I just found out that I made it through the first round (Pitch) and into the second (Excerpt) of the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award!

I think I might still be in shock.
I have been on such a rollercoaster about it all - "no way will I make it through...only 1 in 5...80% get cut in this first round" to "well, why NOT me?  i could maybe make it through, maybe..."

I had so much help and feedback with my pitch - my first pitch.  And never having written one before, I really had no idea whether mine was even on the right track, or not.  So scrolling through and finding my name on this list was - incredible and surreal.  I'd been trying to make sense of it - predict it - for so long, that I had to stare at my screen for awhile just for the information to sink in.

In many ways, it hasn't yet!

I'd even just spoken with someone not two hours' prior to seeing that the list was posted, and I'd told her all the reasons why I was okay with the outcome, regardless of what it was.  The friends I've made, the incredible wealth of talent and humour and information that I've found in these people, my fellow entrants - I honestly feel like the experience I've had thus far has been MORE than worth it.  And it's at least as cool as seeing my name on that list today.  Still exciting, but I think I really had piece either way.  I think.  ;)

So, for now, my heartfelt congratulations go to those who made it through to Round Two...and my equally heartfelt condolences to those who did not.  Regardless, ALL of us need to keep writing, and keep putting it out there!

As far as I'm concerned, we're all pretty winner-y, just for being brave enough to click that submit button!

Until soon,

S.A.M.