I won! (2nd)

It's only been due to the encouragement of one specific family member that I've started writing and entering Prose challenges. For years I've been told that my writing style is unique and that I should write a book, become a journalist, or told to just simply get my work out there some way, but a lack of confidence has always gotten in my way.

For Christmas this person bought me a pen. Way fancier than I'd ever use for any general purpose which made the gift even more curious in this digital age. But then she explained the symbolism, and my heart swelled. This was her way of putting the necessary tools in my hand to chase the dream she knew I had within me.

I became inspired.

In early 2022 I found www.theprose.com and became hooked. It was exactly the resource I needed to tap the stories that laid within my head and heart. So far, I've entered 24 Prose challenges and successfully won for the story about how I met my wife...that felt amazing!

Then, for my birthday in early March my wife created me a website specifically for the publication of my writings, www.timwilde.ca. Mind = blown. Now not only can I enter Prose challenges, but I can foster my own portal and spread my wings as a writer!

I became invigorated.

I've shared my website with friends on FB and IG and the response from people has been incredible. One special person in particular, who also has a writing background, recently told me about a creative writing challenge with a local publishing house. I entered, not expecting to ever hear back. Then late last night I received the news...I had tied for 2nd!!! This was cool enough, but the publisher informed me that they were originally only going to financially reward the top place finisher, but that the judges were so torn by all three of our entries that they decided to award prize money to both 2nd place finishers.

It's not a lot of money, but it feels way more valuable right now than the paycheck I'll receive from work this week. I feel so proud, and I'm eternally grateful to the three people who helped me find my way here. PSM, MW, DK.