Contest Winner -Rebecca Knopsider

Welcome to the Winner’s Circle where we celebrate the success of our ICL students. Today we’re celebrating Middle Grade Adventure Fiction Winner Rebecca Knopsider! 

What contest was your winning entry submitted to?
Middle Grade Adventure Fiction

How many writing contests have you entered?
Several. I don’t remember the exact number.

Tell us the title of your entry and a short summary of the story.
Help Wanted: Ogre Slayer is about a boy who is trying to find a job so he can take care of his little sister. He applies for the job of Ogre Slayer and discovers that he has a lot to learn about ogres. 

What inspired your winning entry?
It started with the idea of a help wanted ad for the job of an ogre slayer. I’m not quite certain how that idea came to me. 

How has entering this contest helped your writing?
It helped me to choose my words more cautiously.  Having to fit the story into 750 words really made me think about what was necessary. 

Are you a full-time writer? If not, what is your “day job”?
I have written two books, but I am not a full-time writer.  Currently, I am a typist. I transcribe legal documents.

How long have you been writing?
I started when I was a kid. I’m pretty sure I was telling stories to myself even before I could write.

What will you do with your piece now that it’s been recognized?
I think I’m going to see about delving deeper into the story and making it into a book for middle readers.

Any fun plans for the prize money?

Chocolate, lots of chocolate.

What do you do when you’re feeling discouraged or blocked? Do you have any tips for your fellow writers?
I just write. I will add anything that pops into my head, even ridiculous ideas, and just keep writing. Usually, something comes up that propels the characters forward.   

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 would go to the yard sale of the Little Lame Prince and buy his cloak. Then I would travel all over the world.

Is there anything else you’d like to share about your ICL experience?
The feedback was great! I feel that ICL has continuously helped me to improve my writing. Thank you!