To Perseverance

The road to publication isn't an easy one. It requires more than hard work; it requires a single-minded refusal to give up that some days feels like it might border on insanity. One of the things that keeps me pushing and semi-sane is entering RWA sanctioned contests. It's a great way to get unbiased feedback. I began entering my first manuscript in contests a little over a year ago. The feedback I've received along the way has helped tremendously.

And here's a contest opportunity for you, one sponsored by my local chapter of RWA. Check out MCRW's 2013 Melody of Love, a contest I was fortunate to final in last year. But even better than making the finals was "meeting" a great writer who would become a future critique partner. I volunteered to judge in last year's Melody of Love and was lucky enough to get the chance to read PHANTOM LIMBS, the eventual winner of the YA category. I was so impressed by the entry, I noted on the score sheet that I'd be happy to beta read if the writer needed a reader. The writer, Paula Garner, contacted me through our coordinator after completion of the contest. That initial correspondence led to a wonderful working relationship that I count myself blessed to have. I'm happy to say Paula has gone on to win a number of contests since with PHANTOM LIMBS.

On the subject of contests, my newest manuscript, FRAMED, recently won the Contemporary category of RCRW's 2013 Duel on the Delta and netted a full request. This is the real prize; getting the chance to have your work read by agents and editors. For that reason, I recently entered my newly revised first manuscript in the 2013 Emerald City Opener sponsored by GSRWA to test my new start. Contests are a great way to vet changes to see if they work. I'm happy to announce the new start to THE HOUSE OF D'INNOCENZI passed muster. It made the finals!

To Fear of Heights and Firing Pitches

For every writer, the day comes when you must step up to the mound and pitch. For me, that day came a couple of weeks ago. I equate it to climbing scaffolding when I do decorative work on those multi-storied ceilings for my "day job." Since I have a deathly fear of heights, it’s not something I relish. The fact I'm willing to work on a ceiling over a three-story stairwell, if necessary, is a testament to how much I enjoy my work and seeing the finished product. So up I go and never look down. 

That’s what I did that day—took a deep breath and never looked down. Of course, it helped getting a personal pep talk from the great C. J. Redwine the night before. Redwine, author of Defiance, wrote one of the best books available on querying. I highly recommend Query: Everything You Need to Know to Get Started, Get Noticed, and Get Signed. She reminded me of her formula outlined in the book: A must do B to avoid or accomplish C, but D is a huge problem. Armed with that reminder, I went home and tightened my pitch to a one-minute spiel. It worked beautifully, giving the editor plenty of time to ask questions. At least I think it worked. The pitch netted two full requests. So thank you, C. J.!