Hung in there and found NANOWRIMO SUCCESS!

 

National Novel Writing Month is held every November. Participants do their best to write a 50,000 word novel draft in 30 days, throughout the month of November.

People from all over the world participate. I marvel at the thought of thousands and thousands of creatives writing at the same time. Published and unpublished authors creating and hopefully one day sharing their stories with the world. It's amazing.

Once registered, you have the opportunity to connect with other writers to make friends and cheer each other on to the finish. This event includes a Young Writers Program. These are only a few of the fun opportunities offered, but the encouragement throughout the journey including earning colorful badges as you reach milestones, online and in person write-ins, helpful and informational craft articles, etc. keep writers engaged. However, I was busy trying to stay on track and didn't take advantage of many of these opportunities. I did however make two lovely writing friends.

I must admit that if you miss even one day of writing or hit a writers block, it is very difficult to make the time up. But it can be done! Regardless of whether a participant reaches the 50,000 word count by November 30th, participation is a huge accomplishment. You may think it is easy for me to make that comment because I "made" the word count. Yes, this year I did. However, this is my third attempt. I was successful reaching the goal in my first try. I did not meet the goal in my second attempt. I didn't participate for a few years, but 2023, I met the goal. My 50,000 words are a rough, rough, and did I say, rough Draft? The trick to making the word count in 30 days, is to do absolutely no editing. It's imperative to turn off your inner editor during the 30 day challenge. If you are typing and you know you just made a spelling error, don't correct it, just keep typing. If you type a paragraph and feel it's not good and you will absolutely be chopping it, do not go back and delete it or try to correct it. Just keep going. If a scene idea pops into your head but it belongs in the middle of your story and you're only a quarter of the way in, type it anyway. Type it now. (I put asterisks in front of those scene ideas to alert me after the deadline to put that scene where it belongs.) It's important to get it on the page while the idea is fresh in your mind.) There will be plenty of time after November 30th to edit the good and the bad. Anything and everything that pops into your creative mind is worthy of the page. It's all about the word count. The point is to get that story idea out of your head and onto the page.

The holidays 🎅🎉💖🍀 have kept me busy and I did very little editing of my nanowrimo first draft. It's still a mess. I've recently begun sharing first draft chapters with my critique group.

Until next time, Keep Writing, Keep Submitting, and Keep Smiling!   

Halloween Fun has ended and it's time to get back to work - IT'S NANOWRIMO TIME!

 

It's NANOWRIMO time!

I hope you've decided to sign up for the annual November self-challenge. Write 50,000 words in a month.

It's not easy, but writers all over the world will be writing their hearts out all month long. 

Even if we don't manage to write 50,000 words before the last day of November, we will have more written than maybe we wouldn't otherwise. So why not give it a try. The challenge begins today!

This is my 3rd time. On my first try many years ago, I was successful.

                                  On my second try, I wasn't.

                                  We'll see how this year goes. I have high hopes.

I wish everyone who registered the best of luck! And a big hug to everyone participating.

I'll keep you posted. In the meantime,

Keep Writing, Keep Submitting, and Keep Smiling.

Keep Updating your craft. Like all things change, so do the rules of craft.

Hello Fellow Writers 😎

Studying the craft of writing is an important aspect of being an author.

Writing is the fun part and attending workshops can be too. It's great learning from professionals. In  person or online, I enjoy the different topics and personalities of the presenters.

Last month I attended the August 2023 Writing Romance Mastery Summit, hosted by Paula Judith Johnson. It was amazing! And to make it even more amazing is the fact that this five day Summit was offered free with the option to purchase the event. By the end of day four, my hand was cramping from taking 67 pages of notes and I still had another day of workshops to attend! At this point, I knew I had to purchase the entire summit. So, I did. Here's how it worked:

There were 30+ different workshops offered over a 5 day period. Attendance was free of charge so long as you registered for the Summit. If for any reason attendees missed a day, we had 48 hours to view the recordings free of cost. At any point during the summit, attendees were offered the opportunity to purchase the workshops which included MP3 versions as well. If you purchased the summit at the time of registration, the complete summit cost $67. During the 5 days, you could purchase the complete summit for an additional $30. and after the summit the cost went up a bit more. But of these 3 price tiers, it was still an incredible value. Have you checked out the prices of single classes and workshops being offered out there? Some are very expensive and I know we all don't have unlimited education budgets.

Along with the workshops, many presenters offered free gifts to further help writers. Some gifts were for all attendees and some additional gifts were offered to those who purchased the premium package.

The information shared by the presenters was current and invaluable. You may be asking yourself, why are the presenters doing this for free? There are professionals who believe it is a wonderful thing to give back to the writing community. Also, this is an opportunity for the presenters to offer their professional services such as editing, ghostwriting, coaching, etc. And why wouldn't they? Don't think of this as a negative. After all, if I am in the market for an editor or an agent for instance, wouldn't it be beneficial to have some knowledge of this person rather than searching the internet blindly? 

I'd like to send out a Huge Thanks to everyone involved! Writers Helping Writers is a beautiful gift of their time and expertise. 

Another big tip to writers, If a free workshop or podcast is described as being in a genre that you do not write in, please don't count it out. I have found that there are so many good tips shared in most every podcast that applies to writers of all genres. This was certainly the case with this Romance Summit. There were great workshops on How to Write a Query Letter, How to Market for Amazon, How to tackle Writers Block, and much more.

When you finish a workshop, podcast, or find a blog post that lights a fire in you, "follow" that presenter. Check out their social media pages. More than likely, they'll have more great information to share with you.

I'm sure you can tell how much I enjoyed this workshop and for less than $100. I'll be able to enjoy the information for a lifetime.

Keep Writing, Keep Smiling, and Keep Submitting!   

 

Update for Chicken Soup for the Soul Too Funny

😀😁😂😃😄

I'm excited to report that after almost four months on the shelf, Chicken Soup for the Soul: Too Funny - the book continues to land in the top 10 of the Bookscan Adult, Humor, trade paperback Bestsellers list!

How very exciting! Congratulations to Chicken Soup for the Soul and all of the contributors.

If  you'd like to enjoy the funny stories or share them as Christmas presents, they'd make a welcome gift.

And don't forget to look for my contribution, The Name Game.

Keep Writing, Keep Submitting, and Keep Smiling!

 

I Placed in the Florida Writers Association 2022 Collections #14 Contest! Book Title Thrills and Chills

 What GREAT cover art! It absolutely entices lovers of  spooky stories. Won't you support writers helping writers, purchase a book, and experience the thrills and chills.

I'm honored to say my story, The Final Waltz has won a place in this book.

I'm also excited to say another member of my writers group, John Hagen, has won a spot in this book for his amazing poem. Congratulations John!

Running concurrently with the FWA Collections book #14 contest, the FWA hosts the Royal Palm Literary Association contest. I'm thrilled to say two members of our writers group have made the semi-finals! We are wishing authors Nina Ward and John Hagen the best of luck!

I'm a judge in the 2022 RPLA contest, and I've had the honor of reading many entries. (Of course not in the categories entered by Nina or John.) This is my second year judging RPLA contest entries and I enjoy the process so much! Good luck to all of the entrants. I can't wait to hear the results.

To all writers keep writing, keep submitting, and keep smiling!

A New Book! Imagine Your Story Flash Fiction 2020

 Last Year, before Covid19 hit the U.S.A. our local library system advertised their annual Flash Fiction contest. The guidelines said to take something ordinary and reimagine it.

I was looking through some pictures of my late fiance'. I'd taken a picture of the Survivor Bell during a tour of MUSC hospital after an appointment with the amazing Organ Transplant Team. That was our goal; Randy would one day, ring that bell.

Seeing this picture again, brought back memories of conversations we'd had late at night while Randy waited and contemplated all that receiving an organ transplant meant.  

 I wrote a short piece titled, Ring That Bell, in his memory. I entered it into this contest and it was selected to be in the book.

This book is not for sale. It is a Lending Library Book Only. I love the idea of writing a story for my community. The book is available for lending from the Land O Lakes Library. I also donated money so two copies would be put in the Centennial Library as well. These are libraries in the Pasco County Library System. 

I am also excited to announce that another story I submitted was chosen as well. The title of that story is The Tip. This is a story that came straight out of my vivid imagination and does not relate to anyone or anything in my life. I enjoyed writing it.

As you can see in these pictures, the book cover says "2020". With all that has occurred over the past year and a half with Covid19, and people leaving jobs, etc. It has taken much longer than originally thought for this book to come to fruition. It is finally here! 

If you happen to be perusing the library, I hope you'll read them and enjoy. The photographs in this book are gorgeous. 

Putting your work out there for others to read is rewarding, whether the readership is huge or available to only a community. So, Keep Writing, Keep Submitting, and Keep Smiling!

Something Wonderful Will Happen!

 I am a proud member of the Florida Writers Association. FWA

Each year the organization offers two writing contests. The Royal Palm Literary Awards (RPLA) is a prestigious writing competition for adults members and provides written assessments to all entrants. I entered the 2021 contest. The contestants won't know the results for a while yet.

The other contest is Florida Writers Association Collection. For the 2021 contest adult and youth entrants wrote to the theme Footprints. The winning submissions are published in an anthology. I entered this contest too and my entry, One legged Seagull-My Story, is a winner! My entry will appear  in the book! Here is a sneak peak at the cover. The release date is in October 2021. 

To add to that bit of wonderful news, I was then asked to be a judge for the 2021 RPLA contest. I began judging after completing the application process.

I'm enjoying the process very much. I won't be judging the category I am entered in.

So you never know what opportunities will come to you from submitting. So finish up those stories and take the leap.

Keep Writing, Keep Submitting, and Keep Smiling!

What is Your Definition of Writing Success?

Hello Fellow Writers

I read an article this week asking the above question. Today, I received a Facebook post that warmed my heart and answered that question for me. 

In 2007, I wrote a children's story, Meet Sandy Gull and opened an ice-cream and candy shop called, Sandy Gull's Sweets. The book was the theme for the decor of my business. Along with the "sweets" I sold books and Sandy Gull tee-shirts for children and adults. Fast forward to May 2021 and the Facebook post which included this photo.

.

The post explained, this spunky little boy, Jacob, was the last of four cousins, (a set of brothers and a set of sisters), who get to wear this Sandy Gull tee. They wanted me to know before the tee-shirt is retired.

I know this family, the little boy is my great-nephew. They live very far away and I haven't seen them in years. They are my family and they've treasured the book. Through the years, I've received an occasional picture of one of the children sitting on the couch reading the book or a note saying one of the kids took the book to school for show-and-tell and told the class that it was their aunt who wrote it. I am touched deep down inside my heart that the children would share that with the class.

I am amazed and proud the children have taken such great care of the book and imagine my surprise to see they still have one of the shirts. I had no idea the parents had been handing it down to each child in the family. I can't tell you how special that is to me.

When I had my shop, I received little cards and notes from children and parents not only here in the USA, but from other countries, telling me how their children enjoyed the book and the visit to the ice-cream shop. Each and every time, I was honored to receive the cards and notes.

This pictures I've been sent of children enjoying Sandy Gull, always warm my heart. But today, my little nephew reminded me that I'll always be a success in their eyes.

Big Hugs and Kisses to you Jacob for wearing your Sandy Gull tee shirt and making me feel special. 

I hope you all find your own measures of success.

Keep Writing, Keep Submitting, and Keep Smiling!

 

 

Waiting to hear about a submission is like waiting for the fisherman to return!

Sometimes news of the catch is good and sometimes not so much, but always worth the anticipation.

Comparing the wait for news of a submission's status with pelicans waiting for fishing boats to come in is a stretch; but isn't it fun!

I mentioned in an earlier post, that two of my contest flash fiction stories were chosen for publication in a local authors 2020 anthology, sponsored by our public library system. Unfortunately, the latest news from the library reported delays, (I'm guessing Pandemic delays), and the book publication date is on hold. I checked in a second time, and the news was possible publication in December 2020. It didn't happen at that time. As of this post, it's been a year. I decided to submit the work in two other flash fiction contests with WOW-Women on Writing. I was excited when both pieces made it through first phase judging. They didn't win prizes, but I received great feedback from an editor/judge. Although I didn't catch the big fish prize, I do feel like I received the smaller bait fish, just as nourishing from encouraging feedback.

Another story I submitted to Chicken Soup for the Soul has made it through the first phase of consideration and I was sent a contract to read, sign, and return. I was told the story has to go through one more person before it's a sure thing. I was told most pieces that make it this far do make it into the book. I was as happy as the pelican who is tossed an even bigger fish. I'll keep you posted when I receive the final update. 

I have two more stories submitted for consideration to Chicken Soup for the Soul future books. No word yet. Submission periods are still open.

I've submitted two short story pieces for the 2021 contest through the FWA, (Florida Writers Association), the prestigious RPLA awards, and a poem for the annual FWA themed anthology contest. The guidelines for these two contests are strict and I was thrilled to receive an email saying the submissions qualified and moved on to judging. Although I've been a member for three years, I've never entered due to being intimidated by the many rules. Fortunately, this year, the guidelines were reviewed and cut by 50%. Qualifying for this particular contest may seem to be a small fish to some, but to me it was a wonderful accomplishment.

Please note: Always, Always, Always, read the guidelines for every contest and submission. Follow the guidelines or risk being disqualified. You've worked hard on your piece and you want it read. Many guidelines will state, if you get disqualified, you lose your contest submission fee.

The RPLA contest will send feedback either way. Always appreciate professional feedback. It's important to accept the feedback graciously and to give it serious consideration. 

I had a few pieces that didn't toss me any fish at all. Like fisherman, we have to take the bad days with the good. But every new day brings a new opportunity to put yourself out there, submit, and work hard for the great catch of your life!

I'd love to read how your submissions are going. Leave me a comment.

Keep Writing, Keep Submitting, and Keep Smiling!   

Have you been writing your heart out? It's time to submit those stories!

People are spending more time in the house during this pandemic and looking for ways to be entertained.  More people have taken up writing. Some write for publication, some as stress relief, some to document this historic time around the world. Whatever your reasons are, I hope you will consider submitting your work. There are more opportunities to enter contests than I've ever seen.

I put down my novel in progress and took a break to write for contests. Not only was I ready for a break and needing to put some distance between my novel characters and myself, I was ready for some fun. Everyone needs some fun during these rough times. 

I loved the flash fiction and flash nonfiction contests as well as short story opportunities. There are so many online right now. Some have themes or prompts and some are open to most genres.

So I brushed the dust from some old pieces of writing to edit/update and wrote a few new pieces. (In case you didn't know, I love the challenge of a word count as well as finding short story writing to be fun.) I guess I entered four flash fiction contests and a short story contest. I also wrote and submitted a short story for consideration of an upcoming 2021 Chicken Soup for the Soul book. It'll be awhile before I know if it is selected or not.

One contest, WOW-Women on Writing, offered a written critique of the entry pieces for an additional nominal fee of $10. How amazing to have a professional editor critique your piece for $10?!  I took advantage of that with two

of my pieces.  I'm happy to report, the critiques were worth every penny. They not only told me where the pieces went wrong, but also where the pieces went right, which is just as important.

At the time of this writing, two of my pieces were selected to be published in an anthology, which should be out locally some time this month. I also have a flash nonfiction piece that has made it as a Finalist with the winners being announced by December 21st. I will keep you posted. I had 2 pieces that did not place but one received such an encouraging critique, I felt like I'd won.

All in all, I'm doing pretty well and it feels really good. I wish for all writers to feel really good.

So put your writing out there and I wish you smashing success in 2021. 

Drop me a comment and let me know how it goes.

Have a Happy, Healthy, and Blessed Holiday Season 💖

Keep Writing, Keep Submitting, and Keep Smiling! 

       

Encouragement for Writers at the Five Below Stores

Hello Writers,

 Yesterday, while visiting the Five Below Store, I was surprised to find a large selection of books for writers. They have books on writing prompts, journals, and a game. My curiosity was peaked. I bought the game. It included a book with very good writing information for the new author and a deck of cards with suggestions to encourage and stretch the imagination. I find this to be a testament to the ever-increasing popularity of writing.
I've always considered the Five Below stores to be a young person's shop. (In case you've never been to a Five Below store, everything inside cost five dollars or less. Games, toys, sports equipment, a small selection of clothes, phone accessories, novelty tee-shirts, room decor, books, candy, etc.)

It's a joy to learn more and more young people are interested in the arts and stretching their imaginations through storytelling. I shouldn't be surprised as my teen niece wrote her first short story and submitted it into a contest through school. She "placed" in the contest, winning an award and an interview for the newspaper.
My twelve-year-old granddaughter has also shown a new interest in writing. She's shared with me her opening paragraph of a work in progress for school last week. We also brain-stormed an idea she has for a fiction piece. I'm very proud and excited.

I'm sending a big SHOUT OUT to Five Below for adding books and games to encourage writing, to your stock sitting along-side books on music, painting, crafts, etc.
                           
I can't wait to read what's in the imaginations of our young people!

Keep Writing, Keep Submitting, and Keep Smiling!
 

Twitter Help for Writers

Authors need Social Media to be successful. It is not only helpful but it is a requirement. According to Agents, editors, and publishing houses you must have an online presence.

I haven't met any authors who would debate that fact.

During a writer's conference workshop, we were told an interested agent WILL look you up online to see if you are active on social media. The agent wants to know you are willing to promote yourself and your writing.

Young people are genius at social media. I'm still learning how to use social media effectively. I've picked up a bit of knowledge but definitely not enough. I'm working on it.

There are people out on social media who are willing to help. If you "follow" someone on Twitter, there's a good chance they will "follow" you back. If you engage with other people on Twitter, there's a good chance they will engage with you.
Read people's profile pages and tweets before "following" them. Make sure they are legitimate profile pages. If so, engage!
I have received great help this week on Twitter from @digitalbookgirl and want to take a moment to mention her name and hopefully return the kindness. She promoted my children's book, Meet Sandy Gull by posting the Amazon "buy" link on her social media sites and "liking" some photo posts I'd put on the Sandy Gull Facebook page. I appreciate that very much. Look her up on Twitter and make contact. Digitalbookgirl also has a blog page.

Most authors on Twitter have been very social and are willing to engage. Great conversations may be had both in simply enjoying conversation with like-minded people or asking questions and receiving helpful insights. Writing contests, pitch slams, writing tips, and humor are more of the fun social media sites such as Twitter and Facebook offer authors.

Other social media avenues writers enjoy participating in are writing communities on Facebook. Jump in with both feet and increase your online presence.

Keep Writing, Keep Submitting and Keep Smiling

Dusting off a forgotten old manuscript is a real eye-opener!

Hi Writers 🙋

Do you have old writing projects saved on your computer or yellowing in a hanging file folder in a rusty metal filing cabinet? Many of us do. As a matter of fact, my current WIP is one of those old manuscripts.

I challenge you to dust off an old project. Pour yourself a strong cup of coffee or tea and find a comfortable place to relax. Thoughtfully, read through a manuscript you previously thought was unworthy of submission or one that failed in the submission process.
As you read, your first reaction will most likely be ... ugh! Don't fret! It's a good thing.
           You are realizing how much you've grown and how much you've improved.
If you've been studying the craft, joining writer's groups, attending conferences, and participating in online workshops/podcast; you've been learning and growing.

Today, I read a post from an author who found success by resurrecting an old project. She "changed it up a bit", then submitted the piece into a contest. She did not place in the contest. The story doesn't end there. The author tucked it aside again. She let it sit for a year or more. Recently, she resurrected the piece again. She corrected the grammar errors and tightened it up. She submitted it into another contest. This time she won first place including a monetary prize. The point is, her years of studying and experience paid off in a big way.

This challenge is also a great way to fight off writer's block. Never sit staring at a blank page. Take a break from the struggle and be productive. Pull out an old dusty project and work on it ruthlessly. Pat yourself on the back for seeing the mistakes and improving the piece. Submit your hard work to a magazine or contest. With your creative brain in high gear, you just may find you're ready to get back to your current work in progress with an excited mind. (Working on a short story contest is how I take a break from my novel in progress. It helps me to keep submitting during the long novel writing and editing process.)

Why not give it a try?!
Keep Writing, Keep Submitting, and Keep Smiling!

A Change of scenery for The Writer's Circle

                                     Today my writer's group held our meeting at the beach.

         Could there be any better inspiration for a writer than looking out at the beautiful water?

           The pavilion gave us tables, shade, and, a sweet breeze to keep us comfortable. Not to mention we caught a family of dolphins checking out the swimmers. Maybe the next time we'll take advantage of that grill and get our burgers on!  A truly inspiring afternoon.

Keep Writing, Keep Submitting and Keep Smiling!

  

Editing your Work In Progress?

Hello Writers! Are you working on edits for your current work-in-progress?
It seems time passes much faster than my mind can create these days. Maybe it's all of the pollen clogging my brain. It's been a tough allergy season. Yeah, that must be it! 😏

I set a goal. I gave myself a deadline for having this romance manuscript ready to query by April 30th. I hate it but I'm not going to meet that goal date.
I am experiencing a HUGE reality check as I read aloud my manuscript. I have not developed enough personality into my protagonist. Ugh!
My other issue is a dwindling word count. This romance has hit the low-end word count requirement. As I ruthlessly edit, the word count continues to fall.

I hope, as I give my protagonist more personality, I will increase my word count. *Remember, we can't add paragraphs just for the sake of increasing the word count. The sentences must add to the story and keep it moving along at a good pace.

As in the picture above, If I need to distance myself for a few days from this story to get a better perspective, I have another manuscript waiting in the sand pile for edits.

I'd love it if you'd share your woes, wows, and advice with me in the comment section below.

Keep Writing, Keep Submitting and Keep Smiling!

Why Picture Prompts?

Hi Fellow Writers,

A picture prompt is a writing challenge inspired by an image. The image is meant to kick-start your imagination and get those creative juices flowing.

Pictures have been used to stimulate the imagination for as long as I can remember. When I was in school, my favorite weekend homework assignment was the picture prompt. The entire class were given the same image of the most random scene with instructions to write a short story sparked by that photo.
I am fascinated at the range of interpretations. That is a WOW moment for me. It's a true pleasure to read an entirely different story inspired by the same picture.

Why not give it a try, now with the picture above. (I took that photograph last year.)

Take 15 minutes to simply look at the picture. Notice the details.
What questions come to mind?

Where is this person?
Why is he there?
What is he looking for or at?
What is the weather like?
What is the time of day?
What feeling does the image emote in you?

Are scenarios forming in your head? If so, start writing. Let the image inspire you. It doesn't have to be literal to the photo. Free write and have fun with it.

I believe picture prompts just may recharge your battery if you've been suffering from writer's block.

Take advantage of picture prompt contests.  Writer's Digest Magazine runs picture prompt contests. In fact, WD's YOURSTORY contest #97 is open for submissions right now! The deadline is April 8, 2019.
Look for details in the Writer's Digest March/April 2019 issue in print, (page 51), or check out the online magazine.
I entered this contest last week and can't wait to read the winners stories to see their interpretation of the image provided and how it differs from mine.

If you decide to write a story sparked by the above photo, I'd love to read it. I hope you'll share it with us in the comment box below.

Keep Writing, Keep Submitting and Keep Smiling!
 
 

Update for the Serendipty Literary Agency, YA Discovery Contest - My Entry

Simply put ... I didn't place in this one.

Today I googled the website  www.serendipitylit.com

I read a blog entry dated Wednesday, 16, January 2019. The blog entry announced the top 10 author picks, along with their titles.
My name was not there.

Congratulations to the top 10, and I wish each author the very best of luck!

Keep Smiling, Keep Writing, and Keep Submitting!

Serendipity Literary Agency - YA Discovery Contest 2018

What? A Writing Contest where the manuscript does not have to be complete? Read on!


Serendipity Literary Agency runs a Young Adult story contest each year and the 2018 contest is still open to entries. Don't miss out, you only have a week left to enter.
serendipitylit.com

             Discovering new talent is the goal here.

If you have the first 250 words of your manuscript written and can put together a short synopsis of 500 words or less, then you are ready to enter this contest. You're also required to write a short bio of 150 words or less. That should be the easy part.
Your manuscript need not be in perfect, edited, submission ready status!
That's the exciting news since many new authors feel they cannot enter a contest if a work-in-progress is not complete. For this contest you may enter!

So if you've begun a great YA novel during NANOWRIMO or you have a great idea for a YA partially developed in your file folder, then you are good to submit.

**Remember when you write a synopsis, you must include the ending to your story. You MUST know how your story will end, even if you haven't finished writing it.

Great Judges, Great Prizes, need I say more?

The entry fee for this contest is $15. Deadline is 11:59 pm on November 30th.

Wishing you Great Success!
Keep Writing, Keep Submitting and Keep Smiling



 

What happens after you "place" in a short story writing contest for publication in an anthology

Hi My Fellow Writers

After I "placed" in the Rehoboth Beach Reads 2018 Contest this is how things went ...

First you get that wonderful call telling you your story has been accepted for publication in the book. In my case I heard from Nancy of Cat & Mouse Press. I was told I received a "Judge's Award" which is not a cash prize but the story receives a special judge's comment. You are then instructed that the story will receive edits. The edits are then sent to you for your review.
**We must always remember that the edits are meant to improve, tighten and make your story the best it can be. I'd like to mention though, if you don't agree with something that has been deleted or changed, don't be shy about sending the editor your comments. The editor will explain why they felt the change should happen and you may explain your thoughts on the change. Maybe with some compromise you will both be happy. Keep in mind your Editor is a professional and gives serious thought to any objections. Your story will be edited for grammar, punctuation as well as spacing for their book, POV mistakes, etc.
This process may or may not make you happy, but remember what I mentioned above, and keep an open mind. Read the edits, then sleep on it and with a fresh eye, read them again. Try not to become defensive.
 Once you and the Editor agree to the edits, your story is then given to a Copy editor. In my case I was told I would get one review of those edits before publication. There may be more punctuation edits and spacing changes to get your story ready for the book. This process went very quickly.
Then you wait until your book launch. Beach Fun will Launch on November 10, 2018.
The book Beach Fun came back from the printer much sooner than was expected and soon I was holding my author copy!

Beach Fun is available at www.catandmousepress.com/shop/  as well as on Amazon.
My story begins on page 81 Where's Miss Birdie?
I hope you'll enjoy it as well as the 24 other stories.

Keep Writing, Keep Submitting and Keep Smiling!

Beach Read - Book Launch Party Date is November 10, 2018

Hi Everyone!
 I "placed" in a writing contest and won a Judge's Award as well as publication in a book of short stories for my story titled Where's Miss Birdie?
The book title is

BEACH FUN  and is published by Cat & Mouse Press.
 The launch part will be held at Browseabout Book store at 133 Rehoboth Ave, Rehoboth Beach, Delaware on the Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk on November 10, 2018.

  The theme for this year's contest was beach fun. The books in this yearly contest and publication are mainly centered on the local area of Rehoboth Beach. The books are a collection of short stories perfect for reading while relaxing on the beach, sitting in a doctor's waiting room, bedtime reading, etc.
   The book will be available in the bookstore in Rehoboth Beach as well as on the Amazon.com website etc.
I hope you'll enjoy reading my story as much as I enjoyed writing it.

Keep Writing and Keep Submitting and most of all Keep Smiling!