Phil Taylor 2021 4th Place - On the support/encouragement that come with the prize

Phil Taylor—On the support & encouragement that come with the prize

2021 4th place, Absence of Color

What made you decide to submit your work to the First Pages Prize?

I had not heard of the Prize until I saw a social media post by Amanda Gorman in which she encouraged writers to send in submissions to the First Pages Prize because the deadline had been extended. Short term goals help me, so I thought the motivation to get an entry ready for submission would be beneficial.

How did you decide what you wanted to submit?

I had written a few chapters of a novel in a creative writing class a few months earlier. It seemed appropriate for the contest, so I re-worked it a bit and sent it in.

And then, what was it like to be one of the final winners? 

It was a complete shock. I really had no expectations when I submitted my entry. Each step of the process—as the list of finalists kept getting pared down and my name continued to be among them—I was increasingly surprised. When I was named one of the five prize-winners I was honored, especially after reading the outstanding work of the other finalists.

What changed for you as a result of being a final winner?

Being one of the winners did wonders for my confidence. As a journalist, I was accustomed to writing non-fiction, but I had no experience as a novelist. Having such a positive reaction to my work from unbiased, experienced evaluators was tremendously encouraging.

What was your experience with the editorial guidance that came with the prize—how was the process and what impact did it have on your work?

The developmental read was invaluable. It was an honest assessment of my work that offered suggestions about plot and character development and generally helped me think about my work in new ways. 

What has surprised you most about being part of this prize?

I think it’s the continued support and encouragement I've received from First Pages Prize long after the winners were announced. Simply having some of the representatives from FPP continue to stay in contact has inspired me to keep plugging away at my project.

What advice or tips might you have for people thinking of submitting to the FIRST PAGES PRIZE this year?

Don't try too hard. You don't have to overwhelm the readers with brilliance in these few pages. This is just the briefest of introductions to your novel. If you can give the readers a sense of tone and your feel for language while offering them a glimpse of a world or a character they find intriguing, you've done your job. 

Finally, if you are at all uncertain about whether you should submit, don't be. You have nothing to lose.