Okay, wow. I thought I would never be writing this post - the one where something finally gave way. It's been a long and arduous road for me. A lot of late nights meeting self-imposed deadlines, of toting the laptop or notebook places so I could squeeze in some writing time. But this has been my dream, and dreams don't actually happen overnight (despite evidence to the contrary). Even after all the work, the rejection after rejection, I have never thought about or considered giving up. And I'm so glad that it's paid off.
http://www.prweb.com/releases/LRonHubbard/Writersofthefuture/prweb10234166.htm
When I got THE CALL, I was working out, watching Once Upon a Time, and trying to keep my cat from bringing a massive rat into the house. So when I picked up the phone, it took me a second to even register that it was THE CALL. In fact, I cannot remember what I said, or what Joni said, for about a minute or so after she told me I'd won first place. It was a surreal experience. I'd spent so much time wondering what it would be like to finally break into a pro publication - I thought I would cry; instead, I was just shocked.
I can't talk about the story I submitted, but I will say that I am so glad it's going to see print, that it will be on bookshelves, that it will be read.
And I am fully aware that this is just the first step, and that things will only get harder from here. I'm taking it easy for a week or two to catch up on some reading, and then I'm stepping up my game.
I've got plans, people, so stay tuned!