Fame and Fortune | Cathy C. Hall Writes

I read in my big-city newspaper where researchers from the University of Georgia (Shout out to PR guy, Anonymous!) concluded that folks who go overboard with the social networking might be a tad narcissistic. Frankly, I’m shocked. I mean, can’t a person talk about themselves ad infinitum without being super self-absorbed?

I, for one, can’t wait to see what my buddy, Bill, has to say on his podcast and BillTV. And now he has a vlog! So, if you’d like to see a very funny guy talk about well, himself, then head over to BillTV right now.

Now, I know you’re wondering what the heck does Bill’s vlog have to do with writing? As it happens, one man’s narcissism is another man’s (or woman’s) promotion. So, you could learn a thing or two about promoting your work by watching Bill’s vlog and other YouTube videos. Plenty of authors are taking it to that 4 x 4 inch screen, making videos about their books, and driving up sales.

Betcha didn’t think of that, did you? Lucky me. I know exactly who I’ll call for a few tips when I produce the Cathy C. Hall of Fame vlog.

You know how I love the contests. And not just because I win contests. Though that’s smashing, isn’t it?

I love contests because I love finding homes for those pieces I’ve written that are wandering about in some file folder, dragging their feet. I love contests for whatever bit of Fame and Fortune I might grab. But when writer’s groups sponsor contests, I’m always interested. I love those contests because I love to support writers. I’m happy to send my entry fee because I know that some of that money will go to a worthy group of folks.

Oh, I know some people will say that your poem or story or whatever won’t really garner much attention, or hold much weight when you’re looking for an editor or publisher. That’s okay. ‘Cause that’s not why I enter those contests, anyway.

But I’m also a firm believer in making your own luck. And who’s to say that some wonderful editor or publisher may not be in that very same group wherein you submitted your entry and won? Who’s to say he or she will read your story or poem or whatever and say, “Wow! This is one talented writer whom I’d like to work with…and give a great big contract to her, too!” Hey, it could happen.

So, take a look at the Abilene Writers Guild Annual Contest for 2008. Check out the website here for all the details. You have till October 31st to send in your scathingly brilliant works and impress the judges. And who knows? Maybe you’ll impress an editor or publisher, to boot. (Sheesh. It took me forever to work “boot” into this Texas contest post.)