Welcome to the January Contest Update.
The prize vault is open! Today you have the opportunity to win a copy
of Rocky Mountain Cowboy (print or ebook)
and a Be Still mug. Two winners of each.
All you have to do is comment to be entered.
What are your reading and writing goals for the new year?
Winners announced in the Weekend Edition!
Published Manuscripts
New England Readers' Choice Contest is now open. (Formerly Beanpot) Deadline January 6, 2017
Golden Quill is now open. Deadline January 13, 2017.
Booksellers' Best Award is now open. Deadline January 19, 2017.
The Athena. Deadline March 1. YA and NA novels & novellas published in 2016.
Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense- Published Division. Opens January 15. Deadline March 15. Details not available for 2017 Contest yet.
Unpublished Manuscripts
**Once again, a reminder that divas do not throw away money entering contest categories with no final judge name available. Always email the coordinator for more information.**
Great Expectations Contest. Entry and payment must be received January 4, 2017.Entry consists of the first 5,000 words. NO synopsis or blurb. Finalists will be asked to include an unjudged synopsis for editors. Unpublished and Published authors.
Final Round Judges
CONTEMPORARY SERIES
TBA
HISTORICAL
Elle Keck ~ Assistant Editor/Avon Books
INSPIRATIONAL
Raela Schoenherr ~ Acquisitions Editor/Bethany House
MAINSTREAM with ROMANTIC ELEMENTS
Marla Daniels ~ Assistant Editor/Simon and Schuster
NEW ADULT
TBA
ROMANTIC SUSPENSE
Lexi Small~Grand Central Publishing
SINGLE TITLE
Madeleine Colavita Editorial Assistant~Grand Central Publishing
SPECIALIZED (FFTTP)
Kristine Swartz ~ Assistant Editor/Berkley
The Golden Heart Contest- Contest opens on December 1- Deadline January 11. The Golden Heart requires a full manuscript and is open to RWA members. The cost is $30. Once again Seekerville will provide an opportunity for entry reimbursement to writers who enter the Golden Heart in the category formerly known as inspirational. We're going to reimburse 10 entries -if the category makes it. So please consider entering! Read the rules here.
How it works. You enter and send us proof of entry. After the January deadline, RWA will announce if the category made it. If it does, we randomly pick 10 entrants to be reimbursed and then email them privately. Winner's first names only are announced on the blog in an effort to preserve contest integrity.
The Marlene. Deadline January 23. Open to published and unpublished authors. Entry consists of a synopsis (up to 5 pages) and the beginning of the manuscript not to exceed 35 pages total for synopsis and manuscript pages.
Erotic Romance
Final Round Judge: Rhonda Helms, Carina Press
Critique Author: TBA
Historical
Final Round Judge: Lexi Smail, Forever Romance
Critique Author: Elizabeth Essex
Paranormal
Final Round Judge: TBA
Critique Author: Mindy Klasky
Romantic Elements
Final Round Judge: Amanda Leuck, Literary Agent, Spencerhill Associates
Critique Author: Tracy Brogan
Romantic Suspense
Final Round Judge: Alethea Spiridon, Entangled Publishing
Critique Author: Cristin Harber
Series Contemporary
Final Round Judge: Johanna Raisanen, Harlequin
Critique Author: Robin Covington
Single Title
Final Round Judge: TBA
Critique Author: Kimberly Kincaid
Young Adult
Final Round Judge: Wendy Loggia, Senior Executive Editor, Random House
Critique Author: TBA
The Catherine. Deadline January 31. Hefty entry fee for non-chapter members $30. You do not have to be a member of RWA. However, finalists get a critique by a very prestigious group of published authors before their entry goes to the finalist judges. Entry consists of: The first pages of a manuscript and may not exceed 30 pages or 7500 words including a synopsis. A synopsis is required and may not be longer than 5 pages.
Contemporary
Editor: Deb Werksman, Sourcebooks
Agent: Shira Hoffman, McIntosh & Otis
Contemporary: Short
Editor: Piya Campana, Harlequin
Agent: Jill Marsal, Marsal Lyon Literary Agency
Erotic Romance
Editor: Brenda Chin, Entangled Publishing
Agent: Courtney Miller-Callihan, Handspun Literary
Historical Romance
Editor: Jennie Conway, St. Martin’s Press
Agent: Laura Bradford, Bradford Literary Agency
Romantic Suspense
Editor: Elizabeth May, Kensington Publishing
Agent: Stacey Donaghy, Donaghy Literary Group
Paranormal Romance
Editor: Angela James, Carina Press
Agent: Jim McCarthy, Dystel, Goderich & Bourrett LLC
Young Adult
Editor: Annie Berger, Sourcebooks
Agent: Vanessa Robins, The Corvisiero Literary Agency
Mainstream Fiction with Romantic Elements
Editor: Allison Carroll, Graydon House Books
Agent: Janna Bonikowski, The Knight Agency
Great Beginnings Contest. Deadline February 14. Contest is open to published and unpublished authors. Entry consists of the opening five (5) pages of your romance novel (projected length of at least 50,000 words).
Final Judges:
Historical – Nicole Resciniti, Agent, The Seymour Agency
Paranormal – Lane Heymont, Senior agent, The Tobias Literary Agency
Romantic Suspense - TBA
Contemporary – TBA.
Fab Five. Deadline March 1. Enter early. Categories will be capped at thirty-five (35) entries. Any submissions received after a category has been capped will be returned. Entrants DO NOT need to be members of RWA to enter. This contest is open to all unpublished and self-published writers. Entry consists of the first 2,500 words. No synopsis.
Contemporary Meghan Farrell, Tule Publishing
Rachel Burkot, Holloway Literary Agency
Historical Lexi Smail, Grand Central Publishing
Lisa Rodgers, JABberwocky Literary Agency
Inspirational Shana Asaro, Harlequin Love Inspired
Jessica Kirkland, Blythe Daniels Agency
Paranormal/Fantasy/
Futuristic/Time Travel:
Theresa Cole, Entangled Publishing
Tricia Skinner, Fuse Literary
Romantic Suspense Tara Gavin, Kensington Publishing Corp
Jennifer March Soloway, Andrea Brown Literary Agency
Women’s Fiction Caitlin Dareff, St. Martin’s Press
Sarah Phair, Trident Media
Young Adult/New Adult Mekisha Telfer, Simon and Schuster
Shannon Powers, McIntosh and Otis
ACFW Genesis Contest Deadline March 15. Entry consists of a one-page, single-spaced synopsis, followed by the first 15 pages of your manuscript. Prologues are acceptable and should be included in the 15-page count. The entry will be 16 pages total, including synopsis.
Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense Unpublished Division. Opens January 15. Deadline March 15. Check here January 15 for rules and judges.
Other Opportunities.
Love Inspired #AmishBlitz. Submission dates: Monday, January 9, 2017 – Tuesday, January 31st, 2017 at 11:59 p.m. EST. What Love Inspired needs to see: A cover letter that introduces your book and includes any previous publishing credits, writing contest wins, or affiliations.A 3-5 page synopsis. What happens in your book—tell us the key moments, the crucial twists and turns, and how it ends! Show us what drives your story forward, including the internal and external conflicts your hero and heroine face to get to their happily ever after.The first chapter of your manuscript (up to 25 pages).
If you are in the Omaha, Nebraska area, don't miss the annual RAH (Romance Writers of the Heartland Retreat, January 13-17. Details here.
January 14. Florida Romance Writers Super Saturday Workshop Event. Featuring Debra Dixon. GMC and Big Black Moment. Details here.
Keep your on on this site #MSWL for writing opportunities. Manuscript Wish List where editors and agents let you know what they're looking for. It also keeps you apprised of trends in the industry.
Chicken Soup Callouts for January 2017-Dogs, Cats, Military Families and Teachers. Guidelines here.
A salute to the 2016 Divas!
 |
| L to R. Deb Garland, Christy Distler, Cynthia Herron, Megan Besing, Angie Dicken, Janette Foreman, Susan Hollaway, Laura Conner Kestner, Sharee Stover, Renee McBride, and Laurie Wood. |
That's it! Now go forth and contest!
This Contest Update was brought to you by
Tina Radcliffe. www.tinaradcliffe.com
Happy contesting authors!! :-)
ReplyDeleteI had already entered for the New England Reader's Choice contest as a judge and hoping to hear something soon? I've never done any book judging but it sounds fun anyway.
Hats off to our 2016 Divas!! Talking about hats, Tina you look fabulous in your crown :-)
And I already have a copy of Rocky Mountain Cowboy, but I'd love that mug :-)
DeleteThanks, Trixie. Only get to wear it once a year for New Year's! You are in for the mug!
DeleteEnjoy judging, Trixi! I love doing it.
DeleteJust entered another one. Woot. Throwing that money into the air like it's confetti. :)
ReplyDeleteBack to work!
LOLOL, Melissa! It's from the money tree so it's not real, right?
DeleteLOL, Melissa and Tina!
DeleteHappy New Year!!
ReplyDeleteTHANK YOU for this contest update, Miss T (and the zillion previous ones you've done!). Last year my goal was entering 5, and I did (great feedback that was helpful). This year - - not sure but would like to enter at least 2.
Love the crown photo, Tina! And congrats again to all the 2016 Divas!
Happy New Year, Patti Jo. May the Contest Force be with you!
DeleteTINA, thank you for another FABULOUS contest update! As a regular blogger, I well understand the vast amount of time it takes to add all the links and info you shared.THANKS AGAIN!!!!!
ReplyDeleteIt's been a great year for Seekerville, and this community is a tremendous blessing.
Can't wait to see what the new year holds in store!
Amen, Cynthia. Happy New Year.
DeleteCynthia, I'm excited about the new year as well!
DeleteYaaaay!! :-)
DeleteThat's a lot of contests. Best wishes to all of the writers.
ReplyDeleteMary Preston, Happy New Year!
DeleteGreat contest update Tina! I would love to be entered for your book and for the cup...I love the cups Seekerville always bring forth. Love them!
ReplyDeleteMay everyone be blessed today!
Cindy W.
You are entered, Cindy W!
DeleteThank you so much for compiling this list, Tina. I'm sure it's time consuming...we appreciate it! I entered one on your list over the weekend, but you've got some new ones I hadn't seen.
ReplyDeleteOMG! I LOVE that mug!
Happy New Year!
WOOT! GO JILL!!! And you are entired for the mug dude!
DeleteI LOVE that mug!
ReplyDeleteSo many contests! Thank you Tina for putting this together for us. Happy New Year!!
ReplyDeleteMorning, Preslaysa! Great to see you. Toasting you with java and my mug. Any contests in your horizon?
DeleteWOW, folks! This is quite a contest line up for the new year that Tina's put together! And, as you all know, it was contesting where the Seekers first met -- taking turns bumping each other out of the finals and winners circles. And some of us (ME!)even had an unpublished manuscript land on an editors desk through a contest and it was published! So LOTS of great opportunity here for feedback from judges and possibly from an editor or agent! Have fun!
ReplyDeleteEntering any contests this year, GK?
DeleteGLYNNA, the best thing I've ever gotten from contests is the Seekers!
DeleteJanet
I need to enter a few contests. Thanks for the info, Tina!
ReplyDeleteLoved seeing the pics of our 2016 DIVAS! Way to go, ladies!
Also, check out the info about Love Inspired's Amish Blitz even if you don't write Amish fiction. Their short submission guidelines provide a nice outline of what any submission should include. Pay special attention to what they're looking for in a synopsis!
Amish Blitz!!! Love it. Get out your bonnets.
DeleteLaurie, you definitely should enter the Genesis! I had SO MUCH FUN last year!! Awesome experience... and the feedback you receive is invaluable. (And the pretty little ribbons you wear when you final are fun, too.) DO IT--ENTER!!!!!! If you enter, I'll enter again and we can cheer each other on...and hold each other accountable. Lol (Msg me if you have questions.) BEST WISHES!!!
DeleteP.S. And if one of the comments on your WIP is "You're just too nice..." take it as a compliment and ramp up the conflict. Not that I would know anything about that... ;-)
OOOOPS!!!! Don't know how I responded to LAURIE under DEBBY's name. Lol BUT... I suspect it's because I wanted to reply to Debby, too. DEBBY, thanks for the info re LI. I don't write Amish fiction though I LOVE reading it, and I'll head over for the tips. :-)
DeleteCynthia, I enjoyed reading your reply to Laurie! :)
DeleteBTW, you did look wonderful wearing your FINALIST ribbons!!!
Thank you, DEBBY, for being so kind. LOVED seeing you at ACFW and having my picture taken with you! :-)
DeleteCongrats to the 2016 Divas!
ReplyDeleteTina, thanks for this great list!
Jackie. Love that picture of you. Any contests in your field of dreams?
DeleteGood Morning!
ReplyDeleteI started the new year off by entering the Carol Award this week.
My writing goals for the year is to finish two manuscripts and revise a complete that is sitting on my hard drive.
The Carol. AAAACK forgot to add it. Will do it now.
DeleteThat's a truckload of contests! Best wishes for all who are entering! <3
ReplyDeleteHi Keely! Reader or writer? Welcome. and Happy New Year.
DeleteI love contests, but I haven't entered one since Great Expectations last year.
ReplyDeleteI really need to enter one or two. Feedback is priceless as well as an opportunity to get my work in front of editor.
Drumrolllllll! And your contest of choice, Connie Queen, is???
DeleteFab 5 is a great one!
DeleteI am hoping to enter the Genesis contest this year.
ReplyDeleteCongrats to the 2016 Divas
I began the New Year with my Internet Wifi quitting.
No WiFi is awful, Wilani! We are so dependent on having reliable Internet!
DeleteGet that Genesis entry ready!!!
Go, you, Wilani. I head to Starbucks when mine quits. They can feed me coffee and internet.
DeleteWILANI, see my comment to LAURIE re: Genesis. Best. Experience. EVER!! Go, go, go! You can do it! :-)
DeleteThanks Tina and divas. Lots of hopes and wishes but no concrete goal list yet. Are they the same thing?
ReplyDeleteFYI - the winners of Tina's book will have won a FANTASTIC prize. Just sayin. Get your name in that hat right now.
Thanks, Cindy. No payments were made to make her say that. Wishes=Dreams Goals=Action.
DeleteYes, Cindy...isn't it a fabulous book? The characters are still living in my head!
DeleteThank you, Marianne!!
Delete#mustlovecontests
ReplyDeleteAwesome list, Tina. Thank you! And I love seeing so many folks getting excited about the new year...
Because we've kicked discouragement to the curb!!!!
And ready to move on.
I am all over this 2017 stuff!!!
Yes, sirree. This is the year. 2017!!!!
DeleteWhat a great line up! I don't have anything new to enter, so I won't be entering this month. :( But, I'm hoping to later this year.
ReplyDeleteReading goals: I haven't thought of these. Terrible, isn't it? I just read what I can when I can. I've got a ton of books and magazines I'm slowly working through. I'm giving myself leeway this year to read some personal books and writing craft books at my own pace. Hence, no goals. ;)
Writing goals: To finally, finally get my MS revised and resubmitted. By June. There, I just gave myself a deadline. :)
Jeanne, good for you for setting a deadline! That always helps me.
DeleteDeadlines are good things. "Where there is no vision, my people perish." Proverbs 29:18
DeleteGood words! Must write these down and remember them on those days when it's hard to sit down and do the work. :)
DeleteHAPPY NEW YEAR, ONE & ALL!! Just got home late last night after two weeks on the road, so I'm rarin' to go, although I will admit, that does NOT include contests! But I HIGHLY recommend them to aspiring authors, so great update, Tina!!
ReplyDeleteI am BLOWN AWAY at how many Seeker friend DIVAS we had in 2016, so you go, girls!! I pray we have twice as many this year and that 2017 is the year of THE CALL for our 2016 divas and other Seeker friends!
Hugs,
Julie
Welcome back, Kotter. I mean Julie!!!
DeleteJULIE, you are such an encourager! One of my favorite times at conference was running into you in the elevator. And of course... I'll always remember your workshop some years back. Ahhh. I needed a fan. Lol SO GOOD!!! :-)
DeleteGreat contest update! Tina, I would love a copy of your book! My word for 2017: expectation. If you're expecting something, you are preparing for it. If you're expecting a baby, you prepare a room, get things ready for its arrival. If you're expecting company, you clean house, buy food, get ready for them to come. I'm expecting to be published. It won't happen overnight. I have to write and be ready for when the time comes. So my goal for this year is to complete the stories I've started and to polish the ones I've finished. Work on what I can do, hone my craft, read books, and write. So when the time comes, I will be ready. I don't have a verse to go with this yet, but Isaiah 40:31 is close-Yet, the strength of those who wait with hope in the Lord will be renewed. They wait with earnest expectation. They are not sitting idly. They are working until that time. I am eager to see what else God shows me about this word! So, with all these contests available, I am expecting to enter them. One thing I noticed about this post: You said- **Once again, a reminder that divas do not throw away money entering contest categories with no final judge name available. Always email the coordinator for more information.** What I got from that: I don't enter contests expecting the final judge to see my entry. This year that needs to change! I'll usually look to see who the final judge is, but I go into the contest looking for the feedback, not expecting anything else. New mindset for the new year!
ReplyDeleteSally I love your word. And I love that change of mindset! It's subtle, but it can have a huge effect! Prepare for those finalist judges to see your manuscripts this year! :)
DeleteLove your word, Sally! And I love your new mindset!
DeleteOh, my my my!!! Sally!!! Seriously. You never entered a contest expecting that you would final.
DeleteYou are a writer. Expect is right. Go you!@!!
Thanks, Missy and Myra, for the encouragement!
DeleteTina, I hate to admit it, but yes. I never expected to final. I wanted the feedback. Now I've gotten feedback. It's time to expect to final. See what you've done? lol.
My goal for this year is to finish the novel I have been writing and to continue submitting short stories.
ReplyDeleteYou can do it, Sandy!
DeleteGive us a date to finish that manuscript, Sandy. Set a deadline. When you sell your book you will need to set deadlines for your publisher. START NOW. They will ask how long it takes you when you sign your contract. Do you know? Start knowing.
DeleteThanks, Missy.
DeleteTina, my goal is to finish by my 60th birthday on May 27. I should have made this a goal a decade ago, but I didn't so no time like the present. I have not done much of anything the last few months with a long term sub job, the holidays, and my son's college graduation. But now I am ready to move forward again.
GO! SANDY!!!
DeleteTHANK YOU TINA. Love the crown.
ReplyDelete2016 was pretty good to me, I won a contest, got a new crit partner and started an aggressive study of structure. Plenty of room to grow. I'm prepping for Genesis, then I don't know, but have set a target goal of at least five.
MELISSA, I know what you mean about the money. I look at the expense as paying for craft feedback, then it doesn't pinch so much, also you can Take It Off Your Taxes.
Contests don't work for everyone, but are a boon to the pre-pubbed who want feedback and to get their names out there.
Goals, goals, I have goals, which is what I do instead of resolutions. I want to continue to work with my crit partner on the piece we're going through and to continue to try to market my two finished books/series. I need to continue to work on social media but not to the point where it crowds everything else out.
I'm tying up loose ends on a Christmas novella and beginning research on a Revolutionary War story, but won't write a word until I have my research down.
I'm roughing out a contemporary Christmas story, which will probably be my Speedbo project if I do it this year.
Many, many possibilities and I am grateful for the support I get here.
May check in later,
Kathy Bailey
Unpubbed but undaunted in New Hampshire
Get er done, KB. You can do it.
DeleteThe only people contests don't work for are people who don't want to change and grow.
So many contests, so little time!
ReplyDelete:) Thanks, Tina!! We truly appreciate the time you take to put this together.
Congrats to all our wonderful 2016 Divas!
ReplyDeleteThanks for another comprehensive contest update, Tina! I have a couple more on my radar.
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to get hold of your latest release!
Thanks, Missy and Myra. Happy Contesting.
ReplyDeleteHow much fun is a Love Inspired Amish Blitz?!?
ReplyDeleteAnd I've entered a few contests. Fun stuff.
My goals for the year include writing. And writing some more. Two book launches (June and August), and two book deadlines (July and November). So it's BICHOK all year long. What can be better????
And Rocky Mountain Cowboy is on my TBR shelf! My reading goal for 2017 is to give myself more - much more - time to read in my daily schedule!
That's my goal too, Jan. Catch up on my reading. My stacks are toppling.
DeleteJan, the AmishBlitz contest means more great Amish LI stories to add to our TBR stacks! :)
DeleteHi Tina,
ReplyDeleteNo matter what hat you are wearing, you look good doing it!
And you wear a lot of them, minister of fiction, administrator, encourager extraordinaire to name a few.
Of all your hats you pull out of your extensive virtual collection, I liked your cowboy outfit, still makes me laugh thinking about it. Last NYE when you were in the window with that fur hat on was the prettiest.
I'm lowering my reading goal this year from 120 last year to 100 this year to make time to review a few more books. Time to give back more to writers who give so much to their reading audience!
And yet 100 still amazes me. I like to play dress up...no surprise, right??
DeleteOh yes and the mug! God's had me in "be still" mode for a while whether I liked it or not (not!) but I'm learning so much while I'm in this still mode. Throw my name in the coffee cup drawing please!
ReplyDeleteYour name is in the mug ---for the mug. heheheheh
Delete***hahaha, I love a chick who laughs at her own jokes, I'm laughing too, good one***
DeleteIf I don't...WHO WILL. (except you. hahahahaha)
DeleteTINA, thanks for the contest update! So many great opportunities. Though we like to final or win, bottom line we get our books in the hands of readers and up name recognition.
ReplyDeleteIt was fun to revisit all of last year's DIVAs! Congrats again, ladies. Wishing you much success!
Janet
That's right, Janet. Tina to Earth. Do you hear me?
DeleteThank you Tina, for another wonderful month of contests! This year I'm going to try the Genesis and the Daphne du Maurier in March. And my writing goals include finishing up this WIP for LIS submission and then writing the next book in the trilogy. I have the books figured out *very* roughly! But it's more than I started with last January! I'd love to go in both draws, Tina...and thanks for the Diva congrats everyone. Contests work! :)
ReplyDeleteLAURIE, I just replied to you under Debby's name above. Oooops. SEE MY COMMENT ABOVE... and ENTER Genesis! :-)
DeleteAgree! Enter Laurie. Enter. WAY TO GO.
DeleteGood luck to those entering the January contests.
ReplyDeleteI set my Goodreads goal at 145. I'll be focusing on reading books in my TBR tubs.
Please enter me in the drawing for the mug.
Holy Macaroni, Caryl!!! Wowza. You are entered. I might have to order you an IV of Starbucks too.
DeleteAs a reader I look at the lineup of contests and think...there's books to read at the end of those contests! Ha.
ReplyDeleteI would love to win the mug...I need a reminder to be still!
Great post, MISS TINA. And why only wear the crow once a year?
It's rather heavy. So I like to wear it in January to start off the year.
DeleteGQ says you might want to do some neck strengthening exercises, Tina. ;) She can recommend a few.
DeleteMy goals for the year are to write or edit or both everyday as long as my health allows or life happening events. I also want to continue to develop as a writer by entering contests and trying to figure out a way to go to conferences. As a reader my goal is to read at least 150 books.
ReplyDeleteWhen you sell, you will find a way to write when health is poor and life events happens. Seriously. One goal at a time. 150 books. WOWZA!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Tina, for all your hard work in bringing us this list of contests. And thank you for crowning me the November Contest Diva.
ReplyDeleteGoals! Last year's contest entries yielded 3 R&Rs that promise to keep me hopping in 2017.
Thank you, Seekers, for your support and guidance.
R and R --to the moon and back. This is YOUR year, Renee!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for this update. Not sure if I will enter into anything yet. Someday...
ReplyDeleteIn this New Year I hope to get two books written (and possibly even publish them). I know the expectations are high, but what's the fun of not challenging yourself?
I don't make goals for reading. I just... read. Sometimes I hit a book that I can't put down and I speed through the whole series reading at least one book a day though often times far more than that (like I am doing right now while rereading one of my favorite series- I can't put it down and this is the third time I've read it!) and then there's the books where it takes me an entire month to read a book because it drags so much. And then there are the books that I have to read for school... So yeah, I don't make reading goals because while I read a lot of books they all take different speeds to read.
I agree, Nicky. Some I read for pleasure, some for work..even fiction. Some savor. Some I reread. Happy New Year.
DeleteReading Goal? Continue to read every night. Not hard to do. I have no idea how many books I read last year. I finish one and start another. I have pretty eclectic reading habits.
ReplyDeleteWriting Goal? To complete one full novel, and if I manage that, squeeze in a novella. Honestly, I have no idea how some of you write 3 or 4 books a year. Of course, I edit to put food on tlhe table, so I could probably accomplish more if I were independently wealthy or able to roll out of bed at 3 a.m. like Ruthy. Just sayin'. If I don't get 8 hours sleep and drink lots of coffee, I'm pretty useless.
Devotions: So far, no matter what time I enter my office, I am reading Scripture, praying, and listening to God first.
Since my word this year is hope, I hope I can reach all my goals...Lord willing and the creek don't rise.
I'm "hoping" I win one of those mugs!
Thanks for all the great contest info, Miss Tina!
Independent wealth!!!! WHY DIDN'T I PUT THAT ON MY GOAL LIST THIS YEAR!!!! DUH ON ME.
DeleteYou are entered for the mug, Barbara.
Barb, laughing! The early morning roll out is clutch around here because there's still the day job.... but I do go to bed early to make up for it. By nine o'clock (not in summer.... ) I'm in dreamland, so the 3:30 wake up isn't bad.
DeleteAnd the good Lord started it years ago, so I totally blame him. :)
And I'm mighty glad he did!
But yes, editing is an important part of your income... and that's huge, Barb. We gotta pay the bills.
LOL Obviously, you only need 5 or 6 hours of sleep, Ruthy! God knew you were prolific, so He gave you the constitution for it. For a couple of years, I got up at 4 a.m. to study for my masters, but then I had to hit the rack by 8 p.m.
DeleteI am not a writer, but am a reader. This year I want to read the books I have in my house that I haven't read. Also, read more on my TBR list. Last year I only read 124 books and 14 novellas/short stories. That was less than in 2015. I may try to re-read some of my favorite series, but there are so many books that I haven't read. It's hard to do both.
ReplyDeleteReaders are my favorite people! :) That's amazing, Sylvia... and you are exactly who we do all this for. Without readers... well, where's the reason to write? Go you!
DeleteThanks for the contest update, TINA!! And thanks for the encouragement, inspiration and advice offered in 2016!! My 2017 goals include finishing several WIPs, and "fixing" the ones I've "finished." Praying for a good, productive year for Seekers and Villagers!!
ReplyDeletePraying back at 'cha, Laura.
DeleteBeware of 'Too'
ReplyDeleteIn the last few months I've noticed several sentences in which the word 'too' turned the sentence into the opposite of itself.
When a word means the opposite of itself it is called either an auto-antonym or contronym. However, when a sentence means the oppsite of itself, I can find no term. So maybe a neologism is in order. I'll call it a contrastatement. A statement which asserts the opposite of itself.
Example: "You can't eat too many of those kumquats."
This can mean: You can eat all of those kumquats you want and not get sick."
It can also mean: "If you eat too many of those kumquats, you'll get sick and die."
Example II: "You're not too literal either, are you"?
This wonderful example is further complicated by the words 'not' and 'either'. Either can mean 'this one or that one' and is a logical operator or it can mean 'too'. "Like Ruth, you don't read craft books either, do you?"
So example II can mean: "You're not guilty of applying a level of realistic detail that would not be justified by the facts available."
It could also mean, "you didn't let the exact facts as they were stand in your way of being figurative when it helps enhance the humor."
In the interest of writing 'crystal clear' prose in 2017 it might be best to be aware of the dangers of using the word 'too'.
Vince
Thank you, Vince!
DeleteEven GQ has a headache after reading this, Vince!
DeleteBeware the Ides of Too, Too!
DeleteHi Myra:
DeleteI just love it how you never miss one of my headache makers! And here I love the GQ! She has my favorite posts. Please ask her to cover 'who' and 'whom' in 2017 as they never fail to give me a headache.
Vince
Hi Tina:
DeleteThe 15th of Too?
You have me there. : )
My goal is to organize my time better so that I can accomplish all the things (especially writerly things) that I want to happen.
ReplyDeleteIt was an honor to be a 2016 Diva. Thank you, Seekerville!
It was an honor to have you. Go SUSAN!!!
DeleteHome from a delightful trip to visit my son and his family, who live in Northern VA! We even had snow the first night we stopped at a hotel. Actually it looked like a blizzard at 2 AM when I glanced out the window. :)
ReplyDeleteWelcome home, Debby! We're wondering how much snow to expect when this next front blows through our area over the weekend.
DeleteIs it almost springtime yet???
I waved when I passed through Charlotte, Myra! We found a nice hotel in Gastonia...not too far from you.
DeleteSnow is expected in GA on Friday. That means the store shelves will be picked bare as folks stock up on food in case they're snowed in. :)
Snowed in!??? Double snort here!!
DeleteThat's the fear in ATL! Especially after the ice storm a few years ago. We don't have adequate snow removal equipment so if it snows...well, it isn't pretty!
DeleteAnd yes, folks do get a bit hysterical when snow is mentioned in the weather forecast.
Another fabulous contest update! Thank you, Tina!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to all of the 2016 Contest Divas!!
Thank you, Rhonda, you diva, you!
ReplyDelete2017 is going to be an exciting year. I can feel it! So much to look forward to.
ReplyDeleteI have my writing goals listed out on a post-it in my workspace. Most imminent: finish my WIP by Feb 15 so that I have plenty of time to polish up (at least the first 15 pages, but then keep going) so that it's ready for Genesis!
Feb 15. Sheesh... that's not that far away! I need to get back to furiously writing!!!
I already won a copy of Rocky Mountain Cowboy, so no need to enter me in the draw :)
Yes and I am doing a large mailing this week. Happy New Year Megan. May the Writing Force be with you.
DeleteThanks! Happy New Year to you too!
DeleteAnd is it bad if my first thought was to respond, "And also with you"? A little liturgical habit I guess... haha!
Hehehehehehehe!
DeleteSo delighted to be with my fellow Divas for 2016! Thank you for the fabulous contest update :) Now, it's just what to enter, what to enter, what to enter :)
ReplyDeleteSo many choices...so little capital expenditure.
DeleteThis ix fantastic I wish I had known about this sooner. Looks like a great community! I'm really hoping to publish my fisrt this year as I'm in talks with a pub editor but of course it's taking a long time. Also I would love to finish a difficult YA novel I have been working on
ReplyDeleteThanks for the contest info and congrats to past winners!
Welcome to Seekerville, Sara Beth!!! Congratulations on the great steps in your career already!
ReplyDeleteWriting Goals: 2 completed books edited and 1 first draft done on another. I am currently reading The Infamous Heir by Elizabeth Michels, which is written so beautifully.
ReplyDeleteGood for you, Jeri! And thanks for the reccomendation.
DeleteSpelled recommendation wrong. oopsie.
DeleteMay I complain just a little bitty bit? I don't understand why contest coordinators think I will enter without knowing who the judge is for my category.
ReplyDeleteWhen I first entered contests, I wanted critiques. The fact my entry might final never occurred to me. When that happened twice, much sooner than I expected, unfortunately the editors' publishing houses were not a good match for the gentle romance of my entry. I gained a lot from the critiques, but my entry also kept some other entry from being a final ... an entry that might have been a good match for the editor.
Thanks for indulging me.
My plan is to enter the Fab Five because I've heard good things about it ... and I know who the editor is :-D
Best wishes to all who enter a contest or submit a manuscript!
Nancy C
That is not a complaint, that is a valid sentiment. I cannot toss money away without knowing the final editor. PERIOD. NO ONE SHOULD.
DeleteGo you, Nancy!
P.S. If you win Tina's book you are sooo going to enjoy it. Each Gallagher I read about, I thought "he's my favorite." But Joe is definitely my favorite! And Becca ... what an admirable lady she is.
ReplyDeleteNo ... Tina is not paying me for this comment :-D
Nancy C
:)
DeleteWhat a wonderful list! I was prepping dinner this morning and only had a chance to read at lunch time and of course I had to go to the bank at lunch so my time was limited. Not too limited to read though. Wowza! Thanks for all your hard work!
ReplyDeleteAs far as my writing goals for this year, I have a heavy year of craft books to read and of course massive fiction. I am praying that I will be ready to enter a contest by next year. That's the goal.
I have already ordered Rocky Mountain Cowboy and I won a lovely mug here a year or so ago, so I will pass on entry today.
Thanks again!
Massive fiction. I LOVE THAT!!!!
ReplyDeleteFabulous list of contests, Tina! I entered only one last year...won't hear until February! I'm in the process of writing out my goals for 2017 and will include a couple of contests!!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to the Divas...and all the best to those submitting to contests in the New Year!!
Wishing all Seekers a delightful 2017 full of much joy, peace and love and time to write, write, write!!
Good for you, Kate!@!! Happy New Year.
ReplyDeleteWow, would love that book and mug! One reading project I 'm going to do this year is take part in a summer reading program with my grandson at the library this year. He is 6 years old and I'm trying to pass on the joy of reading to him.
ReplyDeleteGreat idea, Patsy. I did that will all my kids.
DeleteMy 2017 Goodreads reading goal is 125 books. It's the same as last year but I only read 122 books in 2016.
ReplyDeleteYour book looks great, Tina. :-) My reading goal is 3-4 per month. With 7 children I feel that is reasonable. :-)
ReplyDeleteBecky
WOW, seven kids. I am now officially a slacker, Becky.
DeleteHope to read at least one book per month. Would love to get more than that done. I just don't get a whole lot of time to read. Who knows maybe I'll get more reading done this year. A friend from church is letting me borrow somw of her favs, 5 400-500 page books. They are by Francine Rivers, I've started A Voice in the Wind, and am loving it. The 2 others in the series are 2 more that I'm borrowing, as well as Marta's Legacy 1 & 2.
ReplyDeleteI love this cup! And my choice for the book if i win, is paperback.
Happy New Year!
Great goal, Abigail!
DeleteWow, Tina, this is a great list of contests. Thank you so much! My goal for 2017 is to finish my current WIP and obtain an agent. An ambitious goal, but I am praying and working hard. 2017 is going to rock! God is so good! I'm also reading fiction and non-fiction, as much as time allows, and participating in the ACFW Educational Loop and my own regional Christian writers group. I want to pass on every bit of knowledge that I can to my fellow writers.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Rebecca. Those are not overly ambitious goals. Good for you. If you don't set high goals then what's the point??
DeleteWOW! I've never seen such a detailed list of contests before. Thank you so much, Tina! My writing goal for 2017 is to publish an inspirational romance novel with Harlequin Love Inspired. I've written other types of romance stories, but something keeps pulling me back to inspirational romance. I firmly believe it's God speaking to my heart, and so I'm obeying and setting my sight on the prize! Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteGood for you Stephanie!!!
DeleteMy reading goal is to catch up on my tbr piles. My writing goal is to write better reviews for the books I read.
ReplyDeleteI like that goal, Jan!!!!
DeleteAnother great contest update!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Diva Megan!
Delete