Kirsten Lopresti, finalist in the 2009 Best Unpublished Novel (BUN) Contest, credits the feedback she received from judge and author Susann Cokal for helping her elevate her winning entry into an acclaimed debut novel, Bright Coin Moon, published in November by Sky Pony Press.
Cokal describes Bright Coin Moon as “Anywhere But Here for a new decade. Lopresti hits all the high notes in a story that’s wrenching, ripping, and often laugh-out-loud funny.”
We caught up with Lopresti to learn more about her novel, talk about the impact of James River Writers, and highlight the power of contests for writers.
Lopresti, who resides outside of Washington, D.C., urges writers planning to enter the 2015 BUN Contest to stop waiting to send their manuscript. Heed her advice. The deadline is March 31.
Writers who reside in Virginia may submit the first 50 pages of a previously unpublished novel. The first-prize winner receives $500, publication of an excerpt in the September issue of Richmond Magazine, a ticket to the annual James River Writers Conference (October 17-18, 2015), and feedback on the manuscript. Two finalists each receive $200.
What made you enter the Best Unpublished Novel Contest?
I saw the contest mentioned online and I had a finished novel, so I thought, why not? I live in Virginia, so I was familiar with the James River Writers organization. I knew it would be a good, reputable contest.
How did winning help you elevate your manuscript?
It helped me a great deal. The judge that year was Susann Cokal, and she had some super suggestions for the manuscript. She’s a very accomplished and talented writer, so I felt incredibly lucky to have the chance to get her feedback on my work.
Was the contest your first interaction with James River Writers?
Yes. I’d heard of the organization before, but the contest was my first real interaction. I’ve since become a member, and I renew every year. It’s a great group. I wish I lived closer to Richmond so I could take part in all of the activities.
How did you find your publisher?
I have an agent who submitted the manuscript. I found the agent through another contest I entered, The YA Discovery Contest.
When was your novel published?
Bright Coin Moon was published this past November by Sky Pony Press.
What is your novel about?
Bright Coin Moon is the story of a 17-year-old girl named Lindsey Allen. She’s an A student who has her heart set on becoming an astronomer, but first she must break away from her mother, an eccentric failed beauty queen who has set up a phony psychic reading shop in their Oregon garage.
Lindsey is biding time until she graduates high school, reading tarot cards for the neighbors in her mother’s shop and recording the phases of the moon in her Moon Sign notebook. Her life changes when her mother decides they should move to California to become Hollywood psychics to the stars.
What words of advice do you have for writers planning to enter the contest this year?
Keep writing. Keep submitting. Keep entering contests. You never know what will come out of it.
Interview by JRW board member and freelance writer Robin Farmer.