How Real is Real?

I keep saying that my experience of winning one of the L. Ron Hubbard Writers of the Future quarterly contests is "feeling real," only to tell you that something new has happened to make it feel even more real. This cycle will likely continue until the awards gala -- as was the case this week. 

Last week, I signed a contract with Galaxy Press to publish my short story in L. Ron Hubbard Writers of the Future, Vol 41. I also received my award check and the certificate that will soon adorn my wall above the two Honorable Mentions for "Hiding Inside" and "I Will Save You." I completed a final edit of the story and sent it to the book editor, Jody Lynn Nye. 

I also learned that there is a close relationship with Dragon Con. The recent winners are encouraged to attend for possible book signings and panel attendance. I am looking for more details, but I had a blast the last time I went. I plan to be there. The dates are 28 Aug to 1 Sep. 

I am slowly working through the edits of "Last Era of Mankind," but I must complete a bio first. I hope to have a better update next week.

A Search Party Experience

I've heard about writing groups, circles, and clubs. They are typically designed to share experiences and inspire, encourage, and support each other. Many also offer to critique work with helpful suggestions and insight. I can see why they are useful, but finding one can be daunting since authors span different genres, forms, and skill levels. 

I was lucky, however, that the Writing Center in Bethesda was holding a "Search Party" where writers could connect with other writers. The event was well-organized, with an easy way to identify each writer's preferred category (nonfiction, fiction, etc.). It went downhill for me after I made my nametag.

I expected some established writing groups to be present to answer questions, offer advice, and recruit. That was not the case. It was two rooms full of novice writers awkwardly attempting to connect. I learned nothing from my time, and I didn't see any groups forming that would allow me to join.  

I also realized that I need to attend a few more writing events. When I ran convention booths for the GCD, I first went to a few comic shows to get comfortable talking about the GCD and my passion for comics. During the Search Party, I was withdrawn and standoffish — a sign that I should find ways to force myself into these situations. 

Other Comps in the Sea

There has to be more than one competition for budding authors, right? I've been focused on the L. Ron Hubbard Writers of the Future for two reasons. The first is that it is a free competition. The second is that it runs quarterly, making it a fantastic forcing function to stick to a deadline. I am going to try my hand at other competitions. I found three, but if you know of more, don't hesitate to share them:

• Kurt Vonnegut Speculative Fiction Prize (Nov 1, $23)
• F(r)fiction (Nov 1, $15)
• Writer's Digest Short Short Story Competition (Nov 16, Free)

I put "The Pod Chaser" on hold for a week or two as I concentrate on the story "Last Era of Mankind." I found the feedback more than just helpful but inspiring. As a result, I am adding a bit more to the story to fill out some exciting concepts.

In the meantime, I am still shopping "I Will Save You." Clarkesworld passed (a nice way to say "rejected"), so I am now submitting it to Uncanny Magazine. 

First Place?

I just learned that one of my stories is the first-place winner of the L. Ron Hubbard Writers of the Future, 3rd Quarter. To say that I am stunned would be putting it mildly. 

https://writersofthefuture.com/writers-of-the-future-3rd-quarter-winners-announced-for-volume-41/

What does this mean? I won the $1,000 prize and am now in the running for the annual Golden Pen award. I will join the top three winners of each quarter for a week in LA in April, where we will attend workshops with sci-fi and fantasy writing greats. Our stories will be published in Writers of the Future, Volume 41, and we will attend the Writers of the Future gala, where they will present the quarterly awards, announce the grand prize winners, and unveil the new book. Yes, I am a little nervous. 

I do not think I would be here without the support of my friends and family. Thanks to Dusti R Baldwin, Sarah Coffin, Violet McCallum, and Kristen Brown, the story found a new message (that clearly worked). Many more helped me get to this point.

I will share the experience with those interested in this new adventure. In the meantime, thank you.

Here is a link to last year's gala: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jgfoGQm5UGg