I’ve had a few emails lately about the Lori Foster/Kensington Brava contest. The questions that were posed is why I’m writing this blog.
Contests are a very strange creature. I say creature because I believe they behave unpredictably. You can never tell if you’re going to final or win or simply be tossed aside. The whole thing is subjective. You can write the most amazing story and if you get the wrong judge or editor it won’t matter a bit. You won’t sell/final.
I wish there was a magic formula, but there’s not. The best advice I can give anyone thinking about entering a writing contest is to study who is putting the contest on. What do they publish? What voice do they like? Do they prefer humor or serious topics or both? Are the stories sexy? Is this what you truly want to write? I know that last question seems strange to ask, but it’s important. If you love to write romantic suspense think twice before entering a contest for let’s say romantic comedy. (Unless you like writing romantic comedy.) You may just start your career that way.
August 5th, 2004
Contests, Ugh! LOL
I’ve entered two RWA contests that were looking for ‘your most sexy or sensual love scene’ and ” good sexual tension’ and I placed way low in the polls in both. It threw me at first, because I’ve written, and sold, quite a few erotica short stories…but once you read the comments a realize just how subjective they are , it makes it easier to accept.
I entered the Brava contest. I hope to do well, but if I don’t….it won’t stop me from submiting to them anyways because I think I could fit in well there. *g*
Here’ hoping the judges think so too.!
by Sasha August 5th, 2004 at 12:21 pmSasha, I’ve entered six contests since I started writing. I’m batting 50/50. I did think some of the comments were interesting though. Someone wrote on my contemporary light murder/mystery that if they’d known it was a chick-lit they would never have read it. Funny, it being a chick-lit is news to me. LOL! Good luck in the contest.
by Jordan August 5th, 2004 at 2:25 pmYou’re not kidding about judging being subjective! I usually do pretty well in contests and I’ve been blessed with enthusiastic judges, but every once in a while, a judge and I will just not see eye to eye. You just gotta shake your head, laugh, and chalk it up to a learning experience–for both you and the judge! :p (Or you can win, like you did, and open that bottle of bubbly!)
by Sylvia Day August 6th, 2004 at 5:10 pmSylvia, I definitely did celebrate…after I got over the shock. I’ve made so many mistakes in contests that I have a tendency to talk about them a lot. (What not to do.) Like you said in your post, the only thing you can’t control are the judges. It’s truly a role of the dice. I’ve judged a few contests and it’s no easy feat. You try to be helpful and encouraging, because goodness knows I don’t want anything I say stopping someone from writing. It doesn’t make the task any easier. Believe me.
by Jordan August 6th, 2004 at 9:34 pmI have the greatest admiration for contest judges. I’ve had a few that really took their time on their forms–and I’ve always appreciated that. Even the less-than-enthusiastic responses can offer a world of helpful advice. Hats off to you for stepping up to the job. Imagine all the good you’ve done with a little bit of your time!
by Sylvia Day August 6th, 2004 at 11:32 pmSylvia, That’s very kind of you to say. I went by your site and checked out your message board. I enjoyed the chats you were having with Sasha. LOL! You guys are too funny.
by Jordan August 7th, 2004 at 12:18 pmBe sure to join in on the chats Jordan! We have fun!
by Sasha August 7th, 2004 at 7:08 pm:p Yeah, we have fun with it! Join us anytime. It would be an honor to have you!
by Sylvia Day August 7th, 2004 at 7:36 pmSee you there ladies.
J
by Jordan August 8th, 2004 at 11:10 am