The advice for fantasy writers twenty-five years ago was to build a reputation by publishing short stories in the numerous magazines focused on speculative fiction. Entering writing contests served as an additional avenue to generate exposure. Once the author had established some credentials with short fiction, the door to publishing fantasy novels would open much easier. Or so the thinking went at that time.
Taking a break from writing my Young Adult (YA) fantasy novel, Strandlock, I crafted several short stories and started searching for ways to publish them. In 1994, I paid the $5 reading fee to enter a story called “The Gift” in a writing contest by Beyond the Moon, a quarterly horror, science fiction, and fantasy magazine. Submission requirements included furnishing a self-addressed, stamped envelope (SASE). With the entry mailed, my life returned to working a full-time job and raising my family.
Many months later, I arrived home from work to find my SASE on the kitchen counter. It felt heavier than the standard rejection response. Opening the manila envelope, my excitement grew. A small piece of paper fluttered to the floor. I retrieved the slip of paper and stared at the $20 check. I started jumping up and down in my high heels there in the kitchen and then hugged my husband.
The SASE included a copy of Beyond the Moon (Winter 1994/1995 issue), with my story on page 4. “The Gift” had placed third in the contest. The joy of that success was incredible, and the rush of exhilaration will never be forgotten.
Twelve years later, Strandlock was entered in the Tampa Writers Alliance annual writing contest and took third place in the novel category. The synopsis and first chapter were printed in Wordsmith 2006. I was again thrilled and delighted. My writing was on the right path. Follow-up messages with the judge for the novel category offered me solid feedback for future improvement.
One thing I’ve learned from entering writing contests is to have the confidence to pursue these opportunities, but not until you have polished your writing so it gleams. The recognition from past contests fuels my desire for additional success. I feel more writing contests coming in 2020.