Thursday, April 29, 2010

Writing Contests- What's the point again

So, "They" as in the proverbial they, whoever they be say to build a platform and gather experience before sending out query letters and soliciting  for agents.  If I am serious about being a writer I guess I have to put myself out there and try.  In March I entered a contest that I was hopeful that I would do well in.  At the very least I would get some great feedback from published authors and agents in the romance genre. 

So for weeks, I have been going about my life, working , writing and having fun.  While in the back of my over active imagination I envisioned being a finalist.  Getting a fabulous phone call requesting the rest of my manuscript.  Imaginary me jumped up and down, cheeks were glowed rosy red and I was so happy.  The start of my writing career was all played out in my vivid dreams. 

Today I got the email.  Yes, folks hold your breath in eager anticipation.  Dummm, dumm, dum...


Thank you for your participation we see much pontential in your writing but you are not a finalist.

Imaginary me just jumped off a bridge.  Real me stuck out her bottom lip and pouted.  At least they didn't say you suck so much you should never write another word again.  I wait in not so eager way for the mail person to deliver the critiques from the readers.

I tell myself this will make me a better writer, this will help me build my platform, this will be a good thing.  Imaginary me is sitting under a tree throwing pencils as far as she can, waiting for the twilight sky to start burning pages to stay warm.  Real me has decided to take a break.  No polishing the manuscript today.  I'll get back to work tomorrow.

I guess the take home message for me is I better start getting used to rejection, before the you suck letters show up. 

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