What People Are Saying
As an unpublished writer, I try to enter contests where the judges will give feedback. With the Great Expectations contest, I not only received score sheets, but two judges gave insightful feedback that has helped me in my writing career. Thanks to the chapter for putting on a first-rate contest.
Tanya Agler
A PINCH OF CINNAMON
2nd Contemporary Series
What people are saying . . .
To Trust a Prince finaled in the Great Expectations contest in 2004. The feedback I got back from all the judges was invaluable. The comments were both supportive and constructive. The Harlequin editor who judged the finalists gave me incredible feedback that changed my writing completely. When I decided to pursue indie publishing, I broke out those comments and reworked the book. It's the second in my It Started in Texas series.
Today I'm an NTRWA member, and I love judging the contest.
Liz Lee
TO TRUST A PRINCE
2004 Honorable Mention, Long Contemporary
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Wife, mom, writer, teacher, dog mom, reality tv addict, low-carb aficionado, musical lover, world traveler. Happily Ever After are 3 of my favorite words. Follow me on twitter @AuthorLizLee @marybethleeybnp
www.authorlizlee.blogspot.com
What people are saying . . .
"I wanted to drop you all a line to say thank you. I placed first in the Great Expectations contest, Single Title category, in 2014. The feedback I received was so constructive and amazing. In April of 2014 the book was published by MuseItUp. I cannot thank you all enough for your help and guidance."
Vanessa M. Knight
2014 Single Title, 1st place
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Vanessa M. Knight writes contemporary romance novels with a dash of suspense. She's a member of Romance Writers of America and Windy City RWA.
She lives in Chicagoland with her husband, son and menagerie of dogs and cats. When not writing, Vanessa loves to scrapbook, watch movies and read anything she can find.
For more information on Vanessa, including her Internet haunts, contest updates, and details on her upcoming novels, please visit her website at www.vanessamknight.com.
What people are saying . . .
"I read an article written by Darynda Jones on the importance of entering contests as a way of obtaining much-needed feedback from people who don't know and love you, and as a avenue into publishing. I took her advice to heart and entered a few contests. The Great Expectations contest was different from the others in that I didn't feel as though I was shouting into the void, my entry forgotten in an unused e-mail box. My category coordinator was genuine and wonderful, personally writing notes to me to let me know where I was in the process. The feedback from judges was concise and instructive, helping to direct my edits. In all, the Great Expectations contest was an amazing experience."
Seana Kelly
Welcome Home, Katie Gallagher
2nd place, Single Title 2014
(editor request)
What people are saying . . .
"I was the NA category winner, and I do have a nice follow-up story! Thank you so much for asking.
I self-published the book literally the night that I won. Essentially, I let my win nudge me to dive into the deep end, and THE YEAR WE FELL DOWN became my first self-published book ever. Since that day, I've sold thousands of copies into 23 countries. The book has received glowing reviews from Dear Author, Aestas Book Blog and Maryse."
Cheers,
SARINA BOWEN
Author of contemporary romance & New Adult romance.
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Sarina Bowen writes steamy, angsty contemporary romance from Vermont's Green Mountains. Her ancestors began logging and farming Vermont during the 18th century. These were rugged, outdoor types without benefit of a laptop or a good latte. It boggles the mind.
Sarina enjoys skiing, skating and good food. She lives in Windsor County, Vermont, with her family, eight chickens and too much ski gear and hockey equipment.
What people are saying . . .
"I've entered The Great Expectations contest twice. In 2013, I finaled in the Historical category with The Tin Man's Heart, and in 2014, I won the Single Title Contemporary category with Wild in Her Eyes and garnered an editor request! I went on to sell that manuscript in a 3-book deal to St. Martin's Press. It has been retitled HONEYSUCKLE SEASON and will be released March 2015, just one year after the results!
I've entered many contests, and the NTRWA GE is my favorite. The first-round judges' feedback is excellent, the final judges are fabulous, and it is extremely organized. It seems like some finaling entries always receive requests. I can't recommend this contest highly enough!"
Laura Huskins
Writing as Laura Trentham
HONEYSUCKLE SEASON, March 2015
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I was born and raised in a small town in Northwest Tennessee. Although, I loved English and reading in high school, I was convinced an English degree equated to starvation! So, I chose the next most logical major - Chemical Engineering- and worked in a hard hat and steel toed boots for several years. Now I live in South Carolina with my husband and two children. In between school and homework and soccer practices, I love to get lost in another world, whether its Regency England or small town Alabama.
Right now, I'm working on Book 2 of my Falcon Football series, tentatively titled Firefly Season. And, I'm expecting edits for Book 1, Honeysuckle Season, in September and edits for Book 1 of my Spies and Lovers historical series, An Indecent Invitation, in October. It's going to be a busy fall!
But, you'd better believe I'll be planted on the couch every Saturday watching my University of Tennessee Volunteers play football! Go VOLS!
What people are saying . . .
"Finding out DINER GIRL was a finalist in the contemporary category of the Great Expectations contest in 2008 was one of those big, life changing events that propelled me toward believing in myself as a writer. For the first time I had readers, some even published, who enjoyed my writing. What a rush! Now that DINER GIRL is out as a second edition, all I can do is continue to give huge, heartfelt praise to the coordinators for making Great Expectations the contest that truly beats all other contests. Thank You!!"
Mary Duncanson
DINER GIRL
2nd place Contemporary Series 2008
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Mary Duncanson (who also writes as Mary Malcolm) lives in North Texas with a menagerie of animals and a steady stream of vagrant, imaginary friends (whom she politely refers to as characters). Addicted to coffee, chocolate, and Pablo Neruda, Mary spends most days either in front of her computer communing with her surly, shared muse, or drooling her way through Central Market (do not judge her; it is her Mecca).
Mary is most likely to be found online at www.facebook.com/authormarymalcolm, and her novels: DINER GIRL, ACCIDENTALLY A BRIDE, THE TEXAS MILLIONAIRE’S RUNAWAY WIFE, TROUBLE COMES KNOCKING, UNSPOKEN TROUBLE (2015), and BURNING TROUBLE (2015) can be found at most e-book retailers.
What people are saying . . .
ALL YOU NEED IS THE GIRL
Contemporary Series
HONORABLE MENTION
"As an Australian romance writer, I’m keen to ensure my books don’t have too many “Australian-isms” and for this reason, entered the GE contest. I wanted to see what American judges thought of my writing. The contest manager and judges’ feedback far exceeded my expectations and I believe this to be the most professional writing contest I’ve been a part of.
I found the feedback to be extremely valuable, insightful and helpful. The judges had a clear understanding of their role. The managing of the contest was excellent and it was fun to receive “pins” that I could post on line when I finaled.
I highly recommend the Great Expectations contest to unpublished romance writers."
Kind Regards,
Joanne Levy
w/a Joanne Dannon
What people are saying . . .
"I cannot recommend the NTRWA's Great Expectations contest enough. The feedback was both encouraging and humbling and I needed it. As a first time novelist, having the NTRWA's stamp of approval has opened up countless doors and given me confidence I lacked to start a conversation with a stranger about my book. Thanks NTRWA!"
Jamie Hoang
Blue Sun, Yellow Sky
3rd Mainstream with Romantic Elements 2014
I am blogging about the progress as I go at HeyJamie.com
What people are saying . . .
"After coordinating the Great Expectations Contest for several years, I stayed in the background advising in 2009 and was able to enter. I won the Contemporary Series category with SEE JANE RUN and sold the manuscript the following November to Harlequin Intrigue. Thanks to all the people who make the GE a terrific contest with excellent feedback. The volunteers, the judges, and the final-round editors are always stellar."
Angi Morgan
HILL COUNTRY HOLD UP, Harlequin Intrigue, September 2010
.38 CALIBER COVER UP, Harlequin Intrigue, February 2011
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"Morgan tightens the coil until it springs forward in an explosive finale." ~Romantic Times Magazine
USA Today and Publisher's Weekly best seller Angi's romantic suspense has been nominated for the Booksellers Best First & Best Series Romantic Suspense, Romantic Times Best First Series Romance, Gayle Wilson of Excellence, the Carolyn Readers Choice Award and the Daphne du Maurier, Angi Morgan utilizes her strong heritage to create passionate characters willing to risk everything. An 11th generation Texan, she plots ways to engage her readers with complex story lines, in actual Texas locations. She shares her research and photos on her daily blog.
I host a readers' blog introducing readers to authors and lots of give-aways: GetLostInAStory.blogspot.com
"Intrigues where honor and danger collide with love."
I love to chat with readers. Catch me on Facebook, A Picture A Day or Goodreads.
For more info: AngiMorganAuthor.com
What people are saying . . .
"The Great Expectations contest was the first contest I ever entered with my manuscript, PROOF BY SEDUCTION. I got fantastic feedback from judges who tried to "get" my manuscript, not the manuscript they wished I had written. The contest itself was also the best-run contest of every one that I have entered--we received regular communication and updates, and results came out extremely fast. Six months after I entered the contest, I sold the book that finaled."
Courtney Milan
PROOF BY SEDUCTION, HQN January 2010
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Courtney Milan is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of historical romance. Her books have received starred reviews in Publishers Weekly and Booklist.
Courtney lives in the Rocky Mountains with her husband, a medium-sized dog, and an attack cat. Before she started writing historical romance, she experimented with various occupations: computer programming, dog-training, scientificating.... But her favorite job is the one she's now doing full time--writing romance.
If you want to know when Courtney's next book will come out, please visit her website at http://www.courtneymilan.com, where you can sign up to receive an email when she has her next release.
What people are saying . . .
"In 2008, I won the historical category of the Great Expectations contest. I was really impressed by the quick turn around and highly recommend the GE. Kudos to North Texas RWA for such a well-organized contest. While my win did not lead directly to a sale, I did in fact sell the book that finaled in the GE in a three-book deal to Grand Central. All three books are slated for publication in 2011."
Vicky Dreiling
HOW TO MARRY A DUKE, January 2011
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Vicky Dreiling is a confirmed historical romance junkie and Anglophile. Frequent business trips to the UK allowed her to indulge her passion for all things Regency England. Bath, Stonehenge, and Spencer House are among her favorite places. She is, however, truly sorry for accidentally setting off a security alarm in Windsor Castle. That unfortunate incident led her British colleagues to nickname her "Trouble."
When she's not writing, Vicky enjoys reading, films, concerts, and most of all, long lunches with friends. She holds degrees in English literature and marketing. A native Texan, she shares her home with her daughter and a spoiled mini-lop rabbit that lives in a slightly gnawed cardboard cottage.
Triple RITA finalist Vicky Dreiling is a confirmed historical romance junkie and Anglophile. Frequent business trips to the UK allowed her to indulge her passion for all things Regency England. Bath, Stonehenge, and Spencer House are among her favorite places. She is, however, truly sorry for accidentally setting off a security alarm in Windsor Castle. That unfortunate incident led her British colleagues to nickname her “Trouble.” Vicky is a native Texan and holds degrees in English literature and marketing.
Visit her at: http://www.vickydreiling.com/
What people are saying . . .
"In 2005 my short contemporary manuscript, MAGGIE'S MAKEOVERS, placed second in the Great Expectations contest. From the editor's request, I went on to sell that book to Harlequin American Romance and THE MAN FOR MAGGIE was a June 2007 release. That book earned a four and a half star review from Romantic Times, and was a double nominee for a 2007 Reviewers' Choice Award. Thanks NTRWA for running such a great contest. It changed my life!"
Lee McKenzie
FIREFIGHTER DADDY, Harlequin American, July 2010
THE MAN FOR MAGGIE, Harlequin American, June 2007
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From the time Lee McKenzie was ten years old and read Anne of Green Gables and Little Women, she knew she wanted to be a writer, just like Anne and Jo. In the intervening years she has written advertising copy, magazine articles and an honors thesis in paleontology, and edited conference proceedings, educational material and technical publications. Along the way, her imagination demanded a more creative outlet, and she soon discovered the world of romance. Becoming a four-time Golden Heart finalist and a Harlequin author are her proudest accomplishments yet.
Lee and her artist/teacher husband live on an island in the Pacific Northwest, and she loves to spend time with two of her best friends--her grown-up children. To find out more about Lee and her books, readers are invited to visit her at www.leemckenzie.com.
What people are saying . . .
"One of my favourite contests during my unpublished years was the Great Expectations (first in Mainstream with Romantic Elements, 2006; third in Short Contemporary, 2006). There was an extra personal touch and the coordinators were so helpful regarding my entry coming from overseas. Feedback was excellent and the range of final judges was fabulous. It’s still one I recommend to friends!"
Rachel Bailey
CLAIMING HIS BOUGHT BRIDE
Silhouette Desire, Jan 2010
THE BLACKMAILED BRIDE'S SECRET CHILD
Silhouette Desire, Feb 2010
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Rachel Bailey is a lover of books, chocolate, dogs, and ice cream. Luckily, she has three dogs, an ice cream maker, a steady supply of chocolate, and bookshelves overflowing with books, so she's covered on all fronts.
Despite spending her life trying to scam more time to read, she's managed to graduate with degrees in psychology and social work, and now has her dream job - making up stories for a living.
Her books have hit the USA Today bestseller list, are published in over twenty-six countries and have been translated into sixteen languages.
She lives on a piece of paradise (ten acres of native trees on the side of a hill, within driving distance to the beach) on Australia's east coast with her own personal hero. She loves to sit with a dog or two, overlooking the trees and read books from her ever-growing to-be-read pile.
What people are saying . . .
"I'd also like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the entire chapter. Way back when I first started writing I naively entered your contest thinking I'd blow everyone away with my superb writing. 😉 I finished second from the bottom and realized much to my chagrin I had a great deal to learn. (Bummer!) Thanks to the constructive and encouraging comments of your judges all those years ago, however, I knew what needed fixed and I worked on that. This year, I'm a finalist. Thank you, thank you, thank you! Your chapter rocks."
Dianne Burns
FRANK, INCENSE and MURIEL, 4th Place Inspirational Category
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Published as Anne K. Albert
Anne K. Albert has taught high school art, sold display advertising for a weekly newspaper, and worked for a national brand water company, but now writes full time. When not at the keyboard, the award winning author enjoys traveling with her high school sweetheart husband (22 countries to date), visiting friends and family, and of course, reading using "Threegio" her cherished and much beloved Kindle! Visit her online at http://www.Anne-K-Albert.com
What people are saying . . .
"I don't know if you'll remember me, but I won 2nd Place in the Paranormal category of the Great Expectations contest in 2006 with a manuscript entitled DEAD GIRLS ARE EASY. I'm thrilled to report that I've since sold the manuscript to Avon Books (along with the sequel, WHERE THE GHOULS ARE)! Woohoo! Thanks so much."
Terri Garey
DEAD GIRLS ARE EASY, Avon Books 2007
WHERE THE GHOULS ARE, Avon Books 2008
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A Southern girl with an overactive imagination, Terri Garey writes award-winning and critically-acclaimed urban fantasy. Her novels have been described as "smoldering" by Publishers Weekly, and "sultry and upbeat" by Library Journal. Even though she's a big scaredy-cat who can't watch horror movies or visit haunted houses, she loves moonlit graveyards, moss-covered headstones and the idea that life goes on even after it's over. You can visit her on the web, friend her on Facebook and occasionally find her on Twitter.
What people are saying . . .
"The Great Expectations is a fantastic contest to enter. I'm a three time finalist with this contest and have gotten valuable feedback as well as editor interest. I would highly recommend entering this one.”
Lindsey Brookes
American Title III Finalist
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Romance author Lindsey Brookes spent part of her life growing up in the deep south, the rest up north where winter brings in the cold and the snow. She penned her first romance, a historical, at the age of seventeen. From there she went on to join Romance Writers of America where she learned the ins and outs of the publishing business and ways to hone her craft. She switched to writing contemporary romance and has finalled in/or won more than 75 RWA chapter sponsored contests with over a dozen different manuscripts. She is also a four time RWA Golden Heart finalist as well as a past American Title III finalist and winner of Harlequin's Great American Romance Novel contest. She's married to her childhood sweetheart, her hero, with whom she has two beautiful daughters.
Check out her websites:
What people are saying . . .
"I choose my contests carefully and Great Expectations proved to be a great pick. Even though my story didn't place with the top entries, I received excellent, constructive feedback that bolstered my belief that I'd soon be published. Now, a year later, I'm happy to say that WHERE SOULS COLLIDE (formerly Inkling) will be released this summer by Dorchester/Leisure. Thanks again for this worthwhile opportunity."
Stefanie Worth
HEAVENSENT.COM, Holiday Brides anthology, Leisure Books, October 2009
WHERE SOULS COLLIDE, Dorchester, August 2007
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I write fantasy because, well, I believe in magic. From those negligible every day moments when a smile changes a stranger's mood, to those random acts of kindness that alter the course of another's life - magic surrounds us at every turn.
I've been writing practically all my life - reading even longer. The first fantasy book I remember devouring was Mio My Son by Astrid Lindgren. The story must have transformed me because I've been all about Twilight Zone, Outer Limits, Stephen King and Dean Koontz ever since. I suppose I've never lost my childhood fascination with the wonder of "what if?"
Since I grew up to be an author, writing gives me the luxury of morphing run-of-the-mill magic into bigger-than-life characters with problems and powers to match. I've fueled my imagination over the years by living a drama-filled life and scrutinizing human nature.
There's no greater feeling than making up an ordinary woman and turning her into the heroine of my book. She's always somebody from today's world who gets caught up in a supernatural situation that tests her smarts and her heart. She'll meet the challenge with grit. She'll make the tough choices. She'll change and she'll win. But the question will always be "At what cost?"
With my stories you'll see: Magic works in mysterious ways. Just believe.
http://www.stefanieworth.com/
What people are saying . . .
"My manuscript which placed first in the Long Contemporary category in 2005 will be published in June 2007. Laura Shin, who was the contest judge, requested the full, and then after I revised it and resubmitted, she bought the book in October 2006 for Harlequin SuperRomance.
"I gave the Great Expectations contest a plug in my chapter loop. I thought the personal touch with your communication was amazing. The feedback was wonderfully thoughtful and right on target! I thoroughly enjoyed my GE contest experience, even before I sold the book.
"Thanks for all you do for the romance writing community!"
Ellen Hartman
WANTED MAN, Harlequin SuperRomance, June 2007
HIS SECRET PAST, Harlequin SuperRomance, May 2008
THE BOYFRIEND'S BACK, Harlequin SuperRomance, December 2009
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I've been making a living as a writer since I got my creative writing degree from Carnegie Mellon University and went to work for Microsoft. I spent fifteen years writing technical manuals no one ever read until I finally decided to take a shot at writing what I really
love...romance.
http://www.ellenhartman.com/
What people are saying . . .
"Contests can be the quickest route to an editor or agent, particularly one such as Great Expectations that has category-specific score sheets. I credit contests with helping me sell and establishing my name.”
Dianna Love
WORTH EVERY RISK
Silhouette Intimate Moments March 2005
2006 Rita® Best First Book
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New York Times bestseller Dianna Love once dangled over a hundred feet in the air to create unusual marketing projects for Fortune 500 companies. She now writes high-octane romantic thrillers, young adult (as Micah Caida) and urban fantasy. The first five books in her new Slye Temp romantic thriller series - LAST CHANCE TO RUN, NOWHERE SAFE, HONEYMOON TO DIE FOR, KISS THE ENEMY and DECEPTIVE TREASURES - all met with rave reviews. Her books are available in print, e-book and audio. On the rare occasions Dianna is out of her writing cave, she tours the country on her BMW motorcycle searching for new story locations. Dianna lives in the Atlanta, GA area with her husband who is a motorcycle instructor and with a tank full of unruly saltwater critters. http://www.AuthorDiannaLove.com or Join her Dianna Love Street Team on Facebook and get in on the fun!