I have yet another playground on the internet – Miss Snark’s First Victim’s blog. Self described as a blog for aspiring authors, the site’s mistress “Authoress” is currently hosting a Secret Agent contest. Aspiring authors send in 250 word entries to be critiqued by a faithful following of bloggers as well as the Secret Agent of the month, who is actually a literary agent. Get this – the Secret Agent comments on every entry that makes the cutoff. A guaranteed agent critique! This month’s call for submission included romance so I jumped into the fray.
I’m getting some great pointers in my entry and reading the other entries is really helping me get a sense of what works in an opening. There are some very conscientious and thoughtful critiquers following this blog. Many of them are familiar with each other’s works, commenting that “they like the changes” or “it’s come a long way”. I might have to hang around a little more, though the last thing I need is another internet vortex.
Feb 17, 2009 @ 10:40:24
I just read your entry for that contest and it was my favorite! I definitely want to keep reading; your story sounds very intriguing! I have a bit of a weakness for historicals set in the East. 🙂
Feb 17, 2009 @ 11:27:28
Oh, thanks for the wonderful comment Dara!
This was a really fun event. I learned so much from everyone’s openings. A great exercise for anyone working on a hook.