“Heartbeat/Heartbreak” Writing Contest

heartx2

"HEARTBEAT/HEARTBREAK"

Redwood Writers Contest

A disastrous first date or love at first sight? It can all happen in a matter of a heartbeat.

Redwood Writers invites participation from writers of all genres in the contest. Whether you have been lucky or unlucky in love, share a true or made-up story of a first meeting or a decision to part ways. It can be fiction, a memoir, or an essay about love won or lost.

You have up to 1500 words to tell your story, make us laugh, cry, or inspire speculation about why you said hello or goodbye. Revisit the past or imagine a love that did or didn’t last, what you wish could’ve been or is yet to be. It all happens in a heartbeat.

DETAILS:

ENTRIES:

In addition to all Redwood Writers members, the contest is open to:
• All CWC members, regardless of residence.
• Non-member residents of Sonoma, Napa, Marin, Mendocino, Lake, Humboldt and Solano counties.

DATES:

Submission dates:

Open: Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024
Close: Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025, at midnight

ENTRY FEE:

California Writers Club
Members:

$10

Non-members:

$15

(Not a member yet?
Click here to find out why you should join the Redwood Writers.)

PRIZES:

First prize:
$100

Second prize:
$50

Third prize:
$25

Honorary Runner-Up:
Certificate

*Every winner receives a certificate.

Winners announced:

Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025

at the Redwood Writers
general membership meeting
11 a.m.
Finley Center
Santa Rosa

Winning stories will be published online.

RULES

Please observe the following contest rules; otherwise, your entry may be disqualified.

  • DO NOT place your name or contact information anywhere on your submission. This is a blind judging.
  • Submit as a pdf, doc, or docx.
  • Wordcount: No more than 1,500 words.
  • Work can be complete works, excerpts from larger works, or previously self-published works.
  • Work may not be entered if previously published in any CWC publications or published by a traditional publisher.
  • Format: Manuscripts must be double-spaced and use 12-pointTimes New Roman font.
  • Number the pages, bottom right.
  • Only ONE submission per entrant.
  • Please use the online form to submit your entry and payment. Only submissions uploaded via the online form will be accepted for judging.
  • Immediate family members of judges and chairs of this contest are not eligible to submit.
  • Upon submission, if you choose to pay with a check, please make check out to "CWC Redwood," and write "Heartbeat/Heartbreak Contest" on the memo line.
    Please mail check to:
    Redwood Writers
    P.O. Box 4687
    Santa Rosa, CA 95402


If you have questions, please use the form below.

Judges

INVITATION TO BE A CONTEST JUDGE

Are you an editor, romance writer, essayist, or an expert in memoir? We’re recruiting three judges to help us choose the best stories.

Please contact contest chair, Judy M. Baker, at [email protected] if you’d like to become one of the judges. By being a judge, you will not only be a writer helping writers, but it’s a great opportunity to help you grow as a writer.

MELODY ANN

Melody Ann
Melody Ann is a seasoned publishing expert with two decades of experience helping writers craft impactful narratives. As the founder of Author Nation, she empowers nonfiction authors to turn their expertise into books that inspire, educate, and leave a legacy. Melody’s background includes working with Oxford University Press and teaching professional writing at the university level, giving her a deep understanding of what makes writing stand out. A storyteller at heart, she has written and produced her own show, showcasing the transformative power of authentic narratives.

FRANCES RIVETTI

Frances Rivetti Headshot
Frances Rivetti is a Petaluma-based British American independent journalist and author. She is a former columnist for the Petaluma Argus Courier and has written arts, culture and lifestyle articles for numerous wine country publications and periodicals in the UK and Australia. Frances is the Independent Book Publisher Book Awards winning author of non-fiction books Fog Valley Crush and Fog Valley Winter and (Ippy Gold Medal Winning Western states Fiction) novel Big Green Country and most recently, a holiday season novel The House on Liberty Street — Home of Second Chances. She is preparing for the release of her third novel set in Sonoma County in 2025 and at work on a fourth. She lives with her husband, Timo and is the mother of three grown sons.

TBD

mystery-guest

Chair

JUDY M. BAKER

Judy Baker 2023

Judy M. Baker is the Creator of “The Buzzworthy Book Experience.” As a result of working with Judy, authors learn to build a sustainable business and brand and attract more clients, readers, and income. The Queen Bee of BookBuzz offers guidance, and marketing strategies to connect with your audience, whether launching a fresh title or reviving a hidden gem.

She writes nonfiction, memoirs, magical realism, and poetry. Judy is a content creator, speaker, video, and podcaster.

Judy loves to sing and work out. She keeps a gratitude journal, taking note of awe-inspiring moments and people.

Judy lives in Sonoma with an industrious flock of chickens and her husband, Garry, a voracious reader, gardener, and superb cook.

Connect with Judy
LinkedIn
BookMarketingMentor.com

Questions?

Comments?

Send Us a Message

If you didn't find the answer to your questions on the this page, please use this form. We will respond as soon as possible.

Thank you!

Please enter your name.
Please enter a subject.
Please enter a message.

Redwood Writers is the largest of 22 California Writers Club branches.
Our motto: “Writers helping writers.”

Redwood Writers
P.O. Box 4687
Santa Rosa, CA 95402