I have made my final entry into the Writers of the Future Contest. For the last five years I’ve entered every quarter, but with my forthcoming story in January’s issue of Asimovs, my eligibility comes to an end.
Writers of the Future is perhaps the premier writing contest for non-professional speculative writers.
I’ve been a finalist, and I’ve had straight rejections. My tally over more than twenty entries also includes numerous honorable mentions, a silver honorable mention and three semi-finalist placings. So often feeling so close.
I felt a bit sad clicking ‘submit’ with my final entry. This thing is over. I have numerous friends who’ve won the competition and been published in the anthology. I would have liked to join them (well, I still have this one last shot, right?).
Flipside: I feel elated. I wouldn’t be losing eligibility if I hadn’t been having success with my writing. And I wouldn’t be having success if I hadn’t been tenacious. Taking those non-winning stories (and other stories) and sending them to other markets. Writing and learning and sending off and writing some more.
Now of course, I have my sights on some other prizes and awards. Aim high.
Congratulations on going pro. I’m waiting for the results of Q4 right now.
Good luck. There’s been a round of rejections already apparently, so you’re still in the hunt. 🙂
Just got a reject. It’s my second entry, got a HM on my first. Reading over it I realized it didn’t really match the tone and theme of the contest. It was a bit dark and nihilistic. Back to the office with me.
Keep at it. They get so many entries that most get rejects. And as you noticed, it might not really fit. You’ve had an HM so you’re on the right track.Good luck with the next quarter.