Writers' League of Texas Names Houston Author's Novel a Finalist in 2007 Manuscript Contest
Houston Author Rachel Schipul's novel, Forty-Two Blue, has been named a finalist in the The Writers' League of Texas 2007 Manuscript Contest. The winner in each category will be revealed at the Annual Agents and Editors Conference on June 16, 2007. Winners receive an immediate one-on-one with a top literary agent for the purpose of securing a publishing contract.
(PRWEB) June 13, 2007 -- Houston Author Rachel Schipul's novel, Forty-Two Blue, has been named a finalist in the The Writers' League of Texas 2007 Manuscript Contest. The winner in each category will be revealed at the Annual Agents and Editors Conference on June 16, 2007. Winners receive an immediate one-on-one with a top literary agent for the purpose of securing a publishing contract.
The Gather.com First Chapters Contest is over and a Houston woman's novel, Forty-Two Blue, landed squarely in the top ten. Author Rachel Schipul is now riding that recent success toward the next opportunity. The Writers' League of Texas recently named Forty-Two Blue as a finalist in the 2007 Manuscript Contest.
"The recognition is very nice, especially since I finished this book in 2004 and have amassed an impressive collection of rejection letters," said Schipul. "I had three request a full copy, but I just haven't found the right agent yet. I am still hopeful as I think it is a strong book and has a place in the current market."
Forty-Two Blue is a crime fiction novel that follows a respected programmer through the electronic tangle of the Internet to catch a murderer.
The winner in each category of the Writers' League of Texas 2007 Manuscript Contest will be revealed this weekend at the Annual Agents and Editors Conference on June 16, 2007. Winners receive an immediate one-on-one with a top literary agent for the purpose of securing a publishing contract.
"I have heard it may be a little on the technical side for some, but others feel the details make it ring true, especially for those familiar with technology," Schipul said. "I am hoping to get some professional advice from the agents this weekend on how to steer the manuscript."
Schipul is a Houston native and has cultivated her craft over the years through workshops and writers' groups. A class held at Rice University and led by Paula Webb, another Houston writer, led to the first chapter of Forty-Two Blue. The story was expanded years later while attending a six-month workshop offered by Ms. Webb through Inprint, Inc.
"I met some great writers in these classes, several of whom have become friends and confidants," said Schipul. "Stewart Rolands is a local author that has written three books and one novella. He is constant source of inspiration to keep at it, no matter what happens. My friend Michelle Devlin is another great cheerleader for me. Michelle has a published book, Afraid of the Dark, and so I look to her for information on agents and publishing."
Schipul is currently working on her second novel, The Hike, which delves into the debilitating effect of letting seeds of resentment grow throughout a lifetime.
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