Tag: writing contests

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Writers Chat

Writers Chat Recap for June Part 1

Writers Chat Recap

Writers Chat, hosted by Jean Wise, Johnnie Alexander, and Brandy Brow, is the show where we talk about all things writing, by writers and for writers!

“Because talking about writing is more fun than actually doing it.”

The Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference Review

Writers Chat co-host Norma Poore, attended the recent 2023 BRMCWC. Joining her in this episode are four other attendees to share their experiences, both as first-time attendees and multi-time attendees. Find out how attending a conference can benefit your writing journey with both opportunities and friendships.

Watch the June 6th Replay

Norma Poore is an award-winning Christian writer who is passionate about encouraging women in their faith, families, and friendships. After thirty-eight years of marriage, six children, and thirteen grandchildren Norma is still crazy about her knight in shining armor, David. Her favorite thing to do is to cook for and hang out with her large family

Plotting 101: How to Create a Story Readers Can’t Put Down with Crystal Caudill

Crystal presents a comprehensive look at the four-act story structure (which is the three-act structure with the middle act divided into two). She begins with an idea for brainstorming using M&Ms, followed by elements that strengthen our stories. The popular movie Shrek is presented as an excellent example of the four-act structure. Catch the replay of this episode to deepen your understanding of story structure.

Watch the June 13th Replay

Crystal Caudill is the award-winning author of “dangerously good historical romance. She is a stay-at-home mom and caregiver. When not writing, Crystal can be found hanging with her family, drinking hot tea, or reading at her home outside Cincinnati, Ohio. Find out more at crystalcaudill.com.

Writers Chat is hosted live each Tuesday for an hour starting at 10 AM CT / 11 AM ET
on Zoom. The permanent Zoom room link is: http://zoom.us/j/4074198133

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Writing for YA

Talking About Writing and Contests with 2020 First Impressions YA Finalist Annette Griffin

The First Impressions Contest is held every year by ACFW. This year, Annette Griffin made it to finalists’ list for the young adult category.

Congratulations, Annette!

What advice would you give writers considering entering writing contests?

Entering contests has been one way I challenge myself to become a better writer. Here are a few things I’ve learned–the hard way– about submitting successful contest entries:

1) Be sure to pay close attention to the contest submission guidelines, follow them precisely, then check again for compliance before you hit the send button.

2) Write with passion, but when you’re done go back and highlight all the passive language and replace it.

3) Before you hit the send button be sure to pray. Ask God to align your heart with His plans for your writing and pray for favor and open doors according to His will. 

Why did you decide to write young adult fiction?

My characters tend to choose the genres I write. My YA characters are some of my favorites–each are inspired by my work with young adults through years of youth ministry. 

What is your biggest writing dream or goal?

I have a different take on this question than most of my author heroes and mentors. Yes, goals are very important. Without them I would wind up spinning my wheels most days. I do have practical short term and long term goals that include word counts, craft development, marketing aspirations, networking etc. but when it comes to my biggest writing “dream” I really just want to accomplish WELL what God has already pre-planned for me to do (Eph 2:10). I can dream big, but I learned a long time ago that MY idea of big may not look at all like God’s does. His ways are better, higher, and perfect. His plans for me are good and will be used for His glory. I want to do Him proud as I work to fulfil His dreams for me.

Great advice. When I get caught up in the work, it’s all too easy to lose sight of the main purpose, the reason for starting in the first place. It’s always good to remember the big picture vision behind the effort.

Who has been your biggest inspiration?

If you’re talking about my biggest inspiration in life, Joni Earekson Tada has inspired me since I was a young girl. She is an example of a woman who despite physical devastation, heartache, trial, and constant pain has chosen to live her love for Jesus publically–with so much joy–to help others find their strength in Him. 

I’ve always admired Joni. She’s one of my heroes, too.

I love your answers!

Thank you for talking with us, Annette.

Annette is an award winning author who writes inspiration and fiction for women & children. Her debut children’s book What Is A Family? released this July. She and her husband live in NC with their two teens and beagle named Bella who keeps them all on a leash. 

Website: annettemariegriffin.com

FB: @annettemariegriffin

IG: @annettemariegriffin

book link: https://www.workman.com/products/what-is-a-family

For more encouragement from Annette, check out her Embrace the Wait column.

Readers, have you had success with a writing contest or reached a writing goal this year? Share your good news in the comments.

Donna Jo Stone writes YA contemporary novels about tough issues but always ends the stories with a note of hope. She blogs at donnajostone.com.

Categories
Mystery/Thriller/Suspense

Contests—Pretty or Prickly

mystery suspense thriller

Your opening scene has edge-of-your-seat tension, your characters are witty and full of life, the description of your setting is amazing, and your villain has just the right amount of evil. Your manuscript is perfect. Now, it’s time to win a contest and become an award-winning author. Right?

Unfortunately, new writers can be unaware that contests are prickly little things. Kind of like a cactus. Standing on a sidewalk admiring a cactus garden can be an amazing thing. All the beautiful shapes and blossoms. But as we all know, they are pretty from a distance, but up-close they can be brutal.

Many writers submit to contests and have their hopes and dreams trampled on when they don’t win or the comments received are disheartening. We’ve all heard it said that you need a thick skin to be a writer. There is no doubt about that, but part of the contest world is how you view it. Pretty or prickly. So, the question is, should you enter contests? It all depends on your purpose.

I’ve entered multiple contests. Some I’ve won, others I didn’t make the finals. And that was with the same manuscript. That can be frustrating to say the least. But I’ve learned a lot over the last few years.

  • Enter a contest for feedback, not to win. Being a finalist or winning is an added bonus, but it’s the judges’ feedback that will help your writing.
  • Enter in the appropriate category. Suspense authors usually judge suspense. Therefore, you are getting feedback from someone who’s in the publishing trenches of your genre. Who better to give suggestions on your suspense elements than someone who writes suspense?
  • Not all judges will like your writing. Similar to when we read novels, we have our favorite authors and authors that we just don’t care for. Judges are like that too. Don’t get discouraged if your entry comes back marked up by the red pen of death. Read through the comments and pick and choose what is important. However, if two judges tell you the same thing—It’s probably important.
  • Don’t take it personally. Yes, your manuscript is your baby, but the judges aren’t insulting you. They are trying to help improve your chances of becoming published.

I highly recommend contests. They can be a great learning tool. But check your reasons for entering before hitting send. That way you won’t be disappointed with the results.

It takes courage to put your book baby out there. So, breath deep and go for it.

What’s your biggest fear or best advice about entering a contest?

Sami Abrams grew up hating to read. It wasn’t until her 30’s that she found authors that captured her attention. Now, most evenings you can find her engrossed in a Romantic Suspense. In her opinion, a crime and a little romance is the recipe for a great story.

Sami has finaled 15 times in writing contests, including receiving first place in American Christian Fiction Writer’s Genesis Contest in 2019 and Faith Hope and Love’s Touched By Love Awards in 2018. She lives in Northern California, but she will always be a Kansas girl at heart. She has a love of sports, family, and travel. However, a cabin at Lake Tahoe writing her next story is definitely at the top of her list.

Visit Sami at:

Website:  Samiaabrams.com

Facebook Author page:  samiaabrams

Twitter: @samiaabrams

Instagram: samiaabrams 

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Embrace the Wait

Survival Tips for the Waiting Part of Writing Tip #13 – Be Conference Ready

Writer’s conference season is upon us. If you’re like me, this time of year gets your creative juices flowing and turns you into a bundle of excitement and nerves. This will be my fourth season to enjoy the bounty these wonderful gatherings bestow. Nope, the thrill still has not faded.  If you have never attended a writer’s conference, I would highly recommend you go to at least one. After you’ve shared several days with people who get your writerly heart, I promise you’ll be hooked.

Writer’s conferences provide some of the best opportunities for encouragement and motivation a writer can ever know—especially if that writer is in the middle of a long waiting season. These events offer networking opportunities with fellow writers, classes to help improve your craft, and face-to-face time with agents and editors who are usually difficult to access.

But before you venture out into conference land it’s important to be adequately prepared for the journey. Here are a few tips to jumpstart your conference success:

  1. Pray and ask God for guidance about which conference(s) to attend. He will place you right where He wants you. Plus, He’ll often prepare divine appointments where and when you’d least expect them.
  2. Once you’re registered, immediately research the conference website and take full advantage of signups for mentoring, intensives, VIP lunches, practicums etc. Many conferences offer special perks that have limited space and require advance registration. If you don’t scour the website, way in advance, you might miss out on some of these valuable opportunities.
  3. Enter the conference contest if they offer one. You’d be amazed at how a dose of competition can take your writing to the next level. It’s exhilarating to hear your name called from stage if you place, but even if you don’t the experience is guaranteed to kick your writing game up a notch.
  4. Research the faculty ahead of time. If you have writing that is ready to pitch, make sure to do your homework before you attend the conference. Find out which agents and editors will be attending. Spend a good amount of time online getting to know who they are and what they’re looking for. If you find a good fit for your work, be prepared to jump at every chance to meet with that faculty member at the conference. A little planning can go a long way.
  5. Pack your professional essentials. Be sure to take business cards, one sheets, paper and pen, clothing that shows you’re serious about the profession, and the confidence you need to sell your yourself and your work.
  6. Polish your work, practice your pitch, and prepare your heart. Prior to the conference dedicate some time to make sure that you’ll be taking your very best with you. Best work. Best pitch. Best you.

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 4:12

Fun Fact or Helpful Resource: If you’d like more details about preparing a one sheet and pitching, here are some excellent resources:

One Page Sell Sheet
How to Prepare For Pitch Sessions at a Writing Conference

Annette Marie Griffin is a award-winning writer who speaks at local women’s group meetings and women’s retreats on the topic of biblical womanhood and finding our identity in Christ. She is the Operations and Events Coordinator at a private school for special needs students and is the editor of their quarterly newsletter. She has written custom curriculum for women’s retreats and children’s church curriculum for Gateway Church in San Antonio, Texas where she served as Children’s Ministry Director and Family Program Director for over twenty years. She and her husband John have five amazing children and two adorable grands. She’s a member of Word Weavers International, ACFW, SCBWI, and serves on the Board of Directors for The Creative Writing Institute.

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Writers Chat

Writers Chat Recap for January

Writers Chat, hosted by Jean Wise, Johnnie Alexander, and Bethany Jett, is the show where we talk about all things writing, by writers and for writers!

“Because talking about writing is more fun than actually doing it.”

Ten Steps to Integrative Marketing with Bethany Jett

Bethany shares ten integrative marketing strategies for writers. These strategies include marketing ideas for letter campaigns, social media and much more. As writers we should be thinking of marketing from the beginning of our projects. This episode is full of great information to help. Bethany is the co-owner of Serious Writer, Inc. and has recently co-authored two books that have won awards for marketing. Check out this week’s episode and get started on marketing strategies for you WIP.

Watch the January 14th replay.

Contest Savvy: Enter and Win! With Rhonda Dragomir

In this informative episode, Rhonda, the winner of the Serious Writer’s 2019 Writer of the Year contest, shares her secrets for entering and winning contests. Whether you write fiction or nonfiction there are basic things you can do to increase your chances to win contests. Rhonda shares tips like following the contest guidelines, properly formatting your manuscript entry and so much more. With conference and contest season upon us, this episode is a great way to prepare.

Watch the January 21streplay.

Dancing on the Head of a Pen

Writers Chat turned into book chat today as Johnnie Alexander, Bethany Jett, Melissa Stroh, and Jean Wise read their favorite sections of Robert Benson’s book, Dancing on the Head of a Pen. Benson gives great writing advice, uses amazing imagery and light humor to encourage writers at every level. Some of the favorite sections included; his bookshelf with a lamp top that is always lit; his three hats (the artist, the craftsman, and the businessman); and his jury of twelve. This episode is a must see regardless of where you are on your writing journey.

Watch the January 28th replay.

JOIN US!

Writers Chat is hosted live each Tuesday for an hour starting at 10 AM CT / 11 AM ET on Zoom. Here’s the permanent Zoom room link. 

Participants mute their audio and video during the filming then we open up the room for anyone who wishes to participate with our guests. The “After Party” is fifteen-minutes of off-the-record sharing and conversation.

Additionally, you can grow your network and add to the conversation by joining our Writers Chat Facebook Group.

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History in the Making

Notes from a Contest Judge

History in the making

Have you ever entered your work in a writing contest? These contests are organized by organizations like the American Fiction Writers of America (www.acfw.com) and Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference (www.blueridgeconference.com).

There are categories for each genre, so you can submit and be judged against other historical fiction writers. Some of you probably just shuddered when I said be judged. But letting others look at your work is one of the best ways to improve it. Plus, this helps you develop thick skin, a must in this business.

I always spot someone new to writing through a few telltale signs when I judge a contest. These speed bumps slow the story for me, and will eventually do the same for an agent or publisher.

Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

  1. The beginning of a new chapter, or a new scene, should not be indented. Flush left treatment is the general norm for submission.
  2. An ellipsis can express a mood change, hesitation, or a thought that trails off … Think of it as a word and leave a space before and after the three dots.
  3. Hyphens, en dash, and em dash are horizontal lines of varying lengths and it matters how you use them.
    • A hyphen is the shortest line and used to generally hyphenate two or more words when they come before a noun they modify. They are not interchangeable with dashes.
    • The en dash is used when you refer to a span of dates or numbers, like pages 10-20.
    • The em dash creates a strong break in a sentence. It can be used in a pair¾like parenthesis (as I did here)¾to add more information. Although, the sentence should be able to stand alone without them and the extra info between them. You also use the em dash to detach the end of a sentence from the main body.
  4. Capitalize the first letter in dialogue when it begins mid-sentence.
    • Johnny narrowed his eyes and spat on the ground before adding, “You just stay out of my way.”

Also, read your work out loud. You’ll trip over sentences that need to be fixed and catch more typos. Enter the cleanest copy you can so you don’t lose points. Simple errors could cost you the contest.

There are many great contests for unpublished authors and a Goggle search will list several. But here are a few I know of:

*ACFW First Impressions Contest is open now and you can have your first five pages evaluated by professionals.

*ACFW Genesis Contest has many genres to enter for fiction writers and you get unbiased feedback from the judges. It opens January 2.

*BRMCWC Foundations Award is now open.

Visit their websites, look over the guidelines, and submit your work. Finalists and winners often draw the attention of agents and publishers.

Good luck becoming an award winning author!

K. D. Holmberg is an author, blogger, and freelance writer. She is a member of ACFW, Word Weavers International, and a founding member of the Jerry Jenkins Writers Guild. She is represented by Hartline Literary Agency. A retired flight attendant, she has traveled and lived all over the globe. She and her husband, Keith, love to golf and live in South Carolina. You can find more about her: Facebook @authorkdholmberg, twitter @kdeniseholmberg, and website authorkdholmberg.com/

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Writers Chat

Writers Chat Recap for September, Part 1

Writers Chat, hosted by Jean Wise, Johnnie Alexander, and Bethany Jett, is the show where we talk about all things writing, by writers and for writers!

“Because talking about writing is more fun than actually doing it.”

Writing Contests with Victoria Duerstock

As the contest coordinator for Serious Writers, Inc., Victoria shares with us insights and a few insider tips on entering writing contests. She explains the benefits of entering contests, submission dos and don’ts and so much more. If you have thought about entering contests, but not sure if they are right for you, check out this week’s episode.

Watch the August 27th replay.

For resources and more information check out this week’s Show Notes and Live Discussion.

Pick the Brains of Authors

In this open mic episode, we gave the Writers Chat community an opportunity to ask our authors questions. Some of the questions asked were:

                 *What are your goals for your drafts?

                 *When looking for an agent what should you put in your proposal?

                 *Should I self-publish or traditional publish?

                 *How do I approach potential influencers?

If these are questions you’ve had rolling around in your head, click the link below to find informative and encouraging answers.

Watch the September 3rd replay.

For more information check out this week’s Show Notes and Live Discussion.

JOIN US!

Writers Chat is hosted live each Tuesday for an hour starting at 10 AM CT / 11 AM ET on Zoom. Here’s the permanent Zoom room link. 

Participants mute their audio and video during the filming then we open up the room for anyone who wishes to participate with our guests. The “After Party” is fifteen-minutes of off-the-record sharing and conversation.

Additionally, you can grow your network and add to the conversation by joining our Writers Chat Facebook Group.

Categories
Embrace the Wait

Survival Tips for the Waiting Part of Writing, Tip #6 – Recognize your motivators and use them

A few weeks ago, I walked into the family room and caught my husband asleep on the sofa. This was not an isolated incident. That’s where he goes to “rest his eyes” after a hard day’s work. I wrestled the remote from his hand, but before I could click the power button I found myself drawn into a Netflix documentary titled The Perfect Bid: The Contestant Who Knew Too Much. The film followed the life of a man named Ted Slauson, a Texas math teacher who dedicated much of his life to one pursuit—mastering the TV game show, “The Price is Right”. Ted spent countless hours recording and reviewing episodes. He meticulously documented and memorized thousands of prize facts and figures. He scrutinized the process of every nuance of the games—from the opening bid to the showcase showdown. After traveling from Texas to California 24 times to try to become a contestant on the game show, Ted finally heard those words he had longed to hear for over a decade: “Ted Slauson, come on down.”

I felt sad, and a little lethargic, at the conclusion of that documentary. The ending was anticlimactic and seemed to be a testament to a wasted life. But upon further reflection, I realized that even if Ted’s lifelong pursuit did not end with the spectacular finale my storyteller’s heart wanted to hear, the final interview with the man showed him to be happy and fulfilled with the outcome. Why? Because Ted’s drive to master the impossible proved to be a reward in itself. The mastery of the game is what energized him when he woke up each morning and what gave him hope for the future when he fell asleep on his price-down dollar sign printed sheets at night.

As Christian authors, our ultimate drive—that force that compels us to push forward in our writing even when it seems like we are getting nowhere—is fueled by the fire of our God given mission. In this blog series I’ve talked about keeping our eye on the goal and putting first things first many times. When we keep our eyes fixed on Him, He often places unique tools in our hands to help encourage and motivate us.

What are your motivators?

For some it might be the inspiration we receive from a session with our critique group partners, or the euphoric thrill that comes from attending a writer’s conference. Maybe that motivation comes through the simple act of perusing a bookstore and dreaming of your future book on those shelves. All these motivators have worked for me, be none more so than the stimulation I receive from entering writing contests.

The funny thing is, I’m not generally a competitive person. In any given situation I prefer peace to confrontation. I’ve even been known to purposefully lose games during family game nights to avoid the sulky-wrath of my hyper competitive husband and children. But when it comes to writing—there’s a spark that ignites my insides when I’m given the opportunity to put my craft to the test in a competitive arena.

Many times, when I have felt stuck in the literary mud, entering a contest has helped me regroup, focus, and emerge from the muck victorious. Some of my contest submissions have led to awards. Others have produced new or perfected manuscripts. But all of them have provided the oomph I needed to go the extra mile. What are some practical things God has used in your writing life to prod you down the path to success?

Scripture: Philippians 2:13 (NLT) “For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.”

Fun Fact: This link contains an awesome article about how you can improve your craft by entering contests:

Besides entering writer’s conference contests, here’s a cool resource to use when you’re looking for a writing contest to enter.

Annette Marie Griffin is a award-winning writer who speaks at local women’s group meetings and women’s retreats on the topic of biblical womanhood and finding our identity in Christ. She is the Operations and Events Coordinator at a private school for special needs students and is the editor of their quarterly newsletter. She has written custom curriculum for women’s retreats and children’s church curriculum for Gateway Church in San Antonio, Texas where she served as Children’s Ministry Director and Family Program Director for over twenty years. She and her husband John have five amazing children and two adorable grands. She’s a member of Word Weavers International, ACFW, SCBWI, and serves on the Board of Directors for The Creative Writing Institute.