So, You Want to Be a Writer

The Sandra Robbins Inspirational Award (for published and unpublished authors) might be the writing contest for you. Here's are some reasons why. If you:

1. Have always wanted to be a writer


2. Felt that your "stuff" just was not good enough


3. Often get asked to write themes, articles, blurbs for organizations, etc.


4. Have wondered what it would feel like having your name on the cover of a book


5. Worry about people hearing about your entering a contest and not winning


6. Would like to write a piece in memory of  a loved one who has passed on


7. Would like to do a piece in honor of Sandra Robbins for the way she inspired you


8. Would like to do a piece in honor of someone else who inspires you


9. You say, "But I am not a writer. I only do poems."


10. But I need some help. I wish that I could find a group of people that would be welcoming and allow me to learn at the same time.

All of the reasons listed above are good reasons for you to try this contest. You will never know until you try.

Here are some answers to the reasons listed above:

• Answer #1 - Just how bad is that itch to be a writer? Do you want it badly enough?


•  Answer #2 - If you never start you will never know.


• Answer #3 - Why do you suppose you are asked to write so many things? Could it possibly be that you have a gift for it that your peers have recognized? You think?


• Answer #4 - It feels wonderful. It feels like you are asleep and you need to wake up. Oh, and the first time that somebody refers to you as an author, you will just about pass out. How do I know? Been there, done that.


• Answer #5 - No one will know you entered unless you receive an honorable mention. That, my friend, would still be nice. You just might start to think that maybe, just maybe you are cut out to do this writing thing.


• Answer #6 - You could tell the loved ones life story as a memorial tribute to them, or you could tell a certain segment of their life's story. Still, it would be a beautiful tribute.


• Answer # 7 - Several people have talked about how Sandra inspired them, I included. Her touch was far and wide. If she inspired you, then do a piece in her honor.


• Answer # 8 - If there is a person in your life who inspires you, then give them their flowers while they can yet smell them. It would make a gift that will last them a lifetime. And, who knows; you might find that you have a writing itch that will not go away.


• Answer # 9 - Some poems are stories. All you have to do is put it in prose form. Of course, you don't know much about writing. That comes with practice, learning and time.


• Answer # 10 - That is exactly what we are here in the KenTen Writers, a caring and motivating group of writers from Kentucky and Tennessee. You can live your life just wishing, or you can try this easy contest.

All of the reasons and answers listed above are good reasons for you to try this contest. You will never know until you try. I did. Sandra inspired me. And here I am inspiring you. That is a little bit of the testimony that I can give as far as the inspirational effect that Sandra had on my life as a writer. If I had never had the courage to ask her to read a piece of mine, I might still be wondering what it would feel like to have my name on the cover of a book. And you know what? I have had that pleasure five times!

And you could, too. But, you have to enter to know.

You can find the rules for the contest on our webpage, http://kentenwriters.org.

Information for our annual retreat will be on our webpage, as well. Plan to attend the event with us. You will have a blast and be glad that you did.

Doing What I Can to Inspire Future Writers,

Alma L. Stepping On Carr-Jones