Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Do you believe in signs?

Life is crazy at the moment and with so much supermarket stuff to focus on, writing has been taking a back seat :( But I got the best writing boost the other day when I found out I placed second in the Romance Writers of Australia Single Title and Loving It contest.

I was actually gob-smacked cos this story is what I call pseudo Aussie rural romance and therefore I thought it was miles away from what Diane Moggy (final judge and high up person in Harlequin) would like. But she obviously thought it had something worthy in it :)

Anyway this placing got me thinking. I've had a bad run with my category attempts lately.
*Rejection after full with revs.
*Rejection after partial and direction to sub via slush pile again
*Not placing after finalling in the RWA Oz High Five (at category aimed) contest
*Not placing after finalling in the RWA Selling Synopsis with my category aimed wip

Yet, I got great feedback from all the first round judges for the Single Title contest and lovely feedback and a fab placing from the final judge.

IS THIS A SIGN?

Is it the universe's way of telling me I should focus on my contemporary single title and let my category attempts take a back seat for a while? I'm not sure!

So I'd love your thoughts... do you believe in signs!?
x
Rach!

17 comments:

Joanne Coles said...

Yes, I absolutely do! Focus on writing what makes you happy right now and I'm sure the rest will fall into place. If you're having more fun with your ST then go with it.

And happy birthday again, the second place placement must've been a great present.

Scarlet Wilson said...

Rach I believe in YOU and your writing, whichever direction that may take you in!
Write what you want and I'll read it anyway.
Congratulations on your placing and well deserved! xx

AJ Blythe said...

I do Rach, and usually your gut lets you know if it is or not.

But regardless make sure whichever you focus on it's the one that lets you enjoy the writing :)

Nas said...

Congratulations on your placing!

Jackie Ashenden said...

Rach, I'm with Joanne. Write what makes you happy. And if ST makes you happy, then go for it. And it IS an awesome story!! As were your category mss too, make no mistake...

Anonymous said...

Congrats! That is AWESOME news!! As far as believing in signs - I absolutely do. Most importantly, I say go with your gut!!

Good luck!!!!

Unknown said...

Congratulations on the contest win!

Write what inspires you and makes you excited to sit down at the computer. And sometimes we just need a break from one type of writing and we end up coming back somewhere down the road.

Lacey Devlin said...

Congrats Rach! That's fantastic news! And I also think you should write whatever inspires you and why not try for the single title?

Anonymous said...

You've got absolutely nothing to lose, Rach. I say go for it. And if and when you return to category, you will have fresh eyes.

And congrats again on 2nd place!

beck nicholas said...

Yay for 2nd!!
I'm with the otheres in that I reckon you write what you feel good about. There's too little time to waste doing otherwise!
=)

Sally Clements said...

Well done, Rach! That's great news. I think Jo C is right, if you're having fun with your ST then go with it - it's always easier to write something that you're having fun with!
I DEFinitely believe in signs, check out my current blog post!
www.sallyclements.blogspot.com

Rachael Johns said...

Thank you thank you thank you everyone!

Sorry I've taken so long to get on here and comment but I've been moving this week and I'm sure you all know how crazy moving can be.

Thanks for all of your wise advice. Once I'm settled, I'm gonna aim to finish my ST before another category, at least that's the plan :)

Cathryn Hein said...

Having read part of this ms and LOVED it, I'd say yes! Besides, what have you got to lose (except time and brain sweat)?

So, if you don't mind, can you please hurry up and finish it because I need to know what happens. Ta.

Hope moving is going well.

Eleni Konstantine said...

Congrats Rach on the 2nd placing!!! And I would follow the ST to see where it takes you. If it's ST, great. If not, at least you know. Best of luck!!

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