A heartfelt post, Deepam. I loved competition when I played sports many years ago. But when I started writing as competition, I was perplexed. What are the rules? Very few. What do judges want? It seems to depend on who they are as people and their preferred genre. I entered competitions, won a few little, got published a bit, but somehow it was never worth the effort (and we won't even talk about the puny remuneration). I took courses, studied authors, attended retreats. I've concluded that I don't have the drive that some writers have to succeed. And even writers I consider as excellent, aren't published. It's not sour grapes on my part. I'm a mature woman who simply cannot connect with the modern world of writing. With no immigration story, no traumatic life event, no sick child, no imaginative 21st century storyline, I'm uninspired. I write for myself, my family and friends. I'm actually content.
I love this post and the story at the end. I’m wondering if I can share it with my Native American Lit students? Do you prefer Susan or Deepam? I don’t consider myself competitive with others but I struggle with self sometimes.
Thought provoking post that taps into a dilemma of mine. I run writing competitions and have been pondering on all of this. Many of the prizes are places on my courses, mentoring and other craft-related, non cash prizes, as I initially started my business as I couldn’t afford to learn about writing and I know many people are in that situation. If I could afford to give things away I would but, alas, I’m not in a position to do that.
A heartfelt post, Deepam. I loved competition when I played sports many years ago. But when I started writing as competition, I was perplexed. What are the rules? Very few. What do judges want? It seems to depend on who they are as people and their preferred genre. I entered competitions, won a few little, got published a bit, but somehow it was never worth the effort (and we won't even talk about the puny remuneration). I took courses, studied authors, attended retreats. I've concluded that I don't have the drive that some writers have to succeed. And even writers I consider as excellent, aren't published. It's not sour grapes on my part. I'm a mature woman who simply cannot connect with the modern world of writing. With no immigration story, no traumatic life event, no sick child, no imaginative 21st century storyline, I'm uninspired. I write for myself, my family and friends. I'm actually content.
Mary, I always appreciate your input and thoughts. I think there are so many writers vying for so few places it seems quite silly to try.
So let's keep doing what we do just because we love it.
I love this post and the story at the end. I’m wondering if I can share it with my Native American Lit students? Do you prefer Susan or Deepam? I don’t consider myself competitive with others but I struggle with self sometimes.
Of course! I'd love it f you'd share. I'm so grateful that you found it in some way valuable.
Thank you Deepam.
Thought provoking post that taps into a dilemma of mine. I run writing competitions and have been pondering on all of this. Many of the prizes are places on my courses, mentoring and other craft-related, non cash prizes, as I initially started my business as I couldn’t afford to learn about writing and I know many people are in that situation. If I could afford to give things away I would but, alas, I’m not in a position to do that.