on April 22, 2015
Did I tell you I recently entered a writing contest?
I don’t normally. Why? I lack the confidence. Weird right? Well, it’s true. In private, with clients or small groups, I am spot on and confident, able to share with ease. But when it comes to putting myself out there to be graded – ugh! Same thing in school. I didn’t test that well.
But as with school, it’s a matter of teaching to learning style.
The contest I entered was put together by Joe Bunting over at The Write Practice. I had Tweeted an article from his blog which got me a Tweet back about the contest, which at the time, I didn’t even know about. It closed that night. He encouraged enrollment and participation by letting everyone know they were going to get published on Short Fiction Break, no matter what. Wow! How could you NOT enter, right? So I did. Winning anything would just be a bonus!
The other amazing thing, was we were allowed to workshop our pieces with other contestants before they went off to the judges. Wow! Work-shopping together first? Another bonus! So my piece only got better before I submitted it.
Was I being set up for success or what?
I was. We ALL were.
And not only was I published along with the other amazing authors, but my story, Sweet Innocence placed second! Second! I can still hardly believe it.
So, not only did I get a personal touch from The Write Practice, I received personal feedback from other writers on my submission, it was published even before it was judged, and then – I was selected as one of the top ten winners. And the greatest gift, was the blessing it was to week and the emotional impact it had in my heart.
Thanks to everyone over at The Write Practice and Short Fiction Break for investing in other writers.
How can I invest in you, today?