Wait, I lied! On Friday I said I wouldn’t be posting a blog today due to my craaazy fun trip to Phoenix to see my critique partner and super-cool friend, Lindsay Harrel. But then Lindsay reminded me I was supposed to post a blog about the Frasier Contest as part of the My Book Therapy blog tour. Yay for friends who remember my commitments when I don’t!
I love the Frasier Contest—My Book Therapy’s storycrafting contest for unpublished writers. Like, love-love it.
But I didn’t always.
Nope, there was a day in 2010 as I was preparing my entry—specifically my 500-word synopsis [gulp]—when I sorta didn’t love it. I was nervous. My synopsis was kicking my tail. And I had to remind myself why I was entering:
- 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—the very thing I didn’t like about it ended up being the thing I most loved in the end. 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.
I knew exactly what to work on after that contest experience. And now, almost three years later, I’m agented and contracted and looking forward to the September release of my debut novel from my dream publisher.
Yup, I love the Frasier Contest. And I hope you’ll consider entering!! Here are the details:
Entries for the 2013 MBT Frasier Contest for unpublished novelists will be accepted through Sunday, March 31, at 11:59 p.m. The contest is open to Voices members. The winner will receive a scholarship to a My Book Therapy coaching retreat ($500 value). Final round judges are award-winning author Susan May Warren; literary agent Steve Laube; and Shannon Marchese, senior fiction editor for WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group. For more information, FAQs and to enter, visit www.mybooktherapy.com.
Have you ever entered a contest? Was it a good experience?
Comments 8
You’ve always said Lindsay was the best CP ever … well, she just proved her worth again, didn’t she? Keeping you on your toes, even when you’re having fun in AZ with her …
Yes, she’s amazing. We were chatting about blogging on Sunday and she was like, wait, I thought you were supposed to post a Frasier blog that day? I think I might’ve slapped my forehead. 🙂 And then promptly wrote something…
Love, love, love the Frasier! I got the best feedback that took my story to a new level. And I’m so proud of you, Melissa for winning that year!! And for your book contract!! And your book coming out in September!!! (I think I used up my quota on !! for the week)
Oh, thank you, Pat. And you being a finalist that same year…so cool! And Beth, too…and Paula and Marcie. Such an awesome group to be a part of. And hey, when it comes to BOTH of our upcoming releases, I don’t think there’s ever too many exclamation marks. 🙂
I’m excited to get my feedback from the Frasier Contest! I entered the First Impressions Contest with ACFW and had a wide variety of feedback. Of course I’d love to win, but it’s the feedback I really enter a contest for.
It looks like you and Lindsay had a great time!! I can see how you almost missed your blog post today. 🙂
Oh yes, we had such a good time. And the whole time I kept thinking, “And we get to see each other AGAIN in June…with you, too! Yay!!”
I’ve entered two contests and only one gave feedback which I found extremely beneficial and encouraging!
Yeah, different contests definitely garner different experiences, don’t they? I’ve only entered two, as well, and I found both both helpful actually…but I’d say the Frasier was definitely the most in-depth. I so, so appreciated it!