I’m a 2009 Golden Gateway writing contest finalist!!!
Yesterday I awoke to happy news that my apocalyptic dark paranormal romance entry is a finalist in the 2009 Golden Gateway writing contest. Sponsored by the online Romance Writers of America chapter From the Heart, the Golden Gateway contest judges the first 50 pages of a manuscript plus a synopsis. Three judges, at least one published, review the entry and critique it. The top five entries in each category go on to the final round. (My category is, obviously, paranormal.) I now have 4 days to polish my entry and resubmit it for the final judge, Latoya Smith from Grand Central Publishing. She will read all five entries and rank them 1 through 5.
Friends keep asking me if the winner gets a publishing contract. Sadly, no, but I get to put on my future quiry letters and announce at pitch sessions that the manuscript I am pitching is a finalist. It gives my work a little extra weight: someone has judged it and found it awe inspiring. Validation!!
Off to polish my entry. Wish me luck!
Tags: 2009 Golden Gateway, 2009 Golden Gateway finalist, From the Heart Romance Writers, paranormal romance writing contest, Writing contest
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August 15, 2009 at 10:11 am
CONGRATULATIONS! (And you don’t need luck – you have loads of skill!!)
August 15, 2009 at 11:47 am
Good luck! OMG I can say I knew you when. :D
August 15, 2009 at 11:55 am
Whoo-hoo! Ciara-I’m so happy for you!!!! *happy dance* :)
August 15, 2009 at 11:55 am
Oooh, this is happy news indeed! Congrats!
August 15, 2009 at 12:30 pm
Thank you! I hope to have the book finished and polished till it shines by October 9th at the Emerald City Writers Conference, where I have pitch appointments with editors and agents. Nose to grindstone!
August 15, 2009 at 1:26 pm
Big congrats! Will keep good thoughts for you. ^_^
August 15, 2009 at 2:26 pm
Congratulations, Ciara!!
August 16, 2009 at 6:28 pm
Wow, CONGRATULATIONS! Can’t wait to see it in print!
August 16, 2009 at 8:27 pm
Good luck, and congratulations!
August 17, 2009 at 8:58 am
Congratulations, Ciara!!! How incredibly wonderful and exciting–I’m ecstatic for you!
September 11, 2009 at 9:30 am
Belated congrats, and good luck! ;)