Finally, some good news.
I know I’ve mentions Writer’s Digest before, perhaps the premiere magazine for helping writers improve their craft and publish their work. They provide excellent services, everything from tutorials and webinars to inspiring stories and editing. I’ve used the resources of Writer’s Digest for years now, and I’ve never been disappointed. I heartily recommend Writer’s Digest to any aspiring writer, as an amazing aid on the journey to writing success.
Another wonderful facet of Writer’s Digest is the plethora of contests they make available to those seeking a sense of accomplishment and some tangible recognition of their skill. These contests span almost every type of writing imaginable, from short stories to self-published books. There’s almost always one or more contest running, and the entry fees are marginal, especially compared to the potential rewards, which go much farther than money.
Recently, I entered the Writer’s Digest 89th Annual Writing Competition, and not for the first time. One of the things I love about writing contests is the challenge, the need to do my best, and create something that stands out. I wrote a short story with a light science fiction theme, based on the concept of empathic abilities and their use in aiding those suffering with Alzheimer’s and dementia. I called it Little Time Machines. I wrote it up, worked over it more than a few times, and submitted it. Then came my second favorite part of writing for competition: waiting, in breathless anticipation to see if it would hit the mark. Really, I do love the anticipation. Win or lose, good or bad, anticipation is an amazing sensation, like opening a treasure chest that’s been buried for years.
Anyway, this time, there was gold in the chest.
My story took First Place in its category, Genre Fiction. I was…speechless. The win came with a hefty prize package, including a large cash payout, a subscription extension, and discounts on WD products and services. Worth its weight in gold. But the best part for me is the recognition. This isn’t the first contest I’ve won, but its by far the most prestigious, as far as I’m concerned. It’s a validation, an acknowledgement that I do know something about what I’m doing, that I can write, that I am a writer.
My name will be on the winner’s list, published in the100 Years of Writer’s Digest issue for December, 2020. My story, Little Time Machines, will be published online through Writer’s Digest to coincide with the issue’s release. For me, that’s absolutely incredible. Rest assured, I’ll have a link up for it as soon as possible.
I give my heartfelt thanks to all the talented people at Writer’s Digest, for the help and opportunities they provide writers the world over, and especially for the recognition they have given my work. I’d also like to thank all those who put up with me pushing unpolished stories on them for advice and criticism over the years. You’ve helped make me as good as I am.
Once again, I recommend that anyone interested in writing, either as a career, a secondary income source, or just a passionate hobby, make use of Writer’s Digest and its amazing resources. What you find there will change everything.
https://www.writersdigest.com/
