The Romance Writers of Australia run a full-on competition season with contests for published and unpublished authors, in all styles of romance.
Now that I've finished my novel, I've been busy editing it - it's as time-consuming as writing the thing in the first place! I have a couple of wonderful critique partners who give me advice and feedback as I go, but competitions are a great way to get your work out there anonymously for feedback.
So far this year I've entered an American contest - the Emily (first 3,000 words), and the STALI (Single Title and Loving It) for the first 5,000 words. I haven't had word back about the Emily yet - to be honest, I'm not expecting much because my story is quite Australian, but I thought I'd put it out there and see how it did. A couple of days ago I got my results for the STALI and while I didn't come close to finalling, I got some great feedback - and a wonderful comment that I'll look back on whenever I doubt my writing!
I've just held my breath and sent off the first 10,000 words for the next contest - the Emerald. If I'm lucky enough to get through to the 2nd round of it, I'd have to send my full manuscript in, so I'm now very busy head-down, tail-up trying to get the rest of it edited by mid-Jan. Even if I don't get through to the 2nd round, having a deadline will make me get it edited anyway :)
Do you need a deadline to get things done? Or are you an internally-motivated person?
6 comments:
Deadlines are like rocket fuel - I work well under pressure (though it's a love hate thing - love the adrenaline, hate the fear of fffailure!)
You're really rocketing along! Congratulations, and although the process of editing can be painful, it's so good that you have a goal to push for. Yay for you, Kez!
I need a deadline, I live for them otherwise I'm like....oh look a butterfly, I wonder where its going? And that's me off and running in a totally different direction :).
Excellent news re the contest entries, not easy putting your work out there, and fingers crossed for good results.
Editing sucks.
Contests are always terrifying. I've entered one or two. Good luck with yours!
Right now, I think a deadline would be the only thing that would push me to work on writing when there are a dozen other things on my plate!
Well...that and my own computer. Maybe I should go back to carrying a notebook and pen. :o)
Thanks as always for your comments and support. I always appreciate hearing from you, even if I don't have time to respond!
Peace and Laughter!
Writing is itself a competitions.I think we people need to know about this.Its very much important for us that we must come know about this
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Congratulations on entering the contests, Kez, and on your fantastic feedback. And good luck!
I find deadlines are very useful too.
Thanks for visiting my blog and for your cheery words!
Julie x
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