Contest information is here, but I'll sum up. Between January 23 and February 5, all entrants must submit:
- A completed manuscript in either of the categories, between 50,000 and 150,000 words.
- Three to five thousand words in an excerpt.
- A pitch that must not exceed 300 words.
Based on the strength of the pitch, entrants will move on to the second round. Here's my first draft of the pitch for Sultana's Legacy - thoughts?
SULTANA’S LEGACY, a
completed novel at 118630 words, is an epic historical set in thirteenth
century Moorish Spain. The novel’s themes of loyalty and faith, and empowerment
and sacrifice explore the fragile ties that bind and fray between families. The
protagonists Fatima, the daughter of a
Sultan, and her beloved husband Faraj offer differing perspectives
on fast-changing events. The novel provides an adventurous escape into the
past, with rich details about the period’s most unpredictable and dangerous historical
figures.
The
matriarch of her family, Fatima’s love for her husband and children rivals an
overwhelming devotion to her cherished father. When his death occurs unexpectedly, the kingdom faces a
bleak future. Fatima’s brother, a corrupt maniac, seizes the throne. Cruelty
abounds, as former rivals and trusted
retainers alike fall victim to his machinations, including almost everyone whom
Fatima once held dear. A choice awaits her: acceptance or defiance.
In
the ensuing rivalry for the throne, Fatima risks her personal safety and even her marriage. The years of love and
trust she has enjoyed with Faraj erode, as treachery and intrigues divide the
couple. A thin line between justice and revenge blurs. As Fatima’s noble quest devolves
into bitter violence, the cost of victory may prove higher than she anticipated.
Even in her triumph, the root of a final heartbreaking betrayal takes hold, one
that may destroy the legacy of the Sultans of Granada forever.
Historical fiction
audiences will find the Moorish period in SULTANA’S LEGACY fascinating and
unusual. Complex characters run the gamut
of genuine good to uncompromising evil. In particular, the heroine
Fatima is multifaceted. Her greatest strength, her devotion to family, is
also her fatal flaw. Her struggle against overwhelming
odds and cunning adversaries will appeal to those who admire strong female personalities.
I'm wishing everyone who decides to enter the best of luck, especially my #ABNA tweeps on Twitter!
I'm wishing everyone who decides to enter the best of luck, especially my #ABNA tweeps on Twitter!
