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Last Thursday, the small romance-writer-reader-reviewer corner of the internet I inhabit was all ablaze with excitement as the finalists in the RWA’s 2010 Golden Heart and RITA contests were announced.
I’m excited to cheer on the members of my local chapter who finaled, 2 RITA finalists and 1 Golden Heart finalist. Congratulations to Margaret Mallory, Alexis Morgan, and Joleen Wieser James!
There were more than 1000 entries in the Golden Hearts and less than 100 finalists. That means there are a lot of broken hearts out there, and dashed hopes.
Though I’ve made the contest rounds a few times, this was my first experience both entering and judging the GH and, honestly, on Thursday night I figured it would also be the last. I spent the weekend in bed watching movies, eating ice cream, and coddling my wounded pride. But I’ve emerged with a new perspective and perhaps some words of comfort to share with those of you who find yourselves in the same what now? boat.
The answer: get back on the horse.
We all want to be recognized and appreciated, but even a GH final or win is not a guaranteed sale. Just like any other rejection, the solution to the GH woes is to create some sort of forward momentum. If you want to get somewhere in the business, your real progress will be made in the trenches – WRITING. Writing the best book you can. That is what I’m doing. I have a new super-secret project that I intend to have completed and ready to pitch at nationals this year.
If it inspires you to buckle-down, tackle that new WIP with the goal of finishing it by November and giving next year’s GH judges something that is indisputably amazing. I also urge you to enter some other contests now that you have your entry all polished up and ready, the Orange Rose for example. The fabulous thing about most chapter-run contests is that they provide scoresheets and judge comments that are very helpful.
Whatever inspires you to get back in the saddle, set your sights on that carrot and go for it.
I’ll see you on the track – we can do it! 
My first TT since 2008! Please excuse the graphic – I haven’t made a new one yet.
- It’s official. I feel like a “real professional” knowing I have a monthly meeting to attend. (Or a recovering addict – I guess that works too.)
- Networking. No where else can you rub shoulders with sucessful career authors like Cherry Adair, Stella Cameron, and Lauren Dane.
- Making friends. People just like me, who have to make an effort to get out of their pajamas on a Saturday to make a meeting, but show up full of energy and passion for writing anyway.
- Workshops. Maybe my chapter is just blessed, but we’ve had some amazing speakers – all FREE.
- Romance Writer’s Report. I love getting this. Not only does it help me expand my TBR list every month, but it includes great articles on craft, inspriation, and the business-side of writing.
- Advice on demand. It amazed me the first time I saw published authors chiming in to answer newbie questions. This is the Holy Grail of the RWA, IMO.
- Rights of passage. Maybe it sounds silly, but when I received my feather boa at ECWC for going PRO, I really felt like I’d accomplished something and I’m looking forward to the day I can snag the brass ring of PAN status.
- Support. When you’re down and out and feel like giving up, there is always someone there to kick you in the butt, or lend a helping hand.
- Insider info. What does all this stuff with Amazon and Macmillan mean – thanks to the authors in my chapter, I think I have a better handle on it.
- Advocacy. The RWA goes to bat for its members. It only took 2 days for Harlequin Enterprises to change their self-publishing approach.
- Accountability, Encouragment, and Celebration. Fellow members are there to help you celebrate your successes and hold you accountable for acheiving your goals. The GSRWA has a “Goal Bowl” lottery that we do every month.
- Contests. You can enter these without membership, but the contest loop keeps you up to date on opportunities, and you usually get a discount for being a member. Contests are a great way to get exposure and valuable feedback.
- Conferences. Meet and pitch to editors and agents, hear inspiring speeches from best-selling authors, attend workshops, and HAVE FUN!
Speaking of conferences, if you’re in the NW, consider attending the Emerald City Writers’ Conference – it’s going to ROCK, and the best part …
You will already know someone there! 
Writers, if you’re not a member of the RWA, I strongly suggest you consider it. And if you don’t write romance, find a similar organization in your genre and join – they are worth every penny of the annual dues. You will not be sorry.
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