These are the emails that make it all worth while. Someone notices your work. But two in the same week! . . . first the Bridport shortlising and now this:
I am writing to let you know that you have been selected as a finalist for the International Aesthetica Creative Works Competition. Category: Poetry, Title of piece: Flying to Krakow was highly commended by the judges. Congratulations on this massive achievement. We had over 3000 entries this year.
A few more details:
Winners from each category will be announced just before publication.
As a finalist, you will receive a complimentary hard copy.
The Aesthetica Annual will be available from Borders nationwide on 1 December and from www.aestheticamagazine.com
Flying to Krakow was written two years ago after a visit to the Polish town. It, like Asking for Directions the Bridport shortlisted poem, had done the rounds of competitions and magazines without being noticed. It goes to show that you never know when someone will notice your work. Keep entering and keep sending out to magazines!
Then the doubts start. These were written a while ago.
Maybe my more recent work isn't as good.
Maybe I should try to imitate the stuff I was writing then.
Maybe I will never ever be even shortlisted in a competition ever again.
Maybe . . .
Congratulations on both these successes. It's nice of you to be honest about the poem 'having done the rounds of competitions and magazines' before being recognized by Bridport. It gives me hope! And I'm sure your doubts about your writing are unfounded. Self-doubt and perseverance seem to be features of the writing life. Best of luck with future competitions and publications :)
ReplyDeleteThat give us all tremendous hope, Michael, especially when you hear that it's your perseverance that has paid off. Believing in your own work is the key here, and I think it's high time you've had such good success! Congratulations, Michael, worthy achievements :)
ReplyDeleteWell done Michael - that's great news all round! And doubt is fuel.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Michael. Good poetry will eventually be recognised
ReplyDeleteMichael, another literary triumph for you, well done! How good it is to see someone of your status admitting that success did not come instantly. Very encouraging indeed.
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