Heather Foeh

Thirteen days ago I was notified that I was a finalist in a writing contest - it was a thrilling phone call and I floated on Cloud Nine (maybe even Ten) for several days. And frankly, I have no idea why I didn’t blog about this then! But, I suppose it’s better late than never. So, here’s the scoop…

Back in February, I entered the first twenty-five pages of my romance manuscript in the Four Seasons Contest sponsored by the Windy City chapter of the Romance Writers of America. At that time I also entered two other contests and didn’t final in either of those, so I had almost forgotten about this contest. But on Tuesday, May 8 I received a phone call on my cell phone while I was at work. Since I didn’t recognize the phone number, I almost didn’t answer…boy am I glad that I did! I was shocked and thrilled to hear that I was a finalist in the Short and Long Contemporary Category. There are four finalists in this category out of I don’t know how many entrants. But here’s the great thing… my twenty-five pages are now being read by an editor from Harlequin (who I am targeting for publication) and a literary agent! This is a heady feeling!!

But alas, I’m also having a bit of a Freak Out because since I submitted these twenty-five pages, I have been extensively reworking and rewriting this manuscript, especially the opening scenes. Eeek! What if all of the planets align and the temperature drops in Hades and the editor or agent request a partial or full manuscript from me? They are going to see something significantly different from what they read before. Do they care? Hopefully not!

I have had the pleasure of having an email conversation with Harlequin Blaze author Sarah Mayberry on and off during the last year and I mentioned my worries to her. She gave a lovely response which I quote here: “I bet they’re just looking for coherent story telling, emotion, romance and a grasp of the language in those submissions - as long as your story still has an arc and all the important bits, I’m sure it won’t be a problem.” Okay, so…deep breath…back to the keyboard to FINISH THE DANG MANUSCRIPT just in case, in case, in case it gets requested in late June. And also because I want to be done with it and move on to the next one!

PS - I’d also like to mention that another member of my Austin RWA chapter also finaled in this contest: Deb Yates’ manuscript, Heaven Sent, finaled in the Historical category which is being judged by an Avon editor and an agent from Graybill & English.