Today, I am going to take a risk-step out of my warm and cozy comfort zone and dip my toes ever so lightly into the waters of the writing world; a risky business.
Now, this is a big deal for me. I am one who likes the blankets the comfort zone provides like easy and non confrontational. Fear, failure, losing and leaping… I am not a big fan.
In The Wizard Of Oz, the scarecrow, the lion and the tin man follow the yellow brick road in hopes of finding OZ, who they believe can help them each get what they need; a brain, courage and a heart.
My journey down this yellow brick road finds me struggling as an author with each of their issues. “Do I have the brain necessary to be an author? Really, is my work even good?” “Am I courageous enough to put my work and myself out there?” “Does my heart have the ability to handle the rejection?”
As a writer, these fears can be crippling and if not confronted, they can easily destroy me as an author. So, I have decided today will be my first “Take A Risk Tuesday.” A day devoted to confronting these fears. I am a fighter so I’m coming out swinging.
The ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writer) is the largest fiction organization for Christian writers. Their purpose is to help author’s with the craft of writing; from critique groups to conferences, from awards to contests.
The ACFW First Impression contest is for writer’s whose manuscripts have not yet been published. The contest just recently opened up and because their reputation is highly respected, I have decided this would be a great place to take a risk with my manuscripts.
Today, on my first “Take A Risk Tuesday” I am enter my first book, (had to omit name here as per contest rules. The name of the book can not be anywhere printed in text or on line. Will repost mid January after the contest ends ) from my tween series, (name omitted)
The online entry form requires me to submit the back-cover blurb (which is what you read on the back cover of a book.) The purpose is to “hook” you in just a few sentences to buy that book. The contest closes on November 15th and the winner’s will be announced on January 25th, 2013.
Here begins my journey as I follow an author’s yellow brick road to being published.
Best wishes with this! This is the newer version of the Genesis contest and finaling in that one helped me get my first publishing contract. Your Liberty Layne is a fun character and you should get some close scrutiny.
Good work taking a risk, Shaylene!
Thank you so much Michelle! This will be my first contest. I am looking forward to sharing it with them. 🙂
I feel you, girl! I was almost 40 before I started sharing my work. I also had to stop wondering if I was good or not–it’s not for me to know that–it’s for my reader to decide. I’ll never say I’m a good writer. I will say I’m experienced and professional! I will say I’m a hard worker. I will say I’m determined and motivated–those things I can control.
I’m excited for you! You are on your way, doing everything right. You have to believe in yourself before anyone else will, and this is a step in the right direction.
Congratulations on entering! Jennifer
Way to go Shaylene! The world needs more risk takers. More people who are following their dreams and aren’t crippled by over analization and fear of failure. The road is tough at times when you take these risks but almost every view worth seeing is most likely going to have hill in front of it you are going to have to climb to see it. I can’t wait to see how it turns out.
Love the concept of Take A Risk Tuesday! Good luck!!!! Not that you need it,your God given talen surpasses luck!!!!!