I’ve been seriously writing (serious meaning not only writing but submitting my work for publication) since 1997. The first contest I ever entered was the Glendale Public Library’s Short Story Contest in Arizona. My story, “Grandma Jo’s Alligator Honeymoon,” placed 3rd.

I thought that was a pretty good showing for my first contest. Since then I’ve entered dozen more contests, and have racked up several Honorable Mentions, 3rd Places and even a couple 2nd Places, but a 1st Place has eluded me. (Well, I did sort of get one for an essay I wrote. And I think $5 or $10 for it too. But I also think it was split between other winners. It wasn’t a true 1st place.)

But today I received a surprise package in the mail from Writers’ Journal. I’d forgotten I’d entered their Fiction Contest back in January. I submitted “Night of the Villistas,” a historical romance. I thought maybe I’d gotten another H.M., or maybe it was a package trying to solicit a subscription.

Nope, it was a winner’s packet, complete with my complimentary copy with my story in it, a certificate, and $500! Hot damn!

I’ve always loved the story but could never seem to get it accepted anywhere. It always got great compliments but it just never seemed to be right for anybody.

Until this contest. I’m glad I didn’t give up hope and kept believing in it. It was the little short story that could!