My First Trophy! ECWC 2013 - Jo-Ann Carson

My First Trophy! ECWC 2013

Oct18.13 005photo by Jacqui Nelson

First Place in the ECO

My novel, Fighting Fear, which I think I’ll start calling The Lost Vermeer, came first in the Romantic Suspense category in the ECO competition, Emerald City Opener, the Greater Seattle Romance Writers of America contest. It’s all about the first seven pages.

They gave me the royal treatment. I sat at a table of editors and agents and had two requests for my work by the end of dinner (without pitching) and an additional request the following day with a pitch. The Chapter gave me a trophy, a framed certificate and a gift certificate to Barnes and Noble.

It was an amazing, never to be forgotten, experience. First, they announced the third place finalist (…and it wasn’t me). My hands started to sweat.

Then they announced the second place winner (…and it’s wasn’t me).  OMG. My heart jumped into my mouth. I know that sounds ridiculous, but you all know that feeling. I couldn’t breathe. My heart raced. And I silently screamed with joy.

Every one at my table looked at me…because duh… they figured it out. Time stopped for a wonderful breathtaking moment. Then, they announced me as the first place winner and it burst into a million wonderful pieces. So sweet.

And as if that wasn’t enough excitement…  J.C. McKenzie, my daughter, came first in her category, Paranormal, for Shift Happens, a Carus Chronicle book.

So, I’m going home with two trophies, many goodies and new “connections” in the business.

I am soooo grateful to the Seattle RWA chapter for hosting this contest, and giving me the opportunity to further my career. They rock!.

The conference is great too!!! (more on that  later)

So What is the book about?

Here is the one-page I prepared to pitch at the conference:

Fighting Fear

shutterstock_129276722(1)

Jo-Ann Carson

                                      An Ancient curse…
                                                            A lost Vermeer…
                                                                        A ruthless murderer…
Desperate to prove she can work with her brothers in the fight against international art crime, Kat follows the trail of a lost Vermeer, only to discover her former lover is trying to steal it. Entangled in a web of intrigue, she discovers the painting is cursed and a ruthless murderer is closing in.

The Milkmaid Fighting Fear

Nederlander Series Book 2

Fighting art crime in exotic places can be dangerous in more ways than one.

 Jo-AnnCarson.com


0 Replies to “My First Trophy! ECWC 2013”

    1. Eileen
      Thanks for your congratulations and for your continuing support. You’re always there with encouragement and it means the world to me.
      I am over the moon, somewhere out there in a distant galaxy finding my way home. It’s been an amazing trip. Can’t wait to get home and share my stories.
      Hugs
      Jo-Ann

  1. I’m jumping up and down with excitement! I know how hard you work Jo-Ann. It is sooo deserved. Now send it to the Golden Heart! Big hug!

    1. Pat
      Thanks prez. I can remember talking through the pages in our critique group. Remember the old lady in Delft scene? It takes many writers to get a story down. I don’t feel ready for the golden heart, but I’m sure enjoying this win.
      best
      Jo-Ann

  2. Bouquets of congratulations. Jo-Ann! Such fantastic news, but I’m truly not surprised. it was just a matter of time before you got noticed. Can’t wait to hear all the tiniest details. Hugs!

  3. Jo-Ann, how EXCITING! I am so happy for you! Very well deserved, too. (And what an AWSOME looking trophy!) Congratulations!

    1. Hi Judy
      Thank you. Yes, you are one of my precious beta-readers. Thank you.
      Right now I’m in Everett. PJ is shopping for boat parts and I’m editing. It’s fun to be on the road.
      Best Wishes
      Jo-Ann

  4. I’m so, so happy for you, Jo-Ann! And in your true fashion, your description puts us right there along side of you for all the excitement. Thrilled for the win and for the connections. Something is just about to break for you, lady!
    To top it off to have your daughter recognized, too. Well, it can’t any better than that…until you get that call. LOL Not long now. Congrats again. Having trouble doing FB or Tweeting. So sorry. 🙁

    1. Hi Marsha
      Wish you could have been there. It’s all so exciting and I’m determined to enjoy every second of it. We all know how things can turn on a dime.
      Sorry you’re having trouble with your FB and Twitter.
      Thanks for stopping in and commenting.
      Best Wishes
      Jo-Ann

  5. Woo hoo! What a great experience!!! I’ll bet you can live on that high for a long, long time. Your daughter’s win is such a nice bonus, too. Here’s to many more good things in the near future.

  6. Congrats once again… so glad I was able to table share a feel the excitement first hand!… Funny thing — I didn’t realize you were you. I mean, that we’d had a slight connection beforehand when I’d commented on the postcard you were working on that I loved so much! Small world… rock on and keep celebrating!

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