WRITING CHRONICLE #15: Contest! & #AuthorToolboxBlogHop

Via: Daily Prompt – Climbing & Jolt

I have been very erratic about posting on the blog recently. It’s because I’m preparing for a writing contest! Amazon UK has launched a writing competition, the Kindle Storyteller literary prize, and I’ve decided to give it a go. Aside from the £20,000 cash award, it also offers the opportunity of being recognized in a well-publicized platform and a book marketing contract by the sponsors. The money is tempting but the glory would be nicer. That’s one way up the ladder, right?

Now, here’s the thing. No way am I delusional enough to believe that I’m winning. But it will ensure that the judges will read my story and who knows, I may pick up a contract anyway. The award program was announced last February but for some reason, I only received the reminder e-mail, which was sent last week. And the entry closes on May 19! It has to be a previously unpublished story of minimum 5,000 words (which is manageable). I had thought of putting in one of my short stories (we fiction writers always have a few completed works lying around) but decided I was to write a fresh one. 

So here’s how I’m working through my essential checklist:

1. Am I 18 years old? Checked.
2. Have an Amazon account? Duh!
3. Have a completed Amazon KDP account? Yes! Finally.
4. Accepted the KDP and KDP Select T&C? Done.
5. Opened an online payment account since Bangladeshi banks are not listed with Amazon? An irritating problem but researching on the best platform to overcome the challenge.
6. Wrote a new novelette worthy of the task? Work-in-progress. Expecting approx. 15,000 words. Is going to be a sad tale with a happy ending.

So I’ll only be posting my committed weekly WRITING CHRONICLES and WEDNESDAY REFLECTIONS for the next few weeks until my entry is written, polished, and submitted. This is the first time I’m doing something like this. I’m pretty sure lotteries and competitions don’t work around me – or rather, for me. But when I read the e-mail, I just felt this thrill. A catch in my breath, you know? And I knew, I just knew I should do this. I’m a little awed by my boldness but what the hey! It’s a step.

I also thought this would be perfect for my first Author Toolbox Blog Hop post. I’m sure some of you, my fellow authors (on the hop and off), will not know about the contest and may wish to enter as well. So there you go, the link is on top. It’s a great opportunity and simple enough to commit to. I’ll see you on Blog Hop Day!

If you do decide to enter, make sure you read through all the guidelines and policies carefully. There’s a lot. The terms and conditions are simple although there are quite a few “ifs” and “buts” to navigate. I wish all current and potential contestants all the best!