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| B.A. Binns |
Entry title, category, year:
Damaged Goods, Novel with Strong Romantic Elements, 2010
Were you the overall Winner that year? – Alas, that honor went to another.
Damaged Goods, Novel with Strong Romantic Elements, 2010
Were you the overall Winner that year? – Alas, that honor went to another.
Website and/or Blog Links: http://www.babinns.com http://harperwriterstogether.blogspot.com http://romancingthegenres.blogspot.com
Why did you decide to enter your manuscript in the GH Contest?
I almost didn’t. I've always known Damaged Goods is the kind of story people either really love or really hate. (It's a contemporary romance between a former prostitute and a man who may-or may not-be a killer) But when the contest coordinator for the Finally A Bride Contest called to tell me I was a finalist, we talked. The judges scored it high, and she also read it and told me she was pleasantly surprised at how well the premise worked. She urged me to enter the GH, reminding me that readers can surprise you and see things they like in a non-traditional love story. So I went ahead and mailed it in. And then a miracle occurred in March when I got the call.
I almost didn’t. I've always known Damaged Goods is the kind of story people either really love or really hate. (It's a contemporary romance between a former prostitute and a man who may-or may not-be a killer) But when the contest coordinator for the Finally A Bride Contest called to tell me I was a finalist, we talked. The judges scored it high, and she also read it and told me she was pleasantly surprised at how well the premise worked. She urged me to enter the GH, reminding me that readers can surprise you and see things they like in a non-traditional love story. So I went ahead and mailed it in. And then a miracle occurred in March when I got the call.
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| PULL, formerly Damaged Goods |
Where were you and what were you doing when you got the GH call?
I was at the eye doctor. Since I never expected the call I kept my appointment. Then went to work, took my time checking my email and almost fell out of my chair when I saw an email from RWA. I called the number and was told it was no mistake, I was a finalist.
I was at the eye doctor. Since I never expected the call I kept my appointment. Then went to work, took my time checking my email and almost fell out of my chair when I saw an email from RWA. I called the number and was told it was no mistake, I was a finalist.
How has being a GH Finalist/Winner affected you as a writer?
I have a little more confidence and a belief that readers are really interested in the stories I write. I’ve gained a lot of new friends as part of the Unsinkables, the finalists in the 2010 Golden Heart, and people actually listen to my writing advice. That’s mind-blowing. I’m afraid the achievement of being a Golden Heart finalist was a little bit dwarfed because another of my manuscripts, Pull a YA contemporary romance – from the guy’s POV – sold in April. But that just meant the pressure was gone when I attended the ceremony at conference. I got to wear the pretty gown, sit in the box seats, enjoy the applause and not feel crushed when they called someone else’s name.
I have a little more confidence and a belief that readers are really interested in the stories I write. I’ve gained a lot of new friends as part of the Unsinkables, the finalists in the 2010 Golden Heart, and people actually listen to my writing advice. That’s mind-blowing. I’m afraid the achievement of being a Golden Heart finalist was a little bit dwarfed because another of my manuscripts, Pull a YA contemporary romance – from the guy’s POV – sold in April. But that just meant the pressure was gone when I attended the ceremony at conference. I got to wear the pretty gown, sit in the box seats, enjoy the applause and not feel crushed when they called someone else’s name.
Barbara Binns w/a B. A. Binns
PULL: National Readers Choice Award contest 2010 Young Adult finalist
Stories of Real Boys Growing Into Real Men
7 comments:
Hi BA, Going ahead and sending in your GH entry when you knew you wrote a non-traditional love story took courage. Very inspiring and a testimony to the fact that a good story that is well written wins over all.
I LOVE non-traditional love stories! Pull is amazing!
You were probably relaxed enough to enjoy the Golden Heart Awards more than any other finalist. :) Great story!
We're so lucky to have you as a Genre-ista!
Good for you for believing in your work, Barbara! Sometimes, this is the toughest thing for us to do.
It's exciting to see your wonderful success :)
Great interview, my Unsinkable sister! I'm so proud of your successes and I love the story about entering the Golden Heart.
Pretty dress, too. ;)
I'm so glad you entered the Golden Heart, Barbara, and what a great coordinator to inspire you to enter. And I LOVE that dress!
It was no miracle. Your writing is wonderful--and so is your dress!
Wow, you give those of us who write a little outside the box encouragement to enter the GH next year. Thanks!
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