I love judging writing contests. I’m always amazed at the soon-to-be discovered talent out there. Recently, I read and judged a dozen or so 50-page entries and frankly, I was shocked that not one of them was bad. Oh, there were a few I didn’t care for story-wise, but all of the entries were well above average in the writing department and several I’m still thinking about and wanting to read the entire story!
I’m still a little awed by the overall quality of these entries. In contrast, the last contest I judged (a year or so ago) had some of the most poorly written and executed entries I had ever read. They were so bad, I was wondering if I was being punked.
The bar has been raised.
It’s being raised everywhere. Not only in the publishing industry, but in many other industries. To stay competitive, we must give consumers more than what they expect, and for less. In many ways, we’re working harder for less, but know if we don’t work harder to produce a better product, then the person next to us will, and then we’re toast.
As difficult as this economy is right now, it’s teaching us all how to dig deeper, work with less and produce more. I like it. Not the not having money part, but the having to work harder part. I like the challenge. I like to see how far I can push myself. I’m writing better and more consistently then I ever have in my career. My brain is thinking in ways it has never thought before. I like it.
I like that when I look around at my peers, I see them doing the same thing. Working harder, often times for less, but not complaining. Just doing it. Sacrificing so they can just do it.
Just like those contest entries. Those writers worked hard on them. It showed in every word. They understand to get the prize they must raise the bar. No slackers allowed. They understand that they have to work harder, and produce better then ever, to stand out. To catch an agent’s eye, and an editor’s eye. The sure caught my eye.
What about you? What have you done lately to raise the bar?
Wow…tough topic today. (And I can’t believe I’m first–or was when I clicked to comment lol.)
I just finished judging a contest, too, and these entries were much better than last year’s, too. I think those who want to be writers are discovering classes and professional groups and taking advantage of both. It’s a good sign, but one that pushes the rest of us to bigger and better things, too. As for me, I’m 20 pages from finishing a rewrite that’s been a four-year process. In that time, I’ve grown as a writer and what once was “good enough” turned out to be not even close. I’m taking what I’ve learned and applying it every day to my craft. Whether my endeavor is successfull remains to be seen, but I have hopes.
Nice challenge for a Friday, Karin. Onward and upward!
Onward and upward, indeed! Your endeavors will pay off, Silver. You’re too committed for them not to.
I just finished judging manuscripts for a contest as well. I had 5 entries, and most of them were quite good–I was ‘disappointed’ that one of them wasn’t already published because I really wanted to keep reading!
As for me — I’m undertaking a new project on the advice of my agent…Scary, since it’s a genre-shift.
Terry
Terry’s Place
Romance with a Twist–of Mystery
Terry, genre shifts are scary! Most definitely a bar raiser. What genre are you making?
Hi Karin,
I agree that the bar has been raised! The marketplace is so competitive right now. In terms of publishing, this is especially true because of the explosion of digital publishing. With the zillions of e-book choices out there, writers really must offer something unique and high-quality in order to stand out from the pack.
I’m glad you enjoyed judging the entries. I judged a contest last year and had the same experience.
Laura, the marketplace is demanding more from us. The world of not only epubbing but self-pubbing has opened up so much for established mainstream authors as well as authors who don’t fit into the ‘commercial’ mode New York is currently looking for. There’s a whole new market out there. Very exciting times!
You are quite right: the bar has been raised. I was debating with a woman just yesterday on reading romance and why. To her romance is just interaction between the characters and as she said “fluff”. I pointed out to her that romance books are no longer just “fluff” but have depth, suspense,mystery and more. She only reads mysteries! I suggested she try some of today’s romances.
Diane, there is a romance book to fit any reader’s taste. Light and fluffy, feel-good reads, deep dark rip-your-heart-out emotional reads, and heart-stopping edge of your seat suspense reads. I hope that chick took your advice, she’s been missing out!
Karin, I know what you mean. I remember judging a contest years ago and finding that so many people didn’t really understand basic craft issues, which really undermined their story.
Now, though? Sooooo many people are sooooooo freaking good, it’s really a matter of right time/right place before they get published, which raises the bar significantly. I’m proud that people take their craft seriously and work extra hard to be stellar.
What have I done to raise the bar lately? I think I’d answer that by saying giving myself permission to write something entirely different–different genre, different style, first person instead of third, heartbreaking instead of funny. I changed the game because I wanted to learn how to do more than what I’d been doing.
Toni writing outside of outside of our comfort zone or what we feel like we should be writing is a hard jump to make. Stretching our writing wings is so exciting and can and usually is a game changer. I love your dark stuff.
Thank you, Karin! You have no idea how many times that inspired me when the going got tough–that you’d read the first part and were so encouraging *really* helped!
Great post, Karin! That picture looks just like me this morning power lifting my 5 pound weights.
Funny, I judged some contest entries last night and had the SAME experience. One was so good, I was humbled. Not a story I’d ever pick up (didn’t like the subject matter) but now I know I will read it – because it will have to be published.
Yep, the bar is raised. And, damn, it’s heavy! xo
Rocki, I thought of you as I was writing this blog. Hell, I couldn’t help but think of all of the MSW ladies. You have all worked like mad women this past year. I think we’ve all worked harder then we ever have, and wow, the results are off the charts phenomenal. You ladies have put me to shame. But, damn, you all lead by kick-ass-take-no-names example, how can it not rub off on me?
Ugh, you made me think Karin!
It takes me longer to write a book because I’m trying hard to dig deeper into the story and characters and come up with something more complex but just as entertaining as I’ve written in the past. Um, scratch that. I’m trying to write something BETTER than I’ve done in the past. I’m more concerned about each individual scene and how it fits into the entire story whereas in the past it was the overall story that I cared most about. It’s hard work and I doubt myself on each and every book.
Allison, it takes me longer to write a book these days too! Your work ethic has always amazed and inspired me!
Karin, it’s so nice to see people acknowledging the writers who DO understand what it takes! Sometimes the whiners (sorry, but they are whiners) are so much more visible, while the ones who are going to be a success are hard at work.
So KUDOS to those writers! I admire and respect them for all their hard work and fortitude!
Jen, you are one of those writers I admire and respect!
Just getting published this year (got galleys yesterday!!) has made me realize how hard it is. Now I must dig even deeper inside to keep getting published. To push myself to writer bigger and better stories.
Actually I had to laugh yesterday. Someone asked where the story Tempting Adam came from and I replied, I channeled Karin Tabke to see how hot I could write. LOL
Jill, since I’ve known you, you gave always worked hard. You made it happen. Congrats again on your success. I can’t wait to read Tempting Adam. When does it release???
No release date yet, waiting on blurb committee, but I did see the galleys. So cool to see your book look like a book. {{snoopy dance}}
Edie, you give the Energizer Bunny a run for his money! I loved CATTITUDE! Looking forward to reading DEAD PEOPLE!
I must admit that I haven’t done enough, not nearly enough. However, I’m ready to write like I want to be a pro. Consider the envelop pushed way past the box.
For me, raising the bar has meant taking better care of myself. Letting go of old dreams and projects, finishing projects, carving out a space just for myself (that’s whole other blog post, lol), focusing on exercise and nutrition, and over all, becoming happy again. I’ve felt a change in my attitude, seen the change in the work I produce, and the ideas that are showing up in my notes and stories. Until recently, I hadn’t realized just how “under the weather” I’d been. And now I feel amazing. I’m so excited to tackle new projects.