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The importance of being organised

SeaviewSeaview
edited June 2014 in Writing
Oh, if only I'd keep a note of the dates....

Only I could manage to win a prize worth 250 euro - a residential writing weekend in the Dublin mountains - to find that it's on the same dates as the Belfast City Blues Festival for which I'd just bought gig tickets and paid for a two-night hotel stay on Saturday, and spotted the email on Sunday night from the organiser to say I'd won first prize. Gutted I had to turn it down. :(

However, I did get some wonderful, detailed feedback from the judges on my work which was very uplifting.

Comments

  • Phots MollPhots Moll
    Congratulations on your win. Such a shame you can't claim your prize.
  • ana sana s
    Omg - not surprised you were gutted. What a great prize. I'd have happily masqueraded as you. Try not to dwell and have a great time in Belfast.
  • CarolCarol
    Congratulations. But I'm sure you'll enjoy your planned trip.
  • LizyLizy
    What a bummer, Seaview - but congratulations!
    Any chance of putting it off until the next Dublin thing?
  • Lou TreleavenLou Treleaven
    No!!!!!!!!!! But on the other hand: Yes!!!!!!!!!!
  • Tiny NellTiny Nell
    Oh, that is a shame. Could you ask to be transferred to the next writing weekend?
  • ClaudiaClaudia
    Yes, a bummer - but: CONGRATULATIONS!

    Reminds me of the time I was shortlisted and invited (with my OH) to the Oxford Literary Festival with all the trimmings including the black tie dinner when the winner would be announced. I was still in Fiji - with my flight to the UK arranged a mere couple of weeks after the jamboree - and I couldn't change my flight! Both OH and I were gutted. :(

    TN's suggestion sounds worth a try...
  • heatherheather
    Well done!
    What a shame!
    Do try to change the writing weekend - you never know!
  • KayessKayess
    Congratulations! It's a shame to miss the prize, but you never know what else might result from winning.
  • SeaviewSeaview
    Unfortunately it's an annual competition and the winner each year gets a place on the workshop, so I can't use the prize at another time, but it has taught me a lesson. Here is the announcement... http://carouselcreates.wordpress.com/2014/06/15/winning-haiku-poet-2014/
  • danfangodanfango
    It's a shame they can't change it. I suppose it's unavoidable unless you assume you'll win everything you enter and keep space in your diary for all the award ceremonies and free holidays, etc. - a little impractical, I'd have thought!

    Still, many congratulations for winning the competition!
  • SeaviewSeaview
    I know - I didn't think for a minute I'd win it when I sent it off, Dan - sometimes entering competitions and submissions deadlines are the only things that prompt me to write. That's why I'm indebted to Patsy with her fantastic blog! :)
  • inatizzieinatizzie
    Congratulations Seaview. I believe that's what is known as "Law of the Sod". If it's an annual competition, could you request a place on the following year's course? It seems like too good an opportunity to pass by.
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