Contest Winner

What contest was your winning entry submitted to?

Essay to My Younger Self

How many writing contests have you entered?

I have entered two contests. This one and one for Narrative Magazine.

Please give  the title of your entry and a short summary of the story.

WELL, SHE WAS JUST SEVENTEEN:
The essay grapples with the problem of offering unsolicited advice to a rebellious teenager. The cagey older self tries to get the younger self on board by offering her a chance to see who she’ll become by time traveling through a series of photographs of key moments of her life. Thus enabling the younger self to see the consequences of actions.

What inspired your winning entry? 

From the perspective of a seventy year old woman, I have learned that I have to fight to be relevant when engaging with young people today. Respect must be earned. You have to try not to make people’s eyes roll the minute you turn your back. That means you can’t be boring and repetitive or assume because you’re old you’re wise.

I picked seventeen as my target age because I believe the choices you make at that age pretty much have a once in a lifetime consequence. I wish I could have been shown those pictures when I was seventeen.

How has entering this contest helped your writing?
Entering the contest was a nice opportunity to display some show not tell principles. It was also a great way to step into the real world of word counts, deadlines, proofreading, formatting, and online technology. But more than that, it helped me concentrate on a way to stand out among the other contestants so whether good or bad it would be remembered more easily for its originality.

How did the critique in the Winners Workshop help you?
I took a risk in the approach I chose. The critique validated my choice and validated my writing. The comments were offered in such a kind and positive manner. I was prepared for the opposite. I also appreciated the critiques of all the winning submissions. It was educational indeed to see where other writers heads were at and the judge’s responses.

Are you a full-time writer? If not, what is your “day job”?

Since March, 2023, I have been writing full time, when I came back to IFW to finish the writing course I had started fifteen years ago. Prior to that, I worked at the local hospital and did some painting and consulting work.

How long have you been writing?
I’ve been writing for twenty-nine years occasionally.

What will you do with your piece now that it’s been recognized?
It may find a place in a short story collection I’m working to compile. I’m not sure who would want this sort of essay.

Any fun plans for the prize money?
While I wish I had been able to do something with that check besides photocopy it, but alas, I had to pay bills with it. The thrill of placing was fun enough for me.

What do you do when you’re feeling discouraged or blocked? Do you have any tips for your fellow writers?
My tip is don’t believe so much in writer’s block as a given truth. Instead, try praying for inspiration. Works every time.

If you could go to the yard sale of any character in the history of children’s literature, whose would you go to, and what would you buy?

If they were still available, I’d like very much to have Dorothy’s silver shoes, that way if I get lost, I’d just be a click away from home. If not, a couple of yellow bricks would make fine bookends.

Anything you’d like to share about your IFW experience?

The younger self contest was run professionally at every step of the way. Meticulous  communication was impressive. The Judges at the critique were so giving and careful of everyone’s feelings and well qualified. I didn’t expect it to be so wonderful. Thank you IFW staff. I’m so happy to be affiliated with you all.

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