I've written before about how writers, even the great ones, suffer from "corrosive self-doubt," a term coined by the great James Lee Burke. It's true, and I suffer from it. However, now and then, a bit of salve for that corrosion shows up. In my case it was a recent email from the Killer Nashville Conference people that my unpublished novel, Breathtaking in the Blue Ridge, was selected as a finalist in the 2019 Claymore Award competition, winners to be announced in August in Nashville at a gala dinner.
All the finalists are virtually assured of agent representation and/or a publisher for the novel, so I don't have to win to benefit. Also, the finalists will be introduced at a "Wine N Shine" social event where best-selling writers, agents, and publishers will be gathering. The networking opportunities are abundant. So is the wine, I'm told. Reason enough.
Killer Nashville is a conference where literally hundreds of those who write mystery, thriller, and crime novels get together for panels, presentations, and the opportunity to rub elbows with best-selling writers in hopes of learning something that will help the writer achieve publication and filthy luchre. This year David Morrell and Joyce Carol Oates will be available to be stared at.
My late, wonderful mother-in-law once said, "He who tooteth not his own horn shall forever live in a state of untootedness." So, forgive my horn tooting. I hope this encourages others, writers or not, to keep plugging because there's salve for that corrosive self-doubt if you look for it. I am blessed.
