OMG - I'm a finalist!

I had something else prepared for this week's Writing Wednesday - but hey - who can beat something THIS good? I finaled in the historical category of the Stroke of Midnight contest with my manuscript, Seeking Truth. SOM is a contest for erotic romance sponsored by the Passionate Ink chapter of RWA.

I was fortunate last year to final in the SOM and place third in the paranormal category with Crime of Passion. This year, different story...different category...same thrill! Wherever I finish I'll be happy, but I have my fingers crossed for a win. We'll see.

Congrats to everyone else who finaled in either the Passionate Plume or the Stroke of Midnight contests.

Here are the lists of finalists (SOM first, then PP):

Passionate Ink’s Third Annual Stroke of Midnight Contest Finalists announced!
3rd Annual Stroke of Midnight Finalists

Contemporary:

• Cathleen Ross - Love, Lust, and Lies
• Anne Calhoun - Liberating Lacey
• Crystal Kauffman - Laws of Attraction
• Jayne Rylon - Nice & Naughty
• Reece Butler - Trading Favors

Historical:

• Crystal Kauffman - Wild At Heart
• Francesca Hawley - Seeking Truth
• Nadia Aidan - Show Me–The Spartan Chronicles
• Noelle Henderson and Barbra Moser - Plantation Rule
• Ava March - A Gentleman For Her

Futuristic/Fantasy/Sci-fi:

• P.M. Black - Almost Darke
• Sindee Sexton - Wings of Desire
• Barbara Morgan - Soul Bound
• Leanne Karella - Fairy Prince
• Maggie Nash - Goddess in Trouble

Paranormal/Time Travel:

• Nara Malone - The Tiger’s Tale
• Hortense Powdermaker - Minotaur
• Ella Drake - Bluebeard’s Hunger
• Violet Summers - Saving Jenna
• Corinne Davies - Believing is Seeing

Novella:

• Ella Drake - Scenting Cinnamon
• Ava March - From Afar
• Constance Denson-Hamilton - Him, Memoir of My Second Marriage to the Egyptian God of Fertility
• Alannah Lynne - Reaction Time
• Tiffancy Kenzie - Full Moon

Passionate Ink’s Third Annual
The Passionate Plume Contest for Published Authors Finalists announced!
3rd Annual Passionate Plume Finalists

Contemporary:

• Mechele Armstrong - Nothing To Lose
• Shayla Black - WICKED TIES
• Opal Carew - Twin Fantasies
• Portia Da Costa - Suite Seventeen
• Ann Jacobs - Roped

Historical:

• Elizabeth Amber - Nicholas, The Lords of Satyr
• Monica Burns - Mirage
• Samantha Kane - At Loves Command
• Kate Poole - Anchor and Storm
• Brenda Williamson - One Bashful Lady

Futuristic/Fantasy/SciFi:

• Mechele Armstrong - Settler’s Mine 2 : The Lovers
• Karen Kelley - Close Encounters of the Sexy Kind
• Rena Marks - Born Again
• Aubrey Ross - Seducer
• Denise Rossetti - Tailspin

Paranormal / TT:

• Sunny Chen - Mona Lisa Blossoming
• Marie Harte - Ethereal Foes: The Dragons’ Demon
• Sharon Page - Blood Red
• Sharon Page - Blood Rose
• Jory Strong - Mystic’s Run

Novella:

• Denise A. Agnew - Male Call
• Anna Leigh Keaton - Rescue Me
• Susan Lyons - Hot Down Under
• Mackenzie McKade - Second Chance Christmas
• Leigh Wyndfield - Desert Heat

Congratulations to everyone!!!! Great Job!!!

I'm a FINALIST!!!!!!!

My Friday the 13th was a very lucky one this month. I received a message that my currently unpublished novel, Crime of Passion was a finalist in the Paranormal/Time Travel category of the Stroke of Midnight contest. Stroke of Midnight is organized by Passionate Ink, a chapter of Romance Writers of America.

I am so thrilled and surprised. It feels WONDERFUL! I know, it's not a publishing contract...yet. But it shows that someone other than me likes my story. I've had friends say, "Cesca, I like this." But friends are supposed to say that. After all, that's why they're friends. But the judges were objective and anonymous, so if they'd hated it they could have said so. I'm all floaty right now - without any alcohol or narcotic substances! I'll come back down soon, because I need to get editing...just in case. For tonight, just let me bask in the glow. happy sigh.....

Stroke of Midnight Deadline Extended

Passionate Ink's 2006 Stroke of Midnight Contest
Deadline: Extended to 2/19/07

ALL ENTRANTS WILL HAVE A CHANCE TO RECEIVE ONE OF FIVE FREE REGISTRATIONS TO A PASSIONATE INK WORKSHOP OF THEIR CHOICE.

REMEMBER THE STROKE OF MIDNIGHT CONTEST IS OPEN TO ALL AUTHORS, PUBLISHED (as long you haven't been published in the category you are entering.) AND UNPUBLISHED.

Make the first 35 pages of your novel so compelling that an editor has to have more!

Five Sizzling Finalists in Four Categories:

Contemporary - novels with erotic elements that focus on the developing romantic relationship in a contemporary setting. Includes series and single-title length romances. Can also include elements of romantic suspense/intrigue.

Historical - novels with erotic elements that focus on the developingromantic relationship in a historical setting.

Futuristic/Fantasy/Sci-fi - novels with erotic elements that focus on the developing romantic relationship in any setting in the future, an alternate world/reality, or another planet. Includes elements such as elves/faerie, sword and sorcery, aliens, etc.

Paranormal/Time Travel - novels with erotic elements that focus on the developing romantic relationship in any setting that includes elements of time travel, angels, vampires, werewolves or other paranormal themes.

All entries must be at least 25,000 words in their completed form. No novellas accepted.

Judging and Prizes:The top five finalists in each category will be ranked by the following industry professionals:

Contemporary: To Be Determined

Historical: Allison Brandau, Berkley

Futuristic/Fantasy/Sci-fi: Raelene Gorlinsky, Ellora's Cave

Paranormal/Time Travel: Rose Hilliard, St. Martin's Press

First place winners in each category will receive a free one year membership in Passionate Ink ($25 value) and a certificate. (Writing teams will split the membership.) All other finalists will receive certificates.

All entries will be returned after finalists are determined and statistical information is complete. Winners will be announced at the Passionate Ink gathering at the Romance Writers' of America National Conference in Dallas. Results will be listed on the Passionate Ink website and in the chapter's newsletter.

Email questions to Marie at strokeofmidnight@passionateink.org

Rules, Fees, and entry information can be found at: http://www.passionateink.org/contests