Golden Heart and Rita Finalists

Yesterday was a big day in the world of RWA. Calls went out to notify finalists in the Golden Heart and Rita contests--kind of like the Academy award nominations of television. There is nothing quite like getting that phone call. The members of the Wet Noodle Posse (www.wetnoodleposse.com) made a pretty impressive showing, with 8 members getting a total of 11 finals in the Rita and Golden Heart. The WNP is made up of member of the 2003 Golden Heart finalist group who banded together and formed lasting friendships. Many of our members have gone on to sell, others are on the verge. Hopefully these latest finals will push a few more over the top. I couldn't be happier for my Noodler sisters.

I didn't final, but it didn't bother me as much this year. Agents and editors have responded positively to my characters, but other writers take issue with my heroine, at least in the beginning. For some reason, as writers we think our heroine has to be immediately likeable, but I tend to think a story needs to leave room for characters to grow and change. My heroine is initially spoiled and at loose ends, but she ultimately finds her calling and learns that there's a lot more to life than money.

Okay, so it didn't final. That's the last GH attempt for this particular heroine. If she doesn't sell this year, I'll put the book aside until after I sell another, then maybe revisit the ms and see if I can change it in some way to make it better. But I don't think these particular characters will ever leave me alone completely. I still love them all. But now it's time to get back to the work in progress--and it's time to FTDB. (Finish the d**n book)