WHO CAN SAY WHERE THE ROAD GOES

Who Can Say Where the Road Goes

          As I reflect upon my writing journey, I’ve come to appreciate that no single decision I made during the past four years led in a straight line to where I now find myself.  I suppose it would have been a good idea to travel in a straight line.  But that is not the way I’ve traveled, for I am a writing pilgrim, and my pilgrimage has been wandering and unmarked.  Often what looked like a straight line to me at the time was a circling or doubling back.  I peeked down some roads and took a few steps then turned back.  Sometimes I followed some roads that came to a dead end and occasionally got lost on roads with too many intersections.  Often I have not known where I was going until I was already there.  And in looking back, I can’t shake off the feeling that I’ve been led somehow.  I believe all roads were connected to other roads, and I’ve come to trust in those connections. 

            That being said, I’d like to share with you the insights and tips that have worked for me as I’ve made my writing pilgrimage.    

Choosing Contests:

            When I began writing, I had limited funds.  Necessity led me to these two sites:  www.fundsforwriters.com and www.duotrope.com.  Both sites offer free versions of contest listings.  After a few months, though, I decided to spend a little money to obtain the full benefit of their complete listings.  I receive regular emails listing contests by category, i.e., poetry, fiction, non-fiction, and memoir.  Most of their listings include a link to the contest’s website, its theme, entry fee, prizes, judges, judging criteria, etc. 

            I also purchased the book, Writing to Win: The Colossal Guide to Writing Contests by Moira Allen.  Her book breaks down competitions by category.  Within each category she lists ongoing competitions as well as competitions by month.  Her listings include important information like the contest’s website, entry fees, prizes, submission guides, and judging criteria. 

            I search these three sources for contests with a topic or theme I think I can write about.  I want to stretch my skill as a writer, so I don’t narrow my parameters.  But on the other hand, I don’t over reach (like submitting a piece to The New Yorker). 

            I focus on contests with no entry fees or nominal entry fees.  While there are plenty of contests in which a writer can pay a substantial entry fee, many contests are free and offer the same benefits as the ones in which a writer pays.  Entering contests, especially no-fee contests, is a win-win for me (or any writer).  

Important Considerations:

Once I’ve chosen a likely contest, I examine its reputation and legitimacy.  Whether surfing the web or calling the editor, I get answers to some critical questions:

Who are the judges?  Are they professional writers or publishers?  What experience do they bring to the table? 

How high is the entry fee?  Most contests rely on the sale of anthologies, etc., to pay for expenses.  Some, though, subsidize their prize with an entry fee.  So my rule of thumb is for manuscripts under 10,000 words, the entry fee should be less than $15.  There are exceptions to this rule, however.  For instance, if the cash prize is proportionate to the entry fee, then I’ll go ahead and submit.

What is the prize?  Is there a cash prize?  Will it be paid within a reasonable amount of time?  In lieu of cash, will I receive contributor copies?  Will I receive a critique as an entry prize?  If so, I take that advice and improve my writing.  That critique is priceless.

Who are the past winners?  Unless the contest is new, I try to access a list of past winners.  Most legitimate contest websites will list previous winners.  I know writers who try to contact previous winners and ask about their experience with the contest.  I’ve never done that, though.  

What rights are requested?  I never give up the right to my material simply by submitting my work.  Some of my manuscripts have won contests, and I’ve been asked to license certain rights—such as the right to publish the work in an anthology or on a web site.  But, I’ve never give up all rights to my work. 

Submissions:

I want my manuscript to represent my best effort so I allot sufficient time to write my entry.  I build in time to create, read, re-read, re-draft, then polish by entry.  I also prefer submitting at least a week before a contest deadline.   

I carefully read the contest guidelines and stick to them.  For instance, if the guidelines say no more than 1,200 words, I make sure my manuscript doesn’t exceed the word count.  I check the guidelines for formatting instructions (font, spacing, margins, etc.) and format my manuscript accordingly.  Funky fonts get you nowhere with an editor. 

 Value of Entering Contests:

            Contests force me to stretch myself.  Additionally contests enable me to meet deadlines and word counts, try new genres, and write about new or unusual themes.             
             Even if my work isn’t selected, I know I’ve developed my skills and my voice.  Every time I click the submit button or place a manuscript in the mail, I know I’ve furthered my career, tapped into my creativity, and given purpose to my life.  Stories and words were meant to be shared.  If I don’t submit, I feel as if I’m hoarding my creativity and not giving the Universe a chance to share those words with readers who need them.  Essentially, whether my work is selected or not, I still feel like a winner.  

Measuring Success: 

I attribute my success to my willingness to learn and re-learn the writing craft.  Commitment and focus have certainly played a part in my success.  Patience and gratitude have gone a long way in establishing my intention.  Much of my success comes from building relationships with editors, publishers, and other writers who support me, educate me, and nurture me.  Likewise, writing organizations provide me with structure, strength, and a positive lifeline into the literary world.  My husband is also an integral part of my success.  He dedicates his time, energy, love, and encouragement.  I’m fortunate that he’s willing to make the writing journey with me.  

Let’s Be Honest

When I sit down to write I often don’t know exactly what I’m to write or where I’m going on my writing journey.  But I’ve come to love and appreciate the ambiguity and the not knowing.   Somewhere between the ambiguity and the not knowing is where a writer’s real journey begins.  So, I don’t concern myself with the destination.  In that sense, writing is an act of faith, and who I am to say where the road goes.  In writer’s terms, it’s our story that matters—not the ending.