Last night was the annual novel contest for One Year Adventure Novel students. I had three other OYANers over to my house to celebrate the occasion and watch the contest webinar. We were all excited to sit down and watch it, although only two of us (me and Madcow) had entered our novels. With all the excitement of such a momentous occasion, Mr and Mrs. S opened up the webinar, with Mrs. S stalling it sometimes, as is typical. Finally they got to announcing the finalists. They went in alphabetical order so I was thinking Oh, well at least I'll be near the beginning if I get anything. Then I won't have to wait for it. They announced the first finalist and for each finalist, they decided to read an excerpt of their first chapter. As they started to read, a strange feeling filled me. I knew that my first chapter, compared to that of the other's, couldn't have possibly made it into the finalist round. Still, I held on to the hope that I would get something. The S' started to announce the next winner...and went from 'B' to 'D'. My last name starts with a C.
It would be a lie to say I wasn't disappointed. For a few moments, I actually thought I might start crying. But then I realized something important. There are more things that are important than winning the OYAN novel contest. As I thought about it the rest of the night, I thought about all the things that OYAN had given me. I have wonderful friends and the opportunity to post my work for critiques whenever needed. There is always someone to talk to if that's needed and I try to be there in return. God definitely gave me a wonderful gift when my mom bought the curriculum
So I'm just writing this post to the rest of the people who weren't finalists. Don't stop writing. The more you write, the better you get. And if you start to get down about not being in the contest, just think of all the wonderful, lasting things you have. Eventually, trophies will be forgotten, left on shelves with dust. The iPod touch (although I admit it would be cool to have one) will someday break. I liked the quote that Mrs. S said last night, "If you want to be a writer, then write!" Don't stop writing just because of one contest. Whatever happens, whether you win the contest or not, you will always be able to write.
