So basically, it's the best writing contest around, imo.
And there was some concern that ABNA would not be around this year. The contest is typically well-advertised (if you know where to look) and opens in mid-January. This year there wasn't a peep, all of the admins on the ABNA discussion boards were very secretive, and us die-hard contestants were living in anticipation and fear. But it has been announced that it opens February 16th, which means that it is time for me to whip Talented: Fire (or maybe I should call it The Talented?) into shape.
Last year I made it to the semi-finalist rounds, and this year I am (obviously) hoping for more. I've just got to get from top 25 to top 5 and I can get published by a traditional publisher. This isn't the Holy Grail that it used to be, but it would sure be nice not to have to pay a copy editor and cover artist out of pocket!
Anyone else planning to enter ABNA, or know someone who is?