Well hello,
The contest is over and done and, sadly, I didn't crack the top 5. On a much cooler note, I was only 13 away from cracking the top 20 and that's pretty awesome.
I went into this competition hoping for no more than some real-world experience and perhaps some helpful critique. Little did I know I would gain that and more. The amount of support I received both from friends and complete strangers nearly knocked me back on the floor. 80 people willing to come forward and support my crazy dream. That means more to me than I could possibly ever put into words.
To my fellow authors, who took the time from their own projects to contact me, give advice, or offer me a place among their networks - You are fantastic and amazing human beings. I will never forget you.
To my readers, who took a chance on an unknown writer with no experience to her name - You are brave and kind (and have fantastic taste). What's more, you were willing to put your name behind my story and that is more than I could have ever asked for.
So, yes. The competition is over, but the dream doesn't die. I'm young, I'm wide-eyed, and I truly believe that I can make this happen.
Don't forget about me. I won't forget about you.
- Lauren
