“Tales2Inspire helps readers and writers alike turn the negative into positive energy. I found the whole experience totally positive and has inspired me to write a whole lot more.” - Cheryl Stewart
“I think we each have music inside of us - a message to share - and I believe this project has helped each one of us share our music, our personal mission. Tales2Inspire has enabled us (as authors) to make certain abstract concepts understandable to our readers. - Heidi DuPree
“This is a unique contest because your own peers judge your work rather than a panel of judges. That makes it a critique, not criticism - a really helpful piece for writers entering this competition.” - Rod DiGruttolo
“I think it (the judging aspect to this contest) is s a great way to improve our own writing. When you pick apart a piece, actually sit down to figure out what worked well for you and why another part didn’t seem to fit just right, well that’s a great way to improve your skills as a writer.”- Cami Ann Hofstadter
“There was a synergy - a collective energy - to help other authors achieve their goals. I felt the love that came from all directions - everyone working, speaking and writing from the heart. Lois, you have provided a venue to many people that didn’t exist in this fashion before this. I salute you and I want to extend my gratitude to you.” - Jim Lawrence
“This is a true community service project - a good news project - not a ‘let me tell you my tale of woe’ project. The way you organized it, Lois, the whole structure of it, it was like a college degree in one neat package. I just learned so much about how to expedite my writing.” - Cecile Bell
“I found it very easy to participate in Tales2Inspire. The instructions on your website were clear cut and very easy to follow. It’s been a pleasure dealing with you, Lois.” - Stan Cupery, M.D.
“You find a lot of contests online, but they are not much more than that. Knowing that you are going to be judged by your peers makes you really take the time to write and judge very throughly. Lois, you have a passion for helping other authors and that comes across very clearly. Hopefully you are going to continue this project for a long time because it is an awesome opportunity. - Mary Romero
“I love Lois Stern’s site, as well as her dedication to helping other writers, She’s the best. I joined her last contest and was an honorable mention. I intend to join this year’s too, because I love the stories and the people. I think it’s a great idea to have the feedback from all the comments. I enjoyed the video immensely (video intro to each author on the AUTHOR_TALES screen). You are a remarkable storyteller--you give each story so much depth and interest.” - Micki Peluso
“Why should we focus on the negative.when it helps us get through hard times in life by focusing on the positive? I also thought it was so neat that we were required to judge (the work of) three other writers. I learned ways to improve my writing skills by critically reading other tales. I really appreciated that and learned from the whole experience.” - Erica Kosal
Contest participant, Cami Ann Hofstadter posted the following blurb,
which appeared in the latest South Florida Writers Association Newsletter
IT PAYS TO BE A MEMBER OF SFWA
By Cami Ann Hofstadter
In the spring, members got an email about a writing competition at www.tales2inspire.com, and although SFWA cannot "vouch for" any of the many items it forwards to members, I decided to take a chance.
When I went to the website, I was particularly drawn to the theme by Lois W. Stern, the creator of the competition, "Authors Helping Authors." Also, I liked the big choice of genres in which you could submit, so I made the "leap" and submitted my story titled A LEAP OF WORDS.
You can imagine how excited I was when I came in a finalist but more than that, I was so gratified by all the "side-benefits" this has given me. Not only does Lois's website generate a lot of traffic (try tales2inspire in one of the search-engines and you'll see what I mean) but, in addition to the tales, she has also posts a radio interview of us authors. And I get an "emblem" to put on my own soon-to-be-built website to include among my other writers' credentials. So check it all out by going to the authors' page at www.tales2inspire.com/AUTHOR_TALES.html and watch a video or go directly to the ON THE AIR sign for the radio interview. You can also check out the other services Lois offers; all in the true spirit of authors helping authors.
More than all this, don't miss your chance to participate in the next competition!