It’s official. I didn’t final in the 2007 Genesis Contest. I had such high hopes after last year, but, alas, I get the humbling experience of not doing as well this year as I did last year. I know this is not the end of the world, or even of my writing career. But it’s disappointing all the same.
It will be interesting to get back the judges’ comments. After I sent in the entry, I completely scrapped that beginning and started over. I like the new version so much better. Maybe this is just a confirmation that the first version wasn’t on the right track. Maybe it is an inkling that although I love to read historicals, perhaps I should write contemporary (last year I made the finals with a contemporary story.)
All I know is I’m a bit discouraged. But given a little while to process the information, I’m sure I’ll be fine. That tenacity that has been mine since the day I was born will rear its head and I’ll soldier on. After all, the Lord has only called me to write. The results of that are completely up to Him.
D’Ann,
You’ll be pleased to know that–just to make you feel good–I wasn’t a finalist, either. Like you, I’ve subsequently made drastic changes in the material I submitted, but when the deadline is staring you in the face, you send what you have.
Hey, we made the effort. And the judging is subjective anyway, which would explain the twenty-five point difference between my high score (a pretty good one) and my low (i.e., pathetic) score.
Keep writing. I know you’ll succeed.
Thanks, Richard. I haven’t received my scores back yet, but it does help to know I’m not the only one!! I do know that scores can have huge differentials after getting one score in the 90s and one in the low 60s in the final round of judging last year.
Oh, well. In the end, it doesn’t make or break our careers.
That is indeed a disappointment. I know that heavy feeling in the gut when things don’t go the way you want them to. You have the right spirit, though, and I know you’ll keep doing your best while leaving the outcome up to God. Sounds like you’re being realistic, too, and allowing yourself some time to mourn this. It’s important to let yourself feel it. And then… keep writing!
D’Ann – I’m sorry to hear that you’re not a finalist, but I’m inspired by your learner’s heart and your dependence on God.
Thanks Rachelle and Tina for your encouragement! It means alot to me!