Why Writers Shouldn’t Care About the RITAs
Well, I did it! I just finished up judging the six books sent to me as part of the RITA contest. And now more than ever, I’m convinced…the contest simply doesn’t matter.
(For those of you who don’t know…the RITA award is an award given to authors by Romance Writers of America. It is peer-judged. Each book entered is judged by five preliminary judges and if they make the finals, by five final round judges. FYI.)
Look, I’m not dissing anyone who has won. Or been nominated. Hell, I’ve been nominated, would love to be nominated again. Winning would seriously kick ass. But after reading this year’s entries, I’m no longer going to allow the slightest disappointment if I’m not nominated.
You know why? Because the contest simply isn’t an accurate reflection of a book’s success or potential success.
It’s not even an accurate reflection of whether or not a book is good.
Let me tell you why…and I’ll do it discreetly, so no one will know what books I’m talking about.
I had six books to judge.
First book…a paranormal. A cute, funny one.
Guess what? I’m not much for paranormals that are cute and funny. I much prefer the darker ones. I’m not saying I can’t read and enjoy cute, funny paranormals–but they are not my preference, so here comes a book I’m pretty much ready not to like so much.
The writing was good…but frankly, the plotting just wasn’t my cuppa. But I knew there wasn’t anything WRONG with the plotting…it just wasn’t enjoyable to me as a reader. Too silly. So here’s a book that is technically well written that got a lower score (not low by any means–above average, for sure) from me simply because no matter how I tried, this book simply didn’t call for me to read it. I had to force myself. And that’s not fun.
But the entire time, I could definitely see how OTHER people could like the book a lot. Only the thing is, OTHER people aren’t judging the contest. I am. So my personal preferences rule. Sorry, but they do.
It’s impossible to “be objective.” This contest isn’t just about the technical side of writing. It’s also about the intangibles…reader interest, character, theme, tension. One person’s masterpiece is another person’s “meh.”
And so it goes…
Second book…short contemporary. Predictible, predictible, predictible. If I can figure out a plot in ten pages, this is not good. Now, a reader who hadn’t read a lot of short contemporary romances probably would have been surprised by the plot twists, but I’ve been reading short contemporary books for over 15 years. Takes a lot to surprise me. See? Writing was fine…but the storyline just didn’t fit with ME. I feel badly for this writer. She drew the short end of the stick getting me as her reader. Average score.
Third book…another short contemporary. This one I read all the way through quickly and liked the story fairly well. Lacked a plot really, but hey, short contemporary sometimes does and I’m okay with that. Above average score.
Fourth book…another paranormal. This one I like. Has a few elements that stretch credulity with me at the end (not the right place to put them…I’d rather have hints sprinkled through that these really weirdo things might happen later so it doesn’t seem like the writer is just writing herself out of a corner) but the writing was good and I went back to the story each time with enthusiasm. Oh, and it had vampires. This is not a good thing for me–I’m not a big vampire fan. BUT this writer had a cool world created. So in this case, my personal preferences didn’t get in my way. Cool. Above average score.
Fifth book…another paranormal. By a very popular author. I’ve read previous books by this author and enjoyed them. Read this one voraciously…then hated the ending. Hated, hated, hated. As a reader. As a writer. HUGE disappointment. Only gets a slightly above average score despite the fact that I’d read it as if I were eating pasta. Note to self: make sure you don’t rush the ending or gyp your reader. Oh, and it had vampires–which again, I didn’t mind. Maybe I don’t hate vampires as much as I think I do.
Sixth book…another pararnormal…with vampires. Really liked this one a lot. Awesome voice. Read with enthusiasm. Some parts didn’t make sense…still, I gave it a pretty high score. The highest of all the books except maybe book four (see, I’ve already forgotten!) Solid writing, great characters. Very interesting and unique world building. Maybe it’s old hat to people who read a lot of vampire books, but to me…I thought it was cool. Until this exercise, the only vampires I’d read were Anne Rice and Bram Stoker. You know, the classics. 
Now, I’m much more widely read…though if these books were series books, I’m not sure I’d read another one. You know, all those vampires. 
So you can pretty much see how random I felt my scores were.
I read book reviews, but I have never NOT bought a book because of a review. I have bought books because of reviews, but never the opposite. A book has to pretty much get panned in several trusted places before I decide I don’t want to read it–and even then, if a book came to my attention enough for me to read the reviews in more than one place, chances are I’m going to find out for myself whether or not I think the book is good and not trust some reviews. Nothing makes me cringe more than seeing someone post on a message board the following: “X, thanks for the review! I’m so glad I didn’t buy the book since you hated it.”
HUH?
I mean, unless this is your bestest friend with whom you share EXACT reading tastes, does this make sense? Not to me. I’ve read lots of books that I’ve loved and my friends have not…and vice-versa.
This exercise, first and foremost, made me appreciate my 2005 RITA nomination even more. But it also reminded me that it’s all about luck and very little about talent simply because so many writers are talented! I’d say that five out of the six books I read were flawlessly written. The characterization was strong, the voices interesting. One stood out above the rest. The other didn’t quite measure up because of plot problems.
And let’s talk about plot problems. Some readers don’t give a good damn if a book is “predictible.” They don’t care in the least. This is simply a pet peeve of mine–ask the Plotmonkeys who is always saying, “Oh, that’s been done a million times.” Me. I admit it. Sometimes, predictible works for me, sometimes it doesn’t. Sometimes I’m so unfamiliar with a genre or subgenre that I don’t know what is predictible and what isn’t.
So…what the point of this blog. Just flushing the whole judging thing out of my system. I really don’t enjoy judging other people’s work. In fact, I sort of hate it. But RWA needs judges, so I do it. But over the many years I’ve been doing this, I’ve learned it is essential for an entrant to to draw precisely the right judges for their work…and there’s no way to do that. No work, in my opinion, is universal. Good writing will out–as the saying goes–it still subjective. I might think a book is utterly fantabulous that someone else enjoyed, but wasn’t overly enthusiastic about–or downright hated.
My moods change. A book that I loved at the time might be a chore for me to read another day. And what if that mood never changes? I remember reading a book once that I started and stopped about five times before the mood finally hit me and I loved the book so much it ended up one of my top ten favorite books for the year…why did it take me so long to warm up? Can’t say. It wasn’t one I had to judge, so I don’t have to!
So, I guess the point of my blog is to assure my fellow writers that while I wish you all the best of luck in getting nominated for a RITA or any other contest and hope you wish the same for me, keep in mind that the whole act is subjective and you cannot measure your worth as an author or measure the worth of your books by one contest or another. You got published. You probably have emails from readers telling you how much they loved a book.
THAT is what counts.
And to readers–whether or not a book gets good reviews doesn’t mean you won’t possibly enjoy it. Right? You should decide for yourself if it’s a book that otherwise caught your interest. That’s why I love book discussions, but abhor book lynchings. There’s a difference.
I just realized that it looks like I give terminally average scores in the RITAs. Actually, four books I judged in preliminary rounds in years past have not only made it to the finals, they’ve won. It’s all luck of the draw.
In talking with other readers, the general consensus is that awards don’t mean too much to them. I have to agree that I don’t check to see whether a new-to-me author has won awards. I’ve never read some of the biggies: Krentz, SEP (well I read Ain’t She Sweet?), most of Roberts (though I adore JD Robb). I can’t say I never will, just haven’t.
Reading is so, so subjective, and even people with similar tastes will not like the same books all the time. I never say never, but I also know what I don’t want to read, depending on my mood at that time. Right now I’ve OD’d on the vamps. Doesn’t matter if the most brilliant story comes along, I just can’t muster up much enthusiasm for it. But one day I may feel the need to read one again. Everything is cyclical, even a reader’s tastes.
I’ve also pretty flexible about things that drive others crazy: first person, secret babies, age differences. Some won’t read stories with those or other elements. Not me. I’m willing to be convinced.
Anyways, I just hope all this rambling made some sort of sense *g*
Comment by Stacy ~ — February 21, 2007 @ 7:24 am
I read everything, not just one type. I may read anything from romance to nonfiction. It the author does a good job they’ll pull me into the story. I’m always willing to give a book a chance to matter what the reviews.
Comment by Theresa N. — February 21, 2007 @ 8:30 am
I was tickled with my Rita books this time. I had some *really* good ones. I’ll be interesting to see if any of them make it into the finals.
Comment by Rhonda Nelson — February 21, 2007 @ 9:03 am
I like to think of these contest you speak of Julie like coloring contest the kids did when they were little. Unless you have a way to fairly judge a contest it just up to what the judge likes.
I mean look at some of the movies that have won Oscars over the years.
Or movie critic reviews. There have been some movies I have loved that the critics butchered.
I guess the won good thing about winniing an award such as the RITA is that it gives you a reason to celebrate.
:doggie:
Comment by Gigi — February 21, 2007 @ 10:30 am
I was watching some program yesterday (or reading an article or something like that) about the Oscars from someone who was nominated. They said it’s all a popularity contest (sort of a high school contest with beautiful gowns). What mattered to them was the public and their reaction to the movie, so they didn’t take it too seriously. I guess the RITA is the same way. Thanks for the insight.
Comment by katie — February 21, 2007 @ 10:33 am
Great blog this morning. I think that anyone who has the guts to write a book, much less enter it into a contest should be given props. I have never not bought a book because of a review, but I have bought books because someone has recommended it or I read about it on another authors website. I don’t care if someone has won a RITA or if they have won 5. I love books and will continue to support writers who write books that interest me.
Comment by Patty L. — February 21, 2007 @ 10:34 am
I agree- it is all a popularity contest. If I didn’t go to movies that reviewers panned, i would have missed some really good ones. Just because it wasn’t highbrow enough for them, doesn’t mean rednecks like me wouldn’t like them. And then they hit the #1 spot.
I am the same way about books. I seldom read reviews. But I do know that if it is in the Oprah book club, I probably won’t like it. So I don’t read it.
Look at all the current controversy on that kids book that won the award but is being pulled from shelves cause it says “scrotum”!! Big deal- it’s a medical term, get over it. They say don’t teach kids cute names for stuff, but, I guess, you can’t tell the the real ones either. I like it in the context it was used- the kid thought it sounded like something you would cough up when you had a cold. snicker.
Comment by ev — February 21, 2007 @ 10:39 am
Now on to what I waited for on Julie’s day.
After a Lucille Ballesque routine, I finally got my copy of Dirty Little Secrets. I hadn’t gotten to read it yet, and then hubby went to the hospital.
On day 2 I took it with me to read while he was sleeping, or hiding in the bathroom. It was colder than a withche’s you know what out, the wind was whipping around the windows like crazy and everything was frozen.
I think hubby was wondering why his room was so hot, hot, hot!! I didn’t have the heart to tell him it was because my temp was up due to the book I was reading.
Julie hoped it met all my expectations. It did and then some. Now I have Lies to read, and am holding off, knowing that there isn’t a new Marisala book coming anytime soon, and I want to make it last.
I can not believe that the story line was dropped.
Obviously someone was basing it on their personal tastes and not what the readers may want. 
I love the fact that she is very unconventional, has a bad past, can get her way out of something by hook or by crook, is willing to kill for what she believes is right, and gets her man, I hope, in the end. I want to smack Ian. Hard. I want to see more of Brynn and Lia. I feel stories there too. I want to “see” more of Frankie.
Reviewers can base it on their personal opinions, editors, etc.., need to base it on the public, not them. IMHO
{And I got to practice my long lost high school Spanish, where I learned to swear (thanks to a great teacher!). I always had problems with the spoken language, but could read it. Glad to know I still can.
}
Comment by ev — February 21, 2007 @ 10:50 am
Now on to what I waited for on Julie’s day.
After a Lucille Ballesque routine, I finally got my copy of Dirty Little Secrets. I hadn’t gotten to read it yet, and then hubby went to the hospital.
On day 2 I took it with me to read while he was sleeping, or hiding in the bathroom. It was colder than a withche’s you know what out, the wind was whipping around the windows like crazy and everything was frozen.
I think hubby was wondering why his room was so hot, hot, hot!! I didn’t have the heart to tell him it was because my temp was up due to the book I was reading.
Julie hoped it met all my expectations. It did and then some. Now I have Lies to read, and am holding off, knowing that there isn’t a new Marisala book coming anytime soon, and I want to make it last.
I can not believe that the story line was dropped.
Obviously someone was basing it on their personal tastes and not what the readers may want. 
I love the fact that she is very unconventional, has a bad past, can get her way out of something by hook or by crook, is willing to kill for what she believes is right, and gets her man, I hope, in the end. I want to smack Ian. Hard. I want to see more of Brynn and Lia. I feel stories there too. I want to “see” more of Frankie.
Reviewers can base it on their personal opinions, editors, etc.., need to base it on the public, not them. IMHO
{And I got to practice my long lost high school Spanish, where I learned to swear (thanks to a great teacher!). I always had problems with the spoken language, but could read it. Glad to know I still can.
}
THANK YOU JULIE!! IT WAS WORTH THE WAIT!!
Comment by ev — February 21, 2007 @ 10:50 am
AND IT PUBLISHED TWICE!!
Comment by ev — February 21, 2007 @ 10:51 am
Spot on, Julie. One of the things I’ve noticed is there are writers who do well in contests, and other writers who sell books, both of those situations running on parallel planes that rarely intersect. In fact, the book I sold TANKED in contests, whereas the first piece of crap I’d ever written that was rejected by every editor it went to placed in the top quartile of the Golden Heart and took first place in something, I forget now.
I learned pretty quickly that to keep my voice fresh enough to grab an editor’s attention, I’d have to forego notions of pleasing contest judges. I just think you have to write somewhat vanilla to do well in contests. Too much originality, too much edge, and you’re turning someone off, but it’s that very originality that will catch an editor’s eye, so if you want to be successful, you almost have to decide whether you want to write for contests or write for editors.
Comment by Lori Borrill — February 21, 2007 @ 10:53 am
I disagree that it’s a popularity contest. One of the books I read is by an author that I adore personally. I did give her book a high score, but it was on the book, not the person. Same with the book that was a major bestseller that I hated the ending.
I think it’s simply a crapshoot–catching the right judge at the right moment with the right book. That’s what happened with my nomination, I’m sure–one that I am very proud of. Three of the five judges who got me into the finals “outed” themselves to me and it made total sense that they’d like my novella. It was right up their alley. Right people, right time, right story.
It’s the same as selling a book, really, if you think about it.
I don’t want to lessen the honor of winning something like a RITA. That’s not my intention. Those five people in each category who make the finals should be VERY proud of their work. However, for all of those who don’t make it–don’t blame your work entirely. In my opinion, sometimes it’s a case of bad luck.
Comment by Julie Leto — February 21, 2007 @ 11:23 am
Thanks, Ev! I’m so, so glad that Marisela met your expectations and then some. I do think that personal “conceptions” played a part in what happened with Marisela. One day I’ll blog about it. For now, I’m going to bask in all your compliments!!!
Lori, I do agree with you to a point. Sometimes what you say is very true. But not always. Again, it goes down to luck. Like with my nom. Trust me, my story wasn’t all vanilla or conventional–but I happened to get judges who clearly liked what they read. I was lucky.
Sometimes, a risky book (Marisela for instance) can please quite a few people. I only got one negative review and that was because the reviewer found it over-the-top sexy. (The book was released as a trade, so people expected a chick-lit and it wasn’t…hey, it happens.) And yet, while readers like Ev loved, loved the book…it didn’t translate to good sales. It also didn’t win any contests (I think I entered at least two) but I didn’t expect it to–it’s harder for a book that takes risks to find its readership, and that includes judges.
I’ve found that reader-judged contests are much more likely to pick odd duck books as winners than writer-judged contests. We’re harder on each other. Other than the RITA, I don’t enter any other contest unless it is judged by readers. And even then, it’s still a crapshoot.
I just don’t want to perpetuate the notion that only vanilla books win contests because I don’t think that’s true at all. I remember when Elizabeth Thornton won the RITA for romantic suspense…and her books were historical. Brilliant. And not at all what was expected or vanilla in any way. I can name a lot of others, too.
Yes, safe books probably have a BETTER chance simply because it’s easier not to offend potential judges. But it all depends on the judge you get. Vanilla (same-old, same-old) books don’t do well with me at all and I’m sure I’m not alone!
Comment by Julie Leto — February 21, 2007 @ 11:32 am
And I should have qualified my comments by stating that I’m still thinking in terms of the unpublished writer. I don’t know much about the Ritas being so new to this side of the fence. But it used to be that a Golden Heart final was practically a guaranteed sale. Yet in more recent years, that doesn’t seem to be the case anymore. There seems to be a growing disconnect between the manuscripts that win contests and the ones that sell. It’s kind of a shame, because my experience in the unpublished contest circuit has definitely affected my attitude toward entering the published ones (I haven’t even considered it).
Comment by Lori Borrill — February 21, 2007 @ 11:42 am
Lori, as the judge’s coordinator for my chapter’s unpublished contest…I agree with you. It is easier for a out of the box book to do poorly in the contest. Trust me when I tell you that I do all I can to train that mentality out of my judges…but it’s hard, since most judges in unpublished contests are unpublished themselves and they’ve been told (or interpreted) advice from published authors that they take as gospel truth.
I’ll indulge in an example. During a recent training, I gave a sample of my own work. I knew there was a “risky” element in the story and I wanted to gauge the reaction. I’d say about 50% of the judges caught the “problem” but when I asked what the risky element was, no one knew. Half of them marked it, but none of them knew it was a risky element that I was manipulating on purpose. A few, to their credit, wrote, “I know the rules says this is a no-no, but it works for me.” Most just wrote “this is a no-no.” I don’t believe in no-nos.
Honestly, had I had any of my RITA books as unpublished manuscripts, with the exception of the book with the disappointing ending, I wouldn’t have told a single author to change a thing. They were well written, but the writers simply made some choices that didn’t work for me. Didn’t make them wrong! That’s what I emphasize when I train judges for unpublished contests…don’t judge right or wrong, just what works for you and what doesn’t…based on your own personal opinions as a reader and not some interpretations of some rules that may or may not be true.
Comment by Julie Leto — February 21, 2007 @ 12:02 pm
Hi Julie & everyone,
I have recently started reading a few paranormal books. I think I may have read that book by that popular author that the end made me say,
“What the heck?” The next book had a better ending. As much as I like a series, and I love them, I think you should feel as if you finished a book
at the end of each one..
I love the JR Ward ones and Chrisine Feehan.
I used to let covers be my guide. That was before I had my favorite authors. And some covers are dang awful, so it’s probably not a fair judge. I do read books if after reading front and back cover. I like what I read. I try to give new authors, at least, a one shot read. I find I like really good sex scenes so if an author doesn’t pull that off with great emotions and draw me in, the rest of the book can be nice but I might not buy another. Some authors are not what I call smooth reading, choppy sorta. They could write fabulous books but if they can’t keep me enthralled I am not interested in book 2. Boy I am sounding very fussy, huh? My book allowance is tight so that is a lot of it. I love authors who can inject laughter and fun as long as it fits the story. I like suspence and intrigue. I like navy seal, vikings and boxers. Not being a writer I could care less if it wins an award or not. If I love a book, I do try letting the author know. I have never told anyone, I didn’t like their creative effort. After all no one person likes everyone. I compliment with a name and leave a name off if I am being critical. Anyway, I read all plotmonkey book releases and if you want to know what I didn’t like about it you’d have to ask me. Rarely is that an issue.
As for a big critical opinion lately, a lot of the covers stink. Hey I don’t buy playgirl or cosmo so a nice cover is always good. I am after all collecting pics for my new wall. (Right EV)
I am reading Lori Fosters new Causing Havoc.
I am lovin it.
HI HO HI HO, it’s time Oh Yuck!
Comment by jeannie — February 21, 2007 @ 12:09 pm
Jeannie, I have to be fussy too because I don’t have a lot of time to read for fun. There’s nothing wrong with knowing what you like!
But I’m glad you don’t judge by covers anymore…I’ve had pretty good ones most of the time, but I know authors who have had some real stinkers when the book inside is fabulous. Authors, as you now know, have no control over covers! AND what works for one person visually may not work for another person.
I have seen some really gorgeous covers lately…has everyone checked out Gena Showalter’s THE NYMPH KING? Bestill my heart…
Comment by Julie Leto — February 21, 2007 @ 12:20 pm
I have to say, I have never paid attention to the awards, etc. It’s just not something that makes an impact on my reading. I have varied taste and read everything. Admitedly (sp?) I don’t enjoy everything I pick up but I feel better for broadening my horizons. Those are the books that take forever to read. Most books, I just whip through.
Have a great day!
Comment by Debbie — February 21, 2007 @ 12:30 pm
For the writers who visit this blog… I say thank you!
Any writer that has entered a ms they have slaved over only to receive conflicting comments from judges knows how subjective judging can be. It is so important to remember that and know that it doesn’t determine your worth as a writer.
Thanks, Julie!
Lara
Comment by Lara — February 21, 2007 @ 12:53 pm
it is fun to look at, i dont take it serously thouhg but congrats to lesile
Comment by kim h — February 21, 2007 @ 1:00 pm
I totally hear ya Julie. I’m also judging the Ritas and have combatting the same problems: a book can be beautifully written but if it doesn’t suck me in as a reader, I have a really hard time grading it highly.
Having been a finalist twice, I am very well aware that it’s a crapshoot. You get five judges who *happen* to like the book you wrote. Any other five judges might have scored it much lower. That’s not saying I didn’t love being a finalist–I did–and I would adore actually winning a Rita one day. But it certainly isn’t something I think is necessary for a writer’s career–or even something that indicates how good a book is.
Just like reviews…one person loves it, another hates it. You can please some of the people some of the time…
Comment by Leslie — February 21, 2007 @ 1:09 pm
I guess what I was trying to say was that it is a crapshoot and a popularity contest. I know if I was reading the books you described, the paranormal ones would probably gotten a score of zippo (making out with a vampire? I am still confused over that one…I remember Janelle had a blog about it in the beginnig of plotmonkeys and I was like
To each his or her own, I guess).
If I was a writer (which I am not), I would take the word of people who truly like my books (infer buy the book and take a couple of minutes to drop me a line and say they liked it). Even just buying the book would be enough of an accomplishment for me. I guess you have to make it a little vanilla in the beginning to actually get it published, but then, you can take a little risk. Maybe I am wrong.
? I hope you all realize that’s what you do. I know in previous blogs, we’ve all talked about what reading your books has meant to us. For that, we are all grateful!
I am sure it is nice to receive a national award, but, let’s face it, there’s only one award. Knowing that you helped a lot of other people escape their lives, isn’t that reward in and of itself
Comment by katie — February 21, 2007 @ 1:52 pm
I don’t really pay a lot of attention to what awards are won. I just read authors that I love and then will pick up new authors either by reading the back cover or hearing about the new author on trusted sites. I love trying new authors, but tend to skip out on some of the paranormal books. I’m really not a huge fan of the vamp stories, but have been surprized in the past when picking one up(the last Nora Roberts trilogy was about vamps and I didn’t totally hate it, but didn’t like it enough to go read Anne Rice).
Comment by Liza — February 21, 2007 @ 2:25 pm
Contests definitely are a tough one, and I’ve yet to figure out the right attitude to take with them. It’s a disappointment when you don’t final. Yet at the same time, I have friends who final in everything they enter but have yet to sell a book, and that is equally frustrating. You get the feeling the public loves your work but editors don’t which leaves you in a big state of WTF?
Before I sold, I’d always considered contests a way to get my work in front of an editor so there was some value there. But since my sale, I haven’t considered entering anything, partially because I have a hard time parting with 5 of my books at a time, then paying the money to enter on top of that when I don’t know what the payoff is. Then being a new author coming off the unpublished contest circuit, it’s hard not to be biased by that experience.
So it’s like I said, I’m not sure what the healthy attitude is here. Is it worth it to enter the Ritas or any other published contest? The whole thing feels like an emotional trap to me, as this discussion has proved. On one hand, no one wants to diminish a person’s final, but on the other, you want to ground those who didn’t by expressing how subjective it is. It’s the kind of thing that can mess with your head if you don’t have the right attitude, thus, I don’t enter. I don’t have the right attitude and don’t like being messed with!
Comment by Lori Borrill — February 21, 2007 @ 2:37 pm
Very very interesting post and I totally agree
Comment by Maria Duncan — February 21, 2007 @ 3:26 pm
Julie- I am curious as to the well like author of the paranormal one. Is it part of a trilogy???
Comment by ev — February 21, 2007 @ 5:24 pm
Lori — I quit entering the published author contests two years ago, including the RITA. When I was looking at the cost of entering all those contests, weighed against the GAIN — well, rarely was there a “gain”. I’ve finaled in a lot of contests (including the RITA), and I’ve won other contests, too (The National Reader’s Choice Award is by far the absolute COOLEST award! It’s a “tombstone”, LOL!) but I just feel that I’m at a point in my career that I don’t need the validation that comes with the contests, or the frustration — especially the RITA’s.
And I have to beg to differ with you Julie — I do feel that the RITA’s on a lot of levels IS a popularity contest. I think that a lot of authors are pressed for time when it comes to reading all those books and just issue scores based on the “names” they have. I’ve heard this firsthand, and I guess I’m tired of spending my money on a crapshoot, when it won’t make a difference to my career, or my readers.
Lori — If you’re going to enter any published author contests, I would recommend the ones that are judged by readers and booksellers. I think those contests are far more fair and realistic, instead of those judged by our peers.
Just my two cents . . .
Comment by Janelle — February 21, 2007 @ 6:08 pm
Ev, I can’t in good conscience say the name of the author. If I’d have LOVED the book top to bottom, you can bet I’d be shouting the author’s name here. But because I’ve been critical, I don’t think it’s right. Not that my criticism would hurt this writer–she’s doing fabulously! And rightfully so! Up until the ending, she had me hook, line and sinker.
Janelle, I’m sure some popularity plays into it (not for me, but for others, I guess)…but I can’t get past that if it’s JUST a popularity contest, I never would have been a finalist! I have a lot of friends, but I do have this mysterious tendency to piss people off sometimes…
Comment by Julie Leto — February 21, 2007 @ 6:21 pm
Julie said: …but I do have this mysterious tendency to piss people off sometimes…
You mean, I’m not the only one who does this?
Janelle, I appreciate the advice! That makes sense, and it also makes me happy to know I’m not the only one bowing out of the Ritas. I just remember the one GH I entered, I was a basket case the day they announced finalists and wrecked when I discovered I hadn’t finaled. I am WAY not the right personality for that kind of thing. Too competitive, I suppose, so I’ve found harmony by just staying out of it all.
Comment by Lori Borrill — February 21, 2007 @ 7:37 pm
LOL, Lori! Personally, I think it’s fabulous that you’ve recognized your personality type and can stay out of it. I have the great good luck of forgetting when I’ve entered a contest (and forgetting just about anything.)
I remember when the phone rang two years ago and I heard, “Julie, this is Gay Wilson, do you know why I’m calling?” I believe my first, second and third thought was that she wanted me to volunteer for something.
When she told me I was a finalist, I’m sure my reaction included certain four-letter words. Out of happiness, of course. And total surprise.
More than once, I have paid to enter the RITA only to forget to mail the books. Seriously. THAT’S how bad my memory is!
Comment by Julie Leto — February 21, 2007 @ 7:44 pm
Julie, If that book you read that left you hanging is the one I thiink it is the next one in that series did continue and finish it. I did not like the way it left me hanging. That may definitely leave me thinking twice about buying that author again even though she tends to be good. I keep my favorite list short. When my favorite authors have nothing new I try to get into the tbr pile. I have promised to read Vicki’s Nerd books this year I have them all. I started one the other day and have to get back to it. She is new for me.
This has been an interesting blog today. Thank you ladies.
Night all,
Long seminar day tomorrow.
Comment by jeannie — February 21, 2007 @ 9:13 pm
Julie- I didn’t expect you to say who it was. Just had to pull your strings a bit.
Comment by ev — February 21, 2007 @ 9:19 pm
I personally don’t care what contest outcomes or critics say about books. I read fly pages or the tickler information on the back. If I think it sounds like it may be my cup of tea, I’ll read it. If not… I have been seriously disappointed on occassion by authors that I normally like, not because they changed their “predictable path”, but mostly because the book read like they were more worried about generating volume vs quality. :cry:
Luckily, I am rarely disappointed to the point I don’t even finish. I do agree though, don’t rush to an ending. Nothing is more disturbing to me than a wonderful buildup followed by a quick 3-4 page ending. It makes it all seem so abrupt and is a let down to boot!
I am hoping that as I am creating I don’t make these same mistakes!
Comment by Lynn Matherly — February 21, 2007 @ 9:46 pm
ev, you are so
. But you know that, don’t you? You love it! Well, I love it, too!
Comment by Julie Leto — February 21, 2007 @ 10:14 pm
It is the luck of the draw. I always look forward to getting my box of books, but there are always years when I get books I normally wouldn’t read, say inspirational, or sweet traditional. I try to do them justice but it’s difficult. It’s the luck of the draw …
Comment by Jill — February 22, 2007 @ 4:09 pm