And The Winner Is…
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Recently, I reached out to my readers and friends here on WP asking for your vote on Spillwords, as I had been nominated for “Author of the Year”. And, as has always been the case, you all responded with great kindness in taking the time to cast your votes. I was somewhat surprised to be nominated. Spillwords has always been gracious in giving me the spotlight by publishing two interviews, “Spotlight on Writers” and a Q and A interview after being selected as “Author of the Month” for March 2021. This on top of publishing more than a dozen of my works. Who could ask for more? But this felt like recognition on a whole different level. To avoid the heartbreak of not winning, I purposefully resigned myself that it was unlikely I would win. Instead, I simply reveled in the joy of just being nominated and prepared to offer my sincere congratulations to the winner.
But there must have been a secret desire to win because I went out of my way trying to drum up votes. Even so far as to ask my work colleagues to visit the site and vote for me, if they felt so led. This is a real departure for me as I usually keep my private life and my work life completely separate. Until I had asked for their votes, my work colleagues did not even know I write, much less write poetry. Many were quite surprised by the revelation. But they were kind with their words of support, and I am sure many visited and voted as I had hoped.
So, short story even shorter, thanks to all of you I am proud to announce that I have been selected “Author of the Year 2021” at Spillwords. This is a great honor for me and helps me wrestle with my constant consternation of wondering if my writing is good enough. And it comes at a time when I seem to be struggling the most with my writing and my inspiration. Hopefully, this will remind me that there is still more for me to do and that my efforts are not in vain.
It also becomes the time when I am reminded of how I got here. I do not have the space or time to thank everyone who has given me so much love and support. But you know who you are. This community has helped me to become more comfortable with my own voice and shown me that success lies in the trying. I have learned, laughed, and grown from the words shared by others, and in doing so, I have found my tribe. My most sincere thanks to you all!
I hope that what lies ahead for me lives up to the expectations of the title that I have been so graciously bestowed. Every writer nominated is just as deserving of these accolades and I wish them all the greatest success as they continue their journeys.
Without the love and support of our community, I would just be another pen scratching at a piece of paper, hoping the words make sense. But you have raised me up, shown me the sun beyond the storm clouds, and inspired me to be the best writer I can be. For that I will always be eternally grateful!
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commonsensiblyspeaking 
Oh, favorite brother, please stop discounting your writing ability and talent. I often read comments to your posts by others, and there are many people who take the time to send you a comment and I’ve never seen an unkind one. I know you struggle with the time, energy and ideas to pen forward at times, but you prove yourself time and time again. Congrats again!!!!
Thank you, my loving sister! Though I am struggling, I have not yet given up the ship.
Congratulations!!! You deserve it for sure! I am thrilled for your win and wish you all the best and all the success in the world. You are a most powerful writer whose work is a work of art that fills us all with joy, with emotion and with images so precisely created. Great work Brad, my friend, my brother in arms!
Thank you, my brother! You have been a tremendous source of support and inspiration. You have helped me to see art in all its forms more clearly and helped me to gain an appreciation for the journey that all artists take. I am blessed to have you as a friend!
As am I with your friendship, you’re very welcome, it’s always a pleasure and thank you so very much!
i knew it! well deserved, and glad i could be a tiny part of your minion. huge congrats!
Thank you, Beth! Your constant support and encouragement have meant a great deal to me, and I could never thank you enough!
Brad I am so excited and happy for you. I couldn’t be happier about your win. You are an amazing poet and write almost daily. Your beautiful work speaks for itself. Congratulations my friend. Love ❤️ Jonikins ❤️🤗🦋
Thank you, Jonikins!
You are so welcome! ❤️ love Jonikins
This is so awesome! Congratulations for an honor well-deserved! I’m also happy that you have told your work colleagues about your writing, more people should know about your gift.
I wish you continued success.
I hope they send you on a Nationwide tour – it might surprise some people to see a poet show up for a reading riding a Harley 🙂
Thank you, Jim! You have been so supportive and a good friend indeed!
I think you should note this honor in your signature at the bottom of all your emails!
Congrats!! You deserve it!
Thank you, Joy! So very kind.
You are most welcome. I love the emotion that you put into your writing.
I was so happy for you when Spillwords sent out the word a couple of days ago that you were chosen. I understand that it does not come naturally for you (I’m the same way) to ask for support, but everyone can understand the feeling of wanting some validation once in a while. The fact that a non-poet like me and the rest of your regular supporters show up daily should also provide some consolation that you’re connecting with others. I’ve never had much aptitude for poetry, but I admire the ability of others. it’s like the famous quote about obscenity. “I know it when I see it.”
Thank you, Pete, for the gracious reminder. It is hard for me to accept praise. But all the people who have been so supportive is not lost on me.
Well, I certainly did not think the honor was unlikely. Funny to think I can be more confident about your dazzling talent than you are. In my own case, I am always my #1 fan. Why do the humble get to inherit the honors? Congratulations, Brad. It could not happen to a nicer guy!
I wish I had your confidence, Geoff! And thank you kindly for the positive outlook and consistent support. It means a great deal to me!
Congratulations!! It doesn’t surprise me at all, my friend. You are far too humble. Your writing is exceptional!
Thank you, dearest Kristian! 💖