Happy New Year!

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Last night I stayed up until after midnight so we could knock on my mother’s door and be welcomed in as the first guests of the New Year. My sister was chosen to walk into the house first based on her horoscope. Apparently this is a year of hardship for my sign, the Cat (Rabbit in the Chinese zodiac) but I will overcome. This New Year’s is especially significant because after my wedding last year, I’m officially grown up and have the responsibility of handing out lucky red envelopes along with blessings.

It’s not about the money so much as passing along wishes of fortune and happiness and good health. There’s all sorts of envelopes now – gold foil and cartoon characters. Among my family a new tradition is emerging — lottery tickets instead of cash. I’m an old fashioned girl though, I went with the traditional red and gold envelopes and a crispy bill inside for all.

I did get one blessing that my writing would take off. The rest was for prosperity and children. I tried to assure my husband that’s the standard blessing for married couples and NOT an attempt to put the pressure on.

So Happy New Year to all! May you have all that you desire.

Contests in the blogosphere

The only thing better than a contest is a free contest! Who needs to pay $30 bucks for a contest? Your big break can be just a blog away. I think this is the blogosphere version of reality shows.

Lately I’ve been following several writing contests with pretty substantial prizes. Usually an editor or agent read.

Rachelle Chase’s Chase the Dream contest:

Enter the first 1000 words of your romance manuscript. If you don’t win the first week, then enter again. Two finalists have been crowned so far, but this goes on until March 20,2009 with a finalist and a mini-critique winner each week. An impressive panel of agents are lined up to read through the finalists.

Casablanca Authors – Ready, Set, PITCH! (I don’t know if that’s the official name)
Contest date is January 29. Enter a 50 word pitch. To winner receives a full manuscript reading from Deb Werksmen, editor at Sourcebooks. Rules will be posted on January 24.


Karin Tabke’s First Line contest:

You can’t enter anymore, but it’s fun to check out the variety. I got cut in the very first round. 🙁 But I like to check in every week to see which ones made it to the next round.

Miss Snark’s First Victim Secret Agent Contest
New Edition: I have to add this because this is so cool and a wonderful blog all around! Miss Snark’s First Victim Secret Agent contests apparently run every month. Wow! Thanks Amanda for the info and for commenting.

Good luck all who enter. Know of any other contests? Has anyone ever gotten their break through these blog contests?