Edythe, last weekend I attended the Chanticleer Writers’ Conference and Awards Dinner at the Hotel Bellwether in Bellingham, Washington. I’d already been notified a few months earlier that my book was shortlisted. Now I held a Blue Ribbon tightly in my hand and proudly displayed it to the world.
Who could have imagined what would unfold from your surprising vacation assignment—years ago, “Kizzie, this week we will each write a Tall Tale!”
Not only have I discovered I can write children’s fiction, blaze through the challenges of publishing and marketing, but also how much larger my world can grow. The unexpected gifts of attending writing conferences and connecting with authors and presenters are my broadened horizons and my enriched life.
Beyond the excitement of the award, my personal highlight was enjoying the people gathered around our dinner table at the Awards Ceremony. Joining me were my beloved Thom, daughter Kizzie Marie, close friend and author Vanessa Arpin and Bellingham artist and Tall Tales illustrator, Scott Ward. The other six at our table were strangers. We made the usual brief introductions, then gradually shared more about our books and realized each one of us authors was shortlisted! Ah! Would any of us leave with a Blue Ribbon? To our utter delight, each one of us won First in our Category! And two went on to win their category’s Grand Prize! How we cheered for each other! By the time the evening ended we’d developed a close bond.
Throughout the conference and the Awards Ceremony, I noted the sense of camaraderie rather than rivalry among the attendees. During workshops, participants were generous with their suggestions and with brainstorming ideas for the benefit of others' writing, publishing or marketing. If one benefited, all benefited.
Without it’s being named, Kindness was at the core of this gathering, fueling a genuine desire for all to succeed.
By the way, Edythe, I did not receive that Blue Ribbon alone. I felt you right beside me as we triumphantly held our Ribbon up high!