Winning a Publishing Award
Congratulations to certified book coach Kathleen Furin! Kathleen recently won The Eludia Award. This award is offered annually to women writers aged 40 and over for a first book-length unpublished novel or collection of stories. The prize includes publication of the book through Sowilo Press, a $1,000 award, and a publishing contract with Hidden River Publishing.
What is your history of entering writing contests? Was this the first time or the hundredth time?
I had been sending this short story collection out to contests — maybe this was the 8th or 10th time. I had been recognized as a finalist or semi-finalist in 2 other competitions prior to this. I am so thrilled to be acknowledged with this one — it feels like a really good fit for many reasons.
What did you do to celebrate this achievement?
I got the news at a super hectic time of year but I did go dancing, and lots of friends have offered to buy me dinner or drinks.
What advice do you have for writers when it comes to entering contests?
Well, the obvious things, like follow the guidelines and submit your best work. But on a deeper level, try not to take rejection personally. There are so many amazing writers in the world, and you never know why something might resonate with an editor or not. A rejection is not about the value of your work or of you as a writer and a human being.
Build a community of support — I don't know what I would do without the groups I am a part of. They help keep me going and we have so much fun together. I get to be immersed in their words and work and we struggle through together and that gives my life so much meaning. I love to write and work in a connected community.
How does this change your mindset in terms of your career, or the particular project you’re working on?
I have a dear friend who is a beautiful writer and poet who always reminds me to stay focused on the process of writing, not the outcomes. She was homeless at one point in her life and she reminds me that it is just such a privilege to be able to have time and space and psychic energy to create. She helps me remember the joy of the process...this makes rejection easier. We write because we love it, because there is nothing like the spark of creation and discovery. I never know what my characters are going to do or want or become — and that's what is so exhilarating. Being focused on the process and just attuning myself to my own creative energy and where that leads me has been a helpful way to approach my work, as opposed to worrying about things I can't control.
What’s next for the book?
I think it will be published in the spring of 2024.
What’s next for your career?
I’m working on a novel and hope to get some time to finish that over the next couple of months.
Why would you recommend book coaching to other writers?
I didn't use a coach for this story collection, but I have used a coach in the past for a novel I wrote. Having someone be able to see the big picture and help me stay focused, accountable, and encouraged made a really big difference. The coaching relationship is so intimate, and it works so well when we are aligned in our vision.
Kathleen Furin is an Author Accelerator certified book coach, author, and editor. She provides concrete strategies for getting started on your book as well as an honest approach and tools for revisions, writing, editing, and publishing. Learn more about Kathleen’s services on her website.
