I finally have my journal back. So the first one for Living Dead Girl goes up today, but before I get into all that sadness and amazingity, I figure I can rant about this because this blog is supposed to be about being a writer and a minor, and it's semi-related, so humor me.
I've never entered a writing contest. I probably should, but they make me incredibly nervous for no good reason. Then sometimes, like today, in my case, you'll stumble across a contest that looks really fantastic -- free edits from editors or agents, chances of publication, money, the good stuff. And then, just as you're thinking, "Maybe it'd be worth it," you see the clause: must be over eighteen years of age. Gahburgahhhh. Whatever. I'll just have to go out and find a good one without the clause (like this one over at Coming Down The Mountain: http://karenjonesgowen.blogspot.com/2011/01/here-it-is-as-promised-submissions.html). It's my own fault for not being a proactive contest-enterer.
Anyway, enough of my frustration. In two years I'll be able to enter whatever contests I want (by the way, I've been worrying recently what I'm going to do with this blog when I'm not a minor anymore. I suppose I could keep the name under the idea of writing for minors, which I still plan to do.) Here's some ramblings about a wonderful book.
Living Dead Girl -- Elizabeth Scott
I'm not sure what I'm going to say about this book. I don't suppose saying, "It's indescribable" would win me any points? Maybe I'll start on the writing style and see if I'm up to the plot as I get on.
It would not be inaccurate to say the book was brilliantly written, though well written might be a bit of a stretch. The author has given up convention and 'literary excellence,' offering instead a first-person narrative whose heart beats between each syllable. The simplicity of the language juxtaposes interestingly with the depth of concept, reflecting realistically (or at least I think so) the voice of a teenager who, though only educated up to fifth grade, spends a lot of time experiencing and thinking about difficult things. It's an immediate voice, with flashbacks that feel like real, powerful memories and a cold, disenchanted life that's strangely enrapturing. The author didn't have to go into the gory details to whip your heart around like a kite in a hurricane. It's a journey-taking book. I read most of it in one sitting, and was disappointed to be interrupted.
Teen writer succumbs to the devastating wiles of fiction. Also available: opinions, blabbering, author-worship.
I hope you enter my contest. The only issue with being under 18, is that if you are offered a contract, your parent or legal guardian must sign it for you.
ReplyDeleteI plan to, though mostly for the comments - I get a sort of uneasy feeling that my ms isn't quite right for the publisher. But thank you for putting it on again. I missed it last time around.
ReplyDeleteI understand that I can't sign the contract, I guess I just find it disheartening that they don't think it's worth the small inconvenience. Perhaps they think limiting it that way will yeild better (or more professional) submissions, or something.