America’s Next Author
As of this writing, I still sit in the number 3 position for this week in the America’s Next Author social writing competition. However it turns out, I wanted to take an opportunity to thank you.
I went out on a limb and started writing without a safety net. Without any real pedigree. Without much of a support structure for writing.
In truth, with a blurry dream and a handful of innate skills in my toolbox.
In an age where everyone is swamped with things pulling them in a thousand directions, I have been humbled by this contest. Many of you took precious minutes to share my writing multiple times, across various platforms. Some of you wrote detailed, lengthy, thoughtful reviews of my work for public consumption. Several of you got very creative in your ardent support of my work.
Whatever the outcome, I’ve learned a lot from entering this contest on a lark. Writing almost a thousand new words and editing parts of a story on a day I had a migraine wasn’t easy, but I met the deadline. I learned new things about the inner workings of social media. I made enough mistakes to know how I would execute a contest like this one should I ever do it again.
But.
If I don’t prevail, I won’t proceed another week. I have called in too many favors to start anew for a fresh week of the contest, and I am behind on my edits for my novel, a project with a looming deadline. I had specific things I wanted to learn from this experience, and I’ve learned them.
What I didn’t anticipate was how much so many people whom I have barely or never even met would be willing to do for me. You, Dear Readers, are some of the best people on earth.
I am lucky that a little blog brought you into my life. Thank you for being here.
Fantastic effort and I hope it pans out in the end.
Tis a pleasure being your friend.
I wish you all the success that the world has to offer Andra. You can do it!!
I voted and I hope it turns out well. Best wishes on your continued writing!
Cheers
It’s because we believe in you, Andra! I think your decision makes sense. Get on with the novel and put all your effort into it. I hate to think of anything taking you away from that important part of your life. I am firmly in your corner!
THis is a whole new week….so let’s see what happens! oxo
I’m so glad you gave us another posting, Andra, as I forgot (duh?) to vote. That has been rectified now and I’ve voted. Being from Chicago, I will vote often . . . good luck in the contest and with your edits for your book.
I think I should get every one of my split personalities to vote for you.
Lovely tribute to the power of the group
You’ll be #1 soon… at least always in out hearts!
Andra, I hope you do, and I hope you’ll stay if you don’t. Here’s the thing – it isn’t JUST a popularity contest .The person who moved forward last week wasn’t number one. Potentially, someone way down the list could move forward. I’ve actually given in and submitted something. I’m sick with worry about having done so. I’m sick about the idea of losing. I’m even sicker about the idea of winning. Because that’s the kind of weirdo I am. I seriously HATE competition. When the prize is an HTML badge and an awesome community, I’ll play. But with stakes this high, the very thought makes me want to cry. The fact that someone must win means that someone must lose, and writing isn’t a win-lose thing, especially when we’re not talking pulitzers or national book awards ,and………….AAHHHWGH. I need company. Do not drop out.
You are so gracious.
I’d do more if I could. Good luck, my friend. You deserve this!
Hugs,
Kathy
You are 3rd out of 242 submissions! That’s STELLAR!
Would you start “anew” if you stayed in it another week? Or would you start at position #3?
Ooooh, all the best, Andra. Number 3! Great result.
Thanks, Kate.
My fingers are crossed for you!
You should enter. Jessie Powell entered for this week.