Contests, deadlines, topics to write about are all sparks of encouragement and inspiration, motivation to take on the challenge and write, especially when books aren’t selling like you plan.
They can also be frustrating, charging a fee to enter and not hearing back or hearing back but with no feedback. It’s understandable, judges are busy reading and judging and if hundreds of stories don’t make the cut they move on. As should the writer.
Recently I challenged myself to write a possible end of world story for Aftermath and loved that my husband helped get me past my hurdle. The story is special to me, admittedly, all are but especially this one as I discussed it with someone I love and he inspired me to complete it. That moment of belief in me and my efforts, that spark of interest in my goal was exactly what I needed.
I didn’t need the win, though it would have been great, I needed what was given to me and count that as a win already.
So when I determined I didn’t place I decided I needed to still share it with the world and let the readers provide the feedback.
Save Your Breath is available now and I would love to know what you think of it.
Thanks for reading,
Sarah Butland