However, this past week has taught me an interesting lesson.
It all started when I took a very deep breath and pressed 'submit' on my entry for Harlequin's "So You Think You Can Write" Contest...for the second time (I was a finalist last year). Honestly, I had no idea what I was getting myself into as the format of the contest had changed considerably since last year and this time the voting in the first round will be done by the public.
I accepted that if I was going to enter that I would give it my best shot. So I dared myself to really put myself out there. Talking to new people. Talking to old friends. It’s been a bit scary and a lot nerve-wracking. It’s also zapped my concentration and sucked up my time. But in the end, it’s been amazing.
I love the new friends I’ve made. And I’ve reconnected with old friends.
I’ve also taken time to read a number of the entries and let me tell you, there’s a lot of talent out there. The editors definitely have their homework cut out for them because the number of entries is in the hundreds. Too bad everyone couldn’t win.
So what did I learn this week?
That in order to be a writer in this day and age of technology, you have to put yourself out there and interact with your fellow writers and readers. And they aren’t scary at all. J They like to talk about cooking, kitties, and all sorts of fun things.
And something that I already knew was reaffirmed—romance writers are GREAT!!!
They are the MOST supportive group I've ever met. Many of my writing friends have listened to me as the nerves settled in. They’ve been supportive, understanding and encouraging. <waves to
In a contest this BIG, it is unusual for everyone to get along. Yet everyone is so supportive of each other. And I haven’t heard one negative word. Honest.
Three cheers for the romance writers. J
I’m so glad to be among them.
The contest is now closed to new entries. But if you didn’t have a chance to enter the SYTYCW contest, there’s still a lot of great information from editors and authors on the website. You can check it out here:
http://www.soyouthinkyoucanwrite.com/
Voting for the contest has opened today. It is open to the public, so anyone can vote.
There is a limit of one vote PER day (it is operating on
Voting runs from Oct 2nd-11th. A total of 10 possible votes total.
Please take the time to check out the entries and VOTE for your favorite. Here’s the link to the main page where ALL entries are cataloged by line:
http://www.soyouthinkyoucanwrite.com/manuscripts/
A lot of work has gone in to them. A lot of dreams are riding on them. And we could all use your help.
Oh, and if you are interested in checking out my “So You Think You Can Write” entry, you can find it here:
http://www.soyouthinkyoucanwrite.com/manuscripts/her-cowboy-hero/
Congratulations on entering. It takes guts to press the submit button. I hope that all the hard work and nerves pays off. I didn't enter this year, but will be spending my time reading through all the wonderful entries posted. The standard of the submissions are high this year and I also don't envy the editors. Good luck with your entry.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much! And you're right it takes a lot of guts to press 'submit' so everyone who entered is a winner in my book. :-)
DeleteCongrats Jennifer, and let's hope you get just as far (if not further) this year! x
ReplyDeleteThanks Aimee!!! Loved your entry! Good luck! :-)
DeleteI didn't know you had submitted :D Congratulations, Jen!
ReplyDeleteI'm off to find your entry!
Lacey, thanks! And thanks so much for stopping by. :-)
DeleteDid you enter? If so, I've got to check out your entry.
Great post Jenn and good luck!! I feel the same way. A great group of writers have formed and you all rock! xo
ReplyDeleteThanks. So glad you enjoyed the post. Who knew my adventure would lead to fodder for a blog post. LOL.
DeleteAnd good luck to your too!!!
Congrats on entering, Jen! Contests are so nerve-wracking-especially ones like this! Your entry was awesomen, your writing is great, and I know you'll be getting that call soon!!! :-)
ReplyDeleteThank you! And thanks for holding my hand through this. The Hot Pink Typewriters are awesome. So thrilled to be a part of this group. :-)
DeleteLove this post, Jennifer. And, wow, I can so totally relate! Can I tell you that if weren't for the support of lovely people just like YOU (you amazing hand-holder, you), I would have become discouraged a long, long time ago? As it is, because of community and writerly friends, I'm still feeling courageous (most of the time!) and still having fun! Loved your contest entry and I continue to do the mega-twist pretzel for your call. :-)
ReplyDeleteAwww...you're so sweet. I've really appreciated your support too. Romance writers really are a very generous, supportive group of people. Love being a part of that community.
DeleteAnd good luck to you too. Loved your entry!!!
Jennifer
ReplyDeleteGreat post and so very good for you!! I got up the nerve to submit but as I am pretty new to the whole twitter/ technology thing I must admit I haven't done much connecting...BUT I have seen from all my lurking, the forums, blogs etc just how right you are about the romance community - it is a really encouraging place to be...full of lovely people.
Lots and lots of luck and I too have everything crossed for you that the call is round the corner for you.
Nina x
Thank you very much! And YAY!!! on you entering the contest. It takes a lot of courage to hit that 'submit' button. So good for you. :-) Which entry is yours?
DeleteHey there!
ReplyDeleteI'm enjoying getting to know you, and as you know I loved your entry and will be voting!
Thank you so much for stopping by!!! So great to see you here.
DeleteAnd thank you for the support. So glad you liked the story. :-)
Jennifer,
ReplyDeleteI love this post - it is about guts, as are most worthwhile efforts. And I loved that you reached out to me, who you didn't know, but who knows some people you DO know! LOL Rooting for you!
Marie
Hi! Thanks so much for being understanding and supportive. :-) Romance writers amaze me each day in such a good way.
DeleteOh, I think every time a writer puts her work in a contest, it's like charging a giant--a David and Goliath thing. So in my book, you're incredibly brave.
ReplyDeleteHey, you found me. That's great!!! So happy to see you.
DeleteAnd you're right. After hitting the 'send' button this time, I think every single relative of mine far and wide knows I write. And what's more they can read it. OMG!!!
It takes guts to enter. It takes more guts to admit how nerve-wracking that can be. Loved this blog entry, Jennifer.
ReplyDeleteThis might be sexist, so shout me down if you disagree, but I think because romance writing is predominantly women, we can be supportive and not feel like we have to be in competition. I know my life is blessed with the support I get from fellow romance writers in New Zealand and I couldn't give up writing now, because I'd miss that companionship.
Can you say quivering guts??? LOL. That's why I was the very first to hit 'submit'. Once that was done there was no turning back. :-)
DeleteYou know, I never thought of it that way. Guess that's because my better half is always behind me 150%. He's amazing and he prods me onward when necessary.
I don't know why romance writers are so supportive, it might be what you mentioned, but whatever it is, I LOVE it. It's an awesome community. :-D
Well said. I feel this community is very supportive! Thanks for sharing with us! Heather
ReplyDeleteThanks so much! I'm so glad you stopped by. :-)
ReplyDeleteGreat post, Jennifer, and congratulations on your fine entry! It's so hard to put your work out to the public like that, and the voting component is terrifying. You know we're rooting for you here at The Hot Pink Typewriter!
ReplyDeleteI am reminded almost daily of the generosity of the writers in the romance community--amazing, isn't it? It's truly a sisterhood. :-)
Thank you!!! I couldn't honestly tell you which was more stressful the thought of posting my story for the world to read or the public voting. It was all rather overwhelming. LOL.
DeleteThe romance community is the best. Thank goodness for the internet so we can all connect. :-)
Great post, Jennifer!
ReplyDeleteThe romance community is so supportive, and I think the dynamics of SYTYCW only reaffirm that.
I love your entry and am so pleased and proud to call you my friend.
Hard work, talent and courage are a powerful combination.
It's great to be reminded of that.
(Hugs)
Thank you for the kind words.
DeleteI'm so happy to call you friend too. And I think SYTYCW has been such a positive experience. Everyone is supporting everyone else. Have really enjoyed it.