Mood:
caffeinatedTopic: Writing
I just wanted to blog a few thoughts on the writing world before I have to start the day. It's been a while since I've been out to cruise the Internet, so I'm not very much up to date with the latest happenings, but some tidbits never change much and so I offer this nugget for you to muse.
You've finished your writing project and you're ready to query agents. Where to start? Where to begin? I'll cover query letters in another Writing World Tidbit, but when you do get ready to write that query letter, you want to convey to the agent that you do some creditability as a writer. But if you're a working mom, how can you get that creditability? One of the things that works for me is to enter writing contests.
I don't enter just any old writing contests. Some aren't very legit. But the one I LOVE to enter and I enter every year is the Writer's Digest Annual Writing Competition. They usually receive over 17,000 entries. They have one GRAND prize winner and they have 10 competition category FIRST PLACE winners. Then those who score 2-100 get certificates for being an Honorable Mention. If you're an honorable mention winner that is a writing credit and that's something you can put on your query letter to let the agent know that hey, my writing has been recognized. Their entries are due by June and they post the winners in Oct.
I also enter Writing Digest Popular Fiction Contest as well. Last year they received over 3,000 entries. They had 5 categories and only give out honorable mentions to the top five who place. Both my stories I entered received honorable mentions. I even got a call from WD's congratulating me on my accomplishment. I didn't get the grand prize, but I got something I could put on a query letter. For the Pop Fiction Contest, their entries are due in Nov and are announced in March.
By entering WD's contest, I''m establishing legit credentials as a writer. Sure, it's slow and you need patience, but it will pay off in the end.
Here's a link to one of my stories that was recognized by the 77th Annual Writer's Digest Competition this year. It scored 8th place in the Mainstream/Literary category. In the future, consider entering WD's contests. They help to polish your writing skills and the recognition is worth it. Enjoy!
http://www.writing.com/main/view_item/item_id/1484802
