More Good News

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 . . .