I got some very exciting news a few days ago. It seems funny that it has taken me 8 days to write about it here. I am not sure why that is. I suppose one reason is that there isn't much to say about it. The news itself was exciting. But it will actually be happening in 9 days. And another reason might be that writing about something makes it real. I am not sure this feels real yet.
A few weeks ago, Ella and I each submitted a story to a writing contest put on by a Con held here in NE. Now up to this point this is not something that I had done before, no contests for me. But I looked at it as if I was submitting a story to a publisher. The only difference is that I wasn't going to get paid either way. (Well except for the free membership pass for the convention should I have won.) But I put that story and the submission into my submission spreadsheet and forgot about it. It was time to wait.
Then on April 2nd after an emotional day, my aunt's funeral, I went out to enjoy the sunshine and get some exercise. While walking I was attempting to work through the next few scenes of my current project. I am glad to report that the exercise was successful and I knew where I wanted to go with the story. Once back inside I was just sitting down to take off my shoes when my phone rang.
Now anyone who knows me, knows that I am not much for answering the phone. And if it is a number that I don't know, I might not answer it at all. But because I have started to substitute teach, there are now phone calls from schools and principals. So I don't always recognize the number. As I didn't with this one. The area code told me it was a NE number so I answered it. ;)
I am glad I did. It was someone from the writing contest. They were calling to let me know that I had won. WOW! Lets just say I was little bit excited. They also were hoping that I could be there for opening ceremonies.
Now of course I had to run and tell the good news to my kids. They were just as excited as I was about the news. There were several happy dances that we did.
We have yet to go to the convention. But my story is going to be printed in their publications and I will be recognized at the opening ceremonies. (Not sure how I feel about that... a little hard to be invisible there.) This to me feels a lot like another step down this path that I am taking. I am starting to call it my 'first acceptance letter.' It isn't quite, but it is close.
When we get back from the convention I will write more about this experience. I am looking forward to a weekend of geeky fun and real writers and authors again.
