Posts Tagged ‘writing contests’
Contests Schmontests Part Deux
April 17, 2011
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
=)
I’ve been naughty
February 28, 2011
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
Stolen Kisses
February 14, 2011
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
Feet First!
January 23, 2011
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
150 days and counting
December 11, 2010
So I’ve been writing like a madwoman.
And I sent off my Mills and Boon first three chapters and a synopsis yesterday. And I’m working on my SYTYCW synopsis and chapter one today to send off on Wednesday to Harlequin. AND I’m trying to finish up my MG for a contest on December 30.
Things have been a wee bit crazy.
Oh, and I started a new story, a Christmas one. =)
So, what do I do in my spare time? lol…I seem to have become the door person for the cats. Let them in, let them out. Rinse, lather repeat.
Although, I do have to say I’m quite thrilled to be writing as much as I am. I belong to a group where you post your daily writing totals. When you get to 100 days of writing with no days off, you win a virtual tiara. As of today, I am at 150 days straight of writing over 100 words a day.
When I did nano, I wrote in the thousands every day. Now, I’m back down to less than 500, but still attacking the keyboard on a regular basis. On my days off, I generally get 2K or more.
For me, it pays to hold me accountable to a group. My writing level has gone up, I’m finishing projects and starting new ones. And my writing skills have improved. Um, my crit partners might not agree with that….lol…but I feel they have.
Guess I just need someone to kick my in the rear every day.
=)
Thanks Club100 for being the kicker!
carrie
Posted in It's all about me, WIP's | 
Tags: back up, carrie spencer, contest, contests, Harlequin, how to write, MG, Mills and Boon, Mills and Boon New Voices, rom com, romance, romance author, romance novel contest, romance writing, romantic comedy, smart ass romance, smartass, writing, writing contests, writing skills | 
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