Out of Your League

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I just sent in an essay for a contest for which I am totally out of my league (I think the other writers write for NY Times, etc.)

I just really liked the subject matter, and got my guts up and took a chance.

Have you ever entered a contest or show, etc. for something that you thought you weren't qualified for but took a shot at it anyway? Did friends encourage you? Were you glad you did it, even if you weren't selected?

-- Anonymous, August 30, 2000

Answers

Hell yeah. When I was in high school, I entered a statewide multi- school art show, thinking I wouldn't even get a place but I thought what the hell. Anyway, I came in second. Fact is, unless a person is extremely arrogant, chances are we underestimate our talents. Good luck, Lisa!

-- Anonymous, August 30, 2000

Yeah, good luck Lisa! It's likely you'll do well in the contest just because you care about the subject. Besides, if the judges critique your work, their comments could be really useful.

-- Anonymous, August 30, 2000

I never have the guts to aim high or anything. Rock on, Lisa, and good luck!

-- Anonymous, August 30, 2000

Lisa, I bow to your Buddha nature and say (in the spirit of my New Zealander spouse), "Good on ya!"

Some years ago I was invited to contribute a chapter to an anthology which included many authors well known in my chosen field. My initial reaction was, "Oh God, no!" But in the end I couldn't resist, and worked hard to produce a longish chapter that the editors were really excited about.

The book was never published, and I was a little disappointed; but mainly, like the Academy Award nominees always say, "It was an honor just to be nominated."

-- Anonymous, August 31, 2000


Thanks everyone for your kind comments. I actually thought that they would show all the entries on their web site, but now I think they only publish the winner......so I guess I won't get to see it in lights.

But writing it really did show me how my writing skills have gone down the drain since working in Systems. yuck

-- Anonymous, August 31, 2000



Keep it up, Lisa, and stay brave! I act like a loudmouth but can be a shrinking violet when it comes to putting talents/skills/whatever on display for others to judge. Work it, girl!

-- Anonymous, September 01, 2000

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