Happy Thursday, everyone! At least, I hope it’s happy in your corner of the world. 2020 continues to be difficult for many, between contentious political elections, looming lockdowns, earthquakes, hurricanes, and who knows what else. But here’s what I’m learning through all of this: joy is a choice. And if I find myself without, it isn’t current events that have stolen it from me; it’s because I have given it away. And I refuse to do that.
One thing I’ve found that has helped me through this season is doing the things I enjoy. With the day so full of responsibilities and distractions, it’s easy to lose that “me time.” But breathers, even short ones, are especially important when things are so hard. So make the time to take a walk, call a friend, enjoy a holiday treat, or do some writing. For me, I’m going to do some critiques :).
CRITIQUES 4 U!
If you’re working on a first page (in any genre except erotica) and would like some objective feedback, please leave a comment. Any comment :). As long as the email address associated with your WordPress account/comment profile is up-to-date, I’ll be able to contact you if your first page is chosen. Just please know that if I’m unable to get in touch with you through that address, you’ll have to forfeit your win.
Two caveats:
▪ Please be sure your first page is ready to go so I can critique it before next month’s contest rolls around. If it needs some work and you won’t be able to get it to me right away, let me ask that you plan on entering the next contest, once any necessary tweaking has been taken care of.
▪ I’d like to be able to use portions of winning submissions as illustrations in an upcoming presentation on first pages. By entering the Critiques 4 U contest, you’ll be granting permission for me to use small writing samples only (no author names or book titles).
Three commenters’ names will be randomly drawn and posted tomorrow morning. If you win, you can email me your first page and I’ll offer my feedback.
We run this contest on a monthly basis, so if you’d like to be notified when the next opportunity comes around, consider subscribing to our blog (see the left-hand sidebar).
Best of luck!
Becca Puglisi is an international speaker, writing coach, and bestselling author of The Emotion Thesaurus and its sequels. Her books are available in five languages, are sourced by US universities, and are used by novelists, screenwriters, editors, and psychologists around the world. She is passionate about learning and sharing her knowledge with others through her Writers Helping Writers blog and via One Stop For Writers—a powerhouse online library created to help writers elevate their storytelling.
Ok! The following lucky ducks will receive a first-page critique: Jessica Swafford, Mary, and Yolanda. I’ll be in touch with you all shortly.
Thanks for entering, everyone! We’ll see you next month 🙂
Yes please!!
Love this monthly offering!
I agree. Finding ‘me time’ is so important to keep our sanity during these crazy times. Thank you again for these generous opportunities. Hope everyone is well.
I would love my first page to be critiqued as this is my first writing protect.
I ‘d love to have your critique for my women’s lit novel. Thanks.
Would love my first page to be critiqued as I embark on another rewrite!
I hope this is the answer to my prayer. I thank God already for keeping the hope alive
Love your blogs. They are inspiring and informative. Thanks.
Hi! I would love to be included! What a great idea.
Thank you so much for offering this. I’m in.
I would love the opportunity. Thank you!
Yay for critiques! 😊
I’d love to hear what you think of my first page – first impressions being so important
It is amazing that you offer this opportunity every month. Thank you!
This is exactly what I need right now! Thanks for the opportunity and for giving so generously to our writing community.
Would appreciate your critique of a possible opening page…
I’d appreciate a critique since the beginning pages have always been my biggest struggle. Thanks.
Hi Becca. I would love you to read my first page. Your feedback would be immensely helpful as I’m very anxious to get published. I hope to hear from you!
You are so right, Becca. We choose how we feel and how we react to what’s happening around us, over which we have no control.
Of course, I’d love to be chosen but the fun is in taking part 🙂