The IWSG Short Story Contest 2015
After the success of last year’s IWSG Guide to Publishing and Beyond, we decided to create another book. This time it’s a short story competition with the top ten stories getting published in the anthology.
Eligibility: Any member of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group is encouraged to enter – blogging or Facebook member. The story must be previously unpublished. Entry is free.
Word count: 5000-6000
Theme: Alternate History/Parallel Universe. That’s right, we’ve decided to go the speculative route. This theme has plenty of scope and we’re open to pretty much anything along these lines, except erotica or graphic violence.
Story deadline: November 1st 2015
How to enter: Send your polished, formatted, previously unpublished story to TheIWSG at gmail dot com before the deadline passes. Make sure to include your contact details.
Judging: The IWSG admins will create a shortlist of the best stories. The shortlist will then be sent to our official judges:
After the success of last year’s IWSG Guide to Publishing and Beyond, we decided to create another book. This time it’s a short story competition with the top ten stories getting published in the anthology.
Eligibility: Any member of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group is encouraged to enter – blogging or Facebook member. The story must be previously unpublished. Entry is free.
Word count: 5000-6000
Theme: Alternate History/Parallel Universe. That’s right, we’ve decided to go the speculative route. This theme has plenty of scope and we’re open to pretty much anything along these lines, except erotica or graphic violence.
Story deadline: November 1st 2015
How to enter: Send your polished, formatted, previously unpublished story to TheIWSG at gmail dot com before the deadline passes. Make sure to include your contact details.
Judging: The IWSG admins will create a shortlist of the best stories. The shortlist will then be sent to our official judges:
· Laura Maisano - Senior editor at Anaiah Press for their YA/NA Christian fiction
· Russell Connor – Author and owner of Dark Filament Publishing Startup
· Candace Havens - Author and Editorial Director for the Covet, Edge and Select lines at Entangled Publishing
· Dawn Frederick – Literary agent and the founder of Red Sofa Literary
· Alice Speilburg – Founder of the Speilburg Literary Agency
· Michelle Johnson – Founder of Inklings Literary Agency and Writers' Center and Bookstore owner
· Kendare Blake - Author
· Lydia Moëd - Associate agent at The Rights Factory
Prizes: The winning stories will be edited and published by Freedom Fox Press next year in the IWSG anthology. Authors will receive royalties on books sold, both print and eBook. The top story will have the honor of giving the anthology its title. The winners will also receive an exclusive badge to display on their blog.
We’re excited to see the creativity and enthusiasm that’s such a part of this group put into action. So don your creative caps and start writing. And spread the word!
We’re excited to see the creativity and enthusiasm that’s such a part of this group put into action. So don your creative caps and start writing. And spread the word!
* * * * * *
Today I am one of the co-hosts for the IWSG. Yay! My fellow co-hosts are Heather M. Gardner, Christine Rains, Dolorah at Book Lover and Julie Flanders.
I don't like trying new things. Mostly, because I'm afraid of screwing it up, and having everyone laugh at me. Also, I'm afraid of failure. There are many things I have failed at in my life, and honestly, I just don't want writing to be one of them. As you know, I will be publishing my first book soon, and I am terrified. I am all nerves. I do admit, it has gotten better, because I have been exercising, and so many of you have advised me to just chill.
However, I have this obsession of doing things perfectly, even though I know there is no such thing as perfection, at least not for humans. But, what if there are spelling errors neither me, or my editor picked up (my editor is awesome by the way)? What if people hate my book? What if . . . What if.
The truth is, I'm just really nervous. But this kind of anxiety and fear is also good for me. I have to learn to control it if I want to make "writing" my career. I have to experience this insecurity to learn and grow from it. It isn't a nice feeling, but I have to live and learn.
If any of you think you can't write a book, or that you can't make your writing dreams come true, you can. If I can write a book and get it publish ready, so can anyone. All you have to do is believe in yourself and be determined to follow through.
Hi,
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for co-hosting.
You know I can so relate to what you wrote about yourself. I still battle with the perfection complex. I know that nothing and no one is perfect, but still I have this desire to do everything right. It took me years to realize that it is okay to have that desire so long as you don't internalize it and try to be it. Just accept that you are one of those fallible human beings that makes mistakes. I hope you understand what I mean.
Your book is going to be excellent. Not because you made it perfect, but because you have put your heart into it.
I wish you all the best.
Shalom,
Patricia
Thank you so much for your kind and inspiring words, Patricia. I am learning to deal with the fact that I make mistakes and it is okay. I need to learn to just do my best and let the rest go. It is very nice meeting you.
DeleteYou're publishing a book. That's more than most people will ever do. Be proud of it, imperfections and all.
ReplyDeleteThanks for co-hosting today!
Thank you for your powerful words, Alex. It was my pleasure. You were right, it is a lot of fun:)
DeleteThanks for co-hosting today. Sending a book out into the world is always nerve-wracking. Take a deep breath and know that it will be fine.
ReplyDeleteIt is my pleasure:) Thank you for your kind words and advice. I am learning to chill:)
DeleteMurees, you don't realise how AMAZING you are!
ReplyDeleteCongrats once again on your upcoming publication.
Thank you for the inspirational post and for co-hosting the IWSG today!
You are welcome. It truly is my pleasure. Thank you, Michelle. You are amazing;)
DeleteMurees, I understand that insecurity. We're like surrogate mothers sending our little book babies out into the world. Every time, I get that panic feeling too. Nice to meet you!
ReplyDeleteIt is nice to meet you too! Thank you so much for your kind words. It helped.
DeleteHi Murees - good for you for hosting .. that's great and it'll open your world to others. You'll do lots more as you get used to being out here .. good luck with it all - and you've got your book ... cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteThank you, Hilary. It is rather nice getting out of my comfort zone. I've met so many great people. You are always so kind.
DeleteSomething I definitely need to keep telling myself. And I love the color of your blog. :) Thanks for co-hosting!
ReplyDeleteThank you. You are welcome. It was very nice meeting you.
DeleteAlex is right. And it sounds like you're going about it the right way.
ReplyDeleteA friend told me once, "You doubt because you care, and that can only lead to great things." That quote is pined above my desk now.
Thanks for co-hosting. :)
IWSG #119 until Alex culls the list again
You are welcome. Thank you for sharing this great quote with me. It is very comforting and inspiring.
DeleteSo great that you fought through your fears and went ahead with the writing. Concentrate on the accomplishment and not the fear.
ReplyDeleteSusan Says
Thank you for your wise words, Susan. I will definitely do that:) I need to learn to enjoy my accomplishments.
DeleteThanks for hosting, Murees. YOU ROCK!
ReplyDeleteThank you and it is my pleasure:)
DeleteI'm feeling the nerves lately too. We just have to push on ahead and take a chance. You can do it! It's a pleasure to co-host with you today. :)
ReplyDeleteThe pleasure is definitely mine, Christine. I will definitely push through and enjoy it as much as possible. Wishing you the best.
DeleteYou are a beautiful person. You publish a book, you co-host, you can
ReplyDeletedo anything. Take a deep breath, take a step center stage and take
a bow. You deserve it.
Thank you so much, Manzanita. You are a wonderful and kind woman.
DeleteWow, that is an exciting announcement. And I'm sure you will not fail as a writer. Just getting your book published is a huge accomplishment. It's hard not to worry, and yeah, perfection is ultimately not possible, but it's important to celebrate success sometimes. It helps keep you able to strive to get better, which is all we can really do in the end. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much. Your words are very comforting. It is so nice to meet you.
DeleteI felt exactly this way before my first book came out! And I'm feeling exactly this way as I wait for my second book to come out...I guess at some point you just have to take a deep breath and enjoy the ride. You made it! Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteThank you! I will definitely try your advice. I hope your second release will go well.
DeleteGetting your first book out is amazing! Congratulations and thanks for co-hosting the IWSG this month.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much. It is definitely my pleasure to co-host. Thank you for visiting.
DeleteHi! Thank you for co-hosting this month—so great to meet you! :)
ReplyDeleteWow, that is so exciting! Congrats on the release of your first book! I can only imagine the nerves and excitement you must be feeling. Good luck with everything! :)
Thank you! It is nice meeting you as well. Surprisingly, the nerves are good today. Thank you for stopping by:)
DeleteCan't wait for your first book!!! How exciting and nerve-wracking. Murees, everything you wrote is perfectly normal, believe me. No one is perfect, even books being released by the big 5 have typos. It's easy for me to say don't worry because I'm the same way when release comes and goes. Wishing you much success!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Cathrina! Your words really help. I'm sure the nerves will settle soon. I'm getting to terms with the fact that I'm only human and that my book will never be absolutely perfect. I'm one of those people that can always find something to change. Thank you for your encouragement.
DeleteIt's all completely normal and you're handling it just fine.
ReplyDeleteBreathe.
And don't wait around after you publish. Smile, toast yourself, and get right back to work!
Best wishes!
Happy co-hosting day!
Heather
Thank you, Heather. It is great co-hosting with you. I started rewrites on my second book last week, because I was feeling guilty for not writing. I think work will be a good distraction:)
DeleteThanks for co-hosting, Murees. I hear your fears. In fact, I recognize them as mine. Thank God we have each other to rely on for strength. Here at IWSG, we've got your back!
ReplyDeleteHey Joylene. Thank you so much for having my back:) It is much appreciated. I definitely wouldn't have gotten this far without this group:)
DeleteThanks for co-hosting. I'm loving the sound of this competition. :)
ReplyDeletehttp://shahwharton.com
It is my pleasure. It is going to be great fun. Thank you for stopping by.
DeleteFear can be crippling and so many give in to the fear. What I am happy to have read is that, despite your fear, you pushed on. It also sounds like you are a perfectionist which is a blessing and a curse. I see it in my hubby and I saw it in my mom. I don't have that:) This perfectionism actually can make one from telling a nice story or being a nice craftsperson to being a true artist. Let the faith in yourself triumph over the fear. The worst is never doing something and then regretting not doing it.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your encouraging words, Birgit. You are very kind. Thank you for the visit.
DeleteThanks for co-hosting. Great post and encouragement.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite part of the post was the end where you said, "If any of you think you can't write a book, or that you can't make your writing dreams come true, you can. If I can write a book and get it publish ready, so can anyone. All you have to do is believe in yourself and be determined to follow through."
Determination and Follow Through, no matter how long it takes, yup, yup, lol.
Juneta Writer's Gambit
You can absolutely do it. Honestly, if you want to succeed, you will. I just kept on working and working. After all, it took me six years of trying to finally publish my book. You can definitely do it in less time:)
DeleteBravo, you're spot on with your writing, and publishing,. This sounds like incredible fun.
ReplyDeleteThank you! It is fun. I just have to get my attitude right:)
DeleteCongrats on your book! I imagine it's so stressful, but chill... you published something! That's awesome!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for co-hosting and for such good advice: "All you have to do is believe in yourself and be determined to follow through." It's something I need to hear :)
- Madilyn Quinn @ NovelBrews
You are very welcome. I'm happy that I could help. I mean it. You have to believe in yourself first. You can do it!
DeleteWhat a great idea for short story writers. I'm a tad green about this one.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for stopping by and commenting. It's definitely exciting.
DeleteSo 1, relax. And 2, realize there will be people who hate your book. It's inevitable. Also realize you didn't write it for them. There will be people who love it, and they're your audience. Finding them is the difficult part and the pain that any new author must suffer through.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Crystal. Luckily I'm used to suffering for my writing:) I'm definitely more relaxed now. My book will be out there soon and I have decided to let the chips fall where they may.
DeleteOh, yes, those nerves! I had them when I released my first flash fiction collection. I had them when I released the second. And I'm anxious when stories accepted for publication are put in front of readers. It never ends. But we'll deal with it the best we can because we're writers, it's what we do. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you Madeline. It's nice to know that published writers struggle with nerves too. And you are right. I will get over this:)
DeleteCongrats and publishing your book. So many let the fear and nerves take over. Thanks for co-hosting IWSG this month and good luck with your release!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much! You are very welcome.
Deletehmmmm...I love a challenge. Time to put on the thinking cap.
ReplyDeleteBest of luck with your entry. I bet you're rocking a cool writer's cap:)
DeleteCongrats on your book! I agree that believing in yourself enough to finish and make it through the follow up is what makes authors. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Tyrean. You are always so kind and supportive. I appreciate it.
DeleteCongrats on your book. I am excited for you and honored to be sharing your successful book release on my blog. It's a wonderful thing to be writing your ISWG post about being nervous about your first book. It shows how far you've come and how much you've accomplished. I know that you can't help the nerves, it's all part of being human. Your book is going to do great. You were one of my very first blogger friends and I feel so much admiration, inspiration and encouragement from your success.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Melissa. You are amazing and kind. It's nice to know that I inspired someone:) One of these days I'll be helping you promote your first book;) Thank you again.
DeleteGreat post. I can relate. New things scare me too. Most of the time, they turn out to be not as scary as I feared.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your forthcoming book. You've succeeded. Enjoy the next steps, telling the world about your story.
Thanks for co-hosting today and for visiting my blog.
Thank you so much for your kind and encouraging words. I enjoyed reading your blog very much. I look forward to visiting you in the future:)
DeleteHi, Murees. Thanks for co-hosting and thanks for commenting on my post. One of the things I learned when I was a Girl Scout leader (and that I tried to help girls learn) was that it's okay to make mistakes (as long as we learn from them) and it's okay to fail. But when working with others, we can do so much more than we think we can. Look at this wonderful group that lifts us up when we're down (or scared) and rejoices with our successes. Congrats on your new book!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your wonderful words. It is definitely my pleasure:) This group is really fantastic.
DeleteFirst book baby is quite the nail biting experience, but it will be okay. Whatever is not right can be fixed. I call myself an imperfect perfectionist. A contradiction in terms, but so true. Congrats on your upcoming book!
ReplyDeleteThank you! I like your attitude and you are right, it can be fixed:)
DeleteWhat a great job you've done co-hosting, and it has given me a chance to meet you. The first book is always so exciting and terrifying! What a combination of emotions, heh? Good luck and congratulations.
ReplyDeleteThank you! It is definitely a mix of emotions, but it is worth it.
DeleteCongratulations on your soon to be published book! Enjoy every minute of it because the second book causes even more anxiety! Thank you for hosting this month.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the advice. I don't think I can stand more anxiety:)
DeleteThanks for co-hosting. And congratulations on your soon to be released book. One thing to keep in mind is that everyone has different tastes, so some will genuinely love your book while others may not. It is not a reflection of you or the quality of your work or the book. It's still hard to put it out there so good for you. You are a hero!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Eliza. You are awesome. I feel much better now.
DeleteI second what Alex said - you're publishing a book and how many people can say that? I can totally relate to your fears as I am the same way but I try to remind myself of that too. Good luck with the release!!
ReplyDeleteThank you! It is definitely one of the biggest accomplishments of my life. I am still on cloud nine.
DeleteHi, Congrats on your new book, you're an inspiration and a reminder to keep at it!
ReplyDeleteThanks for hosting :)
Thank you so much. You are very kind.
DeleteYou're right. There is no such thing as perfection--especially since every reader will have their own definition of perfection. All you can do is your best and then let your story out into the world. Thanks for so-hosting this month's IWSG.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your kind and inspiring words. Co-hosting was definitely my pleasure.
DeleteThanks for co-hosting this month! And for the encouraging words. We all need them...
ReplyDeleteYou are most welcome. Thank you for stopping by.
DeleteI know those insecurities well! Nobody can be perfect, and there comes a point where you have to let go and put your work out there. Best of luck! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you so much. I am more than ready to get my work out there. it's now or never:)
DeleteI'm not good with change or new things either. Break a pen on the book! If you want help with spreading the word about it, email me.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much. Change definitely scares me.
DeleteThanks for hosting this month! I share your insecurities about wanting everything perfect, which I know is impossible, but I too worry about failure. Sounds like you're over the hump though and have a book about ready to break loose. Congrats!
ReplyDeleteThank you. I am sure my release will go well. Thank you for your kind words.
DeleteOh dear, Marie, I thought I gave up perfectionism until I began writing. It breeds perfection I guess. But,if there is a typo or misspelling, the world will not come to an end. You'll be fine. Thanks for co hosting.
ReplyDeleteThank you. Your words are very true. I need to chill:)
DeleteCongrats on your upcoming release. What JQ says is true, and if you do find a typo after the fact, you can always correct it.
ReplyDeleteThanks for co-hosting this month.
Thank you. Very true. I just hope I don't die of embarrassment first:)
DeleteCongratulations on your forthcoming release. I was just saying on another blog that I'm about as insecure as everyone else, I guess. Though I've written five books and 2 are published, every single time I sit down to write the next one, I just know I will NOT be able to do it. I come through every time but I still have that "thing" inside me that says, "you're not gonna be able to do it THIS time, Patti".....
ReplyDeleteOh, I know. That mean little voice in the back of our heads is always chattering away. We should definitely silence it more often. Wishing you the best.
DeleteThe what ifs can truly drive us batty. Great contest idea! Thanks for co-hosting this month!
ReplyDeleteYou are most welcome. It is going to be great fun. Enjoy!
DeleteWhat-ifs in storytelling can be gold, but what-ifs in life and career can be fuel for fire. We all have to work through our what-ifs to overcome our fears and write the stories only we can. No one else can write your story, my story, or their story because it's within us.
ReplyDeleteThank you for co-hosting this month and sharing a bit of your fears and even a bit of encouragement.
You are very welcome. Thank you so much for your kind words.
DeleteThank you for co-hosting! How people would feel about your book is a fear that will probably never go away. But at least you did publish a book, and that's more than what most people can do. Like you said, it takes believing in yourself that you can. And perseverance.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your kind words. It helped.
DeleteI am surprised we are all not on prozac with all the nervousness and anxiety writing creates. Keep on hanging in there.
ReplyDeleteAwesome co-hosting with you.
Well, I'm definitely on medication, maybe not prozac:) Thank you for stopping by. It is great co-hosting with you.
DeleteExciting and terrifying! I've never found a job so nerve wracking as writing.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely. One would think we would be used to is by now, right?
DeleteOur nerves tell us that we really care about something. Nervousness and excitement are relatives. Keep telling yourself, "I can do brave things." Good for you. You are an inspiration!
ReplyDeleteThanks for being a co-host this month.
Play off the Page
Thank you. Your words inspired me. I really needed some cheering up:)
DeleteSomeone once advised me to shift my concept of nervousness and anxiety to see it simply feeling happily excited. It works, most of the time. In any case, these emotions keep us sharp. Welcome the experience, but be mindful of burn out. Take breaks, engage your inner child once in a while. Blessings.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much. That is great advice. I think I'm right on time to get in touch with my inner child.
DeleteAwesome encouragement this month! I think George McFly has become my unofficial mascot. At first he is all afraid to do anything. What if no one likes what he writes? What if someone says he has no talent? He's not sure he can handle that kind of rejection. But my the movie end, he's telling people they can accomplish anything they put their mind to. What you said reminded me of that. We have to believe in ourselves, and stop being so fearful of the 'what ifs'.
ReplyDeleteAs for editing. That's another of my biggest fears. No matter how often I edit something. I later go over it and see another error, typo, redundant dialogue or something new that doesn't make sense. It's a big fear of mine. I need to get over it. I know you can too!
Thank you Jeffrey. Your words put me in a great mood. My editor made my manuscript great and still, I have that bad habit to want to change things afterwards. So, yes, I should definitely get over it and soon:)
DeleteThanks for co-hosting this month! I know those feelings all too well, but I pushed myself past them and didn't let them stop me. Since publishing my book in February, I've done things so far out of my comfort zone. I still don't believe I did them. As you said, you have to believe in yourself. My two mottoes — "All things are possible if you believe," and Nike's "Just do it." Good luck with your book!
ReplyDeleteThose are two awesome mottoes. Thank you so much for your kind and encouraging words. I am believing more and more each day. I still can't believe I'm going to publish my first book.
DeleteThank you so much for being a co-host this month! Congratulations on your up coming book. I think one of the most important things is to enjoy the ride. Yes, I'm sure things will be crazy hectic, but this doesn't happen for everyone...enjoy every moment!
ReplyDeleteThank you. I am starting to enjoy it all. Mostly, I am just very grateful for being able to publish. Thank you for the visit.
DeleteI can do writing...it's the "being around people" part of it that gets to me. I don't know if I can get past that fear...especially if it involves getting up in front of a room full of people to talk!!! Unless it's going to make a big difference in my career, I just would rather hide, if that makes sense! But we need to push past that fear and try to conquer it. That's part of growing...it's just scary.
ReplyDeleteI agree, it's super scary. Also, I fear people too. They are so unpredictable. Thank you so much for your encouragement.
DeleteThis is a great contest. I've started working on my entry.
ReplyDeleteThat is awesome. I know your entry will be great.
Deletewoot! a cool contest!! i'm in!
ReplyDeleteand as i get older, i accept alot more things i cant control. i hate the saying, "it is what it is" - but that's the way it is!
we do what we can and deal with what we cant.
thanks for the post! and contest!
Thank you. You are awesome and very wise. I agree:) Good-luck with your entry.
DeleteI think everyone is super nervous about their first book releasing. It's scary to think of all the people that will read it and judge it. But I promise it gets easier. And if there's a typo or two, no one's going to put you in grammar jail. You do the very best you can, then you let it go and work on your next project. Have a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Lexa. That is fantastic advice and it really helped, You are always very kind and supportive. I appreciate it:)
DeleteThanks for co-hosting this month! And thanks for the encouragement! I also struggle with trying to make things perfect and all the worries and what-ifs. It's those struggles and lack of time that hold me back from writing a book, but like you said, I just need to determine to follow through :)
ReplyDeleteThank you for the visit. You can absolutely write a book. Ignore those nasty voices telling you you can't. Prove them wrong. Wishing you the best.
Delete