I’m thrilled (and still a little stunned) to announce that my novel What Pulls Us Under has been named the WINNER of the 2025 Winter Novel Competition, hosted by New2theScene!
Out of a remarkably strong field of submissions, the judges selected my manuscript for its “compelling narrative voice, rich character development, and potential to be published.” Their kind words—and the generous prizes that come with this honor—have already opened exciting doors.
Here’s what the win includes:
A professional line edit of the first 3,000 words, preparing the manuscript for submission to agents and publishers
A developmental workshop to sharpen the structure and arc of the novel
A podcast interview about the book, my writing journey, and what comes next
Anthology publication of the opening chapters
Direct submission of my manuscript to a literary professional—bypassing the slush pile
An “Origins” blog feature to introduce me to the writing community
Plus, some fun extras, like a bookstore voucher and promotional support!
The feedback I received from the judges was incredibly generous, but also refreshingly constructive—especially when it came to tightening the synopsis and honing the pacing in early chapters. Here’s one of the highlights they shared:
“This piece is rich with insight and emotional depth… The imagery is breathtaking—evocative, poetic, and deeply reflective of the emotional landscape. It beautifully shows, rather than tells, the sense of loss and stillness.”
And while they praised the sibling dynamics and emotional weight of the father’s return, they also nudged me to reconsider whether a subplot involving smugglers and a priceless arrowhead risks overshadowing the core themes of grief, identity, and reconnection. I’m grateful for the clarity and intend to use the next few weeks to reflect, refine, and polish What Pulls Us Under even further.
More exciting updates are on the way—including the podcast, a sneak peek at my newly edited opening, and some behind-the-scenes glimpses into how this story came to life.
Thank you to New2theScene, to the panel of judges, and to every early reader who cheered me on.
Here’s to the next chapter.
~ L.S.