In January I entered the Writing with the Stars
contest run by author Tara Luebbe. This contest is for aspiring picture book
writers and illustrators to win a free three-month-long mentorship with a
published author or author/illustrator. This is the third year this contest has
been running, and it is an amazing opportunity. It gives writers and/or illustrators
the chance to work and learn from someone in the industry. The mentors help
critique manuscripts, answer questions, and give valuable advice. This is not
something very many aspiring writers get to do. It is definitely a unique and
incredible opportunity.
When I was looking over the mentors chosen for this
year, I was surprised and excited to find that my favorite picture book author,
Tammi Sauer, was on the list. I knew immediately
that I wanted to enter. Tammi is an amazing author, and the thought of her
sharing her expertise with someone like me made me so excited. Of course, I had
reservations. I kept thinking about what were the odds that she would choose
me. However, I knew she had to pick someone, so why not me?
Each person entering the contest can submit to three different
mentors. They can only win one mentorship, but they can apply to three
different mentors. I, however, only wanted to work with Tammi, so I only
submitted to her. I knew she would be the best mentor to help me improve my
craft and further my writing.
I got right to work reading and polishing my best
manuscript. When I felt like it was ready to go, I sent it off with the
application cover page. I tried not to think about the contest too much, but it
was on my mind every day. I kept thinking about how amazing it would be if she
chose me. I tried not get my hopes up, but let’s be honest, that is no easy
task. My mind tends to run away with all of the possibilities and opportunities.
It is probably the writer in me, but I definitely spent a lot of time
fantasizing about the what ifs.
About a week after I sent off my application, I got an
email from Tara Luebbe telling me that Tammi wanted to see more work from me.
She told me to email her two more picture book manuscripts for Tammi to review.
I was elated, but I also knew that Tammi had most likely asked for more
manuscripts from other writers. I tried to keep my excitement in check, but it
was hard. My mind was really running away with me. I just kept thinking that
maybe she would pick me.
I then had the agonizing task of deciding which two
picture book manuscripts to send to Tammi . It’s hard to know exactly which of
my manuscripts were the best ones to send. I read and reread everything I have
ever written. I went back and forth. Finally, I knew which ones I wanted to
send. I sent them off, and waited for the day the winners would be announced.
It was so hard to wait.
When January 31 arrived, I could hardly stand it. I
checked Twitter every few minutes. I didn’t want to miss the announcements. I
was on my way to Target, when I finally saw the announcements being made. As I
scrolled down through each one, I could hardly breathe. When I came to Tammi’s
name, I could not believe that my name was next to hers. Tammi Sauer had chosen
me. Me! It was a dream come true. I was
going to work with, and learn from my favorite picture book author.
I am so grateful for contests like Writing with the
Stars. It gives people like me opportunities that we would not otherwise have. I
am so thankful to Tara Luebbe and Tammi Sauer for being so generous and kind.
They sacrificed and gave up their time to help others. They are amazing. I can’t
thank them enough. I am one lucky writer.
Now stay tuned for my next post, when I talk all about
my mentorship with Tammi. She is the most amazing mentor, and I feel truly
blessed to have worked with her.
