Good news, and the thanks you all deserve.

Hi all, some of you may know that I've entered two short stories in competitions over the past year. Although I admit, I haven't really filled you in on anything after that. Well, I will now.

The first story I entered was "Final Tears". The judges liked the story enough to include it in a published book, but that wasn't anything hugely special. Thousands of writers had their stories published in that book.
I even have the story here:
http://www.quibblo.com/quiz/em-l0Bs/Short-stories?story_chapter=2

The second story I entered was "The Haven". It was also entered in the book they published later that year. I was happy enough at having not one, but two stories published, but I recieved even better news later.
I found out that "The Haven" had been in the top 5% of the stories that had been submitted that competition. Although it hadn't recieved a place, it had been close. I wasn't expecting much after that... I thought maybe I'd have a chance at getting a place in the next competition they held, and maybe one day I'd even make it to second, first or third place. But just half an hour ago, I recieved another letter.

Of both the stories I've submitted, they must have really loved one of them. Because according the the letter they sent me, my story was placed in the top 15% of not just one competition, but every competition they've held since 2005. This makes me what they call an "honoured writer"!!!!
As if that isn't good enough, they're now holding another competition. Every story entered in this one will be published in a book. This book is, however, in their own words "Our most anticipated book to date as it will not only be superior to our other books in appearance, but will include more sophisticated work, being a collection of our very best writers."
The difference with this competition is, you can only enter if you've been invited.
I was invited.

So now, they're asking me to write another story. It has to be less that 500 words and must be submitted before early December.

Anyway... My little speech thing isn't over yet. I'm going to waste another few minutes of you lives :)

I have to thank you.

Really, truly, I would never have done this if it hadn't been for all of you! You've helped me so much with my writing skills, and more importantly, my confidence. I remember the first time I posted any of my work up here. I remember the way I couldn't concentrate in school because I was so anticipating what comments I would get. You. my wonderful friends, did not let me down. That was over a year ago. Before then, I had never, and I mean NEVER showed anyone my writing. My family didn't even know about it, and I had only told my one closest friend that I had any interest in becoming a writer.

I've said it before, and I'll say it again with as much truth as I did last time. I put my trust in strangers, and my trust was well placed.

Thank you all, I owe you all so much and I love each and every one of you! This is the absolute truth.

Well yeah, now I'm out of things to say.

Love y'all.

The random Aussie girl who wouldn't be here without you, Ripple :)