Contest Winner

What contest was your winning entry submitted to?

Thriller First Pages

How many writing contests have you entered?

3

What was the title of your entry and what inspired it?

Title: 30 Minutes Too Late

A true story I saw on the news. It scared me to death. Two young girls were kidnapped when walking through their neighborhood to get ice cream. Most of my books are about situations that would terrify me if I were a mother of girls. I have two grown sons.

How has entering this contest helped your writing?
It has helped my confidence a gazillion times more! I excited to submit it again. I wrote this book in 2011.

How did the critique in the Winners Workshop help you?
It was incredibly rewarding. Everyone was so kind and supportive. Hearing the other winners’ stories has me thinking I may stick with the thriller genre…

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

No. I work for a small granite company and wear two hats. Project Coordinator and Collections.

How long have you been writing?
Forever! 25 years

What will you do with your piece now that it’s been recognized?
Resubmit it!

Any fun plans for the prize money?
A new iPhone. Mine is ancient.

What do you do when you’re feeling discouraged or blocked? Do you have any tips for your fellow writers?
I have lots of affirmations around me at all times. Many from your newsletters!
Then, I tell myself that it all starts in my head. No one else can write this story. And to always remember how happy it makes me to write.

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?

Dorothy, in The Wizard of Oz. Toto is probably not for sale, but he is the cutest and sweetest dog. I’d buy the basket, too!

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

I can’t say enough kind words to express how much Lynne and Kelli’s critique and praise has affected me. Their encouragement has made all the difference! The other contestants did, too. The workshop was a blast. I was blown away when they said, “This is the Rae-Dawn Brightman show”. I’m still doing the happy dance!

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