I Have No More Nails To Chew (So Nervous)

 

I am chomping at the bit—so nervous! Today is the 25th of February, the day that the Amazon Breakthrough Writers Award (ABNA) announces those authors that get to move on to the next round in the contest. I am still waiting to hear. Nothing has been posted yet. It is 2:27pm and the wait is just about killing me.

On the ABNA discussion boards, writers from around the world are biting nails, compulsively checking email boxes, and some have even taken to the drink. It’s that intense. Come on ABNA, just post the next 1000 entrants that get to move on. The suspense is too much to handle. We have already had to wait a month for this day to come and now that it is here…nothing.

I couldn’t sleep last night. In my dreams I was checking my email over and over. One time my email said I was moving on to the next round. Another time, I was not and a third time, I had sent my manuscript to ABNA in a completely useless format—all written in Chinese or something like that.

What do I believe my chances are? Statistically, I know it to be a 1 in 5 chance. Probability, it really is a lottery—what kind of judge looked at my pitch; which pile of pitches contained mine; the mood of the judge. There are a lot of factors here.

Does this mean I am a horrible writer if I am cut in the first round? Not necessarily. A lot of good manuscripts will be cut due to poorly written pitches. A lot of horrible manuscripts may make the cut due to well written pitches. Writing a pitch is hard to do (see mine on page two). I thought I did alright. I had received great reviews on my pitch and excerpt, but who knows really how this contest will play out.

My fingers are crossed. I am one of the compulsive writers that are hitting the refresh key on my email for any sign. At this point, I just want to know one way or the other. I have no more nails to chew. 

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