Archive for the Category »Inspiration «
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! 
