Yep, the publication rollercoaster has pulled up outside my station and apparently there's a seat there with my name on it. What the hell am I talking about?
Found out yesterday I won the First Impressions Contest #2, a pre-RWNZ conference contest. Was pretty damn pleased, as you can probably guess. The past month has been vile so I was dreading to hear the final placings. The last contest I lucked out, coming fifth, and didn't receive a request which made me sad. To be fair, although the chapter was strong - I STILL think it was - the scenario/conflict it was very, very Presents and probably not different enough to warrant asking for more. My opinion entirely of course.
This other contest though, I didn't want to know where I'd come, certain it was last. But no. As well as coming first, I have also been asked for a partial and synopsis. Plus I get to talk through the idea with Lucy Gilmour at the conference. So big yays for me!! Especially as they really liked a small twist I'd put in with the heroine. She's a little bit different. I wondered if it was too much but no, apparently not. Now I just hope I can pull it off.
But with a big win comes also big fear. Did this last year with the High Five win and TOTALLY ballsed up my partial.
However, my writing is so much better than it was at that point last year. I have learned a hell of a lot and one thing is for sure, I will not be making the same mistakes again. Of course I may make different ones but I guess that's another story...
Anyway, bubbles all round for everyone!
21 comments:
Yay for you!! Now I'm dieing to know what 'little twist' you've given your heroine. I love things that are a 'little bit different'... well done for going out on a limb. Fingers crossed it's going to pay off.
How far along is the story? Do you have a partial ready to go, or are you going to wait till after your chat with Lucy Gilmour?
Jo - hehe, that's going to be my little secret. I hope it works is all. And a partial? No! All i have is 1k and a blurb! :-) Actually, I do have a lot of notes about the characters and I did think a LOT about them before I wrote the scene. I think I'll write the partial then chat to Lucy, then see what happens after that.
Now see... right there, that's the power of anticipation. Nothing like a snippet of something juicy to tease us all, and have us wanting more! I already want to know this heroine.
What a great opportunity... a face-to-face chat where you can suss out the viability of your story BEFORE you submit. Hopefully you will come away from NZ conference with a clear direction to head in.
Squeeee!!! WTF, Jax! Having everything crossed for you - from my fingers to eyes!! I really need some good news all around..to keep me motivated and to climb the Mt (new name to me), that you mentioned)!
Hope things take a turn for the better soon.. !! (Hugs) Jax..
AM SO HAPPY for you and can't wait to celebrate in person next Weekend! BRING. IT. ON!!
Jo - ahaha! You may never get to read it alas. Still, I guess one must live in hope. :-)
Ju - thanks for the hugs and some right back at ya! I really need some good news too. Well, this is a rollercoaster so with the ups, come the downs... I just hate the downs.
Rach - Oh yeah, Melbourne baby!! Can't wait to see you either!
Big huge yay!!!I know you'll do great with the partial. Especially with Lucy to talk to about your plans. Good luck.
Yay! Congrats, Jackie! I can't wait to hear how your chat with Lucy goes :-)
Julia - thanks heaps!
Lacey - I'm feeling nervous about it to be honest but I guess the pitch will help clarify things.
Wow, congratulations Jackie!!! What an awesome opportunity.
I want to know the twist, too :)
Oh Jackie! WOW! Congratulations, and good luck developing the idea into a full-length story. I'm also hooked at your mention of a twist - it's great that the genre is loosening up a bit and allowing more unusual things into the narratives. Can't wait to hear updates on this front :)
Fab news Jackie! Have a brilliant time at the conference - looking forward to hearing how you get on with Lucy!
Go Jackie, Go Jackie. Massive congrats all round - let's crack open the cyber champers now. Keeping everythng crossed for you. Caroline x
Woohoo!! Congrats, Jackie! SO happy for you!!
Huge congrats, Jackie!
I'll be keeping an eye out for your news!
Hugs,
Monique
Author of humorous, feel-good romance
Leah - thanks! Hehe. *is secret*. :-)
Madeline - thank you!! Well, it's not a huge change from the usual but certainly it's nothing I've read before within category. I only hope I can do it justice. I guess Lucy will tell me if it doesn't work.
Scarlet - thanks to you too! Yeah, conference isn't for a couple of weeks. Guess I better get writing.
Caroline - Hehe! *raises glass to Caroline* *drinks bubbles*
Aimee - thank you, m'dear!
Monique - And thank you also. I'll let you know how I get on.
Brilliant news for you! What an up on the ride just before conf!! Celebratory drink??
=)
Bec - you betcha! Has perked me up considerably let me tell you.
woohoo! good going, Jackie! so exciting, when's the meet? (don't bother answering that, I'll go back and read the post again, just got so excited for you I read through it too quick!)
You are fabulous.xxx
Sally - thanks so much, m'dear! The meet is at the RWNZ conference - in a couple of weeks. Am nervous!
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