Don’t Make Us Choose!
When we launched the inaugural edition of the First Page Cage Match last year, we had no way of knowing just what to expect. It seemed straightforward enough. Based on the format of a live-action slush reading, we’d read each story until we wanted to stop. But what happens when you don’t want to stop? Well, you ask for more!
(For a recap of the process we used, have a look at this post.)
First pages can be notoriously challenging, but it really comes down to one question: How do you make the reader of the first page want to read the second (and then the third, and the fourth and so on, all the way to the end of the story).
Two submissions in particular hooked us from beginning to middle to end — and, truth be told, we didn’t want them to ever end. They were that good. Both of them, entirely different from one another, and we had to choose one winner.
Like one of our judges said, “It’s not like choosing between apples and oranges. It’s like choosing between apples … and attack helicopters.”! And how the heck do you choose between nutritious fruit and weaponized aircraft?! Well, you don’t.
So, after weeks (yes, weeks!) of deliberation, we are delighted to announce the two winners of the 2023 First Page Cage Match!
Both authors will receive $200 and an editorial review, excerpts of which we are delighted to share with you here!
The Pansy Paradox by Charity Tahmaseb
“The Pansy Paradox is a delightful New Adult romantasy set in the mythical rural town of Kings End, Minnesota. It deals with themes of grief, loss, and responsibility with humour, romance, and sentient umbrellas.”
“This manuscript was remarkably clean, spelling, grammar, and layout-wise. The dialogue is believable, the narration flows well, and the language is appropriate for the subject matter and audience. A very polished New Adult romantasy. Brava!”
The Year We Got Away by Nikita Andester
“We just loved this quirky novel. Loved Dot. Loved the talking camera. The opening club scene is fabulous. The dialogue and narration flow well and the voice is unique and engaging.”
“Double exposures (emphasis on exposure) are about dual identity — what was historically acceptable and unacceptable. And traditional labels don’t do justice to the complex layers of Dot’s sexuality. This genre- and gender-bending historical novel is a stunning debut!”
Want to join the first-page party? The 2024 First Page Cage Match opens August 1st!
For all the details, and to enter, stay tuned to the blog, sign up for our newsletter, or follow us on Facebook and Instagram!
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