A couple of days ago, I promised you some exciting news. Today, I can share it with you!
A few months ago, I entered my WIP (work in progress) in my chapter’s unpublished contest. I’m published, but the rules allowed me to enter in a category in which I haven’t published. So I did. 🙂
My story is Christian Women’s Fiction. I’m new at writing it and since my fantastic critique partners don’t read a lot of it, I thought this would be a good way to get some feedback. And (fingers crossed) get the story out of the slush pile and into an editor’s hands.
While we were at the romance writers retreat, the contest’s finalists were announced.
2011 WHERE THE MAGIC BEGINS FINALISTS
HISTORICAL
Wherever You Roam by Kimberly Keys
Lady Catherine’s Secret by Sheridan Edmondson
The Madonna of Pisano by MaryAnn Diorio
ROMANTIC SUSPENSE
Deception by Jennifer Beane
Don’t Look by Susanne Frost
Legally Mastered by Sarah Rose Ahmad
DARK PARANORMAL
Silk by Louise Cusack
Dark Bringer by Brenda Nelson-Davis
* The Hunt for Home by Lorenda Christensen *
LIGHT PARANORMAL
Medusa, A Love Story by Sasha Summers
Precious Jewels by Mary Behre
* Tears of the Sun by Jackie Kramer *
SENSUAL SERIES
* The Slipper Fits by Sandra Wagner *
* Sex, Lies and Apple Pie by Lynn Somerville *
* The Last Refuge by Kathy Hix *
SINGLE TITLE
A Little Bit Crazy by Faye Hughes
Balancing Act by Pamela Gibson
Captivating Ella by Jennie Jones
SWEET SERIES
Love in Bitterroot Valley by Jessica Keller
Built to Last by Sherri G. Early
* Dragonfly by Susan Shay *
* Denotes RWI Member *
Did you make it all the way to the end? That’s my story. Dragonfly. (WOOHOO!)
BTW: RWI has one hard and fast rule, which has no exceptions. One member of RWI cannot judge another member’s entry. That way we protect ourselves against whispers that we might be less than honest.
You know, though, that everyone who entered is a winner. They got three (at least) great critiques of their work. They got their toe wet in the submission pool. And they started toughening their hide for a future in the publishing world, which just about any writer will tell you ain’t easy.
So congratulations to everyone who entered! And best of luck to all who finalled. We’re all winners!
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Susan Spess Shay 
October 12, 2011 at 1:26 pm
OMGosh! Sooo many RWI members!! What a party you guys need to have!! I’m soo happy for all of you. 🙂 Doesn’t surprise me in the least that you finaled, Susan!
October 12, 2011 at 1:45 pm
You’re so nice, Ashley! I’m so excited about this. It feels like an answer to prayer. “Is this the direction You want me to take, Lord?”
Seriously, come celebrate with us. We miss you!
October 12, 2011 at 1:30 pm
Yippee! When do I get to read it!!!!!!
October 12, 2011 at 1:44 pm
It’s not finished. LOL. I can send you the first chapter if you want.
October 13, 2011 at 2:22 pm
yes please! At the rate I’m going, the book will be done before I finish the first chapter. When I sit down, I fall asleep!!!!
LY
October 13, 2011 at 11:53 pm
You’ve got it.
Want it to come to your supplement edress?
October 12, 2011 at 1:31 pm
WhoooHooo!!! I’m as excited as you are Susan!! spw
October 12, 2011 at 1:44 pm
Soooo wonderful! I’m thrilled for you, Sandee! GOOD LUCK!
October 13, 2011 at 2:50 pm
Congratulations! Like I said, it’s the best stuff you’ve ever written. It’s got such heart to it. The editor judge should snap it up like chocolate.
October 13, 2011 at 11:54 pm
That’s truly the nicest thing you’ve ever said to me. Thank you so much!
And . . . I hope God’s listening to your editor judge comment and agrees!
October 14, 2011 at 1:50 pm
I’ll say it real loud — or whisper it real soft — in my prayers. 🙂
October 15, 2011 at 12:23 am
I love you, too!
October 15, 2011 at 5:47 pm
Congradulations, Susan!
October 15, 2011 at 8:19 pm
Thank you, Elane.