Phew! I was starting to think I had imagined the phone call from Joni…I received the call a few days after Christmas and there were many overly excited screaming children. I was starting to fear that I had misheard Joni and that she’d actually said something like. “You’re not a finalist in the fourth quarter. I just wanted to hear how you pronounced your surname.”
The whole thing is out of my hands now, but it is exciting that KW Wentworth thinks my work has promise. Writing is subjective and I know the line between honourable mention, semi-finalist and finalist is razor thin. Each level is an achievement and a sign that you will break through to the next one at some stage.
I don’t want to do an Oscars’ speech and it’s impossible to single out one person above another, but I owe a huge debt to many Hatrackers for their advice, support and critiquing. I’m sorry for not being a more active member over the last few months, but I have the most beautiful six-month old daughter in the whole world and when I’m not writing, I’m smothering her with kisses.
Regards and thanks,
Nick
[This message has been edited by Nick T (edited January 06, 2011).]
posted
Crossing my fingers for you Nick, and that wait between hearing the news and being able to talk openly about it can be a little weird!
Posts: 921 | Registered: Nov 2008
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The idea that Joni would call you to tell you you were NOT a finalist cracked me up. You ought to win just for coming up with that conspiracy theory :-)
Every kiss you plant now will come back to you someday.
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What the hell?? PATRICK!! I didn't even look at the list, and just assumed that everyone else knew what they were talking about. (And, yes, if everyone said they were going to jump off the cliff, I would join them; clambering to be first, mind you.)
A big BIG heartfelt congratulations to you, Patrick. (A big heartfelt congratulations to Nick, but I don't know you so...no extra big for you.)
posted
I'm going to embarrass Patrick here, but I don't care.
I don't think Patrick's had anything published until this. I believe he's had some non-fiction, work-related stuff published, but no fiction. And it couldn't have happened to a better writer. The even worse thing about this is that it couldn't have happened to a nicer guy. I hate him.
Patrick was in the 2008 OSC Boot Camp class, and it was obvious to me that out of a group of very good writers, Patrick was one of the best. His work has a lyrical flow to it that kind of reminds me of Bradbury before Bradbury became bloated with purplish prose. A hasty comparison perhaps, but one I'm sticking with.
I have no idea what story won, as Patrick has been extremely tight-lipped about it, but I can say with a certain amount of confidence that Patrick has a better than average shot at winning the Grand Prize.
And if that happens, my toadying and sycophantic skills will be on even greater display and second to none.
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Rich is clearly confusing me with someone else. Sure we sat next to each other in class, but the rest of it? Remember, he's a professional writer of fiction.
This award has been both a surprise and a shock. I've won one prize before this; a radio-controlled Mini Cooper in a Dr. Pepper contest.
This is better.
Thanks to all of you for your kind words. I don't post here as often as I should given how much I get out of the forums. Hatrack has really helped me a lot, you all have helped me a lot. I don't comment on every thread but I've been reading and absorbing. This is a friendly and polite place to spend time with other writers. Kathleen runs a tight ship and I'm glad to be part of the crew.
Skadder, thanks for the recommendation on codex. I'll see if my login still works.
[This message has been edited by posulliv (edited January 22, 2011).]
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And I've just make my profile visible over there. Apparently stealth lurker mode was set to 'on'.
Posts: 389 | Registered: Aug 2008
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Sorry you didn't win, Nick. Take example from the many people who have been finalists (some published as well) who go on to win. Best of luck next time.
Posts: 2995 | Registered: Oct 2007
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