8 reasons why entering competitions is so important for emerging writers

There are many writing competitions out there and I believe it is vitally important for new and emerging writers to enter them regularly. Why? Well, let me tell you...

1. Competitions teach you to work to a deadline

This is a skill you will need if you want to be a writer. There's no point being brilliant if it takes you forever to finish a paragraph because no one will ever get to read it. Set goals for your word counts and really try to stick to them.

2. Competitions often have word limits

Word limits can be frustrating but they teach you to make sure that every single word earns its place in your story. You may have to start the action in a different way than you originally wanted just to save on the word count but more often than not your story will be stronger for the cut. Make sure you stick to the prescribed word limit for competitions though, most will immediately disqualify your entry if you go over.

3. Competitions stretch you as a writer

Many competitions have themes or a phrase that you must incorporate into your entry. A theme that you wouldn't normally deal with might give you an idea for a new full length manuscript in the future or a different style of writing than you would normally go for.

4. Feedback

Some competitions offer feedback as part of your entry. One such competition is the CYA Competition (for YA and children's writing) http://www.cyaconference.com/program/competition/aspiring-unpublished/. At the conclusion of the competition entrants are emailed the judges score sheets which include comments and suggestions for improving your story. So, you might win, you might not but at the very least you'll have some industry feedback to improve your writing for next time.

5. Exposure

Entering competitions exposes your work to new people. Judges are often published writers, publishers or industry insiders who know what they are talking about.

6. Writing Resume Credits

If you win or are shortlisted for a writing competition it is an entry you can record on your writing resume. When you submit a manuscript to a publisher or agent you will be asked what your writing history is. If you have some competition wins or anthology entries to your name it will look like you are dedicated to becoming a published writer.

7. Having your work published

Some competitions include the winners (or top 10 entries) in an anthology that is published at their expense. You are usually sent a copy for yourself but can purchase additional copies for friends and family.

8. Endorsement of your work

Writing can be a frustrating and lonely occupation sometimes so it's nice to have your work acknowledged by a third party who doesn't know you or worry about hurting your feelings. If they picked you as the winner, it's because your work is genuinely the best.

How do you find these competitions?

• Join your local or state Writers' Centre and they will email you opportunities and competitions
• Google
• Industry newsletters e.g. Buzz Words http://www.buzzwordsmagazine.com/

I recently was placed on the shortlist for the 2016 Varuna Publisher Introduction Program. http://www.varuna.com.au/varuna/index.php/programs/varunanews/item/508-pip16-shortlist

The winner is announced in April. I was lucky enough to win a PIP in 2014 and it was an amazing experience to work with Stephen Measday and spend a week at Varuna. Keep your fingers crossed for me!

Keep writing. Sally x

Varuna, I love you...

I have recently returned from my second visit to Varuna (http://varuna.com.au/). It was just as magical as the first time! I got so much work done that I estimate it was equivalent to three months of work I would have got done at home.


Typewriter in Eleanor Dark's studio with my laptop in the background

So what's so great about Varuna? Well, let me elaborate...

• It's a beautiful, historical home full of character, books, amazing vintage treasures and gardens
• You have your own room and writing space
• A delicious meal is prepared for you every night so that means no time wasted on grocery shopping or food preparation
• There are four other writers there each time meaning you will meet some amazing, like-minded people
• There are huge bookshelves of works by writers who have visited Varuna House in the past
• It's close to the quaint and quirky town of Katoomba and walking tracks
• You can write, write, write all day and night if you so choose!

I would encourage any aspiring writers out there to apply for the programs offered by Varuna House. I was lucky enough to win a Publisher Introduction Program last year (and hence my first visit to Varuna). It is truly an amazing place.

 I hope to go back again next year!

Visiting Varuna House for the very first time!

In August this year I was lucky enough to visit Varuna The Writers House for the very first time as part of the Publisher Introduction Program Fellowship that I was awarded for a young adult manuscript The Prediction. It short it was amazing!



The beautiful Varuna House

Varuna House is a beautiful old building full of character and history surrounded by gorgeous gardens. The staff welcomed me upon arrival and gave me a tour of the building which includes lounge room/dining area, kitchen, laundry, office and five bedrooms/writing studios. I was given the Main Room which included two desks and an ensuite.

I arranged to meet with Stephen Measday, my mentor as part of the PIP Fellowship, on the first afternoon I arrived. We had a long discussion about his suggestions for my story. I wrote copious notes and later typed them into a check-list of things to cover.



Selfie (rugged up against the cold) of me at Varuna

At welcome drinks that evening I met the other four residents. Jansis O’Hanlon, the CEO, talked to us about the history of the house.

As I work full time and have a family my normal ‘spare’ time is very limited but the beauty of a residency at Varuna is that there are no jobs to go to, children to take to sports or groceries to buy. There’s nothing but you and your willpower to get the job done. I’m happy to say I used my week of writing time very wisely. I got up early and worked hard on my manuscript. I diligently crossed the items off my list of changes from my mentor. I even got started on opening chapters of two other projects I’d been thinking about for a while.

When I needed a break from the computer I went for a walk. The town of Katoomba is not far away from Varuna and is full of lovely shops and cafes. The weather was bitterly cold though. It even snowed one evening.

Breakfast and lunch are a help yourself arrangement from the products provided in the kitchen area but dinner is cooked by the amazing chef, Sheila. It was wonderful to relax by the fire each night and talk to the other residents about how their projects were going.




One of the writing desks in my room

One night we each read a piece of our work aloud to the others. They were vastly different in subject and style but we were all pleased with what we’d produced in such a short time period.

The true beauty of Varuna House is that it focusses your attention to writing, books and the company of like-minded people and seems to bring out the best in everyone.

I had the most productive week and I felt like a ‘real’ writer. I encourage everyone to apply for the Varuna residential programs. Having time to dedicate to your writing in such a great environment, without distractions, is absolutely priceless.

 

Read a full interview of my experience at Varuna House in an upcoming issue of Buzz Words (a brilliant newsletter for aspiring authors).