I have been scribbling stories and devouring books since I was old enough to read and write. I’ve been a freelance writer of journalism and non-fiction since 2019, with bylines in The Huffington Post, The Metro and Mindless Mag. I’m a regular contributor for Sensitive Refuge and The History Quill. As a qualified archivist, I’m interested in unearthing women’s unheard stories from the past and I find inspiration in bringing lost voices into the light. I currently work in academic publishing.
What was the inspiration behind your winning story?
The idea for my story came in a flash of inspiration about two years ago. As with most of my writing, the seed of the idea came from a convergence of one of my interests and a burning indignation at a preset day issue. In this case it was my obsession with women’s sport and the lack of representation.
At the time I was writing another novel, so I put the idea to one side. I came to a block with the other book and decided to write something different in an effort to kick start my imagination. The ‘new book’ took over instantly, with the voice of the protagonist strong and effortless on the page. I ended up entering those pages into the I Am In Print competition – and I’m so very glad I did!
How did you celebrate winning?
I was on holiday in the Lake District when I read the email telling me I’d won. I think I stared at the laptop for about ten minutes before the words began to sink in! That morning I’d been living my best Beatrix Potter life in our rural rented holiday cottage, typing out a few thousand words of my manuscript in the quiet hush of early morning, before anyone else was awake. I went out for the day to Derwentwater with my fiancé where we both walked off all the adrenaline. We celebrated at the end of the day with some fizz and the largest Lakeland plum loaf we could find as we rested our aching feet. I’d love to bottle the feeling!
What has happened since you entered the competition?
So many amazing things have happened since my competition win and I’m so grateful to Elane and Sarah for the opportunity and to the judge, Liza DeBlock for choosing my manuscript as the winner. I had a wonderful meeting with Liza as part of my prize, where she requested the full manuscript. I think I kept my cool! I also attended a writing conference recently, where I pitched to industry professionals, which resulted in another full manuscript request.
Ultimately, the competition win has given me belief in my idea and in my writing, which powered me through the remainder of the draft of my story. Coming from a background where no one read books, much less had any creative interests, the win has helped me to kick my imposter syndrome to the kerb.
What advice would you give to aspiring authors thinking of entering a writing competition?
Write what you want to write because that enthusiasm will shine through in your manuscript. Put self-doubt aside, because you have absolutely nothing to lose in entering! Like the writing advice, you can’t edit a blank page, you can’t win a competition if you don’t enter.
What is next for you?
My next step is to edit and polish the manuscript. I also have a rough outline of book two that I’ll add to when I’m nervously waiting for beta reader feedback. I also plan on taking my proofreading and copyediting exams in the near future with the aim of setting up my own editing business.
Website: www.karenbryonyrose.co.uk
X: @SunSparks4
Instagram: karenbryonywrites
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