The Norman Transcript

Features

Discussion

January 13, 2013

Deadline for writing contest set for Feb. 1

Transcript Staff The Norman Transcript

NORMAN — Sonia Gensler remembers winning first place in the Oklahoma Writers’ Federation annual contest — it was almost as exciting as receiving the Oklahoma Book Award in the juvenile category for “The Revenant” (Knopf , 2011).

Entering the contest was a significant early step of her writer’s journey.

“I didn’t win anything the first couple of years I entered, but the contest helped me take my writing more seriously. It gave me a deadline and a tangible goal for revision that was a little less daunting than submitting to an agent or editor,” Gensler said.

Aside from the boost to her ego and feedback from Oklahoma Writers Federation, Incorporated (OWFI) contest judges, winning the contest also gave her an award to mention in query letters to agents.

“I won the young adult fiction category in 2008, and within the year I had an agent for that manuscript. Sadly, it didn’t sell (to a publisher), but my next manuscript did,” Gensler said.

That next manuscript became “The Revenant.” In addition to the Oklahoma Book Award, it also was named on the ABC New Voices Extended List in 2011 and won the Parent’s Choice Silver Award in 2012. Gensler’s next book , “The Dark Between,” is due out from Knopf in 2013.

In the past, all entries have been submitted by mail, but this year, entrants will have the option of submitting their manuscripts electronically. Gensler said this change reflects a shift in the publishing industry in recent years.

The OWFI contest is open and entries will be accepted until Feb. 1. Categories include all genres of fiction, for children and adult readers, as well as non-fiction, poetry and screenwriting. Awards are announced at the annual OWFI conference, set for May 2-4 at the Embassy Suites in Norman.

For more information, visit owfi.org.

For local news and more, subscribe to The Norman Transcript Smart Edition, or our print edition.

Text Only | Photo Reprints
Features
  • It’s tough to grow up, but it’s worth it

    Q: I have a daughter taking classes for high school credit, and I don’t understand this concept. Can you explain what she and I should be keeping track of to ensure she graduates on time? — Allen, Norman Dear Allen, What a perfect ...

    May 24, 2013

  • Watch for snakes in storm debris

    While touring the May 20th tornado-damaged areas of Moore, I noted many debris-clogged streams and wet areas. Severe storms can play havoc with water sources, such as drainages, creeks or even sewer systems; sometimes driving snakes into ...

    May 24, 2013

  • Those birds drove me in

    Have you ever seen the birds as active as they are during this cool, rainy spring? They were just going bonkers during Mother’s Day weekend — the sparrows especially hop-skipping, dive-bombing over each other in order to grab that tad of ...

    May 24, 2013

  • Harbingers of summer

    In case you failed to notice, every season is preceded by certain indications of the season to follow. In the southern parts of the country, particularly in Texas and Oklahoma, people are deluded into believing cool weather is just around ...

    May 24, 2013

  • How to use herbal supplements safely

    Dear Savvy Senior, Are herbal supplements safe for seniors who are taking other prescription medications? I have a friend who swears by them, but I want to be sure before I take anything new....

    May 21, 2013

  • Norman doctor preparing for Winter Gala for Parkinson’s Research on Dec. 12

    Nov. 1, 2011, is a day that Nicole Jarvis, M.D., will never forget. It was on this day that Jarvis, who was only 38, was officially given the diagnosis of Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease. Now, at 40, Jarvis juggles her illness, her ...

    May 19, 2013

  • Texting for tacos

    Before I unleash the next couple of sentences, I want to warn some of you to be prepared for some harsh words. OK. Here we go. I don’t enjoy receiving or sending text messages. There, I said it. I love the cell phone and think it’s the ...

    May 19, 2013

  • Norman Galaxy of Writers score at Oklahoma contest

    Six Norman Galaxy of Writers members took home 14 awards May 3 and 4 at the annual Oklahoma Writers’ Federation Inc. conference at the Norman Embassy Suites Hotel. In addition, Robert Ferrier served as judge for a poetry category and ...

    May 19, 2013

  • Norman Music Institute show to benefit nonprofit

    For Gregg Standridge, instructor at Norman Music Institute, music inspires many things, including a passion for community. It is this inspiration that has moved the Norman Music Institute instructors to host an event combining music and ...

    May 19, 2013

  • NAIC to host workshop Friday

    Jan Astani will provide a marketing workshop, “Communicating Our Story in the Community,” from 9 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Friday. The workshop is the last in a leadership training series sponsored by Norman Addiction Information & Counseling, A ...

    May 19, 2013