I have no idea what my fascination is with writing contests. About once every six months my brain does some kind of hormonal release (somewhat like a hot flash I presume) and I MUST enter writing contests. Doesn’t matter whether I win or not (okay, I’m lying) I just HAVE to enter.

So this year, for my 49th birthday, I entered four. Three for the romance novel and one for the middle grade. And I did pretty darn well really. No wins (okay, fourth place on the MG), but some great comments, even some compliments. Easy reading style. Fun to read, great voice. Sweet.

And some things to work on. Needs more conflict. Too coincidental. Quite using parenthesis, they’re distracting. (do you think they’re distracting?) (I really like parenthesis) (darnit)

So, I’m back to the drawing board. Mostly. A little. Okay, technically not much. I’m ramping up conflict, I’m un-coincidentalizing things (yes, it’s a real word) and I’m taking out some of my parenthesis (two).

Contests can be a valuable learning experience, even though they can also be unqualified disaster. I had to delete one of my comment sheets, it was giving my anxiety attacks. I immediately infused myself with chocolate and while recovery has been a bit slow, I hope to get back to writing sometime this summer. (sarcasm)(maybe)

(see how handy those darn little parenthesis are?)

Seriously though, I have some major work to do. I have a couple editor requests, an agent request and a work schedule that doesn’t allow me more than a few free hours a week.

But for now, contest season is over – for at least another 6 months. Time to get back to work!

Hi ho hi ho!

carrie

=)

Carrie Spencer Author - Smart Ass Romance

Naughty. Busy. It’s all the same right?

Sorta.

So I did warn you, I was going to be entering contests. And enter I have. I entered my MG in one, my Man Hunter in two and a separate one I made up today in about six hours in another.

I’ve entered two pitch contests. TWO. One of which was an audio pitch. And them puppies ain’t easy, I’m tellin’ya. =)

Am I done?

I think so. =) The written contests will be months to hear from. The pitches I heard from within the week and got good reports (although no wins) all the way around. I entered contests where the judges were either editors or agents I wanted to get my work in front of, and I’m feeling pretty good about that. I’m going to hold onto that feeling, because I KNOW what happens when you get the judging sheets back. Intense agony and soul searching. Pain and agony. Screaming and margaritas.

Contests aren’t for wimps.

So that’s where I’ve been, MIA. I promise I’ll be better now that I’ve gotten all that out of my system.

Except there’s just that one more…..hmmm……

=)

carrie

Carrie Spencer Author - Smart Ass Romance

I recently entered a contest at Yosemite Romance Writers Group, one I’ve been a part of for a couple years, even though I live nowhere near Yosemite. =) They offered a contest called The Smooch, and I recently placed third. Woot! If you click on my Current WIP’s tab and zoom down to Stolen Kisses, you can read the entry.

It’s short, 1500 words.

Enjoy!

=)

carrie

Carrie Spencer Author - Smart Ass Romance

I’m going back in to deep waters.

Shark infested.

Boiling, turbulent, roiling waters of….well, you get the idea.

I’m entering contests.

I’ve decided that between now and the infamous 49th birthday, I’m going to enter at least 4 contests.

I’m crazy, I know.

But I do weird things for my birthdays. Hair cuts, colors, new wardrobe choices. Small psychopathic episodes. But you probably don’t want to hear about those. =)

Last year on my birthday, I decided I wanted to be a writer. I took my first class in May, entered 2 contests (you can probably still read my rantings on contests schmontests) and took more classes. And yet more classes.

In September of last year I entered yet another contest, that turned out fairly darn well. 2nd place of 824 contestants. Ya know, just in case you forgot.

I’ve entered a few small ones here in January, but I’m pulling out the big guns and leaping into the fray.

Why do I always have to do something dramatic/life changing on my birthday?

Dunno.

Watch out, next year for the big 5-0 it might be skydiving.

Wanna come with?

=)

carrie

Carrie Spencer Author - Smart Ass Romance

This week I am taking some time off. Mostly because all of my college girls are back and want LOTS of hours at the restaurant. But also because I am simply buried.

And because there’s another blizzard forecast.

=)

I have my MG I’d dearly love to finish by December 31. That’s really pushing it, especially since I found a few plot holes in the first half. Eep. But if I don’t try, I won’t enter the Delacorte contest.

On the other hand, my mind is a blank when it comes to my MG. I’ve hit a brick wall. And that really sucks because it’s such a great story. Makes me laugh out loud. So, today I’m going to brainstorm with myself, see if I can get it back on track, see if it’s been derailed or if the train simply hasn’t left the station. =)

What do you do when you hit the proverbial blank wall? Keep pushing? Stop and take a break? Find someone to bounce ideas off of?

I’m hoping I’ll power through this week. I know it’s Christmas and all, but with an extra two days off, I could do some serious damage.

=)

carrie

Carrie Spencer Author - Smart Ass Romance