Monday, July 9, 2007

I'm Not a WINner, But I Know People Who Are!

I failed to get my butt in gear and enter the SmartWriters' Write It Now! Competition, but I am so excited today to cheer for the WINners. An amazing group of writers.

You can find all of the winners at the SmartWriters Web site, but I wanted to give a special shout out to the three folks I know (or feel like I know, anyway). I'm so thrilled for you, ladies!

Lindsay Eland, who took first place in the middle-grade category for her AMAZING manuscript, "You Gotta Be Kidding Me." The judge raved: "Funny, great voice, character very interesting, starts with a well orchestrated bang. YAY!" Couldn't agree more. That story is fantastic, and I can't wait to hold it in my hands one day as a real, honest-to-goodness book! Double YAY!

Mindy Alyse Weiss, who received an honorable mention for "In My Heart," also a middle-grade manuscript. The judge wrote: "Really a stunning opening scene. Huge emotional possibilities in the plot." Congratulations, Mindy!

Gail Maki Wilson, who received an honorable mention for her picture book manuscript, "Ants Can't Dance." Said the judge: "Fun story. Excellent rhyming." Wow, praise and recognition for a rhyming picture book! Not too shabby, Gail!

Congratulations to all the winners and to everyone who entered. You put your work out there to be judged, and that can be a tough thing to do!

4 comments:

gail said...

Thanks Linda! Sometimes I think we know more (or maybe different) things about people here, than we do with people we meet "face to face".

Maybe someday we'll meet up at an event!

gail

ps I never intended it to be a rhyming story, but the words made me do it. ;)

LindaBudz said...

Hi, Gail!

That's the best kind of rhyming story, I guess ... the one that comes in verse organically!

Hope I do have a chance to meet you in person one of these days!

Anonymous said...

Thank you so much, Linda. I was so touched when I saw your blog entry.

Hopefully we'll see each other again at the Poconos Retreat (or another conference) soon.

Mindy

LindaBudz said...

Hi, Mindy! That conference was a lot of fun, wasn't it? Back before you were a famous WINner and all. Ah, yes, I knew you when....

:)