Friday, January 30, 2009

Genesis--Are you Entering?

Hi, All:

The ACFW Genesis Writing Contest is open for submissions now. Inquiring minds want to know: Are you polishing the first fifteen pages of your manuscript? Have you entered the daunting task of creating a one-page synopsis and rewriting it to perfection? (The synopsis is optional in this contest, but what a great reason to practice, practice, practice writing them.)

If you're putting all this energy and time into preparing your submission for the contest, what are you hoping to get out of entering? Seriously, if you could present a "to do" or "please, please, please explain this to me" or "please don't waste my time or yours with this" list for the judges that look at your entry what would those lists include?

Now, I'm posing these questions from a USING THIS CONTEST AS A LEARNING EXPERIENCE tool, so posting "Give me all 5's" isn't what I'm after. Think about what would most help you grow as a writer. That's what I want to hear, or rather read about in the comment section.

I pray we all have much success with our polishing chores, and that the weekend brings you much happiness.

Blessings,

Eileen

6 comments:

Debra E. Marvin said...

How about:
If you want to sell this entry, I suggest you _________ (fill in the blank). Judges can do this with their comments, but this is a 'bottom line' thing. Of course it's still just that one judge's opinion and unless she's an acquiring editor . . .

I'm expecting the judges are not going to burst bubbles for the fun of it and I'd like to get the truth. Hold the sugar coating!

Eileen Astels Watson said...

Hi, Debra:

That's a great idea, especially for the second round judges who are more likely affiliated with a publishing house.

I'm with you on the "hold the sugar coating". A little dusting thought amongst the constructive criticism is always appreciated from me, though. But if it's one or the other, definitely the advice and straight talk is desired.

Thanks for commenting!

emma eldon said...

hey eileen:
Can you give me a bit more info on this contest? And when is the Word Guild's 2009 Novice Contest starting up? Thanx.

Emily

Eileen Astels Watson said...

Hi, Emma:

For The Word Guild's info check out this link: http://www.thewordguild.com/contestsawards/novicecontest.html.

As for the Genesis? There are no age categories for it, and I'm not sure if there is a minimum age. You submit according to genres, the first fifteen pages of your manuscript. Three judges score your work. If you're lucky you'll get great constructive criticsm from at least two of those judges to help you grow as a writer. For more info check out the link in the post.

Let me know if you need more info.

Blessings,
Eileen

Leigh said...

Hi, Eileen. I was part of Writers' Rest when Cathy started it and have just found my way to your site.

I've polished my pages for Genesis and am whittling down my synopsis. Getting that thing to one page is tough, but a great exercise like you said. This is my first time writing a historical so I'm really interested in what the judges have to say about my voice for that.

Have a great day!
Leigh DeLozier

Eileen Astels Watson said...

Thanks for stopping by, Leigh. I agree with the one-page synopsis being a challenge. Not one of my favourite challenges, but a necessary one.