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 