I decided to enroll in a spring writing contest some time ago. When I discovered the contest, I thought to myself, "I've been writing on and off during the past few years. I think I've got a pretty good chance at doing well. At the very least, I might get an honorable mention."
Although participating in the contest was a tad rocky, I made out on the other side feeling stronger than ever as a writer.
Here were seven thoughts I had throughout the writing contest.
1. Getting first place is going to be easy, peasy.
"I'm a good writer, I can write a good story" were my initial thoughts as I, similarly with past writing projects, be it short story or full-blown novel, entered the contest with an intense bravado.
2. It's been three days since I signed up and I haven't written a single word.
I spent 20 bucks to enter, and all I've done is think about writing, and the first submission for peer review is due by this weekend... You'd think my monetary investment would motivate me to write, right?
3. Should I spend some time working on my story or the school project that's due tomorrow?
These are the dilemmas a writer who's also a college student are presented with. Do I pick one or the other? Worse case scenario, I do neither.
4. First draft conquered! And I think it's terrible!
But you know what, drafts are meant to be drafty! I'm allowed to suck during the first draft!
5. I've just submitted my draft for peer review, and literally, one person commented on it.
It is considered a common truth in the writing community that a writer only improves if they receive feedback. So for the love of God, come on people! Help me make my story better!
6. It's ten minutes before the final submission is due...I can do this.
Between the writing, rewriting, submitting for feedback, and re-rewriting, submitting the final draft was quite possibly the most stressful part of the contest--quite possibly in my life, too! I had to make sure there were ZERO typos, consistent tensing, and if I was one word over the limit, my story would be subject to disqualification.
7. STORY SUBMITTED. I DID IT. I SURVIVED.
And you know what, I'm proud of myself. Although I was lazy for some moments (and there were quite a few of them, admittedly), in other moments, I kicked it into high gear in a way that impressed myself. Even if I don't win (and I really wanna win) I'll take what I learned from this, and make a better story.
