I'm doing what needs to be done to tell my story.
And that is how this analytical writer has decided to keep her sanity.
Later, Peeps!
Showing posts with label contests. Show all posts
Showing posts with label contests. Show all posts
5/2/14
Contest Finals!
Okay, I'm only posting the category that has my name. . . :-)
The DAPHNE DU MAURIER AWARD
FOR EXCELLENCE IN MYSTERY/SUSPENSE –Unpublished Division Finalists for 2014
are:
PARANORMAL (FANTASY/TIME TRAVEL/FUTURISTIC)
ROMANTIC MYSTERY/SUSPENSE
Margaret A. Golla for Air Beneath a Dragon's Wings
Janet Halpin for A Moment After
Dark
Janet Halpin for Beryl Blue,
Time Cop
Sarah Kuest w/a Sarah Brady and
Shannen Kuest w/a Shannen Brady for Healer
Roshani Chokshi for The Glass
Garden
Yes, I was just a wee bit excited when I saw this. There was a cap of 50 entries in this category. I don't know if there were 10 or 50 entries, or a number in between . . . but I like to hope it was on the higher end of the competition.
And I was even more excited when I saw the scores of the contest entry that DIDN'T final.
The other story, The Fire Within, received scores of 111, 118, 112, and a 102. This is out of a total of 123 points maximum with the lowest score dropped. The largest majority of the deducted points seemed to be from the lack of romance provided in the first 20 pages, along with the need to layer a bit more throughout the submission, which caused the points to add up with minus one here, minus one there.
The romance was detailed in the synopsis, but some judges scored tougher than others in this respect. As a judge I tend to be a softer touch in this respect and maybe take one point off, while one of my judges took 4 out of 5 points.
It's all subjective.
Another interesting point is the story that finaled, Air Beneath a Dragon's Wings, had the exact same scenario: romance detailed in the synopsis, but you don't meet the hero in the actual manuscript pages, but the lack of meeting the hero didn't seem to bother those judges.
I won't know how the first round judges scored AIR until after the winners are announced at the award ceremony in July.
If you are a writer and want to improve your craft, there are numerous ways to do this: take classes, join a local writer's group, read writing books, and, of course, read books in your chosen genre.
But if you really want to know what judges are looking for in your contest entries, then volunteer to judge.
It's harder than you might think, but it is also more satisfying.
I'm always amazed at the wonderful stories I find hidden in the contest entries. Some stories are in need of TLC, while other stories are ready for publication, or maybe you can help a newbie writer with your font of writing wisdom.
If you don't want to judge, then take the time to download the score sheet. This is the best way of figuring out if you are hitting all the marks on a story. If you can't detach yourself from your story, then find someone you trust to take those sheets and judge your entry according to the criteria provided by the contest.
They might be able to see problems that you are too close to the story to see.
The key story elements in the Daphne revolve around questions involving:
- Beginning of the Manuscript
- Plot/Pacing
- Characterization
- Paranormal/Time Travel/Futuristic Specific
- Dialogue/Narrative
- Setting
- Point of View
- Style/Voice
The reason a version of these story questions are always on a score sheet is because getting the balance right is what storytelling is all about.
Later, Peeps!
4/28/14
Finding Writing Validation
Writing is a very solitary business.
We are alone with the voices in our head making up impossible situations to try to connect with a reader.
That connection is the 'gold' this writer seeks.
Oh, we might show our family and friends our stories, but that doesn't fill the void of having other writers confirm that we are on the right writing track.
For years, I've judged various romance contests, and when I find the submission that has that reader connection, I'm on top of the world. And I hope the other judges with this same entry feel the same way that I do.
But it doesn't always happen.
Most of the time, those stories have other issues that need to be fixed, which drops their score leaving them out of the finalists arena.
Every now and then, a writer has both the ability to use the English language AND the talent to write a story that reels the reader in.
Recently, I judged a story like that. RWA's Mystery & Suspense chapter, which is a HUGE online chapter, holds a contest called the Daphne, yes, named after Daphne du Maurier. The story I judged was a historical novel, but not a time period that I usually read. It was truly a wonderful story that I would love to read when it is published.
When I signed up to judge this contest, I had a vague thought about entering one of my elemental stories.
And in an almost final minutes of the contest being open, I decided to throw two of my elemental WIP's (Works in Progress) into the fray. The competition would be fierce and the entries in my category (paranormal) were capped at at 50.
Other than being one of the most prestigious contests, other than RWA's Golden Heart, this contest is big. One of the incentives in entering this contest, and category, was the final judge--editor Brenda Chin.
Now, I've entered contests over the years with different projects, and with one exception about ten years ago, I can never find three first round judges who feel the same way about my stories to score them high enough to final. This time I had to find FOUR first round judges.
The odds were against me.
Imagine my surprise when I received a phone call on Friday informing me that my contest entry, AIR BENEATH A DRAGON'S WINGS finaled in the Daphne.
Yay!
No, there was no screaming and hollering. Just a 'Yay"! from me.
I'm sure the contest coordinator wondered why I wasn't more excited . . . I left that for my wonderful friend and CP who has been there for me for many years--Meg Reid.
Yes, she did scream and holler!
And I doubt if I would have had a coherent synopsis without the eleventh hour input from my friend, Cynthia D'Alba.
Thank you both!
And now to buckle down and finish writing this story.
Though I have a few months, since the winners won't be announced until RWA's National Conference at the end of July, I want to finish this story.
I'm still very excited that this story--the first in a series of four--has gotten the recognition it deserves.
Later, Peeps!
We are alone with the voices in our head making up impossible situations to try to connect with a reader.
That connection is the 'gold' this writer seeks.
Oh, we might show our family and friends our stories, but that doesn't fill the void of having other writers confirm that we are on the right writing track.
For years, I've judged various romance contests, and when I find the submission that has that reader connection, I'm on top of the world. And I hope the other judges with this same entry feel the same way that I do.
But it doesn't always happen.
Most of the time, those stories have other issues that need to be fixed, which drops their score leaving them out of the finalists arena.
Every now and then, a writer has both the ability to use the English language AND the talent to write a story that reels the reader in.
Recently, I judged a story like that. RWA's Mystery & Suspense chapter, which is a HUGE online chapter, holds a contest called the Daphne, yes, named after Daphne du Maurier. The story I judged was a historical novel, but not a time period that I usually read. It was truly a wonderful story that I would love to read when it is published.
When I signed up to judge this contest, I had a vague thought about entering one of my elemental stories.
And in an almost final minutes of the contest being open, I decided to throw two of my elemental WIP's (Works in Progress) into the fray. The competition would be fierce and the entries in my category (paranormal) were capped at at 50.
Other than being one of the most prestigious contests, other than RWA's Golden Heart, this contest is big. One of the incentives in entering this contest, and category, was the final judge--editor Brenda Chin.
Now, I've entered contests over the years with different projects, and with one exception about ten years ago, I can never find three first round judges who feel the same way about my stories to score them high enough to final. This time I had to find FOUR first round judges.
The odds were against me.
Imagine my surprise when I received a phone call on Friday informing me that my contest entry, AIR BENEATH A DRAGON'S WINGS finaled in the Daphne.
Yay!
No, there was no screaming and hollering. Just a 'Yay"! from me.
I'm sure the contest coordinator wondered why I wasn't more excited . . . I left that for my wonderful friend and CP who has been there for me for many years--Meg Reid.
Yes, she did scream and holler!
And I doubt if I would have had a coherent synopsis without the eleventh hour input from my friend, Cynthia D'Alba.
Thank you both!
And now to buckle down and finish writing this story.
Though I have a few months, since the winners won't be announced until RWA's National Conference at the end of July, I want to finish this story.
I'm still very excited that this story--the first in a series of four--has gotten the recognition it deserves.
Later, Peeps!
1/17/11
Contests, Bogus Contests, and Fun Links
A lot of stuff is going on in my head right now--no, the 'voices' aren't telling me to do bad things--it's more to the point of me taking control of my career. For the past mumble, mumble years, I have been trying to attract the interest of an agent or editor for my stories.
Uh, not much luck there.
Though GNOME is out withtwo publishers one publisher (just got an 'R' last night) and one agent, I'm not holding my breath. And reading numerous blogs by J.A. Konrath and Dean Wesley Smith, I decided to take a step toward self-publishing . . . a small step. This week I'm going to be studying up on Smashwords and how to self-publish my short story, LOST LEPRECHAUN LOOT. Now, I don't expect to make a lot of money, but I didn't set out writing to make a lot of money--the side effect would be nice, but I'm realistic here (Okay, it would be nice to make enough to pay for vacation. See, I'm not asking for much!). I want to share my stories with youngsters who enjoy being transported to another place, to a place where gnomes, faeries, and dragons exist.
The only way that I can accomplish that is to do it on my own. Publishing is changing. And if writers let publishers and agents call the shots, we are giving our power away. I'm tired of giving my power to another's whim and bias. There are numerous writers who self-pub too soon. I feel that my writing is ready, my stories are ready, and most of all, I AM READY.
Contests:
Secret Agent contest: There's a VERY narrow window of time to enter this contest. READ the rules and don't enter unless you have a finished story!
http://misssnarksfirstvictim.blogspot.com/2011/01/january-secret-agent-eary-info.html
Writer's Digest monthly contest. Deadline Feb. 10
http://www.writersdigest.com/YourStory
NPR 3 minute short story contest. Deadline Jan 23
http://www.npr.org/2011/01/08/132744031/three-minute-fiction-round-6-laughing-and-crying
A link to a list of contests: *WARNING* Do you own research. Be wary of PAYING to enter a contest.
http://www.manuscriptediting.com/contests.htm
Bogus contest: *WARNING* This contest will take your money and all rights to your story, see #13
http://ht.ly/3EazK
Fun links:
Liturature map: put the name of your favorite author in the blank and click enter. The site will 'discover' new authors that are similar to your interests.
http://www.literature-map.com/
Gender Genie: Ever wonder if you write like a girl or a guy. Or are you writing in a male character's POV and wonder if you 'nailed' the guy voice? Check this link out.
http://bookblog.net/gender/genie.php
Thousands of Names: Sometimes it's hard to come up with a name for your character's. Try this link.
http://www.lowchensaustralia.com/Names.htm
Dr. Wicked write or Die: (desktop editon button on right) Having a hard time focusing and just writing? Depending how evil you make it, this site will start deleting your words if you don't write fast enough!
http://writeordie.com/
Uh, not much luck there.
Though GNOME is out with
The only way that I can accomplish that is to do it on my own. Publishing is changing. And if writers let publishers and agents call the shots, we are giving our power away. I'm tired of giving my power to another's whim and bias. There are numerous writers who self-pub too soon. I feel that my writing is ready, my stories are ready, and most of all, I AM READY.
Contests:
Secret Agent contest: There's a VERY narrow window of time to enter this contest. READ the rules and don't enter unless you have a finished story!
http://misssnarksfirstvictim.blogspot.com/2011/01/january-secret-agent-eary-info.html
Writer's Digest monthly contest. Deadline Feb. 10
http://www.writersdigest.com/YourStory
NPR 3 minute short story contest. Deadline Jan 23
http://www.npr.org/2011/01/08/132744031/three-minute-fiction-round-6-laughing-and-crying
A link to a list of contests: *WARNING* Do you own research. Be wary of PAYING to enter a contest.
http://www.manuscriptediting.com/contests.htm
Bogus contest: *WARNING* This contest will take your money and all rights to your story, see #13
http://ht.ly/3EazK
Fun links:
Liturature map: put the name of your favorite author in the blank and click enter. The site will 'discover' new authors that are similar to your interests.
http://www.literature-map.com/
Gender Genie: Ever wonder if you write like a girl or a guy. Or are you writing in a male character's POV and wonder if you 'nailed' the guy voice? Check this link out.
http://bookblog.net/gender/genie.php
Thousands of Names: Sometimes it's hard to come up with a name for your character's. Try this link.
http://www.lowchensaustralia.com/Names.htm
Dr. Wicked write or Die: (desktop editon button on right) Having a hard time focusing and just writing? Depending how evil you make it, this site will start deleting your words if you don't write fast enough!
http://writeordie.com/
7/8/09
Judging Contests
Well, shoot! I forgot what day of the week it is! Blog day Wednesday.
What to write about? What to write about? What to -- ah, ha!
I've been dicking around trying to write my query and synopsis for MOGG, but have managed to find a good way to procrastinate . . .
Judge a contest!
Not just one contest, but two! For a grand total of ten submissions in the last two weeks! YAY! And though I request Paranormal or Historical, both judging panels sent to me were paranormal and there were no duplicates! Another YAY! And I actually got some really, really good ones. Triple YAY! And none of them made me want to jab a hot poker in my eye! Quadruple YAY!
I love romance--nothing is better in this world. I tried to write romance--can't. But I read romance--voraciously. And these were all paranormal romances. Four of them were excellent and of publishable quality IMHO. The rest fell into the okay category and needed some work. None of them were hideous. Trust me, over the 8 years that I've judged contests--I have run into some hideous entries, mainly due to the entrant being a newbie and not running the story through a crit group--and true, the entrant may not have access to writer friends or a crit group, but I usually try to guide them in the right direction.
BUT if you're trying to break into romance don't just read the books just out on the shelves of your local B & N (those were bought two years ago!), judge contests in your genre. You will learn more about your writing than you will ever want to admit outloud. Plus you'll have the added bonus of seeing the same stuff that editors and agents are seeing. You'll learn why agents are sick and tired of the same old, same old, because you aren't the only one to have thought about a daywalking vampire zombie shapeshifter.
Thus it all comes down to execution. How you tell the story is paramount--even more than it ever was.
Here are a few things I learned this week:
1) if you write paranormal make the paranormal element integral to the story, not superficial. If you can make the elf/vamp/zombie/shifter a human and it doesn't change anything, think up a new story plot.
2) a routine time-travel doesn't cut it any longer--it's been done--A LOT. There has to be a new and unique twist to the story. Just putting on a ring/walking into a closet/maze is so been there, done that. The butterfly effect can be a real challenge, but it also makes the story interesting.
3) polish, polish, polish--if you change your character's name make certain you change ALL instances of the name
4) Make certain your MC (main character) has sufficient motivation. Motivation CAN change throughout the story. Just make certain it's strong enough to start the plot ball rolling.
5) think outside the box--really, really outside the box--the best submissions that I read had multiple plotlines that tied together
6) If you are writing a synopsis for a romance, make certain you hit all the romance plot points and conclusion
Editors and agents aren't looking for another Nora Roberts or Jayne Ann Krentz, they already have those wonderful writers. They are looking for something new and different. They are looking for you and your unique twist to the same old story.
Write on!
What to write about? What to write about? What to -- ah, ha!
I've been dicking around trying to write my query and synopsis for MOGG, but have managed to find a good way to procrastinate . . .
Judge a contest!
Not just one contest, but two! For a grand total of ten submissions in the last two weeks! YAY! And though I request Paranormal or Historical, both judging panels sent to me were paranormal and there were no duplicates! Another YAY! And I actually got some really, really good ones. Triple YAY! And none of them made me want to jab a hot poker in my eye! Quadruple YAY!
I love romance--nothing is better in this world. I tried to write romance--can't. But I read romance--voraciously. And these were all paranormal romances. Four of them were excellent and of publishable quality IMHO. The rest fell into the okay category and needed some work. None of them were hideous. Trust me, over the 8 years that I've judged contests--I have run into some hideous entries, mainly due to the entrant being a newbie and not running the story through a crit group--and true, the entrant may not have access to writer friends or a crit group, but I usually try to guide them in the right direction.
BUT if you're trying to break into romance don't just read the books just out on the shelves of your local B & N (those were bought two years ago!), judge contests in your genre. You will learn more about your writing than you will ever want to admit outloud. Plus you'll have the added bonus of seeing the same stuff that editors and agents are seeing. You'll learn why agents are sick and tired of the same old, same old, because you aren't the only one to have thought about a daywalking vampire zombie shapeshifter.
Thus it all comes down to execution. How you tell the story is paramount--even more than it ever was.
Here are a few things I learned this week:
1) if you write paranormal make the paranormal element integral to the story, not superficial. If you can make the elf/vamp/zombie/shifter a human and it doesn't change anything, think up a new story plot.
2) a routine time-travel doesn't cut it any longer--it's been done--A LOT. There has to be a new and unique twist to the story. Just putting on a ring/walking into a closet/maze is so been there, done that. The butterfly effect can be a real challenge, but it also makes the story interesting.
3) polish, polish, polish--if you change your character's name make certain you change ALL instances of the name
4) Make certain your MC (main character) has sufficient motivation. Motivation CAN change throughout the story. Just make certain it's strong enough to start the plot ball rolling.
5) think outside the box--really, really outside the box--the best submissions that I read had multiple plotlines that tied together
6) If you are writing a synopsis for a romance, make certain you hit all the romance plot points and conclusion
Editors and agents aren't looking for another Nora Roberts or Jayne Ann Krentz, they already have those wonderful writers. They are looking for something new and different. They are looking for you and your unique twist to the same old story.
Write on!
4/20/09
Contest Results
are in for the Fab Five!
Uh, no, I didn't final with Demon Within, but I had some great feedback. Actually, I'm surprised I didn't delete the email. I've been spammed a lot recently and didn't recognize the sender with attachments, too. And all that was in the subject line was 'Fab Five', not 'Fab Five contest'. For all I knew it could have been some new weight-loss supplement, Canadian pharmaceutical, or new penile implant.
Basically, I placed eleventh out of twenty-four, but the finalist's scores ranged from a 57, out of 60, to 55. I scored an average of 53.5. Not too shabby for a new story that no one has seen or critted. My scores were 55, 52, and 44. Guess who scored the 44?--an RWA Pro (Pro is a designation within RWA of a writer who finished a manuscript and is actively shopping it around). In general, unpublished writers tend to be stingier with their scoring. But the lowest score is dropped so it doesn't really matter. And I wouldn't have finaled anyway even if she'd scored me higher.
But this blog isn't about not finaling, or horrible contest judges, or crappy score sheets, or judges who score low but don't comment. Those topics are fodder for another blog on another day.
This blog is about how this contest and judges did it all RIGHT.
Yep, I HEART this contest. Why?
1) the score sheets were straight forward and fairly generic, which was why I entered this contest in the first place. This story isn't a romance. So I didn't get dinged for not having the hero or heroine meet in the first few pages. The questions were very open-ended which allow the judges to evaluate the entry based on merit and not some preset criteria.
2) Simple scoring system--ten points per question, six questions: opening, characterization, plot, dialogue, setting, and style. There are some guideline questions under each header for the judges to follow, but only one score per question.
3) Three judges, one dropped score. Built in discrepancy judging. The contest can keep to it's preset timeline. Oh, I'm sure there is still the rogue judge or two, but I bet they kept it to a minimum. And when you have to use a discrepancy judge it's usually AFTER the deadline, increasing your timeline.
4) Mixture of judges. Most contests shoot for one published author per entry, but it doesn't always happen. I'm pleased that the judges marked their published/non published status. I had published in romance, published in other, and PRO.
5) All the judges commented. For those of us who enter contest, you know this is a freakin' rarity! Most contests require the judge to comment if they score below a certain number, but many judges don't comment if they score above that preset number.
6) This one is personal to me. All three judges found the same problems with the manuscript. Now, remember, this story hasn't been looked at by anyone. I had totally rewritten it after I got a two page rejection from Deb Dixon and I wanted some feedback before I continued in this new direction with the story.
I. AM. STOKED.
This doesn't happen very often, but when it does it validates you as a writer. Yes, I still have some issues, but three separate people saw the SAME problems. Repetition and a flashback scene that slowed the pacing. I know how to take care of the flashback. It is needed, but I'll find a better spot for it. And repetition is a common mistake for writers. I'll just take my sharp Kyocera ceramic knife and do a little slicing and dicing!
Kudos to the Fab Five contest! Good Luck to all the finalists!
Write On!
Uh, no, I didn't final with Demon Within, but I had some great feedback. Actually, I'm surprised I didn't delete the email. I've been spammed a lot recently and didn't recognize the sender with attachments, too. And all that was in the subject line was 'Fab Five', not 'Fab Five contest'. For all I knew it could have been some new weight-loss supplement, Canadian pharmaceutical, or new penile implant.
Basically, I placed eleventh out of twenty-four, but the finalist's scores ranged from a 57, out of 60, to 55. I scored an average of 53.5. Not too shabby for a new story that no one has seen or critted. My scores were 55, 52, and 44. Guess who scored the 44?--an RWA Pro (Pro is a designation within RWA of a writer who finished a manuscript and is actively shopping it around). In general, unpublished writers tend to be stingier with their scoring. But the lowest score is dropped so it doesn't really matter. And I wouldn't have finaled anyway even if she'd scored me higher.
But this blog isn't about not finaling, or horrible contest judges, or crappy score sheets, or judges who score low but don't comment. Those topics are fodder for another blog on another day.
This blog is about how this contest and judges did it all RIGHT.
Yep, I HEART this contest. Why?
1) the score sheets were straight forward and fairly generic, which was why I entered this contest in the first place. This story isn't a romance. So I didn't get dinged for not having the hero or heroine meet in the first few pages. The questions were very open-ended which allow the judges to evaluate the entry based on merit and not some preset criteria.
2) Simple scoring system--ten points per question, six questions: opening, characterization, plot, dialogue, setting, and style. There are some guideline questions under each header for the judges to follow, but only one score per question.
3) Three judges, one dropped score. Built in discrepancy judging. The contest can keep to it's preset timeline. Oh, I'm sure there is still the rogue judge or two, but I bet they kept it to a minimum. And when you have to use a discrepancy judge it's usually AFTER the deadline, increasing your timeline.
4) Mixture of judges. Most contests shoot for one published author per entry, but it doesn't always happen. I'm pleased that the judges marked their published/non published status. I had published in romance, published in other, and PRO.
5) All the judges commented. For those of us who enter contest, you know this is a freakin' rarity! Most contests require the judge to comment if they score below a certain number, but many judges don't comment if they score above that preset number.
6) This one is personal to me. All three judges found the same problems with the manuscript. Now, remember, this story hasn't been looked at by anyone. I had totally rewritten it after I got a two page rejection from Deb Dixon and I wanted some feedback before I continued in this new direction with the story.
I. AM. STOKED.
This doesn't happen very often, but when it does it validates you as a writer. Yes, I still have some issues, but three separate people saw the SAME problems. Repetition and a flashback scene that slowed the pacing. I know how to take care of the flashback. It is needed, but I'll find a better spot for it. And repetition is a common mistake for writers. I'll just take my sharp Kyocera ceramic knife and do a little slicing and dicing!
Kudos to the Fab Five contest! Good Luck to all the finalists!
Write On!
2/25/09
I Won--
this beautiful necklace on Jennifer Lyon's blog!
Jennifer was having a pre-launch party on her blog for three weeks and her book Blood Magic came out yesterday. She took all the commenter's names and tossed them into a sparkly witches' hat and Ninjaface the cat picked ME!
Weeks ago, she posted Silver Enchantments website of this necklace and I spent much of my writing time trolling around the web pages. I WANT so many things on this site, but since I won something, I just might be able to convince hubster that I need a pair of earrings to go with my new necklace. Scroll down to the fantasy stuff and you'll see what I mean. So many goodies, so little money! *sigh* I'm so happy! And today, I'm going to be getting my hair done near the Barnes and Noble, so guess who plans to be early to her appointment! Just enough time to buy more books! Yay!
Oh, and I sort of came up with a plot for my MG novel! Another YAY! I'm writing a chapter a day (short chapters--1500 words). I'd like to finish the story before we go skiing, so I can hit the edits hard when I get back! Then I'll need to find someone who is willing to crit a middle-grade novel!
Any takers?
I hope all the links work. If they don't let me know.
Write on!
2/23/09
Delacorte Yearling contest
I've been racking my brains for a decent plot for the Delacorte Yearling contest I mentioned last Friday. My kiddo is just starting books that would be considered MG (middle grade, ages 8-12) and I'm fairly familiar with the books available. I've read many of them, BUT the contest stipulates 96-160 typewritten pages, 12-point font. Of course, I can manipulate the font to reach the minimum or maximum requirement by simply changing it from courier to Times. And by my rough calculations that runs around 25K-40K words. Not a problem. If I could come up with a story in the next week or two, I could feasibly write this amount by the deadline of June 30, 2009.
The problem arises because . . . I GOT NOTHING by the way of plot!
This is driving me crazy!! Usually, I have too much plot, but now, I can't think of anything! AARRGGHH!! The really good MG stories have the main plot and a subplot or something that can link it into a series.
...and there are A LOT of good series all ready invented! The Magic Tree house books come to mind, though they are far less than the required word count. I need to come up with a story that is either contemporary or historical. They don't specifically say NO FANTASY, but I'm guessing the fantasy had better be a subplot or not at all if you look at the list of previous winners.
I'll take any, and all suggestions for a story plot. Oh, and my daughter says there has to be a sad part near the end (black moment, anyone?) because all chapter books have them. ;-)
Halp!
And Write On!
The problem arises because . . . I GOT NOTHING by the way of plot!
This is driving me crazy!! Usually, I have too much plot, but now, I can't think of anything! AARRGGHH!! The really good MG stories have the main plot and a subplot or something that can link it into a series.
...and there are A LOT of good series all ready invented! The Magic Tree house books come to mind, though they are far less than the required word count. I need to come up with a story that is either contemporary or historical. They don't specifically say NO FANTASY, but I'm guessing the fantasy had better be a subplot or not at all if you look at the list of previous winners.
I'll take any, and all suggestions for a story plot. Oh, and my daughter says there has to be a sad part near the end (black moment, anyone?) because all chapter books have them. ;-)
Halp!
And Write On!
2/20/09
This and That
I turned on the news this morning and one of my old chapter mates was featured. I don't belong to the chapter any longer, but I try to keep track of people. Peggy Fielding, an 82-year old writer was the single protester outside her post office. It seems the government is closing down the office. Peggy is one of the spunkiest old people that I know. My mom (87) is the other one! And she's a little ticked that they are closing down her P.O. as she lives only 3 blocks away and uses a walker to get there. She has no other method of transportation.
Even in this day of modern technology, writers must depend on good old USPS at times. In fact, I have two queries ready to go to the PO to be mailed. Equeries will only get you so far, sometimes you have to resort to old school.
I just saw a MG contest that you have to mail in your manuscript. I'm surprised with how everyone is trying to go green, that publishing hasn't figured out a way to follow the trend.
But, then again, I still like holding and smelling a fresh new paperback in my hands. Somethings you can't imitate. Now, if the new Kindle came with the artificial smell of books, I might have to look into it!
Speaking of MG (middle grade), I just finished a MG novel, The Fire Within. I had bought it for my daughter, but I pretty much read it yesterday afternoon. She started it, but 8-yo's don't read as quick as 'aged' adults. All I have to say is don't down play MG authors. This story had multiple sub-plots interwoven to a final conclusion. And yes, I will be buying book 2 and 3.
Two days ago, I entered a few RWA contests with my new UF. There were a few things that I verified before sending the monies via PayPal.
1) Fairly generic score sheet--as a judge and contest entrant, I feel I get more bang for my buck when I enter a contest that isn't too detailed. True, the judge might still think my book sucks, but my odds are better with a generic score sheet, instead of losing 10 points because my H/H don't meet in the first 10 pages. Uh, this UF doesn't have a hero.
2) Final judge--I definitely chose these contests because of the final judges. And the judges are all from different Publishing houses.
3) Lowest score dropped--goes without saying. 3 judges, only top 2 are used.
4) Chapter members NOT allowed to enter--I like this one. As much as a contest tries to follow their own rules by not judging their chapter mates, those of us who are outsiders tend to wonder about their honesty. They many be true, but how can we really tell?
5) No synopsis--Yes, I know you need a synopsis to sell on proposal, but many times I don't have a synopsis figured out until I hit 1/3 of the way through the book.
6) Fresh eyes--Many times I enter a contest just to see if I'm on the right track. My CP's have heard about my story, ad nauseum, and they may not be the best judge at this point--I want a fresh opinion.
Well, I think that's enough lagniappe for the day.
I still have almost 5,000 words to write (like THAT's gonna happen!) and a couple of hours on the Wii Fit.
Write on!
Even in this day of modern technology, writers must depend on good old USPS at times. In fact, I have two queries ready to go to the PO to be mailed. Equeries will only get you so far, sometimes you have to resort to old school.
I just saw a MG contest that you have to mail in your manuscript. I'm surprised with how everyone is trying to go green, that publishing hasn't figured out a way to follow the trend.
But, then again, I still like holding and smelling a fresh new paperback in my hands. Somethings you can't imitate. Now, if the new Kindle came with the artificial smell of books, I might have to look into it!
Speaking of MG (middle grade), I just finished a MG novel, The Fire Within. I had bought it for my daughter, but I pretty much read it yesterday afternoon. She started it, but 8-yo's don't read as quick as 'aged' adults. All I have to say is don't down play MG authors. This story had multiple sub-plots interwoven to a final conclusion. And yes, I will be buying book 2 and 3.
Two days ago, I entered a few RWA contests with my new UF. There were a few things that I verified before sending the monies via PayPal.
1) Fairly generic score sheet--as a judge and contest entrant, I feel I get more bang for my buck when I enter a contest that isn't too detailed. True, the judge might still think my book sucks, but my odds are better with a generic score sheet, instead of losing 10 points because my H/H don't meet in the first 10 pages. Uh, this UF doesn't have a hero.
2) Final judge--I definitely chose these contests because of the final judges. And the judges are all from different Publishing houses.
3) Lowest score dropped--goes without saying. 3 judges, only top 2 are used.
4) Chapter members NOT allowed to enter--I like this one. As much as a contest tries to follow their own rules by not judging their chapter mates, those of us who are outsiders tend to wonder about their honesty. They many be true, but how can we really tell?
5) No synopsis--Yes, I know you need a synopsis to sell on proposal, but many times I don't have a synopsis figured out until I hit 1/3 of the way through the book.
6) Fresh eyes--Many times I enter a contest just to see if I'm on the right track. My CP's have heard about my story, ad nauseum, and they may not be the best judge at this point--I want a fresh opinion.
Well, I think that's enough lagniappe for the day.
I still have almost 5,000 words to write (like THAT's gonna happen!) and a couple of hours on the Wii Fit.
Write on!
2/2/09
Amazon Breakthrough Novel
I'm entering the ABNA contest once again. Last year, I didn't even make it through the first round. It isn't an easy contest to win, but if you make it to the second round then you've done something right. This year, they upped the entries to 10000 submissions.
Yeah, I don't have a shot in hell . . . But it is free!
Last year, I submitted a romance, and I still like that story, but I really don't think I'm a romance writer. This year, I'm submitting my fantasy, The Leprechaun Connection. I've queried virtually everyone with this story. Deep down I still believe in it, which is why I'm submitting it. My story's last hurrah!
Over the last week I've tweaked my pitch and my first two chapters. The pitch must be less than 300 words and the partial less than 5000 words. Now, if they don't like my pitch who really cares about the partial? But in addition to entering this contest, I'm also querying about 8-9 agents with my revised pitch/partial. I've exhausted all the agents who accept electronic queries, but i'm not done with the agents who only accept snail mail.
As I said, this is the story's last chance. I still like it, but I don't think I've done it justice in my queries. Oh, well, stuff happens. but now I have a new UF I'm writing.
And so the vicious cycle continues.
Write on!
Yeah, I don't have a shot in hell . . . But it is free!
Last year, I submitted a romance, and I still like that story, but I really don't think I'm a romance writer. This year, I'm submitting my fantasy, The Leprechaun Connection. I've queried virtually everyone with this story. Deep down I still believe in it, which is why I'm submitting it. My story's last hurrah!
Over the last week I've tweaked my pitch and my first two chapters. The pitch must be less than 300 words and the partial less than 5000 words. Now, if they don't like my pitch who really cares about the partial? But in addition to entering this contest, I'm also querying about 8-9 agents with my revised pitch/partial. I've exhausted all the agents who accept electronic queries, but i'm not done with the agents who only accept snail mail.
As I said, this is the story's last chance. I still like it, but I don't think I've done it justice in my queries. Oh, well, stuff happens. but now I have a new UF I'm writing.
And so the vicious cycle continues.
Write on!
1/8/09
It's Golden Heart Judging Time!
A heavily anticipated box landed on my doorstep last Monday. My fingers trembled as I tore open the UPS box. The smell of fresh manuscripts waft through the air and I'm jittery with excitement as I dumped the entire contents, six partial manuscripts, onto my desk. The anticipation of discovering new authors, reading new stories, and helping writers discover their dreams resides in my hands.
And it is a heady power that I do not treat lightly.
I love this time of the year. And I especially love judging Romance Writers of America's Golden Heart contest. Why, you ask? What makes this contest so special?
I love judging the Golden Heart because I don't have to follow any chapter prescribed score sheet. I don't have to award individual points for the hero, the heroine, their first meet, dialogue, the plot, or any individual element of the story. I can let the story do what a good story is supposed to do, as it sucks me into another world. I can walk in the protagonists footsteps enjoying their adventures, and always to wonder if the hero and heroine will be able to get together in the end.
--Yes, I know it's a romance, and they all end with some sort of HEA (happily ever after), but romance, and many other awesome stories, is all about the ride.
But what I love most of all is that I get to judge the entire story on its own merits. We do have to give each manuscript a score, between 1 and 9 to the nearest decimal, as an overall score for how we liked the manuscript. This year I got some really good stories to read (YAY!), and if I do say so myself, I tend to be a harsh critic. I scored two 9's this time, two 7/8's and two 4/5. Now this isn't to say the one I scored 4 was hideous, it wasn't, but it wasn't ready to get published. It had some real problems, but it also had a fun premise and decent plot. The problem is that the author needs to learn more of the craft of writing. The story isn't ready yet.
I wish all the authors well and hope the two 9's will final, but it's out of my hands as RWA plugs the numbers into some weird algorithm along with the scores from the other judges.
Now it is time to get back to my poor neglected manuscript that I abandoned to read six new stories.
Write on!
And it is a heady power that I do not treat lightly.
I love this time of the year. And I especially love judging Romance Writers of America's Golden Heart contest. Why, you ask? What makes this contest so special?
I love judging the Golden Heart because I don't have to follow any chapter prescribed score sheet. I don't have to award individual points for the hero, the heroine, their first meet, dialogue, the plot, or any individual element of the story. I can let the story do what a good story is supposed to do, as it sucks me into another world. I can walk in the protagonists footsteps enjoying their adventures, and always to wonder if the hero and heroine will be able to get together in the end.
--Yes, I know it's a romance, and they all end with some sort of HEA (happily ever after), but romance, and many other awesome stories, is all about the ride.
But what I love most of all is that I get to judge the entire story on its own merits. We do have to give each manuscript a score, between 1 and 9 to the nearest decimal, as an overall score for how we liked the manuscript. This year I got some really good stories to read (YAY!), and if I do say so myself, I tend to be a harsh critic. I scored two 9's this time, two 7/8's and two 4/5. Now this isn't to say the one I scored 4 was hideous, it wasn't, but it wasn't ready to get published. It had some real problems, but it also had a fun premise and decent plot. The problem is that the author needs to learn more of the craft of writing. The story isn't ready yet.
I wish all the authors well and hope the two 9's will final, but it's out of my hands as RWA plugs the numbers into some weird algorithm along with the scores from the other judges.
Now it is time to get back to my poor neglected manuscript that I abandoned to read six new stories.
Write on!
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