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A Contest Final and Good Feedback to Share

Posted by :Mia On : September 20, 2016
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Category: Uncategorized

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We all want to hear it when we’ve done a good job. Equally, although it’s not always pleasant, we seek to know where we should improve. Feedback’s important.

 

This is one of the reasons I like writing contests. Because the judges aren’t familiar with me or my work, they’re candid. I can trust their comments. Usually they encourage as well as correct. Exactly what I was looking for when I entered the 2016 Pages from the Heart Contest.

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I was a little nervous because this was my first contest in the published author division. I still have some of the I’m-playing-with-the-big-kids trepidation, but I’m pleased to announce that my piece, Nothing Secret made the finals!

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Here are just a few of the judges’ comments–

INTERESTING PREMISE AND WORLD BUILD

Honestly, I’m not usually a fan of paranormal stories, but this one had me intrigued and yes, I would like to finish this story as well as more stories by this author.

LIKEABLE HERO

Yes!

 

There is a lot of tension due to the fact that her memory keeps getting wiped.

 

I want to know what happens! Great job!

 

GOOD ENTRY– WOULD HAVE LIKED TO READ IN ITS ENTIRETY

 

In addition, the judges made a couple of good suggestions and caught some errors that slipped by me. Thank you, judges!

I’ll fix those things and you can look forward to seeing a bit of Nothing Secret soon.

Thirteen Encouraging Comments from the 2016 Wisconsin Romance Writers’ FAB FIVE Contest

Posted by :Mia On : April 20, 2016
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Category: Thursday Thirteen

Tags:, ,

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Writing communicates. I hope that’s what my stories do, but often, especially with an early draft, I’m not so sure the scenes or characters work. Critique partners reassure me, but sometimes it’s fun to enter a contest to discover what readers, who don’t necessarily have to be kind candidly think.

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Recently, I entered the FAB FIVE and here are thirteen of the best comments my manuscript received.

  1. The story is off to a very strong start. With a bit of tweaking and editing it will be ready to submit.
  2. Dialogue: Unique concept started in these few pages. Again, would like to read more.
  3. Dialogue: Seems natural for a YA.
  4. I love these lines: She didn’t trust him. Probably wouldn’t for weeks. He and Jilly had done this dance over and over and still he was no closer to figuring it out.
  5. The author has a nice voice.
  6. The opening scene was nicely written with enough intrigue to keep the reader in. The author’s voice is different and fits the YA story that is unfolding.
  7. The author got a lot of information and emotion across in a very short time.
  8. I liked both the Hero and the Heroine, and I’m already rooting for them.
  9. Your manuscript really impressed me. There’s always polishing that can be done, but this is close to submission worthy, in my opinion. Good job!
  10. I was caught by the story right off, and continued reading, surprised when I reached the end so fast. Nicely done.
  11. Interesting opening. A fresh set-up that makes the reader want to know more.
  12. Unique concept started in these few pages. Again, would like to read more.
  13. Toby was an excellent character. Trying to conceal his peculiar power makes me want to know more.

 

Now, I bet you’re wondering—were all the comments good? My answer is yes, although I didn’t include the ones that had suggestions for improvement. I’m simply going to apply the ones that ring true and. God willing, I’ll have an excerpt or two to share with you in a future post.

I’d also like to share the Fab Five finalist banner.

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Thanks for sharing my good news. And thank you WisRwa members, friends, and volunteers.