philouwrites

Most Ardently Viking got an honorable mention in the Open Novella Contest 2026. My heart is full, guys! I am so grateful.
          	
          	From the beginning, I was extremely excited about the pairing of Lizzy Bennet (Pride & Prejudice) and Ivar the Boneless (Vikings), two of my favorite all time fictional heroes. They are both fierce but flawed and destined to challenge each other in ways nobody else can. But at the same time, I was worried that the idea was too strange, too wild, that pairing Lizzy with anybody other than Darcy would upset Jane Austen-fans, etc… but I went with it anyway, hoping that perhaps, somebody, somewhere would like them anyway … and now this. WOW! 
          	
          	Thank you from the bottom of my heart to all readers, the incredibly supportive ONC community & the ambassadors for all their hard work. Thank you, thank you, thank you! 
          	
          	https://www.wattpad.com/story/407344902

philouwrites

Most Ardently Viking got an honorable mention in the Open Novella Contest 2026. My heart is full, guys! I am so grateful.
          
          From the beginning, I was extremely excited about the pairing of Lizzy Bennet (Pride & Prejudice) and Ivar the Boneless (Vikings), two of my favorite all time fictional heroes. They are both fierce but flawed and destined to challenge each other in ways nobody else can. But at the same time, I was worried that the idea was too strange, too wild, that pairing Lizzy with anybody other than Darcy would upset Jane Austen-fans, etc… but I went with it anyway, hoping that perhaps, somebody, somewhere would like them anyway … and now this. WOW! 
          
          Thank you from the bottom of my heart to all readers, the incredibly supportive ONC community & the ambassadors for all their hard work. Thank you, thank you, thank you! 
          
          https://www.wattpad.com/story/407344902

philouwrites

She has a mother’s heart but a selkie skin … and it is calling! Come and follow Lena’s path through midlife motherhood. 
          
          Selkie Whispers is my entry for TEGSA2026 by @OfficialTEGSA 
          
          If you haven’t checked out this fun writing competition yet, you should. It will keep you writing all summer and make new writing friends. Jump in while you can!
          
          https://www.wattpad.com/story/413689826

philouwrites

@quincearchfortes I will certainly try, but beware of the selkie. She might not let you go ;-)
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QuinceArchFortes

@philouwrites I am HERE for this! Fantasy~ sweep me away into the sea~ ♡♡♡
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philouwrites

TEGSA is the only reason I got any writing done last summer, so hell yeah, I’m doing this again. This is a really fun contest with a welcoming community and an awesome host - @officialTEGSA - and it will actually get you writing and finish something, because you get a prompt for every chapter and encouragement along the way. Let me know if you decide to jump in. We can cheer each other on.
          
          
          https://www.wattpad.com/story/397541386

philouwrites

The Unhinged Awards 2026 from @bangtansheshta have categories so unhinged, I’m screaming. I’m thinking about entering four of my story babies but picking a category is not for the weak. They are all so much fun and some of my characters tick a few of them unhinged boxes, hehe. Good times all around. Bring on the chaos! Who else is going to compete?

philouwrites

@bangtansheshta thank you so much and thanks for hosting!
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bangtansheshta

Awesome and good luck sweetie❤️❤️.
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OfficialTEGSA

Hey, Philou!
          
          I'm putting together the Author Spotlight for 2026. Are there any milestones or awards you would like me to include? Please comment here, or you can send me a message on Discord or on Instagram. 
          
          Thank you! Hopefully, you will join us again this year!

OfficialTEGSA

@philouwrites -- Wanted to let you know I saw this. Working on that chapter tonight.
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philouwrites

Hi there @officialTEGSA ! Yeah, I think I’ll join. Keep us posted! As for milestones and awards in 2026 … “7 Nights with the Bogeyman” was announced a favorite in the Ambys and I have finished a novella for the Open Novella Contest: “Most Ardently Viking”.  That’s it so far but .i might finish another short story during TEGSA ;)
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philouwrites

When I started writing Most Ardently Viking, I was afraid that the pairing of Vikings and Pride & Prejudice was so unhinged, nobody would read it. I’m glad I wrote it anyway and I’m so grateful for the readers who have embraced my interpretation of Ivar and Elizabeth so wholeheartedly. Thank you, thank you, thank you! Your votes and your comments give me life <3
          
          This morning, I’ve submitted it to the final round of the ONC. There’s still so much more to tell about these two, but I had to wrap it up (for now at least) Which is a good thing. Time for some rest, some reading, and lots of overdue cleaning (yuk), and perhaps think about expanding it after the judges have done their hard work.
          
          Love you ! 
          Philou
          
          https://www.wattpad.com/story/407344902

philouwrites

@QuinceArchFortes Thank you! I am thinking about expanding because there’s so much left unsaid, many loose threads I would like to tie up, but the Wattys is not a goal persé. Perhaps, someday, but it’s not why I would do it. That said, I also thought I would expand 7 nights with the bogeyman and The Jester and the Queen but somehow it’s always harder once the ONC is done. So I’m not sure. I’m gonna take some deep breaths first and then I’ll see which story is calling me … Stag is also still sitting unfinished. And I could also expand The Viking and the Dove. Or start something completely new. Thank you for your support! I’m looking forward to finish Fort Godslayer! Best of luck!
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QuinceArchFortes

@philouwrites Do you think you'll expand it for the Wattys? It's a very satisfying read, but I certainly see the potential to expand their story. I would obviously read more! 
            
            Best of luck with your cleaning - I'm very behind on yard work myself lol  ♡♡♡
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