Winning the Silver

Hi, Writer Friends! Did any of you hear that news piece a few weeks back during the Olympics, about the relative psychological ramifications of winning the silver versus bronze medal? It went something like, yeah, gold is what you want, but if you have to win silver or bronze, you’ll be happier with bronze in the long run. The silver medalist, as it turns out, second-guesses him/herself for the rest of his/her life, while the bronze winner just thinks “Dude! I lucked out!” (Ah! Found it.)

Well, I’m no Olympian, but I think I would be happy enough with second. In fact, I won a second place today in a writing contest. Woo hoo! Also, this prize comes with money, which makes my mercenary heart go pit-a-pat. (Actually, I sent in three pieces, two kid’s short stories, and one essay. I got second place on one story, and Honorable Mentions on the other two. Not too shabby, eh?)

Still, if I had to pick one thing to keep from today, winning the prize wouldn’t even come in second. I would have to keep my kid’s faces after their games this morning – Son Number One beaming like the sun after he helped score the winning goal at his soccer game, and Son Number Two smiling with all those missing teeth as he raced for home plate. Score!

I hope you all have a week filled with whatever treasures your little heart desires. And maybe a book contract from the Easter bunny, hmm? Now THAT would be golden…

Posted in Children's Fiction, Essays on 03/28/2010 02:07 am

7 Comments

  1. Nikki, you need to get something like a writer’s letter sweater to sew all your awards onto! Honorable Mentions would look lovely sewn all around the hems. Congrats to you and to your kids for their great day. Hope the Easter Bunny comes through for you!

    Reply

    • Nikki Loftin

      Oh, yeah, I can see it now — the new fashion statement at the local SCBWI lunches. Letter Sweaters for everyone! (I’ll have to make sure NOT to sit next to Cynthia or the writers who’ve actually “made varsity” though. *blushing*)

      Reply

  2. Congratulations on those awards! Hmm. I seem to recognize 2 of those titles. 🙂 They were definitely winners. I second Vonna’s motion that the Easter Bunny comes through for you. Congrats to your kiddos as well. Your family seems to have the keys to a winning combination.

    Reply

    • Nikki Loftin

      I think I should share the prize money with you, Fearless Beta! I probably would have done better if you had read the third one. LOL
      How about I throw you a baby shower or something instead? 😉

      Reply

  3. Congratulations! I’m right there w/you on those moments to keep. Writing, I love, but I set it aside for family all the time with no regrets.

    Reply

  4. Congratulations!!!! Not too shabby at all 🙂

    Reply

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