This week, something amazing happened. But let me start from the beginning. A few weeks ago, a family friend linked me to a writing contest with the Women of Faith of West Bow Publishing Press company. I read the terms and conditions, and was doubtful about entering my novel. Although the company is Christian, they claimed they would accept works of any genre. Even so, I was skeptical of partiality. Despite that, after yet another blanket edit I submitted my book on January 28. And yesterday, I received this email:
Dear Karoline,
Thanks to you and the more than 450 other entrants, the 2012 Women of Faith Writing Contest has been a success.
It was difficult narrowing down this impressive field, but 30 finalists have been selected -- and you are one of them!
That means that you are one step closer to potentially being named
the Grand-Prize winner and following in the footsteps of previous
winners Marcia Moston and Amy Sorrels, both now traditionally published
authors.
I pinched myself. Then I did the math. I rounded up to 500 and calulated the percentage of thirty finalists. 16%. Only 16% of the entries moved on the final round. Here I am, a novice, inexperienced fifteen year-old, and my novel has been counted worthy to be considered for a publishing deal among other adult female writers.
Every time I see that email or look at the list, I can't help but smile. When I told family and friends I entered the contest, I was unenthusiastic. I honestly didn't think I had a chance of being considered. Yet somehow, this fortune, this blessing has been thrust upon me, and I scarcely know what to do with it. I would say it is chance, only I know that is not true. I have God and His abounding grace upon my life and craftsmanship to thank for this. Parents, friends and teachers have influenced this current acheivement. And to think that a few weeks ago, I entered my book, "just to see what would happen."
I have no idea if I will place, but whether I do or not, I shall rejoice nonetheless for this kind of promise and recognition surpasses all that I dared hope for. And that is the challenge I want to propose to you today. I have a dare for you: Dare to Flop. Other variations include "dare to suck" etc.
When I submitted my little book, I was being daring, taking a risk even though I didn't look at it that way. Imagine if I had not done that! I would not be rejoicing like I am right now, or clinging to the hope that maybe my book is worthy to be read by the real world.
Therefore I encourage you, to relinquish every fear and doubt and dare to flop. Whatever your talent or ability. Be it dancing, music, rocket ship construction or soap-making! If you never take the chance that people will laugh at you and reject you, you will never experience the joy of praise and commendation. I am exceedingly grateful for this opportunity and will keep you posted on further updates; but till then, dare to flop my fellow readers.
Written By: Karoline Ott
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Dare to Flop
This week, something amazing happened. But let me start from the beginning. A few weeks ago, a family friend linked me to a writing contest with the Women of Faith of West Bow Publishing Press company. I read the terms and conditions, and was doubtful about entering my novel. Although the company is Christian, they claimed they would accept works of any genre. Even so, I was skeptical of partiality. Despite that, after yet another blanket edit I submitted my book on January 28. And yesterday, I received this email:
Dear Karoline,
Thanks to you and the more than 450 other entrants, the 2012 Women of Faith Writing Contest has been a success.
It was difficult narrowing down this impressive field, but 30 finalists have been selected -- and you are one of them!
That means that you are one step closer to potentially being named the Grand-Prize winner and following in the footsteps of previous winners Marcia Moston and Amy Sorrels, both now traditionally published authors.
I pinched myself. Then I did the math. I rounded up to 500 and calulated the percentage of thirty finalists. 16%. Only 16% of the entries moved on the final round. Here I am, a novice, inexperienced fifteen year-old, and my novel has been counted worthy to be considered for a publishing deal among other adult female writers.
Every time I see that email or look at the list, I can't help but smile. When I told family and friends I entered the contest, I was unenthusiastic. I honestly didn't think I had a chance of being considered. Yet somehow, this fortune, this blessing has been thrust upon me, and I scarcely know what to do with it. I would say it is chance, only I know that is not true. I have God and His abounding grace upon my life and craftsmanship to thank for this. Parents, friends and teachers have influenced this current acheivement. And to think that a few weeks ago, I entered my book, "just to see what would happen."
I have no idea if I will place, but whether I do or not, I shall rejoice nonetheless for this kind of promise and recognition surpasses all that I dared hope for. And that is the challenge I want to propose to you today. I have a dare for you: Dare to Flop. Other variations include "dare to suck" etc.
When I submitted my little book, I was being daring, taking a risk even though I didn't look at it that way. Imagine if I had not done that! I would not be rejoicing like I am right now, or clinging to the hope that maybe my book is worthy to be read by the real world.
Therefore I encourage you, to relinquish every fear and doubt and dare to flop. Whatever your talent or ability. Be it dancing, music, rocket ship construction or soap-making! If you never take the chance that people will laugh at you and reject you, you will never experience the joy of praise and commendation. I am exceedingly grateful for this opportunity and will keep you posted on further updates; but till then, dare to flop my fellow readers.
Written By: Karoline Ott
Dear Karoline,
Thanks to you and the more than 450 other entrants, the 2012 Women of Faith Writing Contest has been a success.
It was difficult narrowing down this impressive field, but 30 finalists have been selected -- and you are one of them!
That means that you are one step closer to potentially being named the Grand-Prize winner and following in the footsteps of previous winners Marcia Moston and Amy Sorrels, both now traditionally published authors.
I pinched myself. Then I did the math. I rounded up to 500 and calulated the percentage of thirty finalists. 16%. Only 16% of the entries moved on the final round. Here I am, a novice, inexperienced fifteen year-old, and my novel has been counted worthy to be considered for a publishing deal among other adult female writers.
Every time I see that email or look at the list, I can't help but smile. When I told family and friends I entered the contest, I was unenthusiastic. I honestly didn't think I had a chance of being considered. Yet somehow, this fortune, this blessing has been thrust upon me, and I scarcely know what to do with it. I would say it is chance, only I know that is not true. I have God and His abounding grace upon my life and craftsmanship to thank for this. Parents, friends and teachers have influenced this current acheivement. And to think that a few weeks ago, I entered my book, "just to see what would happen."
I have no idea if I will place, but whether I do or not, I shall rejoice nonetheless for this kind of promise and recognition surpasses all that I dared hope for. And that is the challenge I want to propose to you today. I have a dare for you: Dare to Flop. Other variations include "dare to suck" etc.
When I submitted my little book, I was being daring, taking a risk even though I didn't look at it that way. Imagine if I had not done that! I would not be rejoicing like I am right now, or clinging to the hope that maybe my book is worthy to be read by the real world.
Therefore I encourage you, to relinquish every fear and doubt and dare to flop. Whatever your talent or ability. Be it dancing, music, rocket ship construction or soap-making! If you never take the chance that people will laugh at you and reject you, you will never experience the joy of praise and commendation. I am exceedingly grateful for this opportunity and will keep you posted on further updates; but till then, dare to flop my fellow readers.
Written By: Karoline Ott
Subscribe to:
Post Comments
(
Atom
)
Congratulations! :D I've entered sooooooooooo many contests and won so little. Lucky duck! Keep it up!
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteThank you! I applaud you being fearless enough to enter contests, never mind winning!
Delete