Congratulations to all of my friends and colleagues who received a phone call today! You are 2013 RITA® and Golden Heart® Finalists*!
And for those who are disappointed, I want to share my go-to, feel-good quote by James Scott Bell in his book The Art of War For Writers.**
“A Hero keeps writing, no matter what, knowing effort is its own reward: A fool eventually quits and complains that the world is unfair. Be a Hero.” (page 17)
Since everyone who entered the Golden Heart or RITA (the most competitive of the genre fiction contests) had to have completed a manuscript or published a book, you’ve done more than 99% of the world’s population will ever do. So be proud. Be a Hero!
You rock!
*Romance Writers of America (RWA), the trade association for aspiring and published romance fiction authors, offers two annual awards. The RITA — the highest award of distinction in romance fiction — recognizes excellence in published romance novels and novellas. The Golden Heart recognizes excellence in unpublished romance manuscripts.
The 2013 RITA and Golden Heart winners will be announced at a black-tie awards ceremony on July 20 at the 2013 RWA Annual Conference in Atlanta, GA.
**Bell, James Scott. The Art of War for Writers: Fiction Writing Strategies, Tactics, and Exercises. Writers Digest Books, Cincinnatti, Ohio. 2009.
*****UPDATE! I’m excited and humbled to announce that I am a Double Romantic Suspense Finalist in the Romance Writers of America 2013 Golden Heart Contest for Juliet’s Rogue and Rogue’s Redemption, two of my favorite manuscripts. And congratulations to my 2013 GH sisters! It’s a privilege to stand with you!*****
Did you receive one? I hope you are feeling better!!
Colleen
Sent from my iPhone
I just got the call, Colleen. I am a double finalist this year in Single Title Romantic Suspense and am so incredibly grateful. Two of my favorite manuscripts finaled. Juliet’s Rogue and Rogue’s Redemption. I just wish we were all feeling better. The flu is the pits!
Way to go Sharon!!!