Shawn L. Bird

I’m

circling

I’m

adding,

growing, and

learning.

I’m

becoming

the dream me

I see her

in

laughter

applause

award

I’m

circling

up to the prize

it’s closer

and

closer

with every

word.

.

.

I just came back from the annual Surrey International Writers’ Conference.  My first year there, I successfully pitched to a publisher.  My third time I successfully pitched to an agent.  When I first started attending, I admired the amazing writing of the winners of the $1000 Storyteller Award and the humorous writing by the winners of the 75 word Silly Write contest.  I dreamed of winning those contests. I’ve entered a couple of pieces 5 or 6 times over the years.  This year I didn’t have a project to pitch, but I submitted to both contests.  I was short listed for the Storyteller (3rd year in a row short  listed for a writing contest at SIWC!) and my entry came second in the Silly Write.  I was thinking “Always the bridesmaid, never the bride.”  🙂  On the other hand, I feel the precipice I’m standing on- I am appreciating the fine line of difference between good and great.  

When several hundred people are laughing at your jokes and cheering when your name is called, you can’t help but feel inspired.  

You know how there comes a time when the craftsman requires particular tools to create true art? Because of the amazing craft workshops I attended (Donald Maass, Diana Gabaldon, Susanna Kearsley, Shari Green) and meal conversations (Larry Brooks, Nephele Tempest, Jack Whyte) I feel like I’ve been given the master tools that will make the difference to leap off the precipice and FLY.  I feel that intangible sense that things are about to change, and I’m excited!