Jumping in

One one of the many writer's lists I belong to, I've read about a contest that I think some of my work my be suitable for. (Provided I don't end too many sentences with prepositions).

The contest is RWA's Hearts Through History Contest. I'm not a member, but that isn't a requirement. I have not finished a manuscript, but apparently that doesn't matter either. What I DO have is about 140 pages of an unfinished WWII romance. They only require thirty and I'm positive that I could extract some of the best work in that novel and pare it down to fit their requirements.

I haven't submitted to a contest since I was a teenager, and I'm thinking that maybe putting myself out there and getting some feedback would be a good idea.

That story is like the story of my heart. I put it aside long ago when I got stuck on a plot point, but I think sufficient time has passed that I could look at it with a critical eye. The hero is strong, but the heroine required work and I couldn't find a way to make her more active and less passive. Time might have given me a new perspective and enable me to fix that.

When I've submitted to WW in the past, I received rejections, but always with positive comments and suggestions that would make the story more suitable for their publication. Getting those words of encouragement was motivating.

Should I get in gear and actually do this, I'd have to have all the editing and re-writes done by March 10. It seems long enough away, but I know it will go fast.

Wish me luck.