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This post was written for the Insecure Writer’s Support Group where we share our encouragement or insecurities on the first Wednesday of the month, to join the group or find out more click here.
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Co-hosts:
Renee Scattergood | Sadira Stone | Jacqui Murray | Tamara Narayan |LG Keltner
OPTIONAL IWSG DAY QUESTION:
Has your writing ever taken you by surprise?
When I first started my journey which was quite a while ago, I won an award. Well, a honorable mention. I know. It’s not exactly an award, but it meant a lot. It still does.
Until then writing fiction was a guilty pleasure.
I was raising a child alone, working and maintaining a home. Taking time to get a story down seemed selfish, and indulgent. So much was on my shoulders.
I needed the outlet.
I’m a loner. Not much of a social life or a support system. Over the years, I raised Bossman—my son’s online persona—just fine, downsized our home, and retired.
Writing is still with me.
My recognition came in an email. A few words telling me I didn’t win, but have been given an honorable mention. The contest–Writers of the Future–is huge It made that moment huge. I felt pretty special and still have the award up on my wall.
After that, I had a few shorts were published, and my paranormal mystery.
Things have petered out since then.
Maybe my fifteen minutes are over. I don’t care. It doesn’t stop me from keeping my little successes up where I can glance up at them.
I keep going.
Once, someone liked what I wrote. It didn’t win. But according to a tidbit online, honorable mentions were given out when the judge kept reading. They were engaged to the end.
For a new writer that was really something.
Thanks for dropping by. Any awards or success you’d like to share. I’d love to read about them.
elements of emaginette 
An honorable mention in that contest is a big deal. So many people enter. Means you were in the top 1%.
I still pretty feel good about the win. 🙂
What a boost of confidence, Anna, especially so early in your writing game. That’s awesome. I really like your attitude about writing and your progress, and your achievements or lack thereof. I get way too overwhelmed when I’m behind with my writing goals and can’t enjoy anything else until I catch up, which never happens. It’s a vicious circle. I should learn from your perspective and wisdom. 🙂
As for myself: no awards. No published books. But, many accepted and published articles. That has been my path to “success”.
I’m sure the published works are just a matter of time. You’ll get there. 🙂
Wow – that’s fantastic! If I had that I’d keep tellng everyone about it too 😉
It was a while ago and feels great. 🙂
That is a huge deal, and you should totally still have that up on your wall! And your fifteen minutes are not over. None of us are done yet. Keep going! 🙂
I’m still hoping for another second or two. hehehe
That is a huge contest! An honorable mention from them is amazing. I don’t think your fifteen minutes are over. I’ve beta read for you – you’re a very talented writer 🙂
Ellen, you are too sweet and kind. Thank you.
I’m with you on the selfishness of writing. I felt that way until my kids moved on. I still drop everything when they call.
Same. He’s everything. 😉
That’s awesome! And I totally feel you on the kid thing. I can’t write at home for that very reason. If I’m home and not paying attention to my family, it feels like I’m neglecting them, and I can’t handle that. Thankfully, I have a lunch hour that lets me get a few words down here and there!
That works. 🙂
That truly is something!
My similar surprise happened when my short story was picked for an anthology contest – I’m still smiling a lot over that one!
Keep that award up!
And you should. Congrats!
I know it is not the same but I won a bunch of blogger awards years ago. I still keep the badges on my blog to remind me that I was popular at some point. You can have your 15 minutes of fame back if you want it bad enough.
I keep at it, but it is hard to be strong. 🙂
A little success is addictive…I find I’ll work very very hard hoping for another taste! @samanthabwriter from
Balancing Act
That’s me too. hehehe
Honorable mention is awesome! Maybe 15 minutes are up, but you’ve got a lifetime of hours ahead of you. Carry forth!
Will do. 🙂
Congratulations on your award! Those nuggets can feel few and far between but rewarding nonetheless. (My friend refers to her 18-month-old as Boss Lady 😉 )
I bet it’s true too. hehehe
Hi,
I so relate to what you’ve written about your award. My first award was in December 2016 and it will always be very special to me. It was my first.
Take care.
Shalom aleichem,
Pat G @ EverythingMustChange
You too! And congrats on the win.
That’s awesome about the award. I don’t think it’s the last celebration you’ll have. I remember early in my career about 17 years ago my manuscript went to acquisitions at Little Brown. I always remember it and it kind of keeps me going.
That must have been very exciting.
That is a big deal. Congrats. It’d thrill me too. Happy IWSG!
You too!
That’s a great surprise!
So true.
Recognition, especially in a contest as big and established as Writers of the Future, is a huge thing at any point in a writer’s career. Honorable mention is nothing to sneeze on. Congrats.
It still makes me happy, so it was/is big. 🙂
I can relate to so many points in your post. Congratulations on the honorable mention. That is huge. Thank you for the encouragement too tokeep going 🙂
Anytime and thanks. 🙂
That’s wondrous! Isn’t it amazing what recognition can do for our psyche?
And it’s lasted for years. hehehe
That is soooo awesome! And yes, it’s HUGE! Time doesn’t take that away from you.
Thanks, Lyn. 🙂
An honorable mention is a big deal and can be just the thing we need.
It sure boosted my writer’s ego. 😉
Your 15 minutes aren’t over. This business has an ebb and flow. It may seem like a lull now, but it’s only temporary.
I’m jumping on that bus. Thanks. 🙂
That sounds like an awesome accomplishment. I would keep that on my way near my writing desk FOREVER.
Or longer…. hehehe
I do not write poetry but back in high school, I tried. I won a writing contest for a poem I wrote. It was very personal and I think people were more impressed with my honesty than my writing. Still, it felt good. I’ve won a few small peer recognition awards in the last few years and they mean a lot to me. I brag about those because I know and respect the writers who deemed my work worthy of their time and effort to read.
I’m sure the awards have much more value coming from people you admire and trust. 🙂
I can say I have a similar story, although it’s more recent. I submitted a story and didn’t make it, but they told me my story sat in the maybe pile for a good long while. That really made me feel good despite the rejection.
Hear that! Congrats on being so, so, close.
Wow, that’s the sort of wonderful thing that must keep the inner fires burning. If you’ve hit the mark once, you know you can do it again. 🙂
I’m hoping that as well. I guess, only stubbornness and time will tell. 🙂
That is TOTALLY something to be proud of, and it should make you happy! CONGRATS! It’s a lot more than I had with my writing, but I keep plugging along. Even a nice comment from an author who commented on how well my review was written for her book, put a smile on my face. I know I can write and it is appreciated by other authors…that is enough for me for now….
I’d love that too. 🙂
Receiving an honorable mention from the Writers of the Future contest is huge. I’ve thought of possibly entering the contest in the future (if I ever get out of this slump). Don’t count yourself petered out just yet as flames can arise from the ashes.
Oh, I keep plugging away but my bar for success is slowly lowering. Just finishing a chapter or a page can be pretty awesome too. 😉
Hi, Anna! Your fifteen minutes is over if you give up. Somehow I don’t think you will! I’d definitely still have that award on my wall!!! I’m a loner too. I like my cave. I’m still recovering from two weeks of partying and socializing with my family and friends in Nova Scotia. I am so drained! All the best to you as you continue to write!
You sound just like me. Down time and writing are interchangeable for me. 🙂
I’m late for this important date – excuses available on request. Anyway, congratulations on that Award. Time can never take that away. My most precious award was back in 1965 – when I was almost twelve. I wrote an essay that won a first prize = 3 days with the Royal Navy, along with about 30 others.
Wow! That is awesome. Belated congrats. Thanks for dropping by. 🙂
Enjoy that affirmation, Anna. Judges read to the end. That’s something! I remember my 1st Honorable Mention. I was thrilled. Your post reminded me how good that felt. I’m glad you haven’t given up.
Thanks, Diane. It was and is awesome. One reason I keep at it. 🙂