Comments on: Why Writers Shouldn’t Care About the RITAs

By: Jill

Jill — Thu, 22 Feb 2007 20:09:10 +0000

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 …

By: Julie Leto

Julie Leto — Thu, 22 Feb 2007 02:14:06 +0000

ev, you are so . But you know that, don’t you? You love it! Well, I love it, too!

By: Lynn Matherly

Lynn Matherly — Thu, 22 Feb 2007 01:46:41 +0000

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!

By: ev

ev — Thu, 22 Feb 2007 01:19:03 +0000

Julie- I didn’t expect you to say who it was. Just had to pull your strings a bit.

By: jeannie

jeannie — Thu, 22 Feb 2007 01:13:51 +0000

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.

By: Julie Leto

Julie Leto — Wed, 21 Feb 2007 23:44:00 +0000

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!

By: Lori Borrill

Lori Borrill — Wed, 21 Feb 2007 23:37:48 +0000

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.

By: Julie Leto

Julie Leto — Wed, 21 Feb 2007 22:21:16 +0000

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…

By: Janelle

Janelle — Wed, 21 Feb 2007 22:08:47 +0000

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 . . .

By: ev

ev — Wed, 21 Feb 2007 21:24:55 +0000

Julie- I am curious as to the well like author of the paranormal one. Is it part of a trilogy???