Pages

December 16, 2015

The Minotaur and Me


By Susan Cox


If you are a writer, you know that you face a labyrinth trying to get published. Writing is difficult, but it pales when compared to the dead ends, the wrong turns, the retracing of steps taken earlier, the lost sense of direction and general feelings of discouragement that follow.

It’s a long journey; you must first write the book, then find an agent who believes in your work, which if you are lucky will result in a sale to the right publisher, followed by the terrifying and possibly mortifying editing process and then, eventually, publication.

But there are occasional shortcuts, springboards, which help you, leap to the center of the labyrinth (or the Exit sign–depends which way you want to go). Probably the best for those of us in the mystery field is the annual First Crime Novel contest co-sponsored by the Mystery Writers of America and Minotaur Books (the mystery imprint of St. Martin’s Press).

Hundreds of unpublished crime novels of every mystery sub-genre are submitted. MWA judges read, evaluate and choose the finalists, which are sent on to the editorial staff at Minotaur Books for the final decision.

And yes, I won it last year. (Yay me!)

I had given up a demanding career to write full time. I’d tried to do both and couldn’t make it work, so I spent the next few months writing a lot and worrying just a little that I couldn’t make this work either. I entered the contest as a way of keeping my spirits up and giving me something author-ish to do.

The win came with a St. Martin’s Minotaur publishing contract and a trip to New York to attend the MWA Edgar Awards Dinner.  I was asked to keep the secret for nearly a month, until the announcement could be made at the Edgars Dinner.  I tried. I really did. But within hours I had sworn all my family and friends to secrecy and before long I was blurting it out to waiters and people who telephoned to sell me vinyl siding. In the end, it didn’t seem to matter. I stepped on the stage to good-hearted applause from the hundreds of mystery writers, publishers, agents, editors and other guests present, and took possession of the most attractive chunk of acrylic I have ever seen.

Agents returned my calls and I chose one to help guide my future career.

After edits and polishing and all the things that go into getting a book ready for traditional publication, I will be able to hold it in my hand on December 15th.

The important take-away here is that I had absolutely no expectation of winning. 

So go ahead. 

Enter a writing contest.

You might win.

And who knows where that will lead you?
_________________________________________________________________ 
Susan Cox is both trans-Atlantic and trans-continental, with homes in San Francisco and Florida, and a large and boisterous extended family in England. I've been a journalist; marketing and public relations director for a safari park, and fundraiser for schools and non-profit organizations. I'm co-founder of the Palm Beach County (Fla.) Attractions Association and I served a term as President of the PBCAA and to the Tourist Development Council of Palm Beach County. I'm a Star Trek geek. So far I've resisted attending a convention in costume but I have a Starfleet Academy decal on my car and I wore a communicator pin on my graduation gown. I have a small and prized collection of first editions, signed editions and otherwise interesting mysteries. I also collect royal commemorative mugs, which are produced for the births, Christenings, marriages and coronations of the English Royals. I love them beyond reason, but they have no redeeming value whatsoever. I'm a member of the Mystery Writers of America. My first book is The Man on The Washing Machine. You can connect with me on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Susan-Cox-1592321611014

No comments:

Post a Comment