The West Virginia Writers Writing Contest deadline is fast approaching and I have been fine tuning entries to send in to it.
In addition to children's stories, this year I am thinking about submitting a poem. I recently wrote one unlike any I have ever written before. It is very unique. I am not saying anything else about it, though, since I am submitting it to the contest. Keep your fingers crossed for me that the judges will like it.
I also came up with an idea for a short story for the War category. This is a new category in the contest this year and I really didn't think I could write anything that would qualify, but I think I have. I am still working on it, (with help from a special friend) and it has a ways to go before it is ready to submit. I might have to send in a late fee with it, but I hope not.
So, I am sending in some stories in a very familiar genre for me and two writings that are very different than what I usually write. I think a person needs to try something new every now and then, how about you?
Have any of you tried writing outside your genre before?
I've seen a lot of poems on blogs lately. I've written a little one about the month of March.
If I Were a Month
Janet F. Smart
If I were a month
I would be March
With her roaring lions
And gentle lambs.
She is sassy, and
Her hills are covered
With green grass
And yellow daffodils.
Her spring winds
Sweep the earth
And wipes it clean
For hot summer days.
Janet -- Your March sounds just like the month I expect it to be -- full of roller coaster weather -- barbara
ReplyDeleteYep, that's the way March is.. Just beautiful, I bet your other poem will do good... Would love to read it afterwards. Happy Wednesday!!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful verse, March feels so good this year after the winter we've had! I enjoy writing outside of my genre, I think it really helps develop our writing craft. We gain a different perspective with our words. Though I'd classify my work as women's fiction, I do have a completed memoir manuscript, too.
ReplyDeleteWriting outside your genre can help jumpstart your work...tho usually it just makes me realize how bad I am in other areas/genres...LOL
ReplyDeleteHi Janet, I love your poem, especially the verse about the month being "sassy". What a great description and very true. I do enjoy writing outside my genre. I have a difficult time though, making my stories come alive, if they do not resonate from my own experience or the truth inside myself. But I have been surprised many times, when I stretch a bit, I find there is more to what I know and feel than I give myself credit for. Trying new things has helped me grow in surprising ways. I hope you have a wonderful day! Delisa :)
ReplyDeleteI'm doing the same thing, Janet. Editing and realizing how much I don't know about the craft of writing. Still, I'm always hopeful and getting into the groove with what stories to submit.
ReplyDeleteI've spent this rainy afternoon sifting through stories and reading and editing.
Good luck with your entries.
Blessings, Barb
Oh I love the poem-Granny's b-day was last Sunday-and the poem reminds me of her : )
ReplyDeleteBest of luck in the competition.
ReplyDeleteGood for you reaching outside your comfort zone and submitting such varied entries. May your favorite one win the best prize :)
ReplyDelete