The results are in, folks!
The Winners
The Facebook party last Saturday was such fun! This year there were 27 finalists, 13 honorable mentions, and four special unicorns (stories that received perfect scores from the judges). From that lengthy list, the five winners were selected. So many amazing stories were celebrated, and I know there were many more that went unlisted but still possessed such creativity and imagination. I don’t envy the judges’ job at all!
I was hoping to share the announcement here before it was officially posted on the Rooglewood Press website, but alas, school was rude and didn’t let me. So by now you’ve probably all seen the five winners’ names on the cover already. In case you missed it . . .
Isn’t it stunning? And look, look–I KNOW ONE OF THE WINNERS. It’s our very own Skye Hoffert! And I couldn’t be happier for her! You’ve probably seen Skye in the comments around here. She and I have been blogging buddies and writing pals for years. A few months ago, I had the pleasure of beta reading Falling Snow. Believe me, the grungy circus vibe of her story is the perfect way to open up this anthology.
Next up, Jenelle Hovde’s historical fantasy Raven’s Heir. It sounds like this one follows the original tale most closely. In Anne Elisabeth Stengl’s words, this story carries “that perfect blend of poetry and grit,” which sounds like a writing style I’ll love.
Then we have Cortney Manning’s The Fairest One, a tale with a Middle Eastern flavor and dwarven mythology. It sounds positively delicious! And apparently Cortney entered five stories in this year’s contest, earning a place as a winner, a special unicorn, and a twice-over honorable mention.
Following on that tale’s heels is Maddie Morrow’s vampire spin called Red as Blood. That’s one genre these anthologies haven’t explored yet, so I’m excited to see what sort of dark and twisty road this story will take me on.
And wrapping it up is Rachael Wallen’s Snowbird and the Red Slippers. Involving a scholarship to a prestigious New York dance school, this contemporary tale is peppered with magical realism. It sounds like a sweet and satisfying way to end the book!
The Special Unicorns
These four ladies impressed the judges with their impeccable story skills. To reward them, Anne Elisabeth Stengl created beautiful covers for their entries! I’m unsure if I’m allowed to share them here, but they were each gasp-worthy works of art. The four special unicorns are:
- Sarah Pennington with Blood in the Snow (I believe I’ve seen Sarah somewhere around the blogosphere, so I feel like I distantly “know” her.)
- Cortney Manning with Yellow Bright (As I mentioned, she’s also one of this year’s winners.)
- Elizabeth Brown with Heir (You may remember her as one of the Five Glass Slippers winners!)
- Esther Brooksmith with The Blood of Beauty (I’ve recently gotten to know Esther through the super fun countdown posts she shared on her blog leading up the announcement!)
The Finalists & Honorable Mentions
Rather than list alllll the finalists and honorable mentions, I’ll simply direct you again to the list posted on Rooglewood’s website HERE. But I do want to take a minute to give a shout-out to my friends and acquaintances who received recognition!
Several finalists’ names were familiar to me, but these two in particular are people I’ve interacted with online more often:
- E.F. Buckles: Moonsilver (Loooove that title! I bump into EFB around here and Goodreads, both great places to chat about books.)
- Sophia White: The Colour of Life (It’s a Ukrainian/Russian setting with nesting dolls! Sophia frequents my blog too.)
And I’ve also interacted with these honorable mentions:
- Meredith Burton: The Princess and the Invisible Apple Tree (I remember Meredith from back when the Tales of Goldstone Wood blog was active; she’s very sweet!)
- Claire Banschbach: Threads of Yellow, Blue, and Red (I’ve just recently started to get to know this indie authoress!)
And . . . well, if you already peeked at the list, then you’ve stolen my thunder, but . . .
You guys, I am blown away.
Seeing The Brightest Thread among the top ten in the Spindles contest was incredible, but with the way this year’s story was going, I did not expect to match that success. Of all four stories I entered in Rooglewood fairy tale contests, Mirrors Never Lie was the one in which I was LEAST confident.
When I submitted to Glass Slippers, I was the kind of writer who doesn’t know what she doesn’t know.
When I submitted to Enchanted Roses, I loved what I’d written but was missing a few key ingredients.
When I submitted to Magic Spindles, I knew this was one of my strongest works yet. Yet everyone deals with doubt, so making it to the top ten list was a huge boost of confidence.
However, when I submitted to Poisoned Apples, my writing life was in a dry spell and I seriously doubted that novella would make it anywhere. What a thrilling surprise to be proven wrong! And I am deeply grateful for the feedback I received from judges. It nearly made me cry.Everyone Else
Okay, here’s where I brush the confetti off the table and bring out a box of tissues and give hugs to all of the precious writers who submitted to this contest . . . but didn’t see their names anywhere. All of us received feedback, so in that sense you’re walking away with something! (Along with a completed story that you were brave enough to send out into the world!) But some of that feedback likely stings. In the wake of disappointment, it’s easy to fixate on the critiques we received and the insecurities that come clawing back. This story is garbage. I’m not a good writer. Who am I fooling? Will I ever make it? I’m terrible at ____. Thoughts like this–and worse–threaten to black out the truth. So imagine we’re sitting across from each other right now, and I’m looking you in the eye and telling you:
It’s okay to hurt. When you’re hoping against hope that you might get at least an honorable mention, your heart falls as name after name scrolls by, and none of them are yours. I get that. I’ve been there. Like I mentioned in a recent post about these contests, I’ve lost more competitions than I’ve won. And I’ve received feedback that shredded fragile parts of me and left me sobbing, others that left me sulking under a dark raincloud for days. So allow yourself to lick your wounds. But please, please don’t stay there.
One contest does not a writer make. The results do not define you. They are not a measure of your worth as a person or as a writer. Don’t let it touch your identity! As my pal Katie Hanna mentioned on a Facebook post, you’ve fallen off the horse, but get back on. Try again! Keep writing! If writing is something you love, if it’s a thing you feel called to do, you owe it to yourself to pursue it.
Use this as a springboard. Let that feedback sheet rest for a while. Put the story away for a bit. But then when you feel up to it, go back and look at it again. All those critiques mentioned? All those areas that received low scores? Those are opportunities. Those are things you can actually learn. Did you get a low score in dialogue? Then pay careful attention to the way characters in your favorite books chat back and forth. Was your plot a mess? Go find some excellent books and blogs that teach story structure. Critiques can hurt, but they have been my best teachers.
And one more thought to help keep your spirits up as you tackle these problem areas: Whichever judge read your story has your best interests in mind. Look for the positives she highlighted and build on them. Also look for the things she didn’t mention at all! A doctor may tell you your heart is having issues, but if they don’t mention your lungs, I’d guess you’re breathing just fine! Meaning the elements that don’t get critiqued are probably at a functioning level. All is not lost, my friend.
Some Links
To wrap this party up, I’m sharing links to a few places where fellow writers have shared wonderful posts regarding Five Poisoned Apples!
Skye Hoffert @ Ink Castles // In this post, Skye shares her reaction to winning, as well as pictures of a completely magical party she threw with a friend! Go show her some love, you guys!!!
Esther Brooksmith @ The Pen of a Ready Writer // I’m just giving you a general link to her blog, because she’s been posting thoughtful questions to spark discussion in the weeks and months leading up to the announcement. So go take a stroll through her archives, and while you’re there, congratulate her on her Special Unicorn status!
Allison Tebo @ Allison’s Well // Alli shares about the poison of playing the comparison game and how each of us are on our own journeys. She dug up some amazing, thought-provoking reflections! (This is a post you should all read whether you won, lost, or didn’t even enter at all. Go on, shoo.)
Such a huge congrats on being a Finalist, Tracey <3 My friendies (aka Lila and Savannah) and I were squealing all over Hangouts when we saw your name come up. ^_^ So happy for you!!!!!
Eeep, thank you, darling!!! <3 I so wish that friends like you (and the girls you mentioned) had placed too–I was rooting for so many of you! Did you find your feedback helpful?
I did! I got a 1 on the retelling category (whoops), which can't really be helped, because I ended up being super loose with it….but otherwise it was SUPER helpful! ^_^
Haha, whoops! XD It's easy to stray from the source material. But maybe this way you can do something else with your story and say it's loosely inspired by Snow White. I'm so glad your feedback was useful! ^_^
I'm so proud of you Tracey!!! Being a finalist is huge and I was so so happy to see your name up there! You deserve it, I know you worked super hard on your story! This is such a nice post! Thank you for the shout out!
That is also such good advice, I remember how depressed I got after losing the previous contest, your words are so encouraging!
*bear hugs* Thank you, Skye!!! You're such a blessing. <333 And *I* am so ridiculously excited for *you*!!! (Which you're probably tired of hearing by now, but I still can't help but grin when I think of the moment I saw your first line announced!)
We've all been there. ^_^ And look–you pressed on and didn't give up, and you won this time!
congrats, Tracey, for the honorable mention 🙂 I really want to read your story! And good words afterward… writing is half the battle! Keep writing and our stories will find their place 🙂
Thanks, Keturah! 😀 Hopefully you can someday! Absolutely. No one, writer or otherwise, ever got anywhere by throwing in the towel.
Congratulations on being an honorable mention!! And excellent advice to everyone as well.
Awww, thank you, Maddie! Congrats to YOU for winning a spot in the collection! I simply cannot wait to read your take on Snow White. 😀
CONGRATS!! this is such a major accomplishment that you totally deserve <33 Keep at it girl, God has amazing things in store for you!! <3
Sarah! You're so kind–thank you, girl! <3 You keep at it too, ya hear?
Awwwww! I adore this post!
I can't believe we've made it to the end of all the excitement these contests have brought for the past few years, but it sure did end with a bang!
I have no doubt this anthology is going to be mind-blowing! Every story sounds absolutely AMAZING. I mean, we already know Falling Snow is amazing. EEEEEE!!! 😀 I LOVE the title "Snowbird and the Red Slippers", and magical realism? YES PLEASE. That's a genre I've really been wanting to try more of. The others sound so delicious and intriguing as well. DECEMBER NEEDS TO HURRY UP!
I'm just so, so, soooo proud of all our writer friends. I can't stop grinning over it! AND I'M STILL SO COMPLETELY ECSTATIC FOR YOU!!!!!! Even in a dry, busy spell you still weave together a finalist-worthy story. YOU ARE A MAGICAL UNICORN YOURSELF. And I'm soooo excited to see what you do with MNL! A series of standalone Tracey fairytales set in the same world is SOMETHING I NEED. *flails*
Oh goodness, girl, your beautiful words. *clutches heart* Even though I didn't enter the contest, these are words I needed to hear! I think ALL writers do. Because writing is one of the most discouraging pursuits out there. There is so much rejection, and rejection on things we've put our hearts and souls into. It is not for the faint of heart! But it is so, SO worth it if story is your passion. All of your advice is pure gold. <3
Thank you for sharing this! It made me all nostalgic over these contests. Sad to see them end, but so very much looking forward to this last one to release! 😀
I'm glad! It's a wonder you all haven't gotten tired of me harping on about Snow White by now. XD
Oh, I know–it's so strange to think there won't be another one next year. But you're right, this was an epic conclusions!
I SERIOUSLY CAN'T WAIT. I NEED THESE STORIES NOW. Oh, saaaaame. I need to find more magical realism! (The Raven Cycle was an excellent example of the genre… minus certain things, but y'know.) December feels so far away! But I'm sure it'll be here before we know it.
Oh, me too! I was rooting for so many people–it was a really a night of mixed emotions, as there were friends to cheer for and friends to console all at once. AHHHH THANK YOU, MY FRIEND. <3333 You always help me see what I HAVE accomplished when I'm sometimes prone to see all the things I haven't. But um, YESH, this fairytale standalone series thing has been percolating for a couple of years now, so hopefully…! (And I'm seeing a few other people with ideas for similar series–like yourself and Jenelle! 😀 JUST GIVE ME ALLLL THE FAIRY TALES.)
It definitely can be a discouraging road! It's a very private pursuit, for one thing, and that can get lonely. And then there's the rejection you mentioned… It takes courage! I'm so glad you found this inspiring. ^_^
I'm so glad that Five Enchanted Roses caused our writing roads to merge! I'm sad to see theses contests end too, but I also can't wait to flail about Five Poisoned Apples when it releases! <3
Congrats on being a finalist! That's fantastic! Contests like these can be so scary and vulnerable, but I'm sure your novella was amazing and I can't wait to see it become a novel (or a novella depending on how you do it) someday. I'm sure it will be AWESOME!
I beta-read for three people who all had unique and beautiful stories that totally deserved to win. I think everyone who entered was probably amazing. I hope they don't let the hurt last for long and that they keep writing because they can only go up from here.
Amazing post! I'm so happy for you! <3 <3
~Ivie| Ivie Writes
Thanks so much, Ivie! There's always that little "here goes nothing…" feeling when you submit a story, that's for sure. But these contests have helped me grow so much! Awwww, I hope that day comes sooner rather than later! ;D
I read three stories as well! Even in that small sample, there was such creativity, which seemed to be the case for all of the brave writers who entered. Oh, I agree–I hope they use this as a springboard for greater things and that they keep on writing!
Thanks again! <333
Congratulations!!!! I was really hoping you'd get something in here!!! I was so glad to see that you were recognized for your work!! <3
BTW I'm loving this blog!!!
astoryspinner.blogspot.com
Thought I would let you know, I FINALLY published the tag. 😉
astoryspiner.blogspot.com
Awww, thank you, Erica! <3 I couldn't believe it myself! XD
(So, so happy you're enjoying Adventure Awaits. I've been swamped with school this week, hence my late reply to your comment, but I'll pop over to see your tag tomorrow if I can!)
Congrats, Tracy, on being a Finalist this year!!! Anne Elisabeth Stengl said the competition was fierce this year, and I believe it!
I love this post. I need to learn some of your skills as a blogger!
Thank you!!! I believe it too, Esther! From the glimpses I saw of everyone's stories, there was a TON of creativity and talent. Congrats again for your Special Unicorn achievement! *showers you in glitter*
Awww, you. ^_^
Congrats for being a finalist! That's a HUGE accomplishment! *claps and throws confetti*
storitorigrace.blogspot.com
Thanks so much, Tori!!! I was pretty surprised! <3
Huge congrats to you and all the other contestants who were finalists, Tracy!!
Catherine
Eeeek, thank you, Catherine! :DDD
Lovely blog post, Tracey! I know this sounds corny, but I really strongly felt that you would be a finalist this year! Congratulations to you again!!!
And thank you for the lovely shout out! <3 <3
Thanks, Alli!!! Awww, really? I don't think that sounds corny at all. Sometimes we just have that gut feeling about things. I was pretty sure I WASN'T going to place, so it looks like your instinct was smarter. 😉
Your post was wonderful–of course I had to share it! <3
Ahhhh that's so amazing! ALL OF THIS IS SO AMAZING! I'm so happy for Skye, too! I had no idea! Thank you for sharing the results and links and things! I was aware of the contest but didn't enter or follow it much. Thanks for sharing, and congrats for finalizing! <3
I KNOOOOW! Now we can shriek about how "I knew Skye when–!" XD
No problem for sharing the links and whatnot! I'm glad you were able to check in and see the results. Thanks so much, Hannah! <333
EEEEEEEPPP YOU WERE A FINALIST?? TRACEY THAT IS AMAAAAZING. 😀 I had a feeling you would make the finalists, honestly. From what you shared about your story, it sounded awesome. I'm so happy for you! ^_^
And YAY FOR SKYE!!! THAT IS SO AWESOME!!! 😀
AHHHH, THANK YOU, GIRL!!! You're too sweet. <333 I wasn't expecting it myself!
I'm so, so thrilled for her too!!!! It's perfect that I finally know one of the winners. (I know Jenelle too, but I can't remember if I got to know her before or after she won Roses…)
Congratulations to all the winners, finalists, and special unicorns!
Congratulations also to every writer not mentioned, who put so much time and effort into making a story- that is always something laudable!
Thank you, Blue! I just want to send gold medals to all of the writers, mentioned or not, because I agree–they put their hearts into the stories they wrote! 😀