Stressful (a word I dislike) as the machinations of overseeing this contest certainly are, I just bet that Ms. Reid is wallowing in the preverbal hog’s heaven. This contest has already had a lasting effect on me, and I dare say, by the comments, on many others as well. It will absolutely define the future of the winner. I am sure each contestant’s participation nudges our compatriot’s daily lives, widening the scope of influence. Regardless of how we individually fare we will each benefit. Many comments seem to imagine an insight into “Janet’s world,” and I just bet that touching so many lives, in a positive manner, is rewarding to the powers that be. Stress be damned.
I am with Charley, we tried. For years I wrote because it is just some thing I have to do. This year, I put my toes in the water to investigate what may be involved in going public in one way or another. Amazing learning experience. Both fun and terrorizing at times. But since I write for pleasure, I can never lose; so all this education and even all the suspense, is sort of pleasurable diversion from the mundane. I can wish and hope, and always learn a little. It may not be an easy road to get published, but the really great adventures are rarely easy. So I am glad I am not a gray spacer, too. And I appreciate the opportunity that Janet and Elizabeth have provided for us.
I'm curious if they read all 410 entries, or only the first 5-10 pages to determine who got past the first round, and then progressively read more per round. Also curious at which stage multiple agents read the some novel. All right, I admit, I'm curious about the whole process.
I want second what Sue said and express my sincere gratitude for all those who have contributed their time, money, and expertise to this contest. I have enjoyed it immensely.
I agree with all of the above! At least we were able to enter the contest. We have a finished manuscript that we love, and even if it isn't the best, or doesn't win, at least it EXISTS.
I hear this from so many people: "Oh, you wrote a book? I'd like to write a book too."
The difference between them and us? We all set out to do it and DID IT.
YAY US!
Thanks again Janet! We're all learning so much - and being entertained along the way!
Ever notice that it's always TIME they bemoan? "Oh you wrote a book? I'd do that too, but I haven't had TIME."
Never do they say, "I'd do that too, but I never have the talent," or "I started a novel, but it turns out I didn't get around to planting my butt in a chair until there were actual pages in existence," or, "Oh you've written a book? I totally have a book in my head, but I am constitutionally incapable of the emotional honesty to make it anything but a pile of self-indulgent whinging about my childhood. Which was actually pretty darn privileged, but WATCH ME WHINE."
Congrats to everyone in the Blue Triangle, those who managed to write, revise, and submit and full-length novel to a contest run by a self-professed shark. We're either brave or insane to send our babies off to a contest like this. That in itself is an achievement worth celebrating. And then being told that none of the entries were awful. Hearing that made my week!
Finally, I love checking for these updates, not just to see the latest bit of selachian wisdom, but also to read all the comments. I've become a comment junkie! You are a bunch of talented, funny people. It's great to be associated with y'all, even if just in blogger comments!
I would have adored you anyhow, given your overall positivity, but that you used 'y'all' in your comment touched my little Southern heart and made me smile :)
I reach for my trusty paper bag before I read new updates. I have quite a few should anyone else need one. We're so close to the finalist announcement I've just started buying them in bulk. Cheers!
Dana: I say y'all all the time! Can't figure out why, since I'm originally from Miami, which isn't really the South.
NotaWarriorPrincess: Sorry, I'm married, too, and I don't think it works that way, even in Utah.
Hannah: I have a paper bag supply here myself. They're supposed to be emergency lunch bags for when the kid loses her lunch box, but I suppose I should keep a few by the computer until this contest is over! :)
I've been trying to avoid reading the updates so I won't start hyperventilating before the finalists are announced. I made myself walk away from almost all of my internet stalking and concentrate on my next book... but today, I broke my resolve and read all of the updates. Now, as I knew I would, I'm freaking out a little bit. Someone want to pass one of those bags my way??
25 comments:
Stressful (a word I dislike) as the machinations of overseeing this contest certainly are, I just bet that Ms. Reid is wallowing in the preverbal hog’s heaven. This contest has already had a lasting effect on me, and I dare say, by the comments, on many others as well. It will absolutely define the future of the winner. I am sure each contestant’s participation nudges our compatriot’s daily lives, widening the scope of influence. Regardless of how we individually fare we will each benefit. Many comments seem to imagine an insight into “Janet’s world,” and I just bet that touching so many lives, in a positive manner, is rewarding to the powers that be. Stress be damned.
Hey, people, at least we're not in the grey area. We tried!
I am, however, still trying to figure out that horizontal axis. Two what?? Should this have been a bar chart? (hehe)
I am with Charley, we tried. For years I wrote because it is just some thing I have to do. This year, I put my toes in the water to investigate what may be involved in going public in one way or another. Amazing learning experience. Both fun and terrorizing at times. But since I write for pleasure, I can never lose; so all this education and even all the suspense, is sort of pleasurable diversion from the mundane. I can wish and hope, and always learn a little. It may not be an easy road to get published, but the really great adventures are rarely easy. So I am glad I am not a gray spacer, too. And I appreciate the opportunity that Janet and Elizabeth have provided for us.
I'm curious if they read all 410 entries, or only the first 5-10 pages to determine who got past the first round, and then progressively read more per round. Also curious at which stage multiple agents read the some novel. All right, I admit, I'm curious about the whole process.
If nothing else, we've learned from the almighty Shark that our writing isn't total crap...well, except our query letters.
I have found my eyes opened, but not in a bad way.
I confess, I am reading the updates and it has me on pins and needles.
No matter the outcome, there are many roads that will lead you to where you want to be. It helps me to remember that.
I'm with you Sue and Charley --at least we're not in the grey area! Whatever happens, we tried.
Thanks Janet and team for providing this opportunity for us.
:)
I'm just glad to know my writing doesn't suck.
I want second what Sue said and express my sincere gratitude for all those who have contributed their time, money, and expertise to this contest. I have enjoyed it immensely.
Cool! Charts!
I agree with all of the above! At least we were able to enter the contest. We have a finished manuscript that we love, and even if it isn't the best, or doesn't win, at least it EXISTS.
I hear this from so many people: "Oh, you wrote a book? I'd like to write a book too."
The difference between them and us? We all set out to do it and DID IT.
YAY US!
Thanks again Janet! We're all learning so much - and being entertained along the way!
Can't wait to find out if I'm in one of those narrow color bands! (hope hope) Thanks for the update!
Everytime I read an update I hear the music from 'Jaws'.
Ever notice that it's always TIME they bemoan? "Oh you wrote a book? I'd do that too, but I haven't had TIME."
Never do they say, "I'd do that too, but I never have the talent," or "I started a novel, but it turns out I didn't get around to planting my butt in a chair until there were actual pages in existence," or, "Oh you've written a book? I totally have a book in my head, but I am constitutionally incapable of the emotional honesty to make it anything but a pile of self-indulgent whinging about my childhood. Which was actually pretty darn privileged, but WATCH ME WHINE."
They don't say that.
Wry - You are hilarious. I won't be able to go to Janet's blog again without hearing Jaws in my head.
NWP, my husband says that. Well, not the last part.
Congrats to everyone in the Blue Triangle, those who managed to write, revise, and submit and full-length novel to a contest run by a self-professed shark. We're either brave or insane to send our babies off to a contest like this. That in itself is an achievement worth celebrating. And then being told that none of the entries were awful. Hearing that made my week!
Finally, I love checking for these updates, not just to see the latest bit of selachian wisdom, but also to read all the comments. I've become a comment junkie! You are a bunch of talented, funny people. It's great to be associated with y'all, even if just in blogger comments!
Thanks for the update! Can't wait to find out where I am on the rainbow there. hope... hope... hope...
@Mittens -
I would have adored you anyhow, given your overall positivity, but that you used 'y'all' in your comment touched my little Southern heart and made me smile :)
MM said "Selachian"!! Date me! Oh wait, I'm married. (BUT I live in Utah. maybe we could work something out.)
I think Janet should be a suspense writer.
"And the murderer is....I'll tell you next week."
I reach for my trusty paper bag before I read new updates. I have quite a few should anyone else need one. We're so close to the finalist announcement I've just started buying them in bulk.
Cheers!
Dana: I say y'all all the time! Can't figure out why, since I'm originally from Miami, which isn't really the South.
NotaWarriorPrincess: Sorry, I'm married, too, and I don't think it works that way, even in Utah.
Hannah: I have a paper bag supply here myself. They're supposed to be emergency lunch bags for when the kid loses her lunch box, but I suppose I should keep a few by the computer until this contest is over! :)
Seriously, I love the comments!
I've been trying to avoid reading the updates so I won't start hyperventilating before the finalists are announced. I made myself walk away from almost all of my internet stalking and concentrate on my next book... but today, I broke my resolve and read all of the updates. Now, as I knew I would, I'm freaking out a little bit. Someone want to pass one of those bags my way??
Don't freak out...there is absolutely nothing to freak out about...
*quietly passes bag to Veronica under the table and resumes frantic bag breathing*
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