Genesis Countdown

Do you hear the clock ticking? Really loud?? It's countdown to the Genesis finals!!

This is the first time I've ever entered the Genesis, the premier contest for unpublished writers hosted by the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW). I must say as the date approaches, my nerves are getting the best of me. I've been revising my entry and, horror of horror, found typos! How could I have missed them? I'm praying the quality of the writing will let the judges overlook little mistakes like that.

I'm also bracing myself for disappointment. But even if I don't final, I will still get incredibly useful advice from the judges. So really, it's a win-win situation.

I am planning on going to their annual Writers' Conference in the fall and wouldn't it be lovely to go as a Finalist?!

Good luck to all who entered!!

Movie Review & Some News!

Finally got to see the new Twilight movie "Eclipse". Once again, the movie kept very true to the book. The effects were excellent and the characters well done.

The only thing I thought lacking was the chemistry between Bella and Edward. In the first movie, the romantic tension was palpable on the screen. In New Moon, Edward was hardly in it, so it was tough to tell. But in this third movie, I didn't feel the anguish that Bella was feeling, torn between loving two men. That came across much stronger in the book. However, all in all, I was happy I went to see it on the big screen.

On the home front, my big news is that I found out I came second in the Touched By Love Contest, sponsored by the Faith, Hope & Love Chapter of the Romance Writers of America! This is very good news to me and a sign that I am on the right track with my writing. It has given me the inspiration I need to keep on writing!! After finaling, my entry was judged by 5 published authors. I only hope I get to read their comments at some point.

Here's a cyber toast with bubbling champagne! To all the wonderful writers out there.

Cheers,

Sue

Updates!

Hi there! Sorry I've been Missing In Action. Sometimes I can't think of a thing to blog about - and other times, I'm too busy! SO today I'll just jot down a bunch of random things that have been happening.

1. My latest 'work in progress' is a finalist in the "Touched By Love" inspirational contest! I needed this affirmation very badly and am very grateful for the lovely judges who liked my work. Will find out at the end of July where I ended up in the final round.

2. Hit some milestones in May - hence the 'busyness' of my life. My husband and I achieved 25 years of marriage. Whew! That's a big one. We had a nice dinner out together (minus the kids). Someday when we have money, I'd love to travel. Maybe by our 30th?

3. The other big milestone (dare I confess) was turning 50! Friends of mine took me out to the King Edward Hotel in Toronto to have high tea. Very British! It was amazing! The decor, the gorgeous china, the architecture, and , of course, the FOOD! The tea was amazing as well. You got to pick your blend from a selection of little glass jars. They added the leaves to your pot and kept refilling it with hot water. I swear I drank 4 pots in less than 2 hours. Which lead to checking out the lovely bathrooms! LOL.

4. My daughter's volleyball team went to Vancouver for the National Championships and did quite well. They came 4th in tier two! Way to go Peel Selects! I did not go with her, but my husband did. I had to stay home because our son was having his Confirmation that weekend. So I had a small family celebration for him. For one whole weekend, I had a very tidy house! Two less people to dirty it up.

5. The other family milestone was my great-uncle celebrated his 70th anniversary as a priest! We went downtown Toronto to participate in the festivities and saw quite a few relatives that I haven't seen in a while.

So as you can see, I have been a little pre-occupied. The next milestone is my son's Grade 8 graduation on Monday. Then maybe I can look forward to my two week summer vacation! And some sleep!

Cheers until next time!

Follow up & Good News!

Well better late than never, I always say. My conference was already a month ago. Where does the time go?

I guess we had Thanksgiving in there and another full day seminar in Toronto, plus tickets to THE SOUND OF MUSIC (excellent production), so I've been a bit busy.

First the follow up:

Other than a few minor glitches, the Ottawa Writers' Conference went well. I learned something from every speaker. Some were more interesting than others but all in all, well worth the trip. I even made it through my pitch with Brenda Chin from Harlequin. She is so nice and gave me some advice which I may or may not take. Anyways, always interesting to hear what editors are looking for.

Now my news:

I am a finalist in the GOLDEN PEN contest!! All day on Monday, I waited for an email or the phone to ring. Finally in the evening I decided I didn't final. However, they are several hours behind us, so it was still afternoon there! And I finally got the email! So I spent the next 2 days madly reading the judges suggestions and revising my entry to send in again. This time my dream editor from Steeple Hill, Melissa Endlich, will be judging it. The worst I can come in is third which is still wonderful. I'll find out mid-December. So we wait again!