ABNA 2014 is right around the corner

let’s do this thing

It’s late this year—submissions aren’t open for another week and a half where last year they were already closed by this time—but ABNA 2014 is happening. I’m really excited. Participating in ABNA last year was a huge validation for me and a boost to my writerly confidence. I am not expecting to win this year. I’m not even really expecting to get as far as I did last year, but I’ll be entering the contest anyway.

I think I’ll submit EXTRACTION. I have a few other novels done, but all of those need some polishing. And, really, those novels need some rewriting in light of the finalized version of EXTRACTION. EXTRACTION, too, might be an easier sell than ARIAH was—it’s a tighter, more focused book. It is a more action-oriented book: where Ariah, as a character, was somewhat prone to navel-gazing Rethnali is much more decisive and less reflective.

I’m planning on taking the next week to give EXTRACTION a thorough re-read and final polish before sending it along to ABNA. I am hoping in the process of rereading it that I can get jogged out of the stalled rut I’ve found myself in for its sequel. Wish me luck, and much luck to those of you entering ABNA yourselves!