FINALIST--GOLDEN ACORN AWARD OF EXCELLENCE

I needed feedback. Badly. I'd started my first paranormal romance and was unsure of my elements and storyline. Were my paranormal elements strong enough? Was my storyline a silly premise? Through one of my RWA loops, I received notice of the Golden Acorn Award of Excellence contest put on by The Charter Oak Chapter of RWA, serving members living in Connecticut and Western Massachusetts. Granted it's considered a rather prestigious contest, but it's also well-known for its great judges' feedback. So I entered. Imagine my shock when I finaled.

A friend of mine finaled, too. And, frankly, I hope she wins. First of all, I don't think my heart could take the win...LOL...and second, the winner has a chance at agent representation with a literary agency. Most of you know I already have an agent--an agent I adore. So if I were to win, the prize would be wasted. Kind of like Angelina Jolie winning a free lip augmentation proceedure from a plastic surgeon. She's so stunning, she doesn't need it. And I don't need the attentions of another agent.

If you've ever read anything by AJ Nuest, you know she can wring the emotions right out of you. Lawd, how I cried through Jezebel's Wish. The woman knows how to play a strong jazzbeat on your heart strings, don't think she doesn't. She can also write humor AND paranormal. I tell stories; she makes you feel them. I do hope she wins and gets the nod from that literary agency.

Don't get me wrong now. I'd like to move up a notch or two in the rankings. Afterall, no one likes to be the last as$ in the class...oops...was that a cliche?

So, to my friend, AJ Nuest, you go girl! Make me proud.