Why Contest?

by Eva Marie Everson

It’s that time again! Time to start talking about the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference contests.

If you have been to BRMCWC before, you know that the awards banquet is one of the highlights of the conference. We dress up. We dine by candlelight. And we hear phrases like, “And the winner is …”

For me, as the BRMCWC Contest Director, this is an especially exciting evening. For months, published books have arrived at my door, carefully packaged in manila. Unpublished manuscript submissions have arrived in my inbox. The works have then been sent to readers and judges. Sometimes by more than one judge. The results have been sent back to me and I have spent an afternoon printing the winners names onto certificates and sliding them into blue folders trimmed in gold. 

Then, the magic evening is upon us … the evening when I get to call the names of the winners, to see their faces beaming with excitement, to stand next to them (and Al and Edie) for our photo op moment.

But first … before all of that, the conferee or the author has taken the time to read about the contests and then to send in their submission. None of these grand moments occur without that first act.

But why be a part of the contest?

Well, for one … did I mention the thrill of hearing your name called from the podium? Of receiving the certificate or award? Of having your photo taken with Edie and me? And Al?

For another, there is a discipline in following the instructions of a contest, the same type of discipline necessary for working with agents and editors. 

Entering contests such as the BRMCWC Unpublished Contest, the Selah Awards, and the Director’s Choice Awards is also an opportunity for writers to release their words to someone else. To say, “Yes, I wrote this” and to trust that it will be all right. 

Entering is a chance to shine, whether you win or not.

And, did I mention … you get to have your photo taken with Edie and me. And Al. 

To learn more about entering the BRMCWC contests, go to: BRMCWC CONTEST

 

Eva Marie Everson is a writer, editor, and director of the Florida Christian Writers Conference. She is also the contest director for Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference.

Comments

[Tina Hunt]

Last year when I decided to attend BRMCWC, I read all about the contests. I'm not sure where I found the inner gumption to hit the send button, but I did and I was blessed to hear my name called at the banquet. No I didn't win first place, but my work received honorable mention. The experience birthed in me a courage that enabled me, just two months after my first conference, to enter a contest where I wrote a book!In August I learned that I was chosen as one of the top 5 finalists. I'm still waiting to hear how I faired, but win or lose I now have a written a book!

In one of my face to face sessions during the conference, I sat across from Alton Gansky and he looked at me and gave me the advice (which may seem simple to some) but helped me move beyond my fears: just do it. Good general advice and great advice as you consider entering the contests at BRMCWC 2013. I know I will be.