For years I sheepishly proclaimed myself a writer. I love dabbling with and manipulating words. Yet, I still felt a bit like an impostor. What gave me the right to wear the handle?

In July, I submitted four of my writings to White County Creative Writers (WCCW) to be judged anonymously by some mighty talented folks. Then, on Saturday, September 3, 2011, I attended the 16th annual WCCW Conference at Harding University in Searcy, Arkansas.

You can’t imagine my surprise when I was awarded third honorable mention for the New Writer Contest.  The contest is an award given in memory of WCCW member Lois Clay and was sponsored by Dorothy Hatfield. I was thrilled to take a seat holding my certificate for the 1500 word non fiction story.  I was validated and ready to go home with a smile on my face.

Then, lightening struck twice in one spot.  I received 2nd place for the First Chapter Award. This submission was taken from my first (and only) romance novel. It is my current work in progress. The judge and sponsor of this category was Shannon Taylor Vannatter, a published author with Heartsong Presents. If you enjoy Christian Romance stories, check out her website at www.shannonvannatter.com. She is a talented author and an inspirational speaker.

The triple whammy for me was when Shannon stayed after the conference to sit with me individually and critique my writing. How much better can it get when you are a fledgling writer at your very first conference?

I am humbled and thankful for these affirmations of my work (along with my first writing check tucked in my pocket). Who knows? Maybe there will be more. Maybe I am a writer.