In early 2010, I did something I’d never done before.
And no, I’m not talking about giving up pop. Though, I did attempt it in 2010. And it did…last about eight days. Yup, one of those resolutions.
Nope, what I’m talking about is my first-ever writing contest.
In 2010, I entered the My Book Therapy Frasier Contest. I’d been working hard on my first novel, Losing Cullaway, ever since attending the MBT Storycrafting Retreat the previous fall. Entering a contest was the next logical step in my whole I-want-to-be-a-writer dream.
But not just any contest. The Frasier stood out to me because it truly was—is—a storycrafting contest, looking at all the must-have elements of good fiction: hook, inciting incident, noble quest, sympathetic characters, etc. Going into it, I knew the perks were plenty:
- The opportunity to take what I’ve learned through MBT and put my skills to the test? Check.
- The chance to get my writing in front of industry experts? Check.
- Being forced to write a concise synopsis? Eek and check.
- Feedback! Okay, that one doubled as a fear-slash-perk, but I knew I’d benefit. Check.
- The prize possibility—a free MBT retreat. Check.
But perhaps the biggest benefit of all was simply the fact that entering the Frasier Contest pushed me out of my comfort zone. I’ve written about my Frasier Contest prep before – here and here. You might say I had a slight (okay, mammoth) case of nerves, but I lived. It forced me let go of a story I’d put so much time, effort, heart into…let someone else’s eyes consume the product of my passion. For me, not an easy thing to do.
But totally worth it in the end. The judges’ feedback was awesome. They didn’t simply slap a number on a scoresheet. They explained their scores, pinpointed exactly what they liked about my scene and what I could improve on.
If this sounds like a commercial for the Frasier, that’s exactly what it is. I’ve become a huge believer in feedback from those “in the know” and a contest like the Frasier is one of the best ways to gain that feedback.
So, don’t miss out! The 2012 Frasier Contest is open until March 31. All the details are available here. This year’s final round judges include award-winning author Susan May Warren; Karen Ball, literary agent with the Steve Laube Agency; and Stephanie Broene, acquisitions editor with Tyndale House Publishing.
Finalists will be recognized in June, and the winner will be announced at the 2012 MBT Pizza Party/Frasier Awards at the annual ACFW Conference in Dallas in September.*
By the way, Frasier chatter will be lighting up the Internet in the month to come! The blog tour continues tomorrow with my friend Beth Vogt, whose debut novel releases from Howard Books in May! And then on Wednesday, 2011 Frasier winner Andrea Nell continues the fun. And, um, can I just say, I could really learn a thing or two about speech-giving from Andrea? 🙂
Have you ever entered a writing contest? How did it impact your writing? And…will you be entering the 2012 Frasier Contest? Say yes and we can be best buds.
*FYI, planning is already underway for the annual MBT party. Can you say fun? Of course you can…unless you’re, like, one. But seriously, it’s going to be such. a. blast!
Comments 10
I have entered contests. I have the same cringe-worthy response when it comes to putting my work out there and getting the feedback. But it is soooo worth it! Contests where you receive not only scores, but comments back from professionals, are incredibly helpful. Next to a critique group, it is one of the most important things you can do. I haven’t done the Frasier, but I’ve heard lots about it. Best of luck to you this year!
I’m glad you’ve had great contest experiences, Susan! The Frasier absolutely rocks. The feedback is so invaluable…I’m not allowed to enter it due to winning, but I wish I could simply because I want the feedback again!
I knew you’d won before, but didn’t know that made you exempt if you had a new piece. Well, good luck with other contests then:)
I’ve entered contests for poetry before, but never for novel writing. This year I’m entering the Frasier and the Genesis. I really have NO CLUE how I will do. But that’s just it. I want to feedback. Even if I get notes back basically saying my writing stinks, at least I’ll know, right? 😛 Then I can get cracking on improving those pieces. I’m looking forward to a realistic evaluation of my work. Any idea how many people enter the Frasier annually? I’m sure it’s increasing every year.
So are we best buds now? That was easy.
Haha, yes, best buds! I highly doubt you will get back notes saying you’re writing stinks. 🙂 I’m not sure on the exact number of people who entered the Frasier last year, but I know it was double the year before – in the 100-some range, I think. But don’t take my word for it. 🙂 One thing I love about the Frasier is that it doesn’t divide by genre – it’s all storycrafting.
I should’ve mentioned, Susie has a “first chapter checklist” that is soooo helpful! Here’s the link: http://www.mybooktherapy.com/proposals/first-chapter-checklist-for-your-frasier-entry/
Thanks, Melissa! 😛
And yay for being best buds! LOL
I have entered a 2 contests. One with feedback that encouraged me so much and one without feedback, but had I not entered I never would have went to the conference or met my now agent! Contests are the besto! 🙂
Sweet! Yay for you being agented…and for the encouraging feedback you received.
p.s. I thought of you the other day when I restocked my coffee creamer supply! 🙂
I did the Genesis. They didn’t like me. One judge said my poor punctuation ruined her reading; another gave me top marks for that section [I didn’t like to mention that British punctuation is obviously slightly different because I was the author of 21 non-fiction titles and 3 children’s fiction books and no one had complained before]One said that ‘if the book was set in London ….[actually it was situated in a village plumb in the middle between Oxford and Cambridge which I thought was clearly stated ….]one loved the heroine and another hated her … I ended up thoroughly confused. Perhaps it is just cultural differences but I’m not sure if I want to enter any more contests.
Oh I’m so sorry you had a negative contest experience! I studied in London for a short time so I understand the punctuation differences! 🙂 And there were words I could never remember when to use an s or z…advertise/advertize. 🙂 But anyway that’s a bummer about the genesis. Here’s hoping for a better experience if you ever enter another. 🙂