Here's the plan, nine (count them 9) months from now (time enough for a baby so time enough for a book) is the deadline for the RWA (Romance Writers of America) Golden Heart Contest. This is a huge contest where the finalists all receive great honours for getting that far. You might think I'm being cocky believing I can beat out 1200 other entrants and make it to the finals, but I have a secret weapon.
A new member of our local writing group is a published romance author. Mimi Barbour is experienced not only with writing romances and having them published, but has also done judging for romance contests and has even worked with a Golden Heart winner! I've often said life is all about timing, and I think my decision to finally write this paranormal romance couldn't have been more true to this adage.
What I would love is if some of my followers who write in this genre or have an idea that is a romantic plot would do this along with me. That way, we can support one another. Did I mention that as a finalist you get a free trip to the RWA conference? Last year it was in Orlando, Florida.
Did I also mention that nearly all finalists have their pick of agents and basically all winners in the various genres get published? Just saying. :p
So, the question is, who's with me?
3 comments:
Shannon, I'm not sure about the free trip to the conference for finalists. I've never heard that before, and I've been an RWA member for nine years now...but I could be wrong about that.
Absolutely GO for it! Make sure you give yourself time to polish that manuscript up nice and shiny.
I've judged the Golden Heart for several years. Its a very subjective contest. You get a score from between 1 and 9, 9 being the highest, but NO other feedback. Your total scores across six judges (I believe it's six) must be in the top 10 percent to final.
Also, if you aren't a member of RWA, I suggest you join. Then come on over to the Fantasy, Futuristic and Paranormal chapter of RWA, an online chapter that will give you any help you need to polish that baby up. It's nice to write with other like-minded folks!
Speaking of which, I'd better get back to my own paranormal romance work in progress...
Good luck!
Thanks Christine! I appreciate the clarification on the trip, I met a finalist last year and she had said that she had her trip paid for but perhaps that was a misunderstanding on my part!
I will be joining RWA this week, just printed out the application and I'm totally excited about this whole process. I've not entered a contest before so this will be a first on that count for me.
Good luck with your WIP too!! Thanks again for the information. :)
good luck shannon, i think its neat your trying out something like this! :)
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