I no longer enter
writing contests.
Writing contests
often determine
which pieces of writing
best represent
a certain niche.
My stories
don’t represent a niche.
They push the definitions
of that niche
…intentionally.
Because they don’t fit fully
within the niche,
they will never be chosen
to represent it.
“The way to win
is usually to fit in
all the way,
to give the judges
precisely what they want,
to train just like
everyone else,
but harder.
But the way
to lose with style is
to create possibility.
To be creative.
To do generous work
that’s worth talking about.”
There is nothing wrong
with having
‘win awards’
as one of your business’ goals.
Merely realize
that winning awards
and innovating within your niche
are two very different goals.