Dreaded Synopsis

I don't know of many people who enjoy writing a synopsis - I certainly don't. However, I've discovered that  for me writing a synopsis (no matter how good or bad) is something I have to do as part of my plotting process.

So to find out I've finalled in Romance Writers of Australia's Selling Synopsis contest is a huge thrill. The entry is now in the hands of the finals judge (Emily Sylvan Kim, Prospect Agency).

Best of luck to the other finalists:  Marnie Griffith, Kylie Kaden, Cassandra Pennington, Ruth Sutcliffe and Christine Taylor.

Contests so far...

I've entered both the High 5 contest (the first five pages of any category manuscript) and the Selling Synopsis contest so far this year. I'll be very interested to see how these go, as I have put in two entries in both: a new story and an old one.

I think my newest story shows growth with my writing, so am curious to find out how they go with the judges to see if they agree with me. I'm also curious to see how my old story (which has been entered in these contests previously) fares with different judges.

Seemed like fairly logical reasoning at the time.

The Contest Season is Here

The first RWA contest closes in just 2 days. High 5 is for category writers and requires just the first 5 pages of your mansucript - after all, if these don't capture an editor the rest of the pages won't matter.

Not for you? RWA also has the STALI (single title and loving it), Selling Synopsis, Emerald (judged by readers), First Kiss and Valerie Parv Award. Amongst that mix there's a contest for everyone.

Why enter? There are a number of reasons to enter contests... getting your manuscript in front of an editor/agent if you final, anonymous feedback on your writing and incentive of the deadline.

If you want to know more, visit the contest page of RWA's webpage.

I'm going to be entering some contests again this year - wish me luck!

Writing Goals

September looms and with it the start of another writing year.

For the year just gone I didn't achieve all I set out to - but sometimes life throws curveballs you just don't expect. Even so, taking into account those curveballs, I am happy with what I have done. I entered 3 contests, submitted to Harlequin, completed a manuscript and started another. Not bad for a year with more ups and downs than a frog with hiccups.

What for the year ahead? The next twelve months are already shaping up to have a number of life challenges, but even so I'm determined to keep my writing steaming ahead. I may be reaching for the stars but I'm going to do my darndest to get them:

• complete my wip (#1) and write a second manuscript (#2)
• enter #1 in at least four Aussie contests
• enter #2 in one contest
• enter #1 in at least one US contest
• submit #1
• attend conference and pitch #2

In addition, should Harlequin run SYTYCW or Mills and Boon another New Voices I'll join in.

Nothing ventured, nothing gained, right?

My Virgin RWAus Conference

I attended my first RWAus conference in Brisbane in 2009. I'd only been a member of RWA for a year and was both nervous and excited.

There are so many fabulous memories of that weekend (I don't think you ever forget your first *grin*) but one experience in particular stands out for me. I'd entered my first RWA contests in the lead up to the conference, and while not a finalist, was eagerly anticipating the announcements of those who were.

That night opened my eyes. There was a writer who not only placed - but placed with multiple manuscripts in multiple contests. Kylie Griffin managed 3rd and 4th in First Kiss, 2nd, 3rd, 4th in the Emerald and 1st and 3rd in the Valerie Parv award. With only 1 manuscript behind me, and little experience, I was amazed and determined.

The next day Kylie walked past me between workshop sessions. I gathered up all my courage, tried to hide my awe and said congratulations. As everyone says before you go to your first conference, don't worry, everyone is friendly. Absolutely true for Kylie. She stopped, smiled and said thanks. After that I have no recollection of a word of our conversation, lol.

Of course since then Kylie has continued to move onwards and upwards in the world of writing. Last year she came to conference with a new necklace - her prize for taking out a Golden Heart at RWAm's conference. This year she will be receiving her first sale ribbon (the cover of her first book with Berkley is pictured). Kylie still leaves me amazed and determined, but at least now I'm not terrified about saying congratulations.

Nearly two years on and I am no longer a newbie. I can't wait for the next conference in a few weeks time - I know what to expect and can't wait to catch up with everyone, including Kylie.