Writing Competition

Well, I've taken another chance on me and entered some 'stuff' in our local annual writing competition here in the Rangitikei.

I entered it last year, with just one poem - the first time I've ever backed my writing, other than here at TBBD so I figured, Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained and I've entered it again. One short story and 15 poems of sorts.

And if I don't win, oh aint I go feel silly, 'cos I won it last year. Bugger. I have hopes and dreams now.

Pat.

hey you need to let us know how you get on mr paddy, I am sure you will do ok!!

Do you think the fact you won last year might give them a bias NOT to choose the same person this year?

It would hate that to be the case, especially if your writing was genuinely the best entry.

Aww best of luck Pat

Thanks.

No, the reason I suspect I shall not win is that one of the poems I entered, was written especially for the edification of the competition organisers.

I was and still do feel miffed that they spelt my surname wrong in the index of the booklet they published my work in. But more importantly, they did not treat the 'Junior' competition winner very appropriately in my opinion on the night of the public readings of the poetry and I felt embarrassed for the young woman. So I told them, in a poem.

That young woman deserved better. Hopefully now, this lot will know better.

Good for you Pat.

My most recent poem, lol.


Poetry, eh?

It is I.
He who won last year.
Yeah, that’s me, the bloke who is
I must admit though with no shame
still sulking ever so slightly
‘cos you spelt me name wrong in ya book!!!

Bah Humbug, eh?
What a bother, ‘cos I had some sales lined up,
quite a few through a website I know but I told them
to save their cash. It’s hard to feel proud and a winner,
when ‘they’ don’t bother to check something as simple as that.

Since I shan’t be winning this year
may I be so bold as to make an suggestion?
This year, for your Winner of the Student Comp
You do a little better than invite them to sing
’Happy Birthday to You’, to some stranger on the night
That was embarrassing, you do need to know that.

Ah poetry eh – isn’t it fun?
One can use it almost any way one needs
All this, is just to remind you that
In my whanau Quinn has two ‘nn’’s,
OK?


Pat Quinn
06 August 2009
Marton NZ.
All Rights Reserved.

lol you tell em Paddy.
Is that *really* you submission?

hey have you heard from them yet paddy?

An update, of sorts.

No, I didn't win 'First Prize' this time around, despite flooding the writing competition with various bits and pieces.

I think however, I 'won' in a different sort of way.

Apparently 12 of the pieces of writing I submitted, are being published in this years wee book of local writing. No one here has had that volume of work selected for publication before and although its still going be a pretty slim volume, its a start, hopefully. A good start, after being published for the first time last year.

Please excuse my extra-large head at the moment - I'm somewhat 'dazed' by it all, and I don't even know what 'it all' is going to be called. I've forgotten the name of the impending publication, how dreadful is that?

Marton District Public Library is the publisher and the little book may be 'out' in about two weeks or so. When I get me a copy, I'll let you know what it is called, doh. I dunno even what they are charging per copy - last year was $10.00 but who knows? The amount of my stuff in it has increased the size of their booklet over last year.

Anyway, if anyone is vaguely interested in persuading their local public library to get copies so ya can read it at ya leisure I'll post the Library contact details and name of the booklet, ISBN etc once this thing is published and released, k? Crikey.

Thanks
Paddy.

P.S. Here is a bit of PaddyTrivia for you - I started my writing, in Sunnyside Mental Hospital. I still have about 30 pieces from there and it really did help me survive being binned, did writing. Didn't matter no one read it, I didn't write for anyone but me. Same as now.

I demand an autographed copy or I will write my memoirs and say I was married to you once and tell all the lascivious details. HAH!

Paddy this is fantastic news you must be feeling a wee bit proud of yourself
imagine being published in yer own lifetime. Only the sacred few get that accolade, I mean look at that dreary bint Sylvia Plath, she'd make ya want to slash yer wrists.

I am so proud of you and for you me old china.

I will order the book and ask you to sign it for me, if you don't mind.

Love to you Oh Great Bard

Martine

"When The Land Turns Gold"
is the title given to this wee book and its going to be sold via Marton Public Library (and the Bulls & Taihape Libraries too, woohoo) for $10.00 per copy.

I still can't recall when its release date is, but its a week or so away yet I think.

I do confess to feeling quite excited at the prospect of holding a real book what has got some of my stuff in it.

Being a published writer has been on my To-Do List for about 3 years now and this will be the second book my work has been in, so I guess that is one plan that is slowly working out. Choice!

Paddy.

My dear sweet friend

Thank you for the email alerting me to yet another triumph in your life. I can not express my pride in you. My how you have grown and prospered.
You are an inspiration.

I am also going to be hanging out for an autographed copy and hope that if perhaps youre picking up a copy for yourself then you can pick up one for me also. I will email you re funds transfer etc

Well done

My heart is bursting with happiness for you!

well Paddy that most definately earns you an O for awesome




oh and if I send an email off to Marton library to you reckon they would reply so I can organise the purchase of this book????

When I can see the finished book thingy and find out how much postage is, I'll put up a Link to the Council site, so folk can deal directly with them if they choose to.

Or if someone is really silly enough to want a copy with summat ritinit special, then we can sort something out via PM.

Just watch this space, I guess? I do admit to starting to feel some anxiety about the publication, as each day passes and the inevitable day of release gets closer.

Maybe, if 'we' want enough copies, the council will give us a TBBD Discount maybe in the form of paying postage? Duno, but I'm happy to ask. I lie. Not happy to at all, but I shall if needed.

Paddy.

Congratulations Mr Quinn with two n's. I'd be right proud too!!! Can I put my hand up and say can I get a copy too?, with scribbles. Bless yah Paddy AKA: Word Artist