I’m siting here waiting for the finalists to be announce in one of the contests I entered. As the days came closer and closer, I began to doubt. Of course, I’ve gone back over my entries and fussed over them. And each time doubt pressed heavier.
This morning, I realized something, I have two characters with the exact same name. EEEK! You do not know how many times I’ve looked over this manuscript, or how many times my critique partners have gone over it with a fine tooth comb.
It’s silly mistakes like these that drive me nuts. What in the world must the judges think? I know I would have been confused. Even though I only reference the one character once. It’s funny how we see things in other manuscripts and don’t see them in our own.
I no longer have hopes of finalling, and not just because of that particular glaring error, but because of a few others. And to make matters worse, I entered this manuscript in another contest. I’m embarrassed at such a stupid mistake. I guess the up side is, at least I caught it now.
5 responses to “Silly Glaring Errors”
But the thing is, no one is perfect, not even the judges. If they can't get past an error or two, then I say don't listen to them.
But, like you said. You've caught them now, which is the good thing. And I think you're still going to do GREAT! 🙂
Thank you, Brynna. I'm anxious to see the scores now. So far I haven't hit that slight despondency that tends to occur when you realize your MS wasn't good enough to final, but I haven't seen the scores yet either. I've been preaching that there is always a manuscript out there better. Always. It's a matter of timing, and Westerns aren't real popular when it comes to other historical eras. But that is my cross to bear. I knew it would be tough, but I chose to continue on this path, and I will continue to do so.
I hope you NEVER hit that despondency because Cherish Me is just too good for you to doubt it! I know it's hard to escape those feelings when they come, but if they do, just tell them I said to go away! 🙂
As for me, I kind of expect my stuff not to resonate. LOL. But dadgummit, I'm going to be true to my muse and myself. 🙂
What gets to me is that I find stupid mistakes in my manuscripts no matter how many times I go over them.
My editor and I had words about my spelling. Sigh.
Hey, those errors always look way bigger to you than anyone else. Have faith! And remember judging is so crazy subjective…