Follow the Yellow Brick Road

My apologies for the missed blog last week and this week's being late.  My daughter's bridal shower was held last Saturday, and the days prior to it were filled with chaos.  Such is life. :)

Yes, it's goal-setting time again!

Fall is quickly sneaking up on us, although a high of 92 yesterday made that hard to believe.  But we're cooler today, and fall is in the air.  Fall is my favorite season for just about anything. :)

I've never been a "scheduled" person.  Most schedules have been given to me.  With four daughters, there were schedules set by others (school, Girl Scouts, sports, drama, etc.) that I had to follow to keep life within the bounds of sanity.  Add in the fact that we were a farm family, and nature dictated our schedules.  I am, by nature, a fairly laid back person.  There are those who might say I tend toward laziness, but I chalk that up to my being a more cerebral personality.  (Hey!  It sounds good, right?)  But over the years, I realized that, although I could get things done without a schedule and long-term goals, life often became chaotic.  And sometimes those goals were pushed aside.

I've had to re-evaluate, over the years.  I've learned to do things in different ways.  I've learned that setting goals, especially with writing, keeps me going.  I really like proving to my inner critic that I can do what I set out to do.

That re-evaluation took time.  My current manuscript will be my fifteenth published book.  While that isn't a large number for some, when I look back, I see how much I've grown, not only as a writer, but as a person.  And I expect to continue growing.  I continue to learn.  School is always in session!

One of the keys to setting goals is making adjustments.  This particular book has been filled with those.  But this time I didn't sit on my hands, waiting for news of a contract or rejection.  I put my butt in my chair and my hands on the keyboard (aka BIC-HOC) and worked on other manuscripts.  In just over two months, I wrote two books.  Luckily, the first three chapters of both books had been written and only needed some small changes.  No deadlines, no parameters with the plots or stories, I wrote for myself.  This did two things for me.

1. For the first time in several years, I wrote with the freedom to tell stories that didn't fit the parameters of what's currently selling.  My only goal was to finish them and discover how long it might take me.
2. When I finally received the contract for the current book, I was able to jump right into writing it, without the usual warm-up time. (HINT:  If you don't keep the writing muscles toned, getting back into writing after a long spell of non-writing, it takes a while get "in the writing groove.")

You don't have to be published to set goals!

I learned to set goals early on when I decided (actually was coerced by my writing friend) to enter writing contests.  The deadline was then set for me, and I had to set smaller goals to reach that big one.  I entered many.  Results varied.  And knowing in advance that if, by some crazy chance, my entry might lead to a request for a partial or full, I made sure the entire manuscript was finished.  You know, just in case. ;)  That paid off for me.  I'd been making the final rounds in some contests, earning second and third, but had never won a contest.  For the first time, I entered a contest without having finished the manuscript.  While it was being sent out to judges, I finished it.  That entry one first place in the Georgia Romance Writers Maggie Contest and the full manuscript was requested by the senior editor of the publishing line I'd targeted.  All I had to do was a quick polish, and off it went.  Eventually, it became my first Silhouette Romance, Rachel's Rescuer.  The door had opened.

With that open door came deadlines...and revisions and edits, oh my!  I felt like Dorothy in the Land of Oz.  Fitting, considering I'm a Kansas girl.  I learned to write on a fairly daily basis.  Those revisions had to be made and had to be done by deadline.

The road to publication has twists and turns.  Sometimes, along the way to that first contract offer, I wanted to give up the fight, become a "normal" person and stop writing.  But determination and some pushy friends kept me going.  So did one thought.

If I quit now, I'll never know if I might have made it.

 I landed on the Yellow Brick Road.  That road contains twists and turns.  Silhouette Romance closed, and I had to find a different line where my writing fit.  It took a while.

Sometimes the Wicked Witch of the West came along to try to stop me. That Wicked Witch being the Demon of Self-Doubt.  I still haven't found the bucket of water to throw on her and probably never will, but there will always be times when I laugh in her face and tell her that she won't get the Ruby Slippers.  I will write.  I will set goals.  I will reach those goals.

Now is the time for all good writers to set goals.  If you're not a goal-setter, start small.  Start slow.  Use your brain, as the Tin Man did.  Keep writing--on a fairly regular schedule--so you don't have time to rust, as the Tin Man did.  Be courageous, as the Cowardly Lion did, and submit your work, whether to a critique group, contests, or editors.  You'll find many Wizards to help you along the way!

It really was no miracle. What happened was just this... ~ Dorothy Gale in The Wizard of Oz

The Lowdown on Writing Contests

One of the members of my local writers' group recently received her scores and judges' comments from a contest she'd entered, and she shared them with us.  She didn't win, but her scores were good, over all, and we discussed the pros and cons of entering writing contests.

Of course our first hope when entering a contest is to win it.  Quite often, the winner is awarded with a read by an editor or agent.  Sometimes a finalist is asked to submit to one or the other.  And sometimes we're left with scores and comments that are mixed, leaving us puzzled.

At one time, I entered quite a lot of contests, and it was a contest win that eventually led to my first published book.  In my case, that "eventually" was long and drawn out, but in the end, it was worth it, as was the entry money and the long wait for scores.

There are all kinds of contests for writers.  Some want a first chapter, others want to specific type of scene (first kiss, love scene, etc.), and others want only the first few pages aka the opening.  Some are judged by other writers, and quite often the final round is judged by an editor or agent.  There are contests for published books, both print books and ebooks, and sometimes both.

But one big question remains.  What can entering a contest do for me, the writer?  The answer is lots of things!  Let's take a look at some of them.

Working toward a deadline
Once published, a writer works on a deadline to meet a publisher's schedule.  Even self/indie-published authors do this to keep them from putting their work aside for later.  Learning to schedule your writing time and having a specific date to have a project finished is a plus for a pre-published writer.  Contest announcements are made far enough in advance to make a decision to enter or not, so it's a great way to get into the habit of working on a deadline that's other than self-imposed.

Polishing the work
Some writers write a fast first draft, then go back and add the details.  Other writers revise as they write or revise the work from the previous day, before putting moving forward.  And even others, like me, use a combination of both.  No matter which way you write, going through your work for rewording, revising and a final polish is a must.  We won't catch everything the first time, and often it helps to put the work aside for a while before that final polish.  Whatever way you choose, your writing needs polishing before sending it out into the world.  Getting something ready to send to a contest can help with that.

Feedback
Having fresh eyes looking over your work is a big plus.  Having experienced fresh eyes to look it over is even better.  Friends, even fellow writers might not tend to be as honest as someone who doesn't know you and your writing.  Not that it hurts to have people you know read your "stuff" first, before entering, but you'll be more apt to gain an unbiased opinion on what you do well and what needs work when it's from a stranger.  Keep a few things in mind when entering a contest and later reading your scores and comments from judges.

• All judging is subjective, meaning everyone has their likes and dislikes when it comes to style and content.  We're all human, and we tend to have favorites and not so favorites.  This is true with contest judges.
• Not all judges are equal.  Some have more experience with writing than others.  Some may not have finished their first manuscript...although contest coordinators are paying more attention to that.  RWA (Romance Writers of America) has had training programs within local chapters.  This really can help.  And the majority of judges really do have a clue. ☺ And let's face it.  We all don't like the same TV shows, music, movies or books.  That's what makes life interesting.
• A wise woman (fellow author Kathie DeNosky) once told me to think of the rule of three when reading scores and comments.  If the comments of one judge are widely different than the others, take it in stride.  It may very well be that *subjective* thing at work.  If two of the three judges find the same weaknesses (or strengths!) in your writing, pay attention.  If all three agree on something, good or bad, sit up tall and take notice.  In this case, a majority may help you "hone your craft" a little better.
• Judges are not out to steal your work or your ideas.  Judging is a learning experience for both the person who entered the contest and the person judging.
• Once in a blue moon, a judge will be beyond tough and maybe even almost insulting.  If you feel that's the case, put it aside and look at it later.  You may be having nothing more than a knee-jerk reaction.  If a second reading of it is as bad, put it away for good.  It isn't helpful, and that's what we're hoping to gain--helpful advice.
• NEVER think your words are golden.  They aren't.  Mine aren't.  Even Stephen King's and Nora Roberts' aren't.  And honestly, even an editor's aren't always.  (Don't tell anyone I said that. ;) )

My usual process after receiving scores and comments were to take a look at that, hit the bottom of despair, put it away, then get it out a few days later.  I always found it was easier, once I put the emotion aside and actually paid attention to what judges had to say.  By the way, the same thing is true when I receive notes and edits from my editor.  I'm sure I can't handle them, but somehow I usually find a way.

That's the lowdown, the basic things needed to know about contests before deciding whether to enter or not...or to think about if you've entered and are going, "Huh?" and want to crawl in a corner.

It takes "growing a tough skin" to be a part of the publishing industry.  Although no on is out there to break your heart or your spirit, there may be times when it seems that way.  Don't let it get you down, and don't let it make you quit.

And one more thing:  When it's your turn to judge, remember what you've gained, and what has helped you, be it a kind word, praise for something well done, or suggestions that helped you along.  Then treat the contest entries in the same way.  You'll be glad you did.

A kind word is like a Spring day.  ~Russian Proverb

Writing Contests...Can They Help? - Writing Wednesdays

Thanks to a crazy yesterday, Writing Wednesday was delayed.  "It's always something, my little Roseanne Roseannadanna."

There are two types of contests for writers.  The first is for those writers not yet published, and the other is for published authors.  For today's purposes, I'm going to share my thoughts on contests for those writers who are working toward that oftentimes elusive contract.

If you've been writing very long, you're sure to have seen announcements of contests for writers.  Publishers use them to find new authors, while writing groups offer them to help hone writers' skills and give them a chance to get their work in front of an editor or agent.  But can they really help your writing career?

I'll be honest and admit that I'm a little biased when it come to writing contests.  It was contests and in particular winning a contest that led to my first publishing contract.  Of course I'm in favor of contests and often suggest to writers that they take advantage of them.

There's a lot to think about and learn before jumping into the pool of contests.  I was lucky to have a friend who was a master at entering contests.  She not only guided me through the process and critiqued my work, but she virtually shoved me into entering the first one in 1996.  Coming out of that with an Honorable Mention was probably what kept me entering.  And, no, I wasn't a finalist in every contest I entered.  After that fluke with the first one, it was two years and several contests later before I made it to finalist status again.

I learned a lot over those 4-5 years, and the one, basic thing I took away from it was that contests really can help if used wisely.

TIPS AND TRICKS FOR ENTERING CONTESTS

Know why you're entering a contest

• Do you need an incentive to put words on paper?  Like books under contract, contests have deadlines, and there's nothing like a deadline to push a person to get something done.  The added bonus is that by working toward that contest deadline, you'll be experienced at getting things done in a specific amount of time, once you do have a contract.
• Are you looking for feedback to discover if you're on the right track?  Whether it's plot, characters, settings, or even style and grammar, it's always good to have fresh eyes look at your work.  With contests, there will be at least 2-3 people reading your work who have never seen it and can be more objective that writing friends or critique partners/groups.
• Hoping to get your work in front of an editor or agent?  Contests can be a fast track to getting your manuscript into the right hands.  Many authors can thank contests for their first sales, after an editor judge has requested to see the rest of the story.

Do your homework

• Be sure to read the contest rules thoroughly.  Don't skim.  Take notes on how the contest wants to see the entry formatted and follow through with it.  If there's a 30 page limit, don't send 31 pages.  If a synopsis is required, there may be a page limit on it, too.
• Know where your manuscript fits as far as genres and sub-genres.  Most contests have general categories.  Some of the more often used are: Contemporary, Historical, Romantic Suspense, Young Adult, Paranormal, Inspiration, and Erotic.  If there are short and long versions of any of those, use your projected word count.  This is where knowing your word and what you're targeting comes in.  Always be sure to enter the correct category.
• Make certain you're eligible to enter.  If you've never had a book under a publisher's contract, you'll be good to go in an unpublished writers contest.  But if sometime in the past you have had a published books, there's a chance you might be able to enter as an unpublished author.  Some contests allow published writers to enter after a specific amount of time since the last book was published.  Also be sure to check on what's acceptable if you've entering a manuscript you've entered sometime in the past.  All these things are mentioned in the rules and guidelines.
• Enter early.  Give yourself plenty of time to finish and polish your entry.  Just be sure you do finish, then send the entry prior to the deadline stated in the rules.
• If you're entering in hope of getting your work in front of an editor (or even an agent), be aware of who the final judges will be.  If this is your goal, there's no sense in being a finalist with your Regency Paranormal Erotic Suspense if the final editor judge is from a publishing house that only buys Contemporary Christian stories.  The same is true in a sense for agents.  Do your homework and find out what agents accept what types of submissions.  Some agents have their favorite genres/sub-genres and aren't interested in others.
• Know what you write.  With all the new sub-genres and sub-sub-genres of books out there, it may be hard to know exactly what it is you're writing.  Are you reading the types of books you're writing?  If so, look to find out how they've been categorized.  There are also places on the internet that give descriptions of the types of books available.
• Make a note of the dates connected to the contest.  There's a date when a contest opens to enter, dates to send your entry/pages, and dates finalists and winners are announced.  I've run across a few contests that, after the first round of judging, finalists are given time to make changes and once again polish their entry before it goes to the final judge(s).

This last isn't necessarily a rule, but it can be a huge help, especially to someone newly entering contests. And it's something I urge everyone to do.  FINISH THE MANUSCRIPT BEFORE ENTERING A CONTEST.  Why?  If you become a finalist and the final judge editor or agent requests to see your finished manuscript, you want to be able to fulfill that request as soon as possible, while it's still fresh in the person's mind.  If all you have written is the first 30 pages of 300 page manuscript, you have a long, long way to go.  It takes time to write a book.  Not only the initial rough draft, but the editing to make sure you haven't changed the heroes name somewhere along the line, and a final read-through and polish.  Don't make an editor or agent wait.  What that person is looking for may change over the next few months.  Don't worry, you can take the time to make some small changes --perhaps suggested by judges-- and polish the manuscript once again, but be ready to send.  Even if you aren't a finalist, you'll have the satisfaction of knowing you can meet a deadline and finish a book!

So there you have.  Rox's Rules about entering writing contests.  Can they help?  Yes!  But be sure to keep the above things in mind.  They can help you along the way and lead you to a possible contest win and maybe even a sale!

Good luck and happy writing!

Success has a simple formula: do your best, and people may like it. - Sam Ewing