I’m waiting out my last few contest finals.
I should hear results from PASIC’s Book of Your Heart soon. The Reluctant Amazon is a paranormal finalist. They were supposed to announce last Saturday, but I think they extended the entry deadline. That always means everything else gets pushed back too. I think Heart of the West gives their final placings at their conference this weekend. The Impetuous Amazon is being judged there.
I will miss being a contest diva. That adrenaline rush when you get the call or email that you’re a finalist is exquisite. A final means validation. A final means other people truly appreciate your work. And a final means you don’t feel quite so alone.
The only thing that gave me a stronger endorphin high was when Maureen called me to offer representation. I seriously don’t remember much of what I said. I was too busy trying to get my heart to stop pounding so that the “whoosh whoosh” sound would die down and I could hear her voice. 
I finished the rewrites that Maureen and Katie requested on The Reluctant Amazon, and I’m waiting to hear if I’ll need another round. I sincerely hope I pleased them both and that we can start submissions.
I’ll keep you posted on any news from contests, but with my track history of always being a bridesmaid rather than the bride, I wouldn’t hold your breath. 