Today the Genesis finalists were announced. [The Genesis contest is contest for manuscripts of unpublished authors]. I didn’t make.
Honestly, I didn’t expect to be a finalist. A month ago I thought I had a chance, but as I’ve continue to learn I now see my mistakes. I recently sat down with the the first manuscript I ever wrote. On the first page I cut the first three paragraphs down to one paragraph. Um…if I could find that many sentences to cut than I KNOW the judges could.
I’m trying not to let this get me down.
I mean, I’ve already decided that I don’t want to pitch my mss this year (I want to work on them). If I’m not going to pitch them, then I don’t need to be able to say “2009 Genesis Finalist”, do I?
I don’t, but it would’ve been nice.
You know what frustrates me the most though? I really have been working on these novels. They aren’t perfect, but I’m trying. It’s been over a year one the one. Knowing that I put that much effort into one story and it STILL didn’t final makes me wonder…how long will it take for me to get another mss ready to submit/enter? [I don’t know…can I submit the same mss next year, after I’ve cleaned it up?]
So I’m trying not to feel sorry for myself. But I’m EXHAUSTED, which makes me crabby. The Wings blew a two goal lead, which makes me crabby. I have to admit that twelve months of learning isn’t enough, which makes me crabby. My pants are too tight now…you see the pattern.
I just hope the judges aren’t too mean…I should get some sleep.
I’m sorry, Karin. I know it’s so disappointing not to final. I was very surprised to get the call today (to answer the question you posted on my blog, yes, that WAS my name you saw. :-))
To answer your other question, definitely rework your ms and resubmit it next year. I entered Mind over Madi in 2007 and did not final. I polished it up and resubmitted in 2008 and it ended up taking 2nd place in the chick lit category. Keep at it!
Looking forward to seeing your name on that list next year!
Hi Karin! Saw you over on Jill’s blog. I’m sorry about not finaling, but I’m with Lynda, keep at it. I’ve only been at this writing journey a year, and know I have a long ways to go. I just keep telling myself I need to learn the craft. Every year will just make me better. And some day…. 🙂
You’re not alone. Over 1300 writers submitted manuscripts. That’s a lot of people NOT finalling.
I know how you feel, too. I wonder when my writing will be good enough. It’s enough to throw me into a gallon of ice cream and never claw my way out!