Contest Winner

What contest was your winning entry submitted to?

ICL YA Fantasy First Pages

How many writing contests have you entered?

3

Please give  the title of your entry and a short summary of the story.

Cracked Crystal — During the rite of womanhood, Arebeth discovers she has magical powers, but shortly afterward she must flee the village she was raised in because the evil ruler of her country covets her power. She falls in with a band of outlaws and they seek the magical crystal that can defeat the evil ruler.

What inspired your winning entry? 

I’ve always loved fantasy novels, especially coming of age and quest plots.

How has entering this contest helped your writing?
It’s given me renewed inspiration.

How did the critique in the Winners Workshop help you?
It made me more sensitive to how I use words.

Are you a full-time writer? If not, what is your “day job”?

I am a full-time writer.

How long have you been writing?

All my life

What will you do with your piece now that it’s been recognized?
I will finish revising it and submit it to agents.

Any fun plans for the prize money?
Mad money for a cruise I’m going on.

What do you do when you’re feeling discouraged or blocked? Do you have any tips for your fellow writers?
Walk away from the writing for a while and do something relaxing.

If you could go to the yard sale of any character in the history of children’s literature, whose would you go to, and what would you buy?

I’d go to Meg’s from A Wrinkle in Time and buy her journal.

Anything you’d like to share about your IFW experience?

Having the opportunity to get professional advice from the people who run ICL is invaluable. They will help you in ways you didn’t even know to ask for.

Will you be our next contest winner? Discover our current writing contests here!