Monday, October 10, 2011

What a Wonderful Year

My New Voices entry is finally up!

What a different experience it has been this year. Last year, I sat alone at my computer and hit enter, sending my story off into the world with little idea of what would happen. I didn't know anyone in the romance community, in real life, or online. It was one of the scariest things I'd ever done.

 I was so hesitant to enter last year, intimidated and a bit scared that I didn't measure up against such accomplished women (and men). Afraid that I wouldn't fit in. It all seemed an impossibly hard to achieve dream. I'm so grateful that I tried anyway.

Now a year later, I've learned so much. I've read and studied, written and practiced and read some more. And just as importantly, I've met other romance writers. People who have made me laugh with cheesy or sometimes smutty jokes. People who have inspired me with their dedication and perseverance. People who have touched me with their honesty and generosity. The friendship and support I've received from other writers is amazing. It's truly changed my writing and my life.

If you're sitting on the fence, watching the last few hours tick away until the deadline, don't miss out. Submit. You won't be sorry. Even if you're not entering, there are loads of great first chapters waiting for you. Join the party!

9 comments:

  1. It has been an amazing year. It's been wonderful to 'meet' so many people interested in the same writing genre as yourself and knowing you're not alone. And what's more the romance community are unselfishly generous with their time and advice. Good luck with your NV entry and I hope to see chapter two in the next round.

    ReplyDelete
  2. What a great post - good luck in NV Julia. I hadn't even heard of the competition this time last year, but I'm really glad I found it this time round and entered. The feedback is really helpful and I've learnt so much. Meeting other writers has been a huge bonus and the help and support everyone gives is amazing. I'd encourage anyone to enter, it's a brilliant opportunity.

    ReplyDelete
  3. It certainly has been an amazing year :-) Good luck with your entry Julia.x

    ReplyDelete
  4. Good luck, Julia, I think you are a really talented writer - and so generous with your time, critique and advice it's no wonder you've met so many supportive people.

    ReplyDelete
  5. @Alexandra It continues to amaze me how generous other writers are.

    Thanks, Susie. I hope you enjoy your first NV as much as I did.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Thank you, Doris, for all of your support and best wishes for your upcoming first book.

    @Rose Red If you don't stop saying such nice things to me, I'll blush.

    ReplyDelete
  7. It's a fabulous entry, Julia! Lots of luck!

    ReplyDelete
  8. I agree Julia! Congrats and good luck on your entry!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Thanks, Lacey and Evangeline for your good wished. I was away - and terribly busy - for a couple of days. It really took all of the pressure off the wait.

    ReplyDelete