Pay It Forward Contest

Thankful Song of the Day (Does that even make sense???): "Thank You" by Alanis Morissette

There are certain people in this world who are just "good". These people are going to be (hopefully) recognized all over the blogosphere this week thanks to Shelli over at Market My Words.

Shelli is putting on an awesome contest this week in which she will choose ONE person to recommend to her agent Alyssa Eisner Henkin at Trident Media Group. Go here to learn more about this awesome contest!

In the spirit of paying it forward (and entering the contest) I am going to name a few people who have helped me thus far in my writing career. Here they are!

Of course my Alpha, Beta, Zeta (?) reader. No, I'm not talking about a sorority (although I think this would be a cool name for one!) I'm talking about Pam! My cousin/sister who always reads my work first, second, third...and last. Pam reads my synopsis, queries, pitches, Twitter pitches, you name it, she's read it and she fixes it! It's strange whenever I write something and she HASN'T read it. I trust her eye and I trust her. PERIOD.

We like similar subject matters so I always want to know what she thinks about my plots, characters, and dialogue, and she doesn't hesitate to offer advice--and believe me, she's not easy on me just because I'm her cousin. She keeps it real and my writing is better because of it. Also, she supports me with chocolate, French Fries, and adult beverages. :)

The YA Writing Community that I've discovered through Twitter and blogging. There are certain people who help me more *cough* recent blogfest counterparts *cough* but overall, the entire YA writing community is very supportive of one another. We offer book suggestions, we give support and advice, and we always, always have cupcakes/chocolate on hand to send through Twitter. :)

Ann Braden who I found through SCBWI's discussion boards. I was in search of a Beta reader for In Limbo and Ann, who is a former middle school history teacher, jumped at the chance. She read my manuscript within a week and e-mailed it back with extensive and extremely helpeful notes. I couldn't have queried (and gotten some positive responses) without Ann's help.

Other writing friends that I've made through my MFA program at Fairleigh Dickinson University. Especially certain people that me and Pam have added to the family. You all know who you are, especially you, Racquel, our little sister :) Without their support and critiques in workshops, I also would not be at the level I am today with my writing.

Okay, I think that does it. Who would you like to thank for helping you with your writing? Also, remember this is all part of a contest--go check it out!