One of the best things that happen to a writer is when someone judges their work as ‘worthy.’
We get excited, do a happy dance, have an extra scoop of ice cream or glass of wine to celebrate.
I say this so I can move to the next bit of news.
Last Friday, I wrote that I decided to make the full moon, Friday the 13th, a double luck day. A few hours after that post I received an email from the CreateSpace people at Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award (ABNA) contest.
My novel was in the quarterfinals, the top 5% of 10,000 entries but it did not proceed to the semi-finals, which is the top 25.
That e-mail was a crusher. I wanted to delete my last post, say “double luck, my a**.”
But I didn’t.
I continued with my vacation, commiserated for a few minutes with my mom and sister. I emailed my writing hermanas. They sent me texts of support and lit the writing candle for me.
After awhile, I sat on the balcony and gazed at the mountain in front of me. My eyes landed on a heart.
“Count your blessings,” swung into my mind. “Yes, indeed.”
It’s a blessing to be with my mom, still fairly active in her mid 80’s. It’s a blessing to have close relationships with my sisters and brother. It’s a blessing to have supportive writers who cheer you on and forward. It’s a blessing to go on vacation
After dinner, I watched the full moon rise over a silhouette of mountains while I sipped at a glass of cold Pinot Grigio.
Over the weekend, I thought about the ABNA. It was a great experience for me.
I had fun, I had hope, and I dreamed.
Nothing wrong with any of that.
Now it’s time for the next steps. Wherever they lead.
alvaradofrazier.com 
You were already a winner. I am glad you are feeling blessed because it will bring you joy.
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Ah, Sabra, thank you for your wisdom!
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Getting into the quarterfinals is amazing! It certainly is enough to add to a query. I know other writers who’ve made it that far (and some not quite so far) who have been able to translate that success into book deals.
It’s ABNA’s loss.
Seriously.
Take it and run with it.
You’re going places, my dear 🙂
Big HUGS!
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I really needed to hear those words just about now. Thanks so much Melanie.
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Congratulations – that’s a great success to get so far in the competition!
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Thank you!
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You were a winner when you completed your manuscript, something few people do.
You were a winner to make it that far in the competition, even less people get there.
You are a winner to embrace your writing journey with its ups and downs. Some writers get too upset to see the light at the end of the tunnel.
The moon and a glass of Pinot Grigio do wonders to heal a writer’s heart.
The sky shelters us. And wine is the nectar of the gods.
Mona, I am very much looking forward to reading your novel very soon.
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Evelyne, your words energize me and I’m grateful to you for them. Thank you!
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The quarterfinals is a worthy accomplishment. Keep on writing and getting the diverse stories that we need out there in the world! I’m sure your talent will be recognized soon.
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