Award thickens the plot for writer

Omahan Matthew Rotundo embodies qualities that certainly benefit an emerging writer, which is exactly what he is.

Self-discipline: Although he has a day job with Lincoln Financial Group, Rotundo tries to devote at least two hours each day to writing.

Patience: He is willing to rewrite his science fiction and fantasy works, and take as long as he needs to finish a project, be it a short story or a novel.

Persistence: He doesn't give up. He submitted a story, which soon will be published, 24 times, he said. And Rotundo entered stories in one of the top competitions for science fiction writers, the L. Ron Hubbard Achievement Awards, 10 times.

The 10th time, his persistence was rewarded.

The contest for aspiring writers is judged quarterly; first through third places are awarded for each quarter. At year's end, the 12 top finishers are invited to a weeklong workshop with high-profile writers and an awards banquet. The four first-place winners compete for the year's highest award.

Rotundo took first place in his quarter with “Gone Black,” which he said is either a short novel or a long short story. For that first-place finish, he won $1,000 and a trip to Los Angeles, and his story was published in the newest version of “L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future” anthology.

The workshop featured such writers as Tim Powers and KD Wentworth.

Rotundo didn't win the gold award, but he said the workshop was helpful and the banquet at Hollywood's Roosevelt Hotel was impressive, boasting celebrities and some of sci-fi's top writers.

He also got to do a few book signings, at the banquet and at a couple of bookstores in Los Angeles. Rotundo called the whole experience invaluable, and he hopes he made some important contacts.

He currently is seeking an agent, he said. Although Rotundo has written mostly short fiction, he is working on longer works because there aren't a lot of markets for short fiction. Besides, “I'm a novelist at heart,” he said.

He just finished the first draft of an “urban fantasy” novel. After it has been critiqued and Rotundo receives feedback, he will do at least one rewrite. Sometimes his work may need a third draft, he said.

Rotundo was born in Germany when his father was in the Air Force, but he grew up in Omaha. When he isn't working or writing fiction, he and his wife, Tracy, go to movies. “I'm a film geek,” he said, adding that he occasionally writes reviews for some publications.

He taught himself to play guitar and he confesses a love of karaoke. Also, he's a big Nebraska football fan.

Rotundo is realistic about his ability to make a living with his writing: It would be difficult. “That's the hard truth about science fiction writing,” he said.

But don't count him out. He's nothing if not persistent.

Contact the writer:

444-1067, carol.bicak@owh.com

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