So…
I did it.
I entered Cupid´s Blind Speed Dating contest…If you haven´t heard about it and you have a manuscript that´s complete and revised (or my case revised many times 
), all the info is here
Pressing send is scary. It´s exhilarating but it´s really terrifying. I mean everybody can go and read my updated query (focus on romance) and updated (many times over) first 250 words. (psssshhhh if you want to see it, it´s Bouncer Post 37)
Definitely not as relaxed as my cat
And the other entries are AMAZING So much talent!
At the end of the month, my pitch and first 250 words will be posted up for PitchWars and I get all nervous just thinking about it too.
But all those contests, they´re not only bringing me amazing connections (through PitchWars I already *met* so many wonderful writers + my mentor extraordinaire Dahlia), they´re also teaching me to:
Put. My. Words. Out. There.
In the big wild world. They also give me great feedback. They help me become a better writer. And I can try to help others too.
Best of luck to all of you entering contests! We´re going to rock them 
Dahlia
/ January 14, 2013Awww, you <3 So lucky to have such fab mentees, and I'm so glad you're getting so much out of contests and loving them as much as I do! Good luck to you in all of them!!
jamieayres
/ January 14, 2013Contests is an awesome way to get feeback . . . just remember though, they’re just someone’s opinion. You have to go with your heart/gut! Good luck to you and congrats on putting your work out there for the world to see–it is a scary thing!
Sarah Henson
/ January 14, 2013Good luck!!! I entered last year, and had a great experience meeting and engaging with the other writers. Yay for putting yourself out there!! : )
Jessica Silverstein
/ January 14, 2013How exciting! Best of luck with the contest, but more importantly, enjoy! It’s so cool that you’re getting more confident and connected doing all these things.
Crystal Schubert
/ January 14, 2013Oooh, excitement!
Good luck in both contests!
Ghenet Myrthil
/ January 14, 2013Good luck with this contest! It’s great that you’re putting your words out there. I’ve just begun querying so I’m in the same exact boat.
Rachel Searles
/ January 14, 2013Good luck!! I love these contests–they’re a great way to get feedback!
Alex Brown
/ January 15, 2013Ummmm you’re amazing, and the revisions you made to your revisions are fabulous!!! I’ll be waving ALL THE POM POMS for you!!!
Jaime
/ January 15, 2013Good for you, Elodie! You’re very brave. I might have been tempted to submit as well if I didn’t have to rewrite my query and my story’s opening lol. They’re not exactly in a position to be viewed right now. I hope you get lots of great exposure and feedback!
kiperoo
/ January 15, 2013Good job, you! For entering and for making such AMAZING progress. Your query and your new beginning totally rock!
katyupperman
/ January 15, 2013Yay, Elodie! I’m so proud of you for taking such a big step… Best of luck to you! Please keep us posted as the contest gets underway.
Jessica Love (@_JessicaLove)
/ January 15, 2013WOOO go Elodie!
Erin L. Funk
/ January 15, 2013Good luck in the contest! I hope all your hard work pays off!
Colin
/ January 15, 2013All the best to you in the contest, Elodie! I think the two biggest initial phases of the writer’s life are 1) telling other people you’re a writer, and 2) showing your work to other people. Regardless of the contest’s outcome, you’ve passed both with flying colors!
Kirsten Lopresti
/ January 15, 2013Good luck!
Alexa
/ January 15, 2013Good Luck in the contest, I really like the sounds of your book.
Viklit
/ January 15, 2013I went to comment but wanted to say the VERY BEST OF LUCK!
Sara Biren (@sbiren)
/ January 16, 2013Yes, it’s so hard to put your words out there – I wish it got easier. It’s a little like sending your little one on the bus for the first time.
Good luck!
EM Castellan
/ January 16, 2013Good luck with these contests Elodie! Keeping my fingers crossed for you
Angela @ AJ Arndt Books
/ January 16, 2013Good luck! Congratulations on pressing send and putting yourself out there.
Liz Parker (@LizParkerWrites)
/ January 18, 2013I’m thinking about entering a different window for the Blind Speed Dating. I saw your entry, and your story sounds great. Good luck with this one and with Pitch Wars!