Over the summer, I entered some local writing contests: some for short works and also for both books from Emma Sharpe’s Adventures. In the latter case, I picked contests that would (1) get a lot of people reading the books and (2) provide feedback of the judge’s thoughts.
- The highlight is The Day the Pirates Went Mad is now a finalist (!!!) in the Whistler Independent Book Awards. Winners will be announced on October 31st. (whoooo!)
- Another result I’m very happy with is the Sunshine Coast Writers and Editors Society’s writing contest. I entered Back to the New Adventure and I received a slew of amazing comments from all the different judges.
Here are just three of them:
“Written with stark visceral imagery that draws the reader further into the story.”
“This book is action-packed, and as Emma and Jack are whisked away on adventure after adventure, so are readers.”
“Though the subject matter can stray darker, the author is thoughtful in balancing that in moments of levity.”
In the case of the new, shorter stories, I was also very happy to be awarded an honourable mention for a piece I first drafted as a throwaway in a workshop. Just goes to show – don’t throw_away your writing. A purpose may come for it yet. I also really enjoyed the judge’s comment:
“A perfect palate cleanser for a judge reading through 30 stories, leaving readers with a smile.” – Alexander Boldizar, NSWA fiction judge.
You can read “Penning Thoughts” in the NSWA’s 2025 anthology, Rivulets…
I have a few more contests before the end of the year, and I’ll also be writing this year’s Halloween Tale! (#5) for subscribers to my mailing list. So join up if you haven’t already!
Alongside that, I’ll be starting work on my next book, which will be…
…(drum roll)…the 3rd book in Emma Sharpe’s Adventures! 🎉 🎉 🎉
Since it’s already September, I guess I better get busy! 🙂
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