This year is flying by. Seems the older I get, the faster time flies when you aren’t even looking. Yeah, I know you younger people don’t really believe that, but it’s true.
My critique partners and I have finally gotten back together after a long hiatus. I’ve had them going over my latest story, Tangled Promises. I had thought it was in fairly good shape, even though I couldn’t let it go for some reason. Now I know why I didn’t submit it. There are a TON of things that needed to be fixed! I just couldn’t see the forest for the trees.
In the meantime, I submitted that story to a couple of different contests. The first was Oklahoma Writers Federation, Inc, a regional contest and conference. With a score of 100, I won 3rd Place. Un-huh. There were a lot of good entries. Luck of the draw as to where you placed, I guess.
The second contest was the Lone Star Contest, sponsored by the Northwest Houston Romance Writers of America ® chapter. I was thrilled to find out that I had finaled, then ECSTATIC to learn I’d won 1st Place!!! This is a really big contest so I’m humbled and honored to have won.
The icing on the cake? Two of the three final round judges (both editors), asked to see the full manuscript! Double Woot!! Of course, I need to finish making all those revisions my critique partners suggested and get that baby polished. {Do you hear the gnashing of teeth and see the sweat running in my eyes from working so hard?}
So, when I’m not working on those revisions, I’m preparing a workshop for Tulsa NightWriters Club The Craft of Writing Mini-Conference on November 5th. I haven’t spoken in front of a group in years, and certainly nothing like this workshop. I’m excited and scared spitless at the same time. Hopefully, I won’t stick my foot in it too bad. Come see me and find out. Here’s the link to register. There are a total of 15 different workshops that day on various issues regarding writing so I know there is something you could benefit from. Oh, the deadline to register is October 20th, so don’t dawdle too long. You’ll miss out. Walk-ins are not allowed. Btw, did I mention it’s F R E E !!!! Yeah, thought that might grab your attention. 😀
Do you think I have enough on my plate right now? At least I’m not getting bored. 🙂
Ltrout's Blog 
Congratulations on your contest win! That’s awesome! And the calls to see the full manuscripts. Keeping my fingers crossed for you!
Thank you, M.J.!! I was totally prepared to come in third. Hey, that way you aren’t disappointed, right? 😉 Keep those fingers crossed. I’m going to need it. Har