I’m currently working on judging contest entries, and expecting a new batch from another contest I volunteered to judge very soon. Before I was published I wasn't necessarily a contest junkie, but I did enter a considerable amount of them to get unbiased feedback. Before I had a critique partner (or even knew what one was) contests were the only way I got feedback that wasn’t from my family.
When I decided I wanted to write, I kept it to myself. I didn’t join an organization or any online groups for a solid year. Writers are a solitary bunch in general and even though I knew there was a local RWA chapter near me, I was too nervous to attend. In the long run, I’m glad I waited to figure out more about writing before attending. In a way, the feedback I got from contests was my only ‘link’ to other writers. That’s why I like to give back now.
I know some people have had bad experiences with contests, and I too have actually had a few bad judges, but for the most part, I’ve learned something new from every judge. There’s only one judge in particular that really burned me up with her sarcastic comments, but after getting mad, I tossed her entry and focused on the constructive comments from the other judges. Looking back, I’m glad I didn’t let one person bring me down enough to question myself as a writer.
When I was first starting out, feedback from contests taught me what POV was, what ‘show don’t tell’ was, what critique partners were, and how to be my own editor. These contests urged me to look more into craft books, then to finally join a local group and find the support I didn’t know I was looking for.
What are your opinions on contests? Yay or nay? Share your experiences, good or bad!
When I decided I wanted to write, I kept it to myself. I didn’t join an organization or any online groups for a solid year. Writers are a solitary bunch in general and even though I knew there was a local RWA chapter near me, I was too nervous to attend. In the long run, I’m glad I waited to figure out more about writing before attending. In a way, the feedback I got from contests was my only ‘link’ to other writers. That’s why I like to give back now.
I know some people have had bad experiences with contests, and I too have actually had a few bad judges, but for the most part, I’ve learned something new from every judge. There’s only one judge in particular that really burned me up with her sarcastic comments, but after getting mad, I tossed her entry and focused on the constructive comments from the other judges. Looking back, I’m glad I didn’t let one person bring me down enough to question myself as a writer.
When I was first starting out, feedback from contests taught me what POV was, what ‘show don’t tell’ was, what critique partners were, and how to be my own editor. These contests urged me to look more into craft books, then to finally join a local group and find the support I didn’t know I was looking for.
What are your opinions on contests? Yay or nay? Share your experiences, good or bad!
6 comments:
I've had both good and bad contest experiences, but I highly recommend them because if for no other reason, they help new writers toughen their skin.
I'm not too big on contests - I've only entered a couple, but I have seen how for some writers, they've been invaluable.
*raises hand*
Contest junkie here! I have several readers and an awesome CP who gives me tough love, but I value the opinions of complete strangers that know nothing about me or my story even more.
I've been lucky on the judge front. Sure, I've had judges who "didn't get" my story, but I pay attention to those judges the most! What was it that was keeping them from suspending disbelief?
Plus, it's a little extra motivation - waiting to get the results and feedback from contests. It distracts me from waiting to hear from agents.
My first experiences with contests were great in that they got me writing and motivated me to keep going.
But lately, I don't dwell on them. I've turned my focus to finishing the manuscripts I started for all of those contests.
My goal now is to build my career, one book at a time. Another great post, Katie!
Kristen - it's so true. It's so important to get unbiased feedback and teach people how to take constructive criticism. If they can't take it from judges they won't be able to from editors and agents.
Dara - I'm one of them, lol :)
Jeannie - I know they've been valuable for you! Just found out about your GH final! Congrats :)
Liane - I'm the same way. I don't 'need' them anymore in that they're not furthering my career so on to the next step. Now I'm focusing on finding an agent :)
I've never entered a contest. Not sure why, just never considered it. I'm in a critique group and I think they give me all the feedback I need. They're a great group and they taught me a lot.
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