What a surprise!
The new paranormal I’m working on finaled in the first contest I sent it to. I didn’t get the typical phone call this time. I found out through a posting on another author’s website. The story is a finalist in the “Where the Magic Begins” contest sponsored by Romance Writers Inc. chapter of RWA.
At the time I sent it in, I was calling it Contemporary Amazon. I have since changed the title to The Reluctant Amazon. I am really enjoying writing it and am gearing up to submit it to the Golden Heart competition.
I feel truly blessed with the success I have had in chapter contests. I have only entered a select few, but I have had four manuscripts final in five different contests.
I must be doing something right. 
Congratulations on all of your success! When I was in your class and you told me about being a writer, I knew you would make it, even though you -STILL- haven’t let me read anything of yours :P. Anyhow, we need to keep in touch! My email is blovem6590@gmail.com or matt@neotrader.net if you ever want to email me or anything… yet again, congrats on your finalist position and I miss you :/.
Matt
PS: Next time you order Pizza Hut, you should do a carryout and come see me! I should be working, I work all the time now… The joys of being a lead shift manager >_>