photo 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
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.
Fighting Fear
Nederlander Series Book 2
Fighting art crime in exotic places can be dangerous in more ways than one.
Jo-AnnCarson.com
Congrads! I knew you would do it……you must be over the moon.
Eileen
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
Congrats, Jo-Ann! What a wonderful honour and so well-deserved!
Joanne
Thank you for your kind words.
Best Wishes
Jo-Ann
Wow!! so exciting, congrats to both you and your daughter, big celebrations in your family
Jacquie
Thank you. We are dancing. Couldn’t have done it without our amazing Vancouver Island RWA chapter. You ladies rock.
Best Wishes
Jo-Ann
Reblogged this on jbiggarblog and commented:
One of the lovely ladies from my local chapter has some great news
Thanks for the reblog Jacquie
Amazing. Well done.
Thanks Emma
hugs
Jo-Ann
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!
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
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!
Thanks Helena
It’s so nice having friends that believe in me. Like I said on Facebook, even more precious than the trophies is my group of friends who cheer me on.
hugs
Jo-Ann
Jo-Ann, how EXCITING! I am so happy for you! Very well deserved, too. (And what an AWSOME looking trophy!) Congratulations!
Thanks Natasha:)
Er, awEsome. Oh, well. Need an editor . . .
Natasha
Thank you for stopping by to congratulate me.
Best Wishes
Jo-Ann
I woke up this morning wondering… This is fantastic! and a trophy to boot! That should keep y9ou inspired as you look at it from your desk. I feel honored to have already read it.
Judy
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
Fabulous, Jo-Ann! May you win many more. 🙂
Thanks Barbara
I like that idea:)
Jo-Ann
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. 🙁
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
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.
Hi Kaye
Thanks for stopping by with your well wishes.
Sometimes writing is like riding a wild roller-coaster. I’m loving it.
Best Wishes
Jo-Ann
Soooo Happy for you Jo-Ann! I think it only a matter of time before an editor or agent snaps you up! And judging by the interest shown it may not be that long.
Pat
Thanks for your well wishes. I like your viewpoint. I can only dream…
Happy Writing my friend
Jo-Ann
Woo Hoo! Good for you Jo-Ann and JC! I predict a contract is coming in both your futures! Congrats again! Thrill for you beyond words!
Diane
Diane
You rock. Thank you for dancing with us.
Best
Jo-Ann
Congrats again, mom! I wish I could’ve been there to celebrate with you. <3
Darling
It was amazing. I’ll be home soon with your trophy. There will be other moments for us both, I’m sure (I say with my fingers and toes crossed).
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!
Kathryn
Welcome back and thank you for your well wishes.
Happy writing
Jo-Ann
who likes your idea of continuing to celebrate:)
Congrats Jo-Ann. Wish I had been able to say it in person. I heard your name but didn’t see you afterwards.
Thanks Kate
It was so exciting. I talked to a few people and then headed up to have a glass of wine with my husband.
Hope to meet you next time.
Best
Jo-Ann