I'm having a can't-believe-I-just-did-that moment. I've entered some blog fests and contests, but entering Nathan Bransford's Teen Diary Contest is stomach clenching. I think I'm entry #525, which tells you how overwhelming the competition is. I know it's meant to be fun, and it is, but any time we stick our work out in public it's a bit scary.
If you entered, please leave a comment with your entry number. I'd love to read it. I've tried skimming what's there, and I've seen some that rocked my socks, but I seriously don't know how Nathan can read all these. And there will be more entered before deadline at 4 p.m. today.
It makes me think that agents and editors who do contests or take pitches all day at conferences have extra brain cells. How else could you stay sane reading or listening to that many pitches or first pages at once?
Anyway, I wrote the teen-diary entry this morning. It's new, not based on any work-in-progress, so I've really stuck my neck out. Eeek.
And dang but if tomorrow isn't when finalists and commenting begin. I shall be away most of the day on family business. I'll just have to catch up late. Best wishes to you if you entered, too.
37 comments:
The idea of entering any contest seems too overwhelming to me, let alone getting into a teen frame of mind. Best wished to you, though!
I wrote something new for this contest too. It was nice spending a few minutes with someone not in my novel, and someone that I didn't have to know all that well.
My entry was in the 260s or 280s or somewhere in that range. I read about 50 entries all together and some were downright amazing.
OMG I did it too!! I keep wanting to go back and delete it, so I'm keeping myself away. I think I'm number 415. And like you, it was something new I wrote and not from any of my WIP's. Good luck to you! I'm going to try and find yours now :)
Oh, I liked yours. :) I kinda wish it was from something you're working on. B/c the last line would have made me read more immediately.
I wish you the best of luck!!! I shall head over and read yours.
Oh, I loved it! Especially that last line.
Mine was about 240s I think: how do you know which number you are? The comments were not numbered as far as I could tell? Or am I missing something here?
I am with you. I don't know how anyone can read all of that and not have their head start to spin.
I'm around 490. Good luck to everyone here that entered!
JB: It is overwhelming. Thanks for the wishes.
Megan: Found yours! I really like the poignancy and voice and, despite what happened to her, how she feels about that life in her.
Bethany: Thanks! It was fun doing this. And I like the 'spoiled milk' spunk of your MC.
Victoria: Thanks! I may end up having to add this to my growing list of projects. Oh my.
Yat-Yee: I just happened to notice the post number when I hit the publish button. Maybe it would be easier to tell people which page it's on and whether it's near top, middle or bottom. Such a lot of posts!
Anyway, I found yours and I love how she thinks she influences his choices. And the last line is to die for!
Fingers crossed for you! I'm hanging out, having entered the Editor Unleashed, "Why I Write" contest. It was supposed to end at the beginning of the month, but due to a technical malfunction it has been extended until month end. If you want to go for another contest, here is the link:http://editorunleashed.com/
Go to the Forum section.
Best wishes Tricia! I entered Nathan's first paragraph contest a few months back and it was terrifying and exhilarating!
Oh, I didn't enter the contest but I just found your blog. And I read (yeah, I'm late) your no-kiss scene and I ADORE Greek Mythology. I'm such a #greekgeek I can't wait to read more of what you have to say. Good luck with the Teen Diary Contest!! :)
Wow, 500+ entries. His contests are always crazy. I hope your entry does well!
Barb: I found yours! It's wonderfully dark and moving. I love the detail of the neighbors' curtains.
Thanks Liza. I'm not sure I can tackle another contest but I'll take a look. We are such busy folks, aren't we?
Tamika: It is terrifying. I wasn't going to do it but had an idea at the last moment. Sometimes the more you do things the easier they get. Will that happen with writing contests? Not so sure.
Hi Angie, Welcome and thanks!
Natalie: Thanks so much. It is crazy! I think it's over 600 now.
I don't know how Nathan manages his contests either- talk about taking on more work!
Good luck with your entry!
I love Nathan's blog and his contests are great! I didn't get to enter this one - time just ran away on me. Good luck with your entry!!
I can't wait to go and find yours! I did not enter...thought for a brief moment about writing one, but the whole clock moving too fast thing got in the way.
Good luck!
Shelley
I guess I've been under a rock--hadn't heard about this until too late. Good luck on your entry tho~!
Good luck!!
I had the same stomach clenching moment when I entered his first paragraph contest. Man is it nerve wracking!
Stephanie & Jemi: Thanks for your good wishes and indeed Nathan is amazing to hold these.
Shelley: Thanks, my friend. That clock does keep on ticking.
Angela: I wrote something just today, didn't think I would. Maybe that's better--less stress, ha!
Amalia: I didn't enter that one. Intimidated, I guess. There are so many entries and some are incredibly good.
I did it too and then couldn't believe I did. I think I was around the mid-300s. It's the first time I ever did anything so spur of-the-moment. I think I'll head back over and see if I can find yours.
Yvonne: Found yours! What a neat premise. The voice is great and so is that last line.
I love your Dear Diary entry, Tricia! You've got a serious shot at winning...
My best to all of you who entered. I looked and looked and tried to find your posts, but I couldn't :(
I wish they were numbered....
I wasnt brave enough so kudos to you!
Good luck, Tricia. Nathan's contests are so intimidating because you see all of your competition and there are thousands of entries. I didn't enter this one, but I've entered and lost his first paragraph contest.
The number was up to 672 when I checked the contest out. WOW! Good Luck, Tricia. My fingers are crossed for you.
For the first time in years I didn't need to enter an agent-held contest. And it feels strange/great! Best of luck and I am so proud of you for doing it even though it was a stomach-clenching experience.
Good luck! I didn't know about it, because I've been on hiatus, but best of luck to you!!!
Been gone all day and just returned to see all these great new comments (and that I didn't make Nathan's cut. boo-hoo)
Christy: Those are awesome words from you. Thanks so much!
Bish: I know--it's crazy how many entries there are. Numbers would be great.
Shelli: Thanks ;D
Davin: I have to try to keep it in perspective, remembering it is so subjective, as well.
Linda: I can't figure out how Nathan reads them. Somebody calculated it was like him reading a couple of novels in one night.
Bethany: Such awesomeness coming from you. Thanks. :D
Anna: Hi, welcome back, and thanks!
You'all are so brave! Good luck.
You're the ONE! I didn't enter because I am preparing to query. But I am really happy for you that you entered. I KNOW that this year will bring great news on the writing front for you Tricia. If not this, then the next one. *wink*
And thanks for the much needed hugs. I really felt it. :-)
Thanks Donna. It was fun even though I didn't make the finals.
Robyn: You're so great. :) Thanks for the encouragement, and may those queries score!
I loved it. It was VERY different from the majority, and that's what I loved about it.
You know, every teenager *thinks* they are different from all the rest, and then there are those who truly are.
Your entry had a very unique voice...there is more to her story.....
Well done.
(And none of my favorites made the cut. Boo.)
Shelley: Wow. Thank you sooooo much. It really helps me keep going to hear a comment like this. It's funny but none of my favorites made it either. There were a couple I was sure would make it and didn't even get runner-up. It really is interesting how subjective it is.
Good luck on the contest! I need to go read your entry :)
I read about 50 entries all together and some were downright amazing.
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