writing contests

For all my followers who write, this post is for you.

I’m skeptical of writing contests, at least the ones that require you to pay to enter. Here’s a good one to check out if you write for young adults:

http://www.writersdigest.com/editor-blogs/guide-to-literary-agents/22nd-free-dear-lucky-agent-contest-contemporary-literary-young-adult

Here’s a brief write up from their website:

“Welcome to the 22nd (free!) “Dear Lucky Agent” Contest on the GLA blog. This is a FREE recurring online contest with agent judges and super-cool prizes. Here’s the deal: With every contest, the details are essentially the same, but the niche itself changes—meaning each contest is focused around a specific category or two. So if you’re writing contemporary or literary young adult (read below for exactly what this means), then this 22nd contest is for you! The contest is live through end of day, Wednesday, August 24, 2016. The contest is judged by agent Andrea Morrison of Writers House.”

It’s worth and if nothing else, it will get you thinking about your writing!

Good luck!

 

An Ode to my Kids, and Perhaps to Yours

 

Saying goodbye is hard to do. No matter how much you prepare yourself—no one can truly anticipate being so damn sad. Grief flows its own river.

Like many, I’ve had significant loss—in addition to my grandparents; death took my two aunts, my dad, two brothers, and a number of pets. I know how grief works. It grabs you, swallows you, spits you out and repeats until you crash and begin to finally begin again.

This time, my loss is not so permanent; thus not so powerful. That said, good-byes are painful, and change is scary. My oldest child leaves for the University of Colorado this month, altering our family life forever. Ellie will be back, probably with a load of dirty laundry and a need for home cookin’, but she’s gone. Her place at the table will be vacant, her bed empty, and her siblings lonely (okay, maybe not all the time). The happy news? She’s embarking on a grand adventure, starring herself. It won’t be long before my other two leave, too. I’m beyond proud of the people they’ve become, and yet, still sad.

To help me process and understand the tremendous change, I’ve written an ode to my kids; things I hope I’ve taught them. I’m sure I’ve messed up, forgotten things, and have probably failed in some capacity. But that’s parenting. At least I made a list, outlining 25 things I want them to know. Who knows if they’ll heed the advice or grasp the full meaning, I can hope.

1. I wish you a life of love and know that you are always loved by me
2. Find good company
3. Laugh often
4. Eat lots of fresh vegetables and don’t drink too much alcohol
5. Call me when you are hurting or happy- I’ll be there
6. Remember to breathe deeply and that it is enough
7. Brush your teeth
8. Be honest- with yourself and with others
9. Know that life isn’t fair, but it is what you make it
10. Eat breakfast (more than a Starbucks’ latte, please)
11. Work hard
12. Pay your debts (better yet, don’t have any)
13. Don’t post inappropriate pictures online
14. Take good risks (don’t jump out a window, but do try a new activity/class)
15. Read for fun
16. Know that it is okay to let go
17. Don’t hold onto anger, guilt, or resentment
18. See a doctor, an acupuncturist, or a good healer when you are sick
19. Take your vitamins
20. Don’t leave a friend alone at a party
21. Don’t stay alone at a party
22. Trust your intuition
23. Be kind
24. Meet many diverse people
25. Know this: I am forever grateful for the time we’ve lived together, arguments and all