The 24-hour writing contest that

Writers Weekly holds quarterly was held October 28th. They kept their word when they said the judging would end in a month-ish.

I received an email last Friday (113108) notifying me that I and about 20 others had won honorable mention. Initially, I didn't trust the subject line to match the contents of the email, but when I read the confirmation, I nodded and smiled.

This was my first entry and my first sort of win. I didn't get the monied recognition, but I was thrilled nonetheless. Maybe I should stop now while I'm batting 1000. I don't see that happening.

I shared the news with my family. My boys, who see me plan guitar and design websites and write endlessly and attend writing-related meetings probably saw the news as just another detail in my strange path. My wife, who knows how hard I work at it but who is far from excitable seemed pretty excited. More surprised because she's read more first and second drafts than finished pieces, but there was some excitement in there.

None of those closest to me gave me the charge I was looking for per se, so I did what any other proud man would do. I called my mom and she did not let me down. She squealed and said 'proud' and 'honey' a few times.

So now I have to decide what to do with the story. The rules specifically give permission to publish it however we please after the contest has been judged, so I guess I'll have some questions to ask at our next San Antonio Writers Guild meeting this Thursday.