How I Lost — and Won — the Writing Contest
by FEMAELSTROM, HSM team writer
You could call this the story of Femaelstrom’s enlightenment.
That’s right, ladies and gents, I won! Though I do offer my congratulations to Orion_NGC1976, Kassadee Marie, Dlyrius, Dragongscales, deuce_for2, Bonzo, and Godzprototype for their excellent articles that won the real contest.
Allow me to explain before you think I’ve gone totally nuts.
I sat, saddened that I had not won. Thinking that I had put my best foot forward but did not win had gotten me blue. I sat and mourned that people read my work, and my article didn’t win. I sat on the resurrected love of writing that I have and thought how all I got was friends and compliments. I wept over the very thought that I had worked so hard and labored so much (as all the participants did) and all I got to show for it was that the first two stories I submitted had been published (and people liked them).
I sat and felt bad for myself and dreamt of what I could have done with the twenty-dollar prize. I could have bought more clothes, another companion, another private space or an active item or all of the above. I did not win, though — not in the conventional way.
My win came in a far more subtle way. The effect was almost imperceptible, until I had an epiphany.
I did win.
I won the best of all prizes: friends. I won the revival of a passion: writing. I won the path to voicing my views and observations in a great forum. The best part is that is that I can’t spend this like money. There is no using this and seeing a zero balance. This is something that will last longer than money. Please don’t mistake me — the money is a great prize and hopefully it serves its rightful winners well and it is fun to be acknowledged for the great articles they wrote. I am happy for all the winners. This win, though, brought me from a solitary recluse of an avatar to a person who is willing to be involved in a great group (that includes the Gray Gamers) and socially interact.
I gained the perspective of a win as I looked at the friends I had gained. I met people that are genuinely compassionate about the welfare and encouraging of others. A tip of the hat goes to our own DarthGranny, as she was relentless about me submitting. Though we are not on each others’ friends list and we have only spoke a few times, I am dearly grateful that she was so helpful to my courage. I gained other friends that were equally as encouraging and enthusiastic. I am so happy and appreciative to have them on my friends list. Their presence in each of their own ways makes my days brighter.
Long ago, I was a writer. I wrote poetry, stories and even an epic poem. I can’t say that I was great, but it was a burning passion. Some of it was cathartic, and some was for the sake of telling a tale, but all of it was a passion I enjoyed. As things go, that passion subsided and the desire to express myself waned. I hadn’t written for a long time before this venture. I have again, and am in love with the process and how I feel about the whole endeavor.
I found for myself a place that I can speak on issues important to me. I see the people that offer their opinions here and am impressed with the thought and introspection that goes into so many articles. I may not agree with everybody that writes or all the issues or views, but when I read and respond, I realize that we are a group of people that Home was meant for. Respectful and fair to hear a well-thought-out and voiced opinion. This is something we should be very proud of.
This victory I claim did one huge thing that helped me in Home more than any other: it brought me out from the shadows, where I was comfy and warm in my anonymity in this world, to a point where I am emboldened about meeting new people and warm to the idea of interacting with others a lot more openly. Being basically a shy person, this is a huge win for me. Often I shy away from social gatherings. This is my kryptonite. I tend to fare better, one on one. These new rules of social engagement are forcing me into a better, brighter light.
Indeed winning the money is a plus, but that passes and the money gets spent. After that, one is left in the same place they started in, except that there was an influx of money and a gain in the items one collects. Friends can be forever. The re-invigorating feeling of writing and it being read and appreciated by an audience is a satisfaction that is a reward unto itself for a writer. The ways I won are more numerous than I can really count. It was an experience I loved. Putting an idea to page and having that published is a thrill I hope never fades and everybody can have.
Again I offer my congratulations to all the winners; all the articles were worthy of the wins, and one day I will be a winner of a card, but until that day I will keep writing for the sake of writing, and I will keep the warm fuzzy feeling of the wins I scored here close to me, because these are the wins that matter as well.
April 9th, 2012 by FEMAELSTROM | 12 comments
FEMAELSTROM came to Home in June 2011 and never wanted to leave, even at weekly maintenance when he usually gets booted. The sand box environment appeals to the explorer in him and often is out and about as he ‘geeks’ out dressed like some sort of sci-fi character, while he people watches in popular public spaces. An artist and writer, FEMAELSTROM loves making friends and meeting people. He loves sci-fi and decorating Home estates and loves to respond “here” when people ask “where are you from?” in public places.
Wow congrats Femaelstrom, that is certainly the best reward you could get, and something i can completely relate to. Last year was the first time i ever won anything for writing, I have always been more into art and as a professional graphic designer I never had to do any writing. It is something that has always called to me though, every so often i get the itch to write, but it always seemed pointless since i didn’t share it, and had no forum other than a blog which always seemed so self serving. After seeing the announcement for the second writing contest i gave it a shot, and I have been so incredibly grateful to HSM for providing that place to be heard. I have gotten a lot of great feedback from readers and a little encouragement goes a long way. I have set a lot of time aside since to writing and I am discovering a passion for it I didn’t really know I had. I certainly hope we see more from you in the future. Your articles have been a great read, and personally I really enjoyed “Names, Appearances, and A Little Trickery” -- Write On!
Great introspection. The best writing is about tearing your heart out and throwing it on the page. You definitely have that down.
Thank you friends, I appreciate the kind comments. Writing is a passion, and this forum is indeed a great place. I have been so fortunate to have met and friended so many great people through the process. I coulnd’t help but comment on the great experience I have had working with this wonderful group of people…and yes, I shall write on.
You are a welcome addition to the team and a breath of fresh air in a time where a lot of the attitudes in both the real and virtual worlds say “It’s all about ME!” This place we call Home is what we make of it and a big part of that is how we choose to interact and reach out to others as friends. I am glad to count you as one of mine! Great read.
You are totally a winner in my book! I wouldn’t have ever called myself a writer, I always considered myself an artist. I guess for me, this is just another way of creatively expressing myself. I totally hear you on that “throwing yourself out there”. I don’t have many fingers nails left after I submit an article, it’s almost like running around in public naked.. oh wait, I’ve done that! God I love home!
Isn’t it about time you send me an Add request, Strom?
DarthGranny
Ok, I am a little slow in that department…but I am at work right now sneaking in some online me time. Does a lame excuse help…uhhh, I didn’t know how to spell DarthGranny. It will be done, and anyone of our wonderful people who are interesteed in adding should feel free to..ahem Dlyrius, Deuce_for2, Godzprototype…”and the rest”(yes I dropped a “Gilligan’s Island” quote).
I can relate quite a bit to what you have written here. From early encouragement from my high school teachers, I have wanted to write. I have mostly written for myself: journal, poems, short stories, and even a Star Wars prequel (mine of course was better
). About 20 years ago, I stopped writing and it wasn’t until recently that I started writing again mainly as therapy to deal with my own shortcomings and to deal with the passing of my mother and sister-in-law (which brought a profound awakening to reality). HomeStation has provided for me an outlet of expression in written form that I have been seeking for most of my life. As with you, this has also renewed my passion for writing that I had when I was a teenager.
You have a way with expressing your thoughts and feelings that is quite extraordinary. As with you previous articles, I enjoyed reading this one very much as it touched home for me. I am glad to have found you as a friend through HSM. Indeed, “Write On.”
indeed congrats amd wise words my friend, same here i did the artcle for not just the contest but something bigger, no prize no money is close to ur mind but the true purpose of what ur doing, i did it to bring noticed and help people to see and make a differents, ur one epic dude and bows to u sir
My deep appreciation to you dragon, and to all that have said such nice things. I believe that though there was a prize, it really did not matter to us that wrote or won or didn’t win. The important part was the participation of community. The want to be a positive force in a community we value. Yes, in that we are all winners, whether we hold a PSN card or not…but hey the $20 helps and it’s fun and cool to be recognized for outstanding work…all the winners deserve the accolades. Be happy and proud.Each and every one of you. I am so proud to be part of this group of such fine people.
Your a winner as far as I’m concern. I am more than grateful to have met you at GG and you have become more than I could never imagine a real friend could be to me. I gives you big huggz. LP
LP, I too have come to value our times together…you are part of the winnings here. Thank you.