It’s time for a good news story.
On Saturday, May 30th, I submitted my story “The Dragon Who Refused to Fly” to Baltimore Science Fiction Society (BSFS)’s Amateur Writing Contest.
On Wednesday, August 12th, BSFS notified me that I was a finalist.
On Sunday, September 20th, I learned I placed first.
And last night, October 16th, my first place win was announced! At Capclave 2020 (the Capital Conclave), Washington Science Fiction Society (WSFA)’s annual convention.
If you want to watch me being a dork, see the other finalists, and also see the finalists and winner of the WSFA Small Press Award, here’s the video evidence. I’ll wait:
And if you were wondering where my careful shell of nervous-energy cracked and the feels started to leak in, this was the moment:
“This is a beautiful tale, a lot of young readers especially would appreciate its important message. The writing is strong and polished and confident, with good descriptions, clever dialogue, and a lovable main character.”
Judge comments about “The Dragon Who Refused to Fly” by Mary Harrigan
My reaction:
I’ve already wrote about rejection on this blog. It is one thing to start believing you are a competent writer. It is another thing to believe your writing is ready for publishing. Above and beyond that, once you start receiving rejections, it is a herculean task to continue to believe in your writing, your stories, your voice.
I’m up to 26 short fiction rejections across five stories. “The Dragon Who Refused to Fly” accounts for 6 of those, before this contest.
I’m nothing if not persistent, and it may still be years before my first pro-rated sale. I know the odds are long.
But Today?
Today I’ve beaten those odds. Today I’ve gained a smidge of recognition for the efforts I’ve put into my writing craft. I’ve been introduced to a new community of writers I’d barely heard of six months ago.
It feels amazing. It is a bright spot in this year full of uncertainty and darkness. Today, I will celebrate this achievement. Savor it. Embrace the joy of my friends and family who have supported me.
And tomorrow? It’s back to the submission grinder.
One more time, I want to say thank you to the Baltimore Science Fiction Society for holding this contest, to the judges who so carefully considered our stories, and to the Washington Science Fiction Society for letting us newbies share the Small Press Awards stage and for hosting Capclave.
What’s Next?
If you’re wondering when you can read “The Dragon Who Refused to Fly”, I’m not entirely sure. As a first place winner, it will be published in the next BSFSFan. When I have a timeline, I’ll be sure to announce it!
Otherwise, I hope to see the names of all the finalists on book spines, in magazines, and in award ceremonies in the future. I hope we all continue to write and reach our wildest publishing dreams.
In 2020, it feels good to hope, instead of fear, for a change.
Until next time,
-M
It was a beautiful moment and, I am happy you got the win, and dont think we didnt see that Cheeky smile and again congratulations