Oh, what wandering minds we weave...
The Meandering Goddess wanders the Earth in search of suitable subjects by which to bedazzle, bewilder and bewitch, with relative sagacity and saneness (one hopes). Always relating to writing, but with an intricate intertwining of life's mysteries and miracles.
Musings of A Meandering Goddess
Vol. 3 No. 1 ~ February 1, 2009
Writing Contests ~ Peace, Baby!
A rather misguided young man once said, “Can’t we all just get along?” Apparently that would be a big no. And truth be told, if you take a gander at man’s historical attitudes, we’ve never been particularly friendly to each other. Doesn’t that tell you something?
No, I’m not condoning violence. In fact, I abhor it. But I’m also a realist and I know it’s going to happen. For whatever the convoluted plan of the Universe, humankind likes to rumble.
These are my thoughts as I listen to the screaming kids outside my apartment window and watch the Super Bowl fans on TV, screaming at their team to annihilate the opposition. Although a figurative request, the game itself is brutal—just a spear and horse short of jousting, don’t you think?
In the 1950s America, we struggled for equality and were awakened to those parts of the world far removed from Beaver Cleaver and American Bandstand. By the ‘60s, riots on our own soil and an unpopular foreign war prompted anti-war songs and peace movements.
Who were we trying to kid in those vintage years of innocence? Who ARE we trying to kid in screaming for “world peace,” now? It is sad, but the sooner we realize peace is not ever going to happen—between families, neighbors, politicians, races, countries, and likely even astral worlds—the better we can prepare mentally and physically, for all that surrounds war.
Contrary to your probable opinion right now, I am not writing a pessimistic, gloomy blog. Yes, it’s depressing to realize man (and woman) will always fight, and peace as a whole is impossible; however, competition (to a point) is healthy and can be extremely lucrative. Just ask the winners of today’s Super Bowl.
Same goes for writing contests. (Were you wondering when I would wander into writing and authorship; and how this could possibly be an upbeat article? Oh ye, of little faith.)
Just like the Pennsylvania and Arizona team members who worked their way up to the Super Bowl ring and its accompanying financial rewards, writing contest competitors should enter their games with at least a modicum of experience, armed with the best skills possible, and a fierce, dedicated spirit to win.
This will not only earn you competition dollars, but help hone your writing skills for lucrative magazine articles or more profitable book sales. There are competitions out there that don’t require brute strength and massive bloodshed. We scribes are fortunate to know them intimately.
I love entering writing contests, but in recent years, I’ve loved more, producing them. It’s my pleasure to read the amazing talent that is out there and may not yet be discovered by mainstream readers. Isn’t that how it started for Super Bowl athletes?
Play … enter … win. But do it with grace, humility, and … peace. Good luck!
Ciao for now,
MG
(Musical prompt: “We Are the World”) Writing contests & tips—here! Comment? Sure... the Meandering Goddess
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