Category Archives: 1

You Like To Win Writing Contests, Right?

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I do, too. But back in my newbie writer days, I didn’t win much. Okay, I didn’t win at all. In point of fact, I lost…money, time, and almost my confidence.

Here’s what I didn’t lose: common sense. I learned from my mistakes. And you can, too, if you check out my Muffin post today where I enumerated a couple of my more memorable mistakes (and the lessons I learned).

So zip over there and give yourself a better chance at winning writing contests. Because common sense is swell and all that, but winning is way better.

Science and Stories

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So it’s January–or the month I like to call, “Hello, Highlights Fiction Contest. We meet again.”

But this year is going to be different. Because this year, I’m going about this whole thing scientifically. 

Yes, indeed. I’m using science all up in here. Well, technically, all up in my head. I read “7 Ways To Use Brain Science To Hook Readers and Reel Them In” and now I am in possession of seven super scientific tips. I believe, as we say in the business, I have an edge.

Of course, I suppose it’s possible that tons of other writers have read the same article. I mean, it’s a very good article. It’s possible that even now, these writers are coming up with scathingly brilliant stories with ridiculously brilliant hooks. All the more reason for me to get to work.

Time–and the Highlights Fiction Contest–wait for no man (or Cathy C. Hall).

And P.S. You could probably benefit from these seven ways in whatever you’re writing. Essays, novels, short stories, flash–it’s all about telling stories. And apparently, science.