Stephanie Walters won the 2022 CALEB Award for her unpublished manuscript of her recently released memoir It’s Not a Sprint. We asked for her reflections on the CALEB Award and about her journey since entering.
What inspired you to enter the CALEB Unpublished Award?
When I first heard about the CALEB Unpublished Award, I doubted that my memoir, It’s Not a Sprint, was “good enough” to enter. But as the submission deadline approached, I realised I had nothing to lose and everything to gain by putting my work forward. The Omega Writers Facebook community had already been an incredible source of encouragement and knowledge. I knew that regardless of the outcome, the experience would be invaluable — connecting me with like-minded writers and industry professionals and providing valuable feedback to improve my manuscript.
How did you handle the feedback you received?
Receiving feedback on something as personal as a memoir can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. Writing about my life, struggles, and faith meant putting a piece of myself on the page — having that judged by strangers felt daunting. But I reminded myself why I entered in the first place: to make my manuscript the best it could be. The feedback I received was both encouraging and constructive. Instead of taking it personally, I saw it as an opportunity to grow and improve my writing.
How did entering help you in your writing journey?
When I entered, my manuscript was a jumble of stories, ideas, and dot points. I was thrilled to find out I was a finalist — until I realised I had one week to turn it into something that resembled a book! If nothing else, the process gave me accountability. After eight years of chipping away and telling myself I’d finish it someday, I suddenly had a deadline I couldn’t ignore. That week was a whirlwind of writing and revising at a speed I never thought possible! It forced me to move past perfectionism, push through self-doubt, and trust that my story was worth telling.
(Note: I don’t recommend this strategy. Finish your manuscript before you enter!)
What opportunities have you had since entering?
Winning the CALEB Unpublished Award was a turning point in my writing journey. Not only did it give me the confidence to pursue writing as a career, but it also opened unexpected doors. The 2022 prize included a manuscript assessment by Nicole Partridge, who offered to represent me as my literary agent after reviewing my work. The CALEB Award added credibility to my manuscript, helping us to secure a traditional publishing deal. Since its release in November 2024, I’ve had so many opportunities to share my story at conferences, on radio, and in churches.
What would you say to anyone still deciding about whether to enter?
If you’re on the fence about entering the CALEB Awards, my advice is: JUST DO IT! You never know where it might take you. I almost didn’t enter, but I’m so grateful I took that leap of faith because it was easily the best decision I ever made in my writing journey.
The CALEB Award is more than just a competition — it’s a celebration! One of the things I love most about it is that it’s not about winning; it’s about encouraging and equipping Christian writers to share their stories with the world. The Omega Writers community is filled with supportive, like-minded writers who genuinely want to see each other succeed. If you do decide to enter, I’ll be cheering you on!